While Cai and Shuo were having their leisurely conversation, the sun was slowly rising. More and more people began to converge on the Fatuma High Arena. All of the spectator stands had long since been filled, as many people had come as early as the night before.
No one wanted to miss such a great event. Today, they would be able to see the top disciples of the Shadow Sect fight!
At this moment, there was an intense ruckus as several thousand people were simultaneously discussing, laughing, and arguing about something. All of this combined into a sound that spread throughout the surroundings.
The contenders also began to arrive in packs. The closer the start of the tournament drew nearer, the more people came....
When almost the entire stage of the lower challengers was occupied, Shuo stood up and went behind his seat. The two of them sitting together was already starting to disturb the other Personal Disciples. It was just that everyone understood who Lone Buddha was and didn't dare to say a word against it.
On the contrary, this fact caused many to take a strong interest in Kai's persona. This was not only on the part of the challengers, but also on the part of the spectators themselves. Many people had noticed this fact for themselves. If Kai dared to communicate so freely with one of the strongest Personal Disciples, especially one who was famous for being unsociable... Many people had the same thought in their minds:
'Immortal Drunkard definitely deserves attention...'
- Duum! - In an instant, a ringing and resounding thud resounded. It was as if someone had struck a huge gong!
As soon as it happened, all the disciples of the Shadow Sect instantly fell silent! This was surprising as all that noise subsided in the blink of an eye!
- Greetings to all challengers and disciples of the Shadow Sect! Today, we are holding the traditional Tournament of Hundreds! - Suddenly, a rough, measured, and bass voice rang out.
The most surprising thing was that the voice was calm and not shouting. But for some reason, it could be heard throughout the entire Fatum Supreme Arena! It seemed to be some special technique or method of amplifying sound. This was the first time Kai had encountered something like this... But as he looked at his surroundings, he realised that it was not at all surprising to the others. There were very few people who were as surprised as Kai was.
As Kai tried to figure out where the sound was coming from... Suddenly, he noticed that an old man had appeared in the very centre of the arena. Although his face gave off an aged look, his hair and beard were still the same black, without a single grey hair.
''When did he manage to appear here? I didn't even notice any fluctuation in energy...' - Staring dazedly, Kai thought.
There was an incredibly mysterious aura emanating from this man. It seemed far more imposing than all the Elders he had seen so far.
'His aura is strange... He looks something like Master Mo... He must be one of the Shadow Elders!' - Kai quickly made an assumption.
- This Tournament of Hundred has two main purposes! The first is to gather up-to-date information on the Ranks of our Personal Disciples. This will show how hard you've worked in recent years! - The old man sternly issued, raising one finger in front of him.
- The second and foremost goal is to select the Top 100 disciples to be sent to Reincarnation Island! - The old man solemnly issued and raised a second finger.
As soon as these words were spoken, all the stands started shouting again and actively and admiringly discussing something. It was obvious that this forbidden area was something unbearably desirable for any Shadow Sect disciple. But alas, the vast majority would never have this chance....
Although everyone already knew why the Tournament of Hundred was being held. But still, every time, it caused the crowd to erupt in a storm of emotions.
- I'm not going to explain the rules, you all know them well enough. - Our Artefact Masters in tandem with the Array Masters have created an auxiliary table. Light it up! - Shouted the old man looking sideways.
At that moment, a beam of light suddenly shot out from underneath the arena. It flew towards Boundless Waters, stopping in front of the spectator stands. But it didn't end there, it immediately began to transform into a large translucent tableau.
In the blink of an eye, ten blocks of five in a row appeared on it. Each of them was signed with an arena number. And within the boundaries of the blocks were two other numbers each.
- Everyone who sees their number, get up and go to the designated arena. There will be no parting words! The tournament is declared open! - In a solemn voice, the old man gave out and disappeared in the same second!
- Hooray! - The entire crowd instantly cheered!
Many of the spectators had been waiting for over ten hours already. Everyone was in anticipation of this grand event! Such events always touched some strange part of human nature, driving those around them into ecstasy. Many disciples even started taking bets.....
'Interesting method... I can discern how they created an array, for displaying numbers. But this table here... Without it, the array is useless. Artefact masters are amazing craftsmen.' - Kai thought, looking at this translucent thing hanging in the air.
He searched among the information for his 245 number... But alas, Kai would not be fighting in the first batch. Among all ten pairs, Kai's number was not found.
'Okay, I'll watch for interesting opponents then.' - Kai decided to himself and activated his Essence Eyes.
This way, he would be able to see a lot more. Even more so, it would be a very rewarding experience. Many of the spectators had also stuck around for more than just the spectacle. They wanted to see the various variations of the martial arts path. The more you saw, the more you could expect from your opponent.
Not even ten minutes later, the heated fights began!
