Gao Wu: Honey, don't cry, I'm truly invincible!

Zhao Longshan and Jin Sha couldn't help but speak up again: "Qin Su, you should take our advice. It's best not to..."

"The battle is over. Next match: Zhao Longshan versus Xiang Tian!"

The two had only spoken halfway when the announcer's voice rang out from the number eight fighting stage.

The audience in the fighting arena then cheered.

"It's my turn."

Zhao Longshan took a deep breath and strode towards the No. 8 fighting arena.

The audience's shouts quickly became even more frenzied.

The Martial Arts Tournament has always been a highly anticipated competition in Xinghan City. In order to generate revenue and maintain the high welfare of the Martial Arts Tournament participants, the arena has also been commercialized.

Each spectator has to pay several thousand Yuan Crystals for a ticket to enter the arena and watch the battle.

Meanwhile, various shops are set up inside the martial arts arena, selling everything from snacks and drinks to weapons and armor, and even posters of celebrity martial arts champions.

These items are even more profitable than selling tickets. In the most extravagant day in the martial arts arena's daily revenue record, these items alone generated a billion yuan in sales.

Of course, this is a rather exaggerated historical record; normally, profitability isn't that alarming.

Based on the fact that the arena can accommodate hundreds of thousands of spectators, including ticket sales, the arena can usually earn hundreds of millions of source crystals every day.

Of course, in addition to offline businesses, the online arena also sells live streaming rights, television broadcasting rights, live text commentary rights, etc. Basically, the annual net profit can reach hundreds of billions of Yuan Crystals.

Such substantial profits ensure the welfare and benefits of the martial artists on the Martial Ranking, creating a positive cycle.

At this moment, as Zhao Longshan and Xiang Tian stepped onto the stage, the audience erupted in cheers.

The cheers were clearly not for Zhao Longshan, but for his opponent Xiang Tian.

"Xiang Tian has only fought one martial arts battle so far and is ranked 19,800th. But he's not weak; in fact, he's very strong and talented. His strength seems to have reached the advanced Martial Marquis level. If he wants to climb the rankings, he probably has a good chance."

"However, his interests don't lie in martial arts. He prefers live streaming and is currently a well-known martial arts teaching influencer. He's probably participating in the martial arts competition just to gain more followers..."

Jinsha clearly knew Xiang Tian's background, and shook her head with a wry smile, "I didn't expect Zhao Longshan to be so unlucky. In his first martial arts competition, he encountered such a tough nut to crack..."

"I still trust Brother Zhao quite a bit." Qin Su smiled. "He's rather cautious. He definitely wouldn't come out of seclusion to participate in martial arts if he wasn't confident of making a name for himself in one battle."

Jinsha nodded in agreement: "That's true. He seemed to have made a breakthrough in some areas recently, so he probably has the confidence to be on the list..."

On the fighting stage, the competition officially began after both sides signed a life-or-death agreement.

As a powerful martial artist, Xiang Tian sensed that Zhao Longshan's strength was slightly inferior to his own, sneered, and launched the first attack.

We must launch a fierce and overwhelming offensive, leaving Zhao Longshan completely disoriented.

Zhao Longshan remained calm and composed, recognizing the strength of Xiang Tian's punches. He immediately chose to engage in hit-and-run tactics, his graceful movements like a ghost, frantically pulling at Xiang Tian.

Xiang Tian felt as if he had punched cotton, all his punches missing their mark. That was bad enough, but Zhao Longshan would occasionally sneak in a punch, hitting him. Although the damage wasn't great, the humiliation was immense in Xiang Tian's eyes.

For a moment, he felt so distressed that he almost vomited blood, and his anger grew increasingly intense.

"It's over, Xiang Tian is about to use his berserk move, Zhao Longshan is in danger!" Jin Sha looked at the situation on the field, her pretty face changing slightly.

Qin Su, however, disagreed with her, laughing and saying, "He's furious and enraged. Xiang Tian has lost his mind and is about to reveal a fatal flaw. Brother Zhao is going to win."

