Just shy of the market stood the coliseum, a massive circular structure with no raised platforms, only a wide, open battlefield where warriors clashed with nothing but their skill and strength to decide the victor. The atmosphere was electric, the air thick with the voices of countless spectators, all eager for the grand event—the Scale Dalgona.
The first level of the coliseum was already packed, and the second level was filling fast. The noise was deafening, a cacophony of excited chatter as the crowd speculated about the strongest competitors. Names were thrown around like dice in a gamble, but six stood above all others—the six prodigies, the future rulers of the battlefield.
"Salma of the Rising Stone Sect—her Snow Fox combined with her intellect is a deadly combo! She just broke through to the Ninth Level of Body Tempering! Who the hell is going to stop her?!"
"Are you dumb?! Yuanggai of the Jade Lotus Sect will burn through her defenses like paper! His Blazing Roc skills are like a dragon's wrath! I heard he fought a sect elder and left a crater behind!"
"Yuanggai? Please. If anyone is untouchable, it's Jin Shui of the Serpent River Sect! The man moves like water itself! Have you ever seen him fight? It's like trying to catch mist in your hands!"
"You fools talk about strength and speed, but you forget the one that never loses—Xie Lian of the Silent Moon Sect. The man doesn't fight battles. He ends them before they even begin. He disappears in broad daylight and reappears behind his enemies with his blade already at their throats!"
"Xie Lian? Pfft. Mei Rong of the Blossom Sect is going to steal the show. Her Butterfly Style is a storm—one hit turns into ten, ten into a hundred! She fights like a dancer, but leaves behind a battlefield of broken bones!"
"You're all underestimating Batu of the Ironhide Sect. That Green Tortoise makes him a walking fortress! The guy took a warhammer to the chest and didn't even flinch! If he gets close, it's over!"
The debates were endless, the crowd divided as they argued over who would dominate the Scale Dalgona. The six prodigies were the clear favorites, each sect backing their champion with unwavering confidence.
The second level of the coliseum was reserved for the elite, the powerful figures of the cultivation world who had come to witness the grand spectacle of Scale Dalgona. Among them sat Pao Pao, his ever-present grin plastered across his face as he leaned back with a casual air, as if enjoying a private show meant just for him.
Meanwhile, Arhatam, the Level 2 Alchemist, had secured a seat on the first level, closer to the action. His brows were furrowed, still thinking about a certain debt. "That brat Kazel still owes me money…" he muttered under his breath, but even he couldn't deny that today's matches would be something to behold.
Familiar faces had also gathered among the sea of spectators.
Lina and Rui were sitting on the first level, chatting amongst themselves, their eyes darting toward the entrance every so often.
Yiren, on the other hand, had taken a seat on the second level, her gaze sweeping across the coliseum with a satisfied smile. The energy in the air was exhilarating, the anticipation of battle humming through the crowd like an unspoken melody. That's when she spotted Saya, seated a few rows away. Without hesitation, Yiren waved, causing Saya's brows to rise in mild surprise before Yiren made her way over and plopped down beside her.
"Well, well, well," Yiren mused, crossing one leg over the other. "I think I know now why you weren't that worried back then."
Saya scoffed, leaning back and crossing her arms. "Back at you."
Yiren smirked and shrugged. "Do you think he'll actually show up?"
"If he doesn't, then I'm done with this show," Saya said flatly.
"Oof," Yiren chuckled, shaking her head. "He's here, alright."
Saya narrowed her eyes slightly. "Have you met him?"
"Not yet," Yiren admitted, "but I was at the betting station earlier where they listed all the participants' names. Sure enough, he was there, but at the bottom of the list." She snorted. "Hard to see if you didn't look carefully since they sorted it based on popularity."
Saya's brows furrowed. "And?"
Yiren chuckled, her eyes flashing with amusement. "The odds though—ten to one that he'd win the Scale Dalgona."
Saya blinked. "...Ten to one?"
"It seems like the kid isn't that famous," Yiren mused, "or perhaps he's infamous." She grinned. "Either way, I bet my spirit stones on him."
Saya turned to face her fully, disbelief flickering in her expression. "Are you sure he'll win?"
