CHAPTER 52
The rookie competitors had been bullying Yagyu Jiro mercilessly. Once they discovered that Yagyu Jiro's teacher was a floor master, their expressions would surely be entertaining to behold.
"No need for that. I'm just competing normally," said Mitsuda Doku, smiling as he shifted the conversation to another topic.
"Speaking of which, Ron, you seem to prefer working alone and haven't joined any groups. Are you interested in joining my dojo?"
"I know your background must be significant, but the dojo is just a part of the Sky Arena and won't affect anything else."
He knew Ron was only around ten years old and already possessed impressive strength. Anyone with sense would realize he had support behind him. After all, who had trained Ron? Who had taught him those combat skills? Who had educated him about Nen abilities?
Ron hesitated briefly before shaking his head. "Thanks, but I'll pass. I'm not looking for that kind of commitment, and I won't be staying in the Sky Arena for long. Once the Heavens Arena Tournament is over, I plan to leave."
"You're planning to participate in the Heavens Arena Tournament?"
"Of course not," Ron replied. "My current strength isn't enough; I don't have the qualifications. I'm just here to observe."
He did not need to enter the Heavens Arena Tournament. The essence of being an observer was simple: as long as he was nearby, he could watch. The crystal ball would automatically absorb the characteristics of the Heavens Arena Tournament. Whether Ron participated or not wouldn't change the fact that the crystal ball absorbed the traits of the Sky Arena.
"Alright, maybe we'll meet again some other time."
"Goodbye."
Mitsuda Doku had only tried to extend an invitation; if he failed, it was no issue.
Ron returned to his room and first glanced at the crystal ball. Watching the battle between Mitsuda Doku and Julianna had slightly increased the progress of the crystal ball, but the improvement was minimal—almost imperceptible.
"I'll have to wait until the Heavens Arena Tournament," Ron thought.
He turned to Lena. "Lena, get ready. We need to prepare to leave."
Lena didn't have much to pack; she just needed to don a large black cloak. After all, her current appearance would scare a lot of people if she walked out like that. She had to hide herself. It wasn't that she was ugly; there were plenty of monstrous creatures far uglier than Lena. It was just the source of Lena's current appearance.
"Yes, big brother."
In the evening, the two left the Sky Arena. A car was parked at the entrance—a black market taxi. Ron had hired it for the night. Lena's appearance wouldn't allow her to ride a regular airship, and legitimate taxis were rarely willing to take such long distances to another city. So, Ron had no choice but to opt for the black taxi.
"Guan Tansen?" Ron looked at the driver to confirm his identity.
"Correct, you must be Ron?"
"Yes, that's me."
Ron got into the car. Choosing a black market taxi came with its risks—safety concerns. There were plenty of cases where the driver turned out to be a part-time robber. That said, this wasn't a problem for Ron; he was much stronger than Guan Tansen, who wasn't even a Nen user.
Ron let Lena get in first, taking the left side of the back seat, while he sat on the right. Guan Tansen glanced at the two of them before quickly turning his gaze away.
"Are we ready to go?"
"Sure."
In the next moment, the powerful engine roared to life. With a sudden surge, the car shot forward, leaving behind a cloud of exhaust in its wake. Ron maintained his Ren state; once anything happened, they would be ready to respond.
Before long, the car left the city. The sky grew darker.
"Riding in a car can get boring, and we still have a long way to go to reach our destination. If you're feeling bored, you can close your eyes and rest. Don't worry, I drive very steadily. I haven't had an accident in all these years."
Ron nodded. "Okay, we'll do that."
Just as he finished speaking, a sudden roar of engines filled the air.
"Whoosh!"
"Whoosh!"
"Whoosh!"
Cars appeared behind them, speeding past Ron and the others at incredible velocity.
"Midnight Street Racers?" Ron watched the cars zoom away and suddenly felt that something was off. "This isn't right."
Guan Tansen's expression turned serious. "We're in trouble."
"But I'll handle it."
"Trust me, hold on tight."
Ron felt the car's speed suddenly increase, surpassing that of a typical vehicle. This car had been modified, and not just in any ordinary way. The engine roared, and the tire marks on the ground formed perfect arcs.
Indeed, the cars ahead had stopped, blocking the road as if they were preparing for something significant. But just before they could surround them, Guan Tansen sped through.
"Break through!"
Ron raised an eyebrow at Guan Tansen's flashy driving maneuvers. Not to mention anything else, Guan Tansen was genuinely skilled behind the wheel.
It was now deep into the night. Visibility was poor; the light was extremely dim. The convoy in front was intentionally blocking the road, arranged in a haphazard manner, leaving only a narrow gap to pass through.
In such conditions, a normal person would likely crash even at a slow pace. Yet, Guan Tansen didn't slow down. Instead, he maintained his speed and expertly maneuvered through the narrow gaps. This driving skill was something Ron had only ever seen in movies in his previous life.
However, this was just the beginning. Their pursuers had targeted Ron and his companions; there was no way they would let an easy catch slip away.
"Chase them!"
With that command, a dozen cars sped after them. Guan Tansen, seeing the pursuing cars in the rearview mirror, didn't feel fear; instead, he became excited.
"You think you can catch me? Only in your dreams! I'm the God of Driving, Guan Tansen!" (T/n ok but chill man)
Ron glanced back. Initially, he had intended to intervene and deal with the chasing cars himself. However, seeing Guan Tansen's skills now, Ron retracted that thought. "There's no need to interfere. Guan Tansen is enough. I just wonder if they're coming for me or for Guan Tansen. If it's for me, then they're a bit too weak."
Ron recalled the two assassins he encountered when he first arrived at the Sky Arena. The bounty on his head had not been retracted to this day.
"Who exactly wants me dead?"
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