The voice just fell.

Zhao Longshan suddenly raised his hand and threw out a telekinetic throwing knife.

whoosh-

A sharp, booming sound erupted from the air.

Xiang Tian, ​​who was furious, suddenly froze. His body, which had been swollen with the power of his blood and qi, deflated like a punctured balloon.

Thump..........

Xiang Tian fell backwards to the ground.

At this moment, everyone saw that a huge blood hole had appeared on the back of his head, from which yellow, white and red substances were flowing out frantically.

Jinsha was also taken aback: "How did his telekinetic throwing knives suddenly become so powerful? No, that's not right, it's his mental power that's gotten stronger!"

Qin Su narrowed her eyes slightly, surprised that Zhao Longshan had already reached the fourth level of mental mastery. It was truly astonishing.

Zhao Longshan slashed upwards, securing the first victory.

The entire stadium suddenly erupted in enthusiastic cheers.

"Zhao Longshan defeats Xiang Tian! This is Zhao Longshan's first victory in the Martial Arts Arena. He will also replace Xiang Tian on the leaderboard, becoming the new number 19,800! He will receive the Martial Arts Arena's promotion incentive award—30,000 Source Crystals!"

"Zhao Longshan, will you choose to continue challenging stronger opponents, or will you know when to quit while you're ahead?"

Without a second thought, Zhao Longshan continued the challenge.

The second person to step onto the fighting stage was a middle-aged martial artist in his forties, whose strength had just broken through to the Martial Marquis level.

It was obvious that Zhao Longshan could defeat him without breaking a sweat, and the middle-aged martial artist also knew that he was no match for Zhao Longshan, so he simply admitted defeat at the beginning.

According to the rules, once a side admits defeat or loses its fighting ability, it is considered a loss, and the victor cannot continue to attack the loser.

So Zhao Longshan stood still and watched the middle-aged martial artist leave the fighting arena.

In the second match, Zhao Longshan won smoothly.

In the third match, Zhao Longshan defeated his opponent with a single palm strike, causing the opponent to vomit blood, kneel on the ground, and surrender. He won the third match.

His ranking has improved from 19,800 to within 10,000.

Next, Zhao Longshan continued to dominate, with the martial arts arena constantly arranging stronger opponents for him, but he always maintained an overwhelming advantage.

With his tenth victory, he has risen to 1003rd place.

They are only three places away from making it onto the martial arts rankings.

Ten consecutive victories undoubtedly caused a huge sensation. The audience was in an uproar. The martial artists who had previously taken Zhao Longshan lightly now looked at him with serious expressions, secretly lamenting that another formidable opponent had appeared.

On the fighting stage, Zhao Longshan's expression did not become relaxed after winning another victory; instead, it became serious.

Now, he can feel immense pressure. The last martial artist he fought lasted hundreds of rounds, and he had to unleash even greater fighting power to defeat that martial artist.

"Shall we continue?"

The host then stepped onto the fighting stage, looked at Zhao Longshan, and said, "You've fought your way down from over ten thousand to over one thousand, accumulating tens of millions of Origin Crystals in rewards. If you choose to end the fight, you can immediately receive these rewards. Furthermore, the fighting arena will give you an additional ten-win streak reward."

Zhao Longshan decisively chose to continue.

Reaching the top of the martial arts rankings is within reach. He has been preparing for this moment for so long, how could he give up so easily?

Upon receiving the reply, the host immediately activated the system to match participants for a martial arts duel. Soon, he excitedly shouted, "The next martial arts duel: number 1003, Zhao Longshan, versus number 1000, Huang Long!"

Number one thousand, warrior on the martial arts list!

boom--

The fighting arena erupted in cheers.

All the spectators cheered.

A martial arts master on the Martial Ranking! He's a martial arts master on the Martial Ranking!

Normally, it's rare to see martial arts battles between the top martial artists!

They got a really good deal on their tickets this time!