Yiren smirked, tapping her temple. "Gambler's instinct—and also, a woman's," she added with a wink before chuckling. "The dealer looked at me like I was throwing my money into the sea."
Saya shook her head, exhaling through her nose. "I swear, you're crazy."
"Crazy?" Yiren giggled. "Or just ahead of the curve?"
The air in the coliseum buzzed with anticipation as the announcer stepped forward, his voice amplified by energy-infused techniques to reach every corner of the massive arena.
"Welcome, one and all, to this year's Scale Dalgona!"
A roar of cheers erupted from the crowd, shaking the very foundations of the coliseum. The competition was finally about to begin.
"But before we witness the greatest display of youthful talent this generation has to offer," the announcer continued, "let us honor the ones who have made this possible! Our esteemed sponsors, whose influence and wealth have shaped the cultivation world!"
The crowd murmured with interest as the first name was called.
"First, from the Jade Basin, the great Wurong!"
A thunderous applause followed as a man stood on the second level. Wurong, the head of the Jade Basin, was lean but carried an aura of quiet authority. His sharp features and permanent scowl gave him an intimidating presence, but his eyes gleamed with wisdom.
Among those in the first level, Rui's gaze lingered on Wurong with admiration. To Rui, the man was an inspiration—an icon of resilience and power.
"Next," the announcer's voice boomed, "we have the elusive, the mysterious, the legendary Pao Pao, founder of the Sanctuary Merchants!"
A mixture of cheers and laughter filled the coliseum. Pao Pao, sitting with his usual carefree grin, waved lazily at the crowd.
"As you all know," the announcer continued, "if you see him today, he might be gone tomorrow! The man sells what he wants, when he wants, where he wants! But worry not! The Sanctuary Tower, his merchant stronghold, will always remain his home!"
Yiren smirked as she saw the reactions from the spectators. Some people chuckled, others whispered about Pao Pao's bizarre business style.
"Finally," the announcer gestured towards a slender figure on the second level, "we have Nobu, the head of the Shimmering Sword Sect!"
Unlike the others, Nobu gave only a silent nod, his demeanor reserved. He was more slender than the rest, his robes pristine, his blade resting on his sash like an extension of himself.
Yiren, amused by the reactions around her, caught sight of Saya staring at Nobu with a peculiar expression.
"Oho~?" Yiren nudged Saya with her elbow. "I didn't know you were interested in sword saints."
Saya immediately snapped out of her trance and rolled her eyes. "Shut up."
Yiren chuckled but didn't press further, her attention shifting back to the coliseum.
The announcer raised his arms, signaling the crowd to quiet down. "And now that our esteemed sponsors have been introduced, it's time to begin!"
"Please welcome… the Blossom Sect!"
The coliseum erupted in applause as the elegant procession from the Blossom Sect stepped forward. Leading them was none other than Patriarch Bai Rong, a man of graceful stature, his long silver hair neatly tied, and his robes embroidered with delicate petals that shimmered under the light. Yet, despite his noble presence, it was not him who caught the crowd's attention.
Walking beside him was Mei Rong, the sect's prized jewel and head disciple.
Her beauty was the kind that seized the breath of men and sparked envy in women. With every step she took, her long, flowing robes of soft lavender and pink hues swayed like petals in the wind. Her raven-black hair cascaded like silk, adorned with delicate white plum blossoms, enhancing her ethereal aura.
Her features were a perfect blend of elegance and charm— large, luminous eyes that held the depth of an untouched lake, a small, delicate nose, and lips that seemed to carry the promise of a gentle smile but rarely delivered it. Her skin was smooth as jade, the pale luster of moonlight captured in human form.
But it was not just her beauty that made the crowd murmur in awe—it was the way she carried herself. There was no arrogance, no overconfidence, just an unshakable poise, as if she were a goddess walking among mortals, unaffected by their cheers, yet acknowledged their presence with the slightest nod.
Behind her, tens of disciples followed in perfect harmony, their robes forming a mesmerizing wave of pinks and purples.
Even Pao Pao, watching from above, let out a low whistle. "She looks deadly, but in a way that makes you want to risk it all anyway."
As Mei Rong and the Blossom Sect took their place, the coliseum buzzed with eager anticipation. One sect down, five more to go. The stage was only just being set.