Mainland Martial Arts

Chapter 371: Winning or Losing Before the Battle

Seeing both men already on stage, Li Hanhai raised his hand and waved it gently in the air. Instantly, transparent energy barriers slowly rose from the ground around the arena. Initially, these barriers consisted of faint rays of light, rapidly spreading and growing along the edges of the arena, gradually converging to form a unique shape—a square prism at the base, extending upwards to mid-air before slowly closing at the top to form a cube. The entire barrier emanated a faint blue light, imbued with powerful and mysterious energy fluctuations that instilled awe in the audience.

Li Hanhai looked at the barrier in front of him and slowly explained, "This fighting arena is carefully cast with special materials, and its strength is beyond imagination. And this barrier is an energy barrier, which can withstand extremely powerful force impacts. Even if they exert their full strength in battle, it is difficult to break it. In this way, it can ensure that the competition is carried out in a safe range and will not affect the surrounding environment and the people." His voice was calm and steady, as if he was narrating a trivial matter.

An old minister with white hair stroked his beard, his eyes full of awe: "This kind of immortal method is beyond the imagination of us mortals. Even a saint can hardly have such great power. This immortal must be from the supreme mysterious realm." The ministers around nodded and whispered to each other, all of them were full of admiration for Li Hanhai.

The Emperor stood atop a high platform, his robes fluttering in the wind. He gazed at Li Hanhai, his eyes filled with shock at his methods and the majesty and wisdom of an emperor. "Immortal Li, today I realize there are higher powers than those of heaven. Your abilities are truly unprecedented." He turned to Eunuch Hong and spoke in a low, yet commanding voice: "Quickly prepare the incense burner and incense. I wish to witness the duel between these two."

Eunuch Hong quickly bowed in response and hurriedly left with a few young eunuchs. Soon, they slowly arrived, carrying an exquisite incense burner. The burner was crafted from purple gold, its body engraved with ancient runes. In the sunlight, the runes shimmered faintly, as if telling stories from long ago. Eunuch Hong placed the burner on a stone platform to one side of the martial arts arena and pulled a slender stick of incense from his sleeve. The stick was pure white like jade, exuding a delicate fragrance. It was made from the finest spiritual herbs. He carefully lit the incense with a tinder, and instantly, a wisp of green smoke rose, slowly dispersing on the breeze.

With the emperor's order: "The competition begins!" the voice was like a loud bell, resounding throughout the square.

Lin Feng on the stage tensed instantly. He stood with his feet shoulder-width apart, his soles gripping the ground tightly, as if to merge with the earth. His knees bent slightly, his center of gravity lowered, his entire body like a fully drawn bow, ready to unleash a powerful burst of force. He clenched his fists, palms facing upward, his arm muscles tensed, veins bulging like serpentine snakes.

Lin Feng's eyes, like a cheetah stalking its prey, locked onto Huang Tian across from him. He thought to himself: This man before me is the most formidable foe I've ever faced, his reputation renowned and his strength unfathomable. Yet, for the sake of the one I love, for my future with Xin'er, I, Lin Feng, will give it my all today, even if it means death! His expression was solemn and resolute. Fine beads of sweat beaded on his forehead, gleaming in the sunlight, a manifestation of his inner tension and concentration. Every strand of hair, sensing the aura of battle, stood up slightly, swaying in the breeze.

Huang Tian, ​​however, stood there like an ancient statue, motionless and silent. His posture was as tall and straight as a pine or cypress, proudly standing on the martial arts stage. His hands hung naturally, his wide sleeves swaying gently in the wind. His eyes revealed an innate arrogance and disdain, as if in his eyes, Lin Feng was nothing more than an ant, not even worth his effort.

In his mind, although Lin Feng held the title of Grandmaster, his strength was only at the mid-eighth rank, a world of difference compared to his own ninth-rank Grandmaster realm. This realm gap, in the world of martial arts, was like an unbridgeable abyss. He firmly believed that he could easily defeat Lin Feng, as if crushing a weak insect.

When the people in the audience saw this, they immediately started talking like a pot of boiling water.

Zhang Zhilin stood in the crowd, dressed in a gorgeous brocade robe and a golden crown, a scornful smile on his face. He crossed his arms, tilted his head slightly, and shouted, "Hmph! Lin Feng only managed to achieve the strength of a Grandmaster thanks to the Star Blade. Now that he's lost that blade, I'm afraid even an Eighth-Rank Grandmaster wouldn't be able to withstand it. And yet he dares to challenge a Ninth-Rank Grandmaster like the Master of the Phoenix Sky Pavilion? It's sheer folly, a pipe dream!" His eyes were filled with mockery and disdain, and the corners of his mouth curled up slightly, revealing a mouthful of white teeth, as if he had already witnessed Lin Feng's crushing defeat.

Zhang Zhichen frowned, his eyes tinged with dissatisfaction and worry. He took a small step forward and retorted, "Third brother, please don't belittle Lin Feng like that. His strength is not to be underestimated. He's definitely a true eighth-grade Grandmaster. The outcome of this competition is still undecided. Who will win is still unknown." He stared intently at Lin Feng on the stage, his hands unconsciously clenched, and he silently prayed for him.

Zhang Zhijin nodded slightly. He was dressed in a blue robe, his face handsome and stern. He said thoughtfully, "The Master of Huangtian Pavilion has been famous for many years, having already firmly established himself as a Ninth-Rank Grandmaster. He possesses profound skills and rich combat experience. While Lin Feng has potential, winning this match will be incredibly difficult." His expression was solemn, and his eyes held a hint of regret, as if he had already foreseen Lin Feng's defeat.

Zhang Zhihao stood aside and said coldly: "I don't think Lin Feng has any chance of winning. How can he easily make up the gap between the ninth-grade grandmaster and the eighth-grade grandmaster? He is simply trying to shake a tree with an ant. He is overestimating his own abilities." His eyes were as cold as ice, his hands were behind his back, his body leaned back slightly, and he was full of contempt for Lin Feng.

Emperor Zhang Shengli turned to look at Li Hanhai, his eyes filled with curiosity and probing. "My Immortal, in your opinion, who will win this competition?"

Li Hanhai raised his head slightly, his eyes firm and confident, as if he could see through everything. He took a deep breath, then shouted, "I bet Lin Feng will win!" His voice was like a thunderclap, instantly exploding across the square. Everyone stared at him in astonishment. Everyone knew that Huang Tian's strength and realm were superior to Lin Feng's. In their view, Lin Feng's chances of victory were extremely slim, practically negligible.