Whether Zhao Longshan defeats Huang Long and becomes a martial arts champion, or Huang Long defeats Zhao Longshan and successfully retains his position at the bottom of the martial arts ranking, whatever the outcome, this martial arts battle will become extremely talked about.

This fight is definitely full of highlights!

All the spectators were waving flags and shouting wildly, their emotions running high and they were extremely enthusiastic.

On the fighting stage, Zhao Longshan and Huang Long had already taken to the stage.

At the referee's signal, the two walked to the center of the fighting ring and began to sign a life-or-death agreement.

Unlike Zhao Longshan's steady nature, Huang Long, though already in his early thirties, was still quite dissolute and frivolous.

After casually signing his name on the agreement, Huang Long immediately crossed his arms, looked at Zhao Longshan, and said indifferently:

"There's an unspoken rule in the martial arts arena: for every win you get, the next opponent will be someone much stronger. For example, if you win a match and reach the 10,000th rank, the arena won't assign you the 9,999th rank as your opponent in the next match. Instead, they'll assign you an opponent ranked 9,000th, or even 8,000th... Under these circumstances, if you can still win ten matches in a row, you're quite skilled."

"However, don't think that you can challenge me like this. Although there is only a three-rank difference between us, those three ranks will be an insurmountable gap for you."

As Huang Long spoke, he licked his lips and sneered, "What I like most is to destroy people like you, those unrealistic fantasies of becoming a martial artist on the Martial Ranking. If you know what's good for you, admit defeat and you can at least lose with some dignity. If you don't, I'll show you what cruelty really means later..."

Zhao Longshan squinted at him and sneered, "The outcome is still uncertain. How do you know I can't beat you? You're already so arrogant now, but you'll be furious when you get slapped in the face later."

"hehe."

Huang Long scoffed, completely disregarding Zhao Longshan. He even found Zhao Longshan's threats to him utterly ridiculous.

He turned and walked to the other side of the fighting arena, occasionally twisting his neck and wrists, making crisp popping sounds.

Unlike his relaxed demeanor, Zhao Longshan's expression was grave.

Zhao Longshan could feel immense pressure emanating from Huang Long, and he understood that Huang Long's strength was probably terrifying.

But the look in his eyes grew increasingly resolute.

As a martial artist, one should naturally pursue higher and stronger martial arts; otherwise, what's the difference between one and a salted fish?

"bring it on!"

Facing a formidable foe, Zhao Longshan showed no fear and took the initiative to strike.

For the first time, a battle blade appeared in his hand. As he poured his vital energy into it, the blade shimmered with golden divine light.

He used all his strength to smash down on the yellow dragon.

"Is this all you've got? It's weaker than I expected."

Huang Long chuckled, and under Zhao Longshan's suddenly contracting pupils, he extended two fingers with lightning speed, directly clamping Zhao Longshan's battle knife, and then gently twisting it.

"clang!"

Zhao Longshan's battle sword was snapped in two on the spot, the strong recoil causing his hand to go numb. The sword flew out of his hand.

Before Zhao Longshan could react, Huang Long's kick had already broken the sound barrier and arrived with a bang.

"Bang!"

Zhao Longshan felt a sudden, dull pain in his chest, and the next moment, a mouthful of blood gushed from his mouth, and he was sent flying.

After falling to the ground, he broke at least seven or eight bones in his body, and a look of horror appeared in his eyes.

Huang Long is too strong. Although his martial arts level is similar to Huang Long's, his combat power is too exaggerated. He is no match for Huang Long at all!

Zhao Longshan gritted his teeth and raised his hand to shoot out a telekinetic throwing knife.

The speed of the telekinetic weapon was undoubtedly extremely fast. Huang Long only had time to slightly tilt his head to dodge the fatal blow. With a whoosh, the telekinetic throwing knife had already cut a gash on his cheek.

Blood slowly seeped out from that wound.

Huang Long touched his cheek, then put his blood-stained fingers into his mouth and sucked on them carefully.

He muttered to himself, "I haven't been injured in so long, I've almost forgotten what my blood tastes like..."

