Chereads / The Legend of the Eternal Throne. / Chapter 27 - The First Challenge

Chapter 27 - The First Challenge

The elder swept his gaze across the crowd and solemnly declared, "Next, I will announce the rankings from first to tenth place."

The murmurs among the crowd instantly fell silent. All eyes were fixed on the elder, eagerly awaiting the final rankings.

The top three were Roy, Veil, and Alice, each holding 24 tokens.

"Fourth place, Li Chen, with 22 tokens."

A young man dressed in black combat attire smiled slightly, his eyes full of confidence. He had performed exceptionally well in the first stage, and many believed he had a chance to break into the top three.

"Fifth place, Han Yue, with 21 tokens."

Han Yue nodded slightly, his expression calm. His strength was undeniable, and no one questioned his ranking.

"Sixth place, Sens, with 20 tokens."

Sens crossed his arms and smirked, clearly satisfied with his ranking.

"Seventh place, Qilu, with 19 tokens."

Hearing his name, Qilu showed a hint of frustration. He seemed dissatisfied with his performance but kept his emotions in check, maintaining his composure.

"Eighth place, Tang Ying, with 18 tokens."

Tang Ying raised his head slightly, his sharp gaze suggesting he was already planning his strategy for the second stage.

"Ninth place, Lin Xiu, with 17 tokens."

Upon hearing his name, Lin Xiu clenched his fists, seemingly determined to achieve a better result in the next round.

"Tenth place, Wanna, with 16 tokens."

Wanna frowned slightly, clearly displeased that she had almost fallen out of the top ten. However, she maintained a composed demeanor.

The elder slowly put down the record scroll, scanned the crowd, and said loudly, "The top ten contestants will advance to the second stage. As for the others—"

Before he could finish, a wave of dissatisfaction erupted among the contestants.

"Why? It's just because they have more tokens!"

"If I hadn't been unlucky, I would've made it to the top ten for sure!"

"This is unfair!"

Some contestants muttered in frustration, and a few even stepped forward in protest.

The elder's gaze darkened, and he spoke with authority, "I understand that some of you are unwilling to accept this result, but you still have a chance."

Hearing this, the crowd paused, and the murmurs gradually subsided.

The elder continued, "In the second stage, you may challenge them! If you successfully defeat a top ten contestant, you will take their place. On the other hand, if they defend their ranking, they will secure their spot in the third stage."

At these words, the atmosphere became incredibly tense, and many contestants' eyes burned with fighting spirit.

"If you want to enter the top ten, prove it with your strength!" The elder's voice rang out powerfully. "The second stage of the challenge will officially begin tomorrow! Today, take the time to prepare."

With that, he waved his sleeve, signaling the crowd to disperse.

Meanwhile, the top ten contestants exchanged glances with the others, knowing that the real test was only just beginning…

As the second stage commenced, each of the top ten contestants stood upon their own battle platforms, awaiting challengers.

Suddenly, a figure rushed forward and stopped in front of Roy.

"I am Stan, Level 32, Advanced Warrior! I challenge you!"

Roy smiled confidently. "Anytime!" As he spoke, his aura surged with energy.

"I am Roy, Level 33, Advanced Warrior! Pleased to meet you!"

Stan wasted no more words. With a powerful step, he unleashed his Explosive Fist, his punch carrying an overwhelming force like a meteor ablaze, causing the air to tremble with its sheer power!

Yet, Roy remained unfazed. His sword trembled in his grasp, lightning surging around its blade. In an instant, the force of his Sword Intent roared to life!

"Thunder Shadow Slash!"

A dazzling arc of lightning-infused sword energy cleaved through Stan's Explosive Fist, tearing apart its force head-on. The impact sent Stan staggering backward several steps!

Stan's heart pounded. "This sword intent… how can it be this sharp? The destructive force is far beyond ordinary swordsmanship!"

But he refused to back down. Taking a deep breath, his battle energy surged, and his body swelled with raw power as veins bulged across his skin. His physical strength skyrocketed as he activated Burst Combat Technique, turning himself into an indomitable war machine!

"Berserker Fist Storm!"

Stan unleashed a flurry of punches, each one like a torrential storm, carrying devastating force, aiming to completely crush Roy!

Roy's expression remained calm, his lips curling into a faint smile. Instead of retreating, he met the attack head-on. His Thunder Sword Aura erupted, intertwining into a web of lightning, surging like a raging thunderstorm across the battlefield!

"Lightning Sword: Streamlight Slash!"

Streaks of blinding lightning sword energy clashed against Stan's relentless punches. Each collision sent shockwaves rippling through the air, with thunderous explosions echoing across the arena!

From afar, Veil narrowed his eyes, watching intently. "Roy's sword intent—though still in its early stages—combines perfectly with his lightning attribute, giving it explosive power far beyond normal sword techniques. Stan may have a strong physique, but against this level of attack… he won't last."

Indeed, after taking several direct hits, Stan's arms began to go numb. Though his fists remained powerful, his body could no longer keep up. He gritted his teeth, letting out a furious roar as he crossed his arms and charged once more!

However, at that very moment—

A cold gleam flashed in Roy's eyes. His figure blurred as he vanished, appearing instantly behind Stan. A devastating sword intent gathered at the tip of his blade!

"Lightning Sword: Final Flash!"

BOOM!

A blinding sword light erupted, its force blasting Stan off his feet. He was sent flying across the platform, crashing near the edge, where the sheer impact cracked the stone beneath him!

He struggled to rise, but his energy was in complete disarray—his limbs numb from the residual lightning energy coursing through his body. He had lost all ability to fight.

