Chapter 37 - The Battle of the Hidden Dragon Platform Was about to Begin
In the stadium, the stands were packed with spectators, all eyes riveted on a young man. By now, his name was known to all: Lu Lixing, a prodigy who had emerged from the slums.
Before laying eyes on Lu Lixing, people imagined he would possess an indomitable fighting spirit or meet a heroic end. Yet, what they saw was a serene expression, his face betraying little emotion. This left the crowd somewhat perplexed.
“Is that Lu Lixing?”
In the luxury suite, Xiang Yicai lounged on a plush sofa, his gaze fixed on the image of Lu Lixing displayed on the Crystal Screen. “Such a shame,” he remarked with a detached air.
“Truly a shame,” echoed Zha Yanhui with a scoff. He shot a glance at Zhang Yande, the patriarch of the Zhang family seated not too far off, “A talent like that, wasted.”
Far from taking offense, Zhang Yande offered Zha Yanhui a smile. The Zhang family held sway in Skyhaven, but they paled in comparison to the might of the Profound Heaven Sect. The Zhangs' fate, much like their treatment of Lu Lixing, could be sealed by the Sect's will—they could vanish from the world in the blink of an eye.
“He chose his path; no one else to blame,” Sheng Qing murmured, exhaling a soft sigh. He harbored no regrets for Lu Lixing, having learned from Wen Shi of the young man's relentless defiance that led him to this moment.
Na Youye looked around the room, his curiosity piqued. “The challenge match starts in five minutes. Why aren't you meeting with the delegates from Blackmoon Academy?”
“The folks at Blackmoon Academy prefer solitude. They're not our concern,” someone replied nonchalantly.
The mention of Blackmoon Academy drew a chuckle from Yi Yubo. “They might well be skulking in some corner, spying on us right now. We're just in the dark about who they've sent this time.”
At Yi Yubo's comment, Zha Yanhui let out a derisive snort. “Nothing more than a bunch of obsessive fanatics,” she said with scorn.
Na Youye noticed the unfavorable impression the representatives from the various academies had of the Blackmoon Academy's delegate and decided not to probe further. He turned to his secretary and instructed, “Get the hundred elites ready to take the stage.”
In the stands, Sha Zhenghao watched Lu Lixing in the center of the arena with bated breath, his hands clenched tightly as he silently offered prayers for him.
Unexpectedly, seated next to Sha Zhenghao was Sha Xiufen. Sha Zhenghao hadn't anticipated her presence as a spectator. His disdain for her, stemming from her relationship with Zhang Tu, was well-known, yet her demeanor today softened his feelings towards her. They had, after all, once been close friends who shared everything.
“Will he die?” Sha Xiufen's gaze was fraught with complexity as she looked at Lu Lixing, biting her lip in concern. She couldn't fathom why she'd asked such a question or why she was worried about him when they had agreed to sever all ties.
“Someone's taking the stage.” Sha Zhenghao was about to respond to Sha Xiufen when a group in Forest Lake Academy uniforms appeared near the arena, igniting a wave of cheers from the crowd. The much-anticipated Battle of the Hidden Dragon Platform was about to commence.
As the crowd's excitement swelled, a booming voice echoed across the stadium, silencing the din and bringing a hush over the spectators.
“The hundred elite students from Skyhaven's Forest Lake Academy have taken their places on the stage. In three minutes, the Battle of the Hidden Dragon Platform will officially begin.”
Lu Lixing, who had been resting on the platform, slowly opened his eyes upon hearing the announcement. He surveyed the audience with a serene gaze.
He watched the procession of elite students ascend the stage with a calm and collected look. They seemed carefree, some even chatting and laughing as though the impending battle was the furthest thing from their minds, as casual as if they were out for a leisurely walk.
All hundred elite students swiftly made their way onto the stage. Lu Lixing didn't spot Sha Xiufen among them, which brought him a twinge of surprise and an unexpected sense of warmth.
In his darkest hour, she remembered the bond they once shared and refrained from kicking him while he was down.
“Lu Lixing, I swear I'll kill you myself!”
At the forefront of the crowd, Zhang Tu's eyes were dark with malice as he glared at Lu Lixing, his voice menacing, “I'll show everyone. You're nothing but trash, while I am the true genius!”
Zhang Tu seethed with rage. Since the news of the Battle of the Hidden Dragon Platform had spread, Lu Lixing had become the talk of the town. Wherever he went, he couldn't escape the chatter about Lu Lixing. Meanwhile, he, the supposed prodigy, was left without a mention. The sting of being overlooked gnawed at Zhang Tu. Now, facing Lu Lixing once more, he was determined to demonstrate to all that Lu Lixing was merely a joke.
Amid Zhang Tu's angry tirade, Lu Lixing appeared unfazed, as if he hadn't heard a word. He looked skyward and asked in an even tone, “Could you amplify my voice a bit?”
Lu Lixing wasn't sure if his request would be heard, but he posed the question nonetheless.
No sooner had Lu Lixing spoken than a sound echoed from above. His voice then filled the gymnasium, clear for all to hear.
“Let's have a moment of silence, please. I'm Lu Lixing, and I have a few words for those gathered here before me.”
The previously raucous stadium fell silent at Lu Lixing's command. Curious eyes turned to him, everyone eager to hear what he was about to say.
The so-called geniuses facing Lu Lixing also watched with intrigue. Some snickered, speculating whether Lu Lixing was about to plead for mercy.
But even if they were inclined to spare him, the rules of the Battle of the Hidden Dragon Platform would not permit it.
“The Battle of the Hidden Dragon Platform will commence in one minute,” Lu Lixing announced, his eyes sweeping over the crowd. “There's still time to reconsider. The blade knows no sentiment. I have no desire to take many lives; I seek only fairness.”
After Lu Lixing finished his remarks, there was a momentary pause as the gathered prodigies processed his words. Then, a wave of raucous laughter broke out across the arena, with some in the crowd laughing so hard they were brought to tears.
His words were truly hilarious!
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