The next three days flew by rather quickly. During this time, Kai did not leave the confines of his home or meet Taemi or Iris. He was preparing himself for an optimal state.
Kai was constantly meditating and rotating the Invisible Kings Torture Technique. He finally needed a private room to practice in. Although it wasn't anything outstanding, at least you could stretch out pretty well. Also, you could safely use your combat skills without worrying about accidentally revealing them to someone.
On the first day, he had even used the Torture King Mode twice. Kai wanted to make sure of the exact time before recoil. Back in the Shadowlands, Kai had noticed a dependence on absorbing the blood of his victims.
If he had a massacre and activated Torture King Mode, then he could last for about half an hour. But that was on the condition that he was continuously absorbing blood. Naturally, in the training room and at the Tournament itself, there would be no such possibility. Therefore, Kai decided to prepare thoroughly.
At first glance, it seemed that the result was rather modest. Kai's limit was about 5 minutes. This was followed by a rapid decline in strength and merciless recoil... But considering the overall strength gain from this ability... Those 5 minutes, were a terrifying boost.
In Torture King Mode, all of Kai's martial and non-martial aspects skyrocketed to new levels. Even his aura took on echoes of the Queen of Lust and the King of Terror. If the opponent wasn't prepared for this type of attack, he might fall into an illusion! In a real battle, it was likely that this split-second lunacy would cost him his life!
Perhaps this very trait, would prove to be the trump card up Kai's sleeve... He wasn't so arrogant as to expect an easy passage into the Top 100 Rank.
If Silver Spear had done anything useful, it was to teach Kai's nascent self-confidence a lesson. And, the lesson wasn't just from losing in Fatum's High Arena, but also from recklessly hunting without covering his tracks.
Now, Kai regarded the Tournament with much more care. It was not for nothing that the Elders and Shuo had warned him of the dangers... But it should also be noted that Kai's combat potential had recently reached a completely different level.
Firstly, he had moved to the high stage of the Cloud Sphere.
Secondly, he had greatly strengthened a new, previously ignored aspect of his strength - bloodline!
Although, after absorbing Kessia's bloodline, Kai's body had strengthened. Also, the King of Pain had pushed him to understand 'impulses'.... But that wasn't the same thing that had happened in the past half a year. The Shadowlands had provided an opportunity for a qualitative change!
Most importantly, Kai was able to realise his new ability that he had discovered back in the Time Tomb of the Border Beast City! Not only that, he had tangibly increased the time he could use it.
At this moment, Kai realised that he was more ready for the Tournament than ever!
The rays of the rising sun began to shine through the windows... The day of the Tournament had finally arrived!
- Let's move out! Hehehe. - Kai said to himself, looking in the mirror, 'Maybe we'll meet soon Old Man! - With a smile on his face he said and went to the exit.
This was one of Kai's innermost desires. Although he never told anyone about it, he wanted to see his grandfather. They hadn't seen each other for a very long time, and Kai was a little worried about Master Mo's well-being.
Kai wanted to break through to Reincarnation Island and increase his strength once more! After that, his only priority would be to see Master Mo!
Although Kai was far from being at the level to help his old man..... Still, he was one of the seven strongest people of the Shadow Sect, if not including the Patriarch himself! But Kai wanted to at least see him and know that he was doing well. For starters, that would be quite enough....
Walking outside, Kai was a little surprised. There was a huge number of people there now! Normally, it was impossible to see such a sight this early in the day.
'Right... It must be related to the Tournament of Hundred...' - Kai suddenly realised.
In fact, only about one hundred and fifty people were participating in the Tournament, as most of the Top 100 wouldn't be fighting at all. Only a dozen of them would be challenged.
Considering this fact, Kai had completely overlooked the fact that there would be a huge number of people who would want to watch this spectacle! Considering the size of the Shadow Sect and the Fatum Supreme Arena... There would definitely be several thousand people coming there! Just the spectator stands alone could accommodate them, and considering that there would be many who didn't mind standing.....
- It seems that the Tournament of Hundred is a really big event in the Shadow Sect... - Kai muttered under his breath.
As he moved carelessly through the streets, he was as usual oblivious to what was happening around him. Mostly, the entire crowd was made up of Ordinary Disciples. Seeing Kai, they would step aside in awe and let him pass. Only a few of the High Disciples he encountered dared to say hello to him. In turn, Kai would reply with a smile to all who approached.
'Why is everyone saying hello to me? It's getting a little stressful for me already...' - Raising one eyebrow, Kai thought.
Lately, he really started to pay more attention to his surroundings and people. But it seemed that this only applied to those he was interested in... Apparently, ordinary people were not in his circle....
