Tang Siyo smiled gently—a smile that carried deep calm but also held many things she chose not to express. “Chen Chen, I had a few matters to handle, so I didn’t return home,” she said calmly. “Oh right, Chen Chen, I brought you a gift. This was given by a friend of mine. I think it will be useful for you.” From the loose sleeve of her robe, Tang Siyo took out three glowing crystals. Each one had a different color, radiating a unique energy that Tian Chen had never seen before. Along with them, she also brought out two plants that looked fresh and alive. One emitted a subtle warmth, while the other released a gentle, piercing cold. “Chen Chen, these are fire and ice lotuses,” Tang Siyo explained with a soft yet knowledgeable voice. “The fire lotus strengthens your physical body and increases your inner energy circles. The ice lotus is used to trigger a surge in your inner energy. With these, I believe your strength can grow further.” Tian Chen received them with slightly trembling

On the highest platform stood a middle-aged man in a dark imperial robe that draped down to the stage floor. His eyes swept across the entire tribune, sharp and full of authority. Every gaze of his seemed to pierce through the hidden intentions in the audience's hearts. And finally, the voice echoed. “At last, the event we’ve all been waiting for has arrived. Welcome, everyone, to the Tang Empire.” The Tang Emperor paused briefly. His eyes scanned the entire arena, as if making sure every gaze was fixed on him before continuing his speech. “For this competition, there’s something special for all of you.” His voice was deep and resonant, delivered with the firmness of a leader tempered by time and experience. Every word felt heavy yet meaningful, showing that he was not speaking to make conversation. Thousands of eyes looked at him, filled with curiosity. No one dared to interrupt—not even with a whisper. They simply waited for the next words, holding their breath and sharpen

Tian Chen didn’t reply. He merely glanced sideways and gave a slight nod. As the team formations began to stabilize, the disparity among them became clear. One group, filled with youths of imperial blood, stood confidently in a large, tight formation. They looked arrogantly at the smaller teams around them. Some even sneered when they saw Tian Chen and Simei standing as only a pair. Yet neither Tian Chen nor Simei looked intimidated. Tian Chen stood tall with his usual cold demeanor, while Simei calmly scanned the surroundings, as if she had already calculated everything. From the top platform, the Tang Emperor observed each group that had formed. When his eyes fell upon Tian Chen and Simei, he paused briefly. His normally flat expression showed a subtle change—barely noticeable to anyone. Only a select few might have understood the meaning behind the faint crease on his brow. If everyone had known that Tian Chen was the true heir of the Tang Imperial bloodline, not a single p

Elsewhere, behind the pillars of the nobles’ seating area, King Hou appeared panicked. He dashed toward General Tang, who had brought Hou Zuanshi to the side of the stands. His face was pale, as if all the blood had been drained to the ground. Behind him, several other kings and sect leaders followed closely. They were all individuals who had direct connections with Hou Zuanshi’s group. Hou Zuanshi’s body was extremely weak. His face was wet with tears and cold sweat. His right hand had been severed, as well as his left leg. Upon seeing his father approach, he struggled despite his body barely able to move. His cries resembled that of a child, having lost all dignity as a warrior. "I don’t want to be crippled, I don’t want this!" he shouted, biting his own lip until it bled. His eyes were red, full of fear and despair. He knew better than anyone else that his life would never be the same. Even though he was the son of King Hou, and even though he had reached the eighth level of Titl

The participants standing on the massive earthen pillars were completely unaware of the shocking events unfolding in the spectator stands. Their attention was entirely locked onto their respective opponents. They knew that even the slightest distraction could end their journey in a single breath. Tian Chen stood upright, his gaze fixed on Simei, who was not far from him. His eyes were calm but filled with unwavering resolve. “Wait here,” he said in a flat tone, yet full of confidence. “I will claim another earthen pillar for myself, and this one will be yours.” Before Simei could open her mouth, Tian Chen had already stepped into the air. His body seemed to know no resistance—as if with just a light leap, he shot forward and landed on another earthen pillar some distance away. That pillar had originally been occupied by several participants. They were still standing tall, but the moment Tian Chen landed, an invisible pressure wrapped around his steps and made them exchange glances