The next moment, his eyes suddenly turned blood red, and his body swelled up to three times its normal size.

boom--!

With a single step, he shattered the special fighting platform, made of special materials and capable of withstanding the power of a Martial King.

Zhao Longshan only felt a blur before his eyes, and Huang Long's figure disappeared instantly. When he finally found Huang Long's trail, Huang Long's ferocious face was already in front of him.

In the split second between life and death, Zhao Longshan only had time to raise his hand to protect his vital organs.

boom!

Zhao Longshan's arm was smashed to pieces, and he screamed in agony as he was sent flying again.

The intense pain caused him to lose consciousness and become incapacitated while still in mid-air.

Logically, Huang Long had already won and should not have attacked Zhao Longshan anymore. However, Huang Long smiled coldly, appeared in front of Zhao Longshan in a flash, and stomped on Zhao Longshan's head.

He was suddenly enraged and wanted to stomp on Zhao Longshan's head and kill him!

"stop!"

The referee reacted at this moment and rushed in front of Zhao Longshan. Seeing that he could not kill Zhao Longshan, Huang Long also decisively kicked Zhao Longshan's thigh.

With a loud bang, Zhao Longshan's thigh was crushed underfoot.

Zhao Longshan had already fainted from the pain, but this time he was abruptly awakened by the pain, howling in agony.

Huang Long relished his miserable state, a mocking smile in his eyes, and said, "Trash is trash. Crippled one of your arms and one leg, consider it a way of making you realize your limitations early!"

"Huang Long, you have violated the rules. You are hereby fined ten million source crystals and have three days to pay the fine!" the referee said with a frown.

Huang Long didn't take it seriously at all. Ten million source crystals were no different from a single source crystal to a powerful martial artist like him who had gained both fame and fortune.

He even spat a thick wad of phlegm at Zhao Longshan, who had already fainted again, before swaggering away from the fighting arena.

Cheers erupted from the stands.

The audience didn't think there was anything wrong with Huang Long's behavior at all. When they saw Zhao Longshan, who had won ten consecutive victories, being beaten like a dead dog by him, the cheers were even louder.

Jinsha and Qin Su carried Zhao Longshan off the fighting platform and stabilized his injuries. Both of them looked very grim.

"That Huanglong went a bit too far."

Qin Su narrowed her eyes and said coldly.

Jinsha took several deep breaths, then shook her head and said:

"Huang Long's behavior is actually permitted by unspoken rules. As some martial arts ranking experts would say, on the fighting stage, life and death are disregarded; it's like fighting with your head on the line. Aren't you allowed to be a little unrestrained?"

"Their argument is that the strong should ruthlessly humiliate the weak, otherwise how can the weak improve? Isn't there a saying... oh right, 'Shame breeds courage'..."

"Perhaps the higher-ups in Xinghan City intentionally created this oppressive environment, to force us young martial artists to adapt to the cruelty and bloodshed of the martial arts world ahead of time. Therefore, the fighting arena is truly a cruel place for the weak..."

As she spoke, she looked at Qin Su and sighed, "Seeing Zhao Longshan's fate, you now understand why Zhao Longshan and I advised you not to participate in the fighting, right?"

"But I'd rather try this martial arts competition," Qin Su said with a smile.

Jinsha sighed and said to Qin Su, "Even though Zhao Longshan was beaten so badly, it didn't make you back down. It seems we really can't stop you."

Her expression turned serious as she spoke: "Then you must remember, if you encounter an invincible opponent, you must admit defeat immediately. Don't suffer for the sake of saving face. You must know, this is a martial arts competition; saving face will get you killed."

Jinsha thought to herself that once Qin Su went up and experienced the intensity of the martial arts competition, he would definitely understand her good intentions.

She won't need to say anything more; he'll calm down and develop his skills discreetly.

After all, based on what she knew of Qin Su's strength, Qin Su probably wouldn't even make it into the top 10,000. If he were to win a single match after stepping onto the fighting stage, he would be lucky.