Taking his time, Kai finally returned to Fatum's High Arena. He hadn't been here for over half a year!
- Hehehe... Shuo praised it so much, and I've only been here once! - Laughing, Kai said out loud.
When he approached the guards that were posted outside the arena today, Kai quickly learnt where to go. As a participant, he didn't need to go to the spectator stands. It turned out that special seats had been built near the arena itself.
When Kai saw them, he was slightly surprised... There were two platforms with single tables near the spectator seats. It was nice to sit in the lotus position at these. Each had a variety of snacks and a few jugs that interested Kai.
One of the platforms was more elaborate, and also, it was almost twice as tall as the first.
- Hello, I am Immortal Drunkard, one of the participants of the Tournament of Hundred. - Smilingly said Kai, addressing the workers near the stage.
- Greetings Mr Immortal Drunkard! Do you know the customs, or should I tell you? - A pretty girl said with honour.
- To be honest, I have no idea... Hehehe. - Rubbing the back of his head, Kai said.
- Good, then come with me. - The girl smiled and pointed her hand towards the lower platform.
Kai didn't hesitate and quietly followed the girl....
'How great it is that there are such people... Without them nothing would work...' - Kai thought, looking at this worker.
At this moment, Kai noted to himself that although such guys were not outstanding in the hierarchy of the Shadow Sect... But they definitely deserved respect! They were like the imperceptible parts that allowed the larger structure to work.
- You've probably already guessed that this platform is for applicants from the 250-101 rank range. - Politely issued the girl pointing at the one below.
'Yeah... Of course... Guessed...' - Kai said mentally.
- The one above is for Top 100 Ranks. - Pointing to the second platform, the girl continued, 'So how do you choose a seat? It's simple! - She smiled, 'Just sit on the seat that corresponds to your Rank! Each of them is numbered! - Explained the employee.
- Ohhh... Everything is so well thought out... - Kai said thoughtfully as he looked around.
- If I'm not mistaken, you are now at Rank 245? - The girl asked politely.
- Yes, you're absolutely right! Hehehe. - Laughing, Kai said.
- Then follow me Mr Immortal Drunkard! - The employee said politely.
She quickly led Kai to the right place and showed him where he would sit for the rest of the Tournament of Hundred. At this moment, the other Personal Disciples were already there. Kai wasn't the first to come here.
- Look... I'm sorry... But can I ask you an immodest question? - Shyly asked the girl.
Kai seemed like a rather open and nice person to her. That was the only reason why she dared to ask the question.
- Sure. Why not? - Smiling, Kai replied.
- You're Rank 245 and that's already amazing! But aren't you intimidated by the Tournament of Hundred? Still... - The girl asked, choosing her words.
- I haven't participated in battles for a long time, so my Rank isn't quite right. Hehehe. - Kai said confidently.
- But it's the same situation for many of the participants... - The worker awkwardly replied.
- Yes, it is. But can I call myself a martial artist if I don't take risks? If I get a good beating... Then so be it! Hahaha. - Kai laughed loudly.
- I hear you! Hee-hee. - The girl laughed sweetly, 'I hope you do well! I'll be rooting for you! - She smiled.
- Thanks for the support! - Kai replied with a wink.
Lately he had become more skilful with girls. After all, his experience with Iris and Taemi was paying off.
After a few more words, the girl bowed politely and quickly left. After all, she was at work and she had her duties here.
'Rank 245 huh? Hehe...' - Pronounced in his thoughts to Kai.
He realised that from the outside it might seem ridiculous. But Kai's progress in the past half a year was colossal! The Shadow Sect's system had only added 26 points to him through cultivation level increases. Except, that wasn't the only aspect of his progress!
While he was musing, he completely failed to notice a radiant figure quietly approaching him....
- Long time no see brother Kai. - A calm voice sounded.
Hearing it, Kai instantly turned his head! But just as quickly, he squinted his eyes and covered the view with his hand.
- Brother Shuo, the sun's rays are shining off your bald head! - Cai said with a wry expression.
- Is this how you greet your Brother? - Shuo said emotionlessly.
While Shuo was talking, Kai slowly stood up. Now, he could look at Lone Buddha calmly.
- Hello! Long time no see Brother Lone Buddha! Hehehe. - Kai laughed and gave the monk a friendly hug.
He, in turn, put his hand on Kai's back and patted it lightly. They were really happy to see each other, especially after such a long time.
- Where have you been? I see you're already at a high stage... - Looking at the Energy Centre area, Shuo gave out a slightly surprised expression.
- As you can see, I haven't been idle! Hehehe. - Kai replied with a sly laugh.