Kai quietly drank his tea and watched each arena in turn. He prioritised looking for the one with a really interesting fight.
Time was slowly moving forward and the fights of the third batch of challengers had already started... So far, Kai didn't see anything interesting. All opponents were strong, but only if you consider the general level of martial artists... Kai, in turn, realised that they were no longer his opponents.
'О? Something interesting...' - Kai suddenly thought, looking at one of the arenas.
At this moment, there was a girl in it that pulled out a long, purple flute from the spatial ring.
'That's her weapon? Amazing... I wonder how she'll use it?' - Kai watched with interest.
At that moment, her opponent with a long one-handed sword rushed straight at her! The guy's speed was pretty good... He instantly approached her and delivered a cleaving blow!
But the girl didn't yawn, and lightning fast made her move! She also made such a strike, but already using her flute!
'Shit! What's the use of a flute if she attacks with it like a normal weapon?!' - Shocked, Kai mentally shouted out. He didn't expect this turn of events at all!
- Ding! Tune! - As soon as the two men's weapons made contact, two sounds rang out simultaneously. And one of them sounded like a flute note!
As soon as this happened, the guy's sword began to tremble, gradually increasing the amplitude of its vibrations. At one moment, it seemed to wriggle like a snake!
The girl didn't even give even a second to react! She instantly launched a kick straight into the guy's chest, sending him flying!
As soon as that unfortunate swordsman wanted to get up, the girl leisurely put the flute to her lips... At the same moment, an incredibly beautiful melody sounded!
- Hmm... How does she do that... - Kai muttered to himself.
With the help of his Essence Eyes, he saw the girl's energy create something like waves and penetrate straight into the swordsman's body....
Her opponent's reaction didn't take long... When he was almost up, his eyes rolled back and he collapsed on the arena floor again. Except, now he was unconscious...
'Who is that girl?' - Kai thought and quickly shifted his gaze to the information table, '131 Rank... This girl is very strong. Most likely, what she demonstrated isn't even a third of her strength.' - Analysed in his mind, Kai analysed.
Finally, he saw something really interesting... This girl, Kai immediately put her down as a potential opponent. Most likely, closer to determining the top ten, the fights would only be with similar martial arts masters.
- Enchanting Flute is indeed a brutal opponent... - A male voice sounded from behind.
- ''I agree, I hope I don't get caught with her. It is said that her illusions are very frightening...'' A female voice replied.
'So Enchanting Flute and her illusions... I remember you. Hehe.' - Thought in Kai's mind.
Behind him sat the other Personal Apprentices. And it didn't seem like they had much expectation of making the top ten. Most likely, they were just here to increase their Rank. Therefore, one could understand their reluctance to face such a formidable opponent.
Thinking about this, Kai suddenly noticed a change in the numbers on the scoreboard. Another one of the arenas had finished fighting. As soon as the previous challengers left, two new numbers appeared there.
'Arena 7. 245 vs 177.'
'Hehe... Finally it's my turn.' - Smiling evilly, Kai stood up.
- Ehhh... Bad luck for you Immortal Drunkard. - A voice came out from the side.
- Why is that? - Asked Kai, turning round to the source of the sound.
It turned out that it was a handsome young guy who had spoken earlier. Smiling, he answered Kai:
- Well, how about it... There's a huge gap between you two. It's sad to get such an opponent in the first round. Anyway, I wish you good luck.
- Ahh... You mean that. Thank you for your support! - Smiling, Kai replied and headed straight towards the arena.
Everyone was seated according to their ranks in the Rankings. This meant that Kai was mostly surrounded by the weakest of the challengers. In general, judging from the Rankings, there were only 5 people weaker than Kai in the entire Tournament of Hundred.
Therefore, one could understand the support of the nearest neighbour... To the guy, it seemed like he and Kai were in the same boat.
Kai, for his part, didn't sweat it too much. He realised that his strength was at a completely different level now. And 245 Rank didn't show an objective picture at all.
As soon as Kai entered the arena, his opponent also appeared there. It was a slender and tall girl. Her musculature was quite impressive. That said, her very appearance was rather rough and she herself was not very tidy.....
The martial artist girls also fought and took damage to their bodies all the time. But that didn't mean they had to look rough. For example, Iris or Enchanting Flute were beauties. It was a boon that the energy allowed them to maintain such physical beauty. But it seemed like this young lady didn't care about that...''
- Kid, why don't you just give up? You're quite handsome, I don't want to spoil such beauty. - The girl said arrogantly.
- You spoilt your own, so you're taking on someone else's? - Raising an eyebrow, Kai replied.
- What did you say puppy?! - Starting to boil with anger, the girl said.
- Attack. I have no desire to talk to you... - Without even pulling out his blades, Kai replied.
The rules stated that as soon as both opponents entered the arena, the fight was instantly over!