Qin Su said, "Don't worry, they're the ones who should admit defeat. Especially that Huang Long. If I run into him, I'll humiliate him the same way he humiliated Brother Zhao, and I'll repay him a hundredfold. In the martial arts arena, strength is king. He can only swallow his pride and suffer in silence."

Jinsha remained silent.

He sighed repeatedly, wondering if Qin Su had been too confident in her smooth sailing journey.

Such confidence is bordering on arrogance! She even dared to say she wanted to humiliate Huanglong. Sigh, even she couldn't do that, yet Qin Su dared to dream of it.

Of course, Jinsha didn't continue to say anything negative about Qin Su, because under these circumstances, saying more would be pointless. Qin Su was clearly too arrogant, so the only option was to let the martial artists in the arena knock him out of his wits.

"Next match, on Arena Seven, newcomer Qin Su will face off against Yang He, ranked 23,000th!"

Before long, the host's voice rang out.

"come on."

Jinsha encouraged Qin Su.

"careful."

Upon waking up, Zhao Longshan, his face pale, gave Qin Su his instructions.

Qin Suchong and the others nodded, with slight smiles on their faces, and slowly walked onto the fighting stage under everyone's watchful eyes.

His appearance caused a stir in the fighting arena.

"I know him. He's the top young talent in Xinghan City, and also a disciple of Elder Lü from the General Affairs Department!"

"Holy crap, how long has he been a member of our Starry Sky City? He's already participating in martial arts battles? Is he crazy?"

"I heard he's only eighteen years old, and only at the Martial General level. Unbelievable! He dares to come to the martial arts arena to participate in combat with that kind of strength? Is he just here to get himself killed?"

"Tsk tsk tsk. If this guy dies on the fighting stage, that'll be hilarious."

"So what if he's dead? He dared to look down on all those martial arts veterans just because he had some talent. He deserved to die. Besides, the fighting arena requires signing a life-or-death agreement. If he died, it's because he was simply outmatched. He can't blame anyone else but himself for being too weak!"

On the seventh fighting stage, Qin Su casually signed his name on the life-or-death agreement, then looked at his opponent in this fight, Yang He.

This was a middle-aged martial artist in his forties, whose aura was quite refined. At times, he gave Qin Su the feeling of a Martial Marquis, and at other times, he gave Qin Su the feeling of a high-ranking Martial General.

Qin Su had a vague realization: it seemed this martial artist was just one step away from breaking through to the Martial Marquis level.

Noticing Qin Su scrutinizing him, Yang He looked at Qin Su seriously after signing the life-or-death agreement and said, "Young man, you have a bright future ahead of you. You really shouldn't be participating in martial arts. Even if you were to participate, you should do so after a few years of reflection."

Qin Su smiled upon hearing this and casually replied, "I'm just here to broaden my horizons."

Yang He shook his head: "The martial arts arena is a place where life and death are at stake, not a place to broaden one's horizons. I won't go easy on you just because you have a high status in Xinghan City."

Qin Su hummed in agreement and said nonchalantly, "Yes, please do your best."

Yang He gave Qin Su a deep look: "Young man, don't be too arrogant. As for this fight, consider it a profound lesson I'm giving you."

Qin Su smiled, neither confirming nor denying.

Is he just one step away from becoming a high-ranking military general, and then a marquis?

With this level of strength, he probably won't learn a lesson.

The two stood on either side of the fighting platform.

Yang He stood there intently, constantly mobilizing the vital energy within his body, his aura rising steadily.

But Qin Su was different. She simply put her hands in her pockets, didn't even glance at Yang He, and stood casually on the fighting platform.

This disregard for his opponent caused Yang He's eyes to narrow slightly, revealing a dangerous glint.

"The fighting begins!"

With a loud shout from the referee.

Yang He's eyes flashed with a fierce light, and he burst forth with a roar, his long saber gleaming, sweeping across the entire fighting arena, aiming straight for Qin Su's head.