"…I lost." Stan's expression was complex as he looked at Roy, his eyes filled with unwillingness.

Roy sheathed his sword and smiled calmly. "Good fight."

The elder stepped forward, his voice resounding through the arena:

"This match—Roy is the victor!"

The audience burst into excited discussions—

"Roy's sword intent is simply too strong!"

"Stan is a body-refining warrior, and his physical defense is way above normal fighters. But even he couldn't withstand Roy's attacks?"

"If I were up there, I wouldn't even last three moves…"

Standing at a distance, Veil crossed his arms and chuckled.

"Looks like, for Roy, the second stage of this tournament will be nothing but a warm-up."

As the tournament progressed, a towering young man with explosive muscles stepped onto the arena. His gaze was sharp, filled with unwavering determination and battle intent.

His name was Enxu, a master of the Berserker Combat Style, renowned for his overwhelming physical strength and aggressive attacks!

Standing at the center of the arena, Veil crossed his arms and smirked at Enxu. "Oh? Finally, a challenger who looks interesting."

Enxu clenched his fists tightly, his knuckles cracking as he sneered. "Veil, I admit you're strong, but you look down on the rest of us too much! Today, I'll show you that outer disciples aren't so easily dismissed! You don't deserve second place!"

Veil laughed, spreading his arms wide. A colossal aura erupted from his body, manifesting a titanic presence—like an unshakable mountain, exuding overwhelming pressure!

"Then come! Show me what qualifies you to challenge me!"

— BOOM!!!

Veil's powerful and domineering aura burst forth—Level 36!

Both fighters erupted with energy simultaneously! Veil was enveloped in a golden aura, his presence akin to a battle god descending, while Enxu's entire body turned crimson, his fighting spirit burning like a raging inferno!

With a thunderous step, Enxu transformed into a violent storm, charging at Veil with unimaginable speed. He threw a devastating punch, shattering the air itself!

Yet, Veil didn't move. He simply smiled confidently, raising both arms to meet the punch directly!

BOOM!!!

As their fists collided, a terrifying shockwave erupted, causing the arena's floor to crack and tremble. The very air vibrated with a deep, explosive hum!

From the sidelines, Alice frowned. "Damn… that guy's punches are ridiculously strong!"

Roy narrowed his eyes, muttering, "That guy is no weakling. If Veil keeps taking these attacks head-on, he'll burn through his energy quickly."

On the arena, Veil felt the violent force behind Enxu's fist—but instead of concern, his smile widened. "Not bad. You've got some power."

However—before the moment could settle—Veil's aura suddenly surged! His Titan Bloodline ignited, triggering his Titan's Guardian ability!

BANG!

Enxu's fist was forcefully repelled, and in that instant, Veil countered with a brutal elbow strike to Enxu's chest!

CRASH!

Enxu staggered back several meters, but instead of backing down, he wiped the blood from his lips and grinned excitedly. "Hah! Not bad! Now, let's see how you handle my true power!"

With a deep roar, Enxu's body erupted in crimson energy. His muscles swelled even further, his fighting spirit skyrocketing!

"That aura… it's Berserker Bloodline!" Roy murmured.

Alice pouted. "Great… now things are going to get messy. You think Veil will be okay?"

Veil's grin widened as battle lust filled his gaze. "Interesting… Come on, let's see who's stronger!"

— BOOM!!!

The two fighters clashed once more, fists colliding with bone-crushing force. Each impact sent shockwaves rippling outward, shattering the arena's stone flooring!

Veil's punches carried the weight of mountains, while Enxu's attacks were wild and explosive, each strike like a detonating bomb. The entire stage was engulfed in dust and energy waves!

The watching disciples gasped—

"This is insane!"

"That guy is actually going toe-to-toe with Veil?!"

"Now THIS is a real fight!"

From the stands, Roy folded his arms and smirked. "But… Veil is still going to win."

Alice blinked. "Huh? How can you be so sure?"

Roy kept watching the battle, his voice calm. "Enxu's attacks are powerful, but his defense is nowhere near Veil's. Meanwhile, Veil is adapting—he's learning Enxu's attack rhythm. Once he figures it out… that's when he'll counterattack."

On the battlefield, Veil's eyes flashed with understanding. He had grasped Enxu's attack pattern. His aura intensified, his Titan's Intent surging like a tidal wave!

"It's over."

Veil stomped the ground, causing the earth to crack apart beneath him. His fist gathered an overwhelming force, compressing the air itself!

"Mountain-Crushing Fist!!"

— BOOM!!!

Veil's colossal punch tore through the battlefield, colliding directly with Enxu's body!

Enxu's eyes widened in shock. He tried to defend—but it was too late!

CRASH!!!

He was launched off the arena, smashing into the ground outside. Dust and debris erupted into the air!

Silence.

The entire crowd froze in shock, faces filled with disbelief.

"H-He… he won?!"

"Veil actually knocked Enxu out with a single punch?!"

"Is he even human?!"

Veil casually rolled his shoulders, flexing his hands. "Not bad. But you still need more work."

Lying on the ground, Enxu looked at Veil for a long moment before finally smiling bitterly. "I lost… You're stronger than me."

The elder's voice boomed across the arena—

"Veil is victorious!"

Veil had successfully defended his second-place ranking!

On the other side of the arena, Alice pouted. "Tsk. I thought the fight would last longer."

Jumping down from the stage, Veil turned toward Roy and Alice, smirking. "So? Who do you think will challenge you two next?"

Roy shrugged, a confident glint in his eyes. "Doesn't matter who it is. I'm not letting anyone take my first place."

Alice giggled. "Same here. Who says support fighters can't beat warriors?"