Chapter 977: Chapter 419: Light Eagle Philin, White Sanctuary
Since many participants are prominent figures within their own Secret Martial World, they all took turns to step forward and draw their numbers.
With the host’s call and introduction.
Bai Xiao recognized many martial artists whose names he had only heard but never met.
For example, the Spirit King of the Star God Palace of the Star Shining Federation, surprisingly turned out to be a child. Standing at only about 1.4 meters, dressed in an ancient black garment. His youthful appearance bore an expression of authoritative age. It was unclear whether it was due to the cultivation technique or some peculiarity of his own.
Besides the Spirit King and Light Eagle.
He also saw other well-known figures like the Dusk Ghost and Holy Knight. The former was entirely shrouded in a large hooded black robe, only known for a tall and slender figure, their appearance, even gender, was indiscernible. A chilling aura, like the Netherworld itself, lingered around, akin to a venomous snake in the shadows.
The latter, clad in majestic and imposing armor, radiated divine majesty with a dazzling golden shine. His entire body was encased in the armor, and the faceguard obstructed all sight, only a deep and robust voice could be heard.
“The Martial Arts Competition has attracted peak experts from all over the world.”
“There are even some faces I’ve never seen before, people I’ve never heard of, exuding an aura very close to that of the Dusk Ghost, Holy Knight, and others…” Bai Xiao silently watched the stage, observing the whole process.
On the stage, the host spoke again.
“Tianxia Federation, Dragon Elephant Martial Arts Hall, Bai Xiao.”
It was his turn.
Bai Xiao stood up directly and walked up to the stage.
Then, he quickly drew his number.
“Number 11.”
He glanced at the number and turned to step off the stage.
However, at that moment, Bai Xiao inexplicably felt a vague sense of malice coming from the audience below.
It was the result of an extremely high level of spiritual will combined with the Heart Eye Secret Skill.
He instinctively turned his head to look.
That malice quickly vanished, as if it were merely an illusion.
“Lion King Kawei?”
Bai Xiao’s gaze swiftly swept over the front row, but he did not see Kawei’s towering golden figure. Logically, after the disastrous defeat a few days ago, Kawei should no longer be able to participate in the Martial Arts Competition, and indeed had not been seen just now. So, who was it that emitted that inexplicable malice just now?
As Bai Xiao walked down the stage, he scanned the front row of people.
Even after he sat back in his seat, he couldn’t find the source of the earlier malice. However, Bai Xiao did notice something interesting. Dead Sword Siger, whom he had talked with at the Knife Sharpening Tea Tasting Meeting a few days ago, was presently staring intently at Light Eagle Philin, his gaze firmly fixed on that impeccable, delicate profile, as though wanting to swallow it whole.
At first glance, one might think it was because Light Eagle Philin was too beautiful, and Dead Sword Siger was captivated by the charm. But upon closer observation, one could detect a deeply repressed hatred and anger in Siger’s eyes, as though there were an irreconcilable enmity. It seemed that the two might have had some entangled history.
Around ten o’clock in the morning.
After the draw concluded, so did the opening ceremony.
However, the Martial Arts Competition did not commence immediately afterward.
The audience, led by the staff, proceeded to a new viewing area. This time, the viewing area for the Martial Arts Competition was built on either side of the valley’s rocky walls. There were steps and cement platforms providing an overlook of the scene down in the valley plaza.
This arrangement primarily considered safety factors.
Establishing spectator seats directly around the plaza made it too easy to be accidentally injured by the aftermath of the competition matches. Especially later on, when peak faction masters fully engaged, the colossal movements could dismantle an entire block in a flash!
Even with referees and staff present, they could not ensure everyone’s safety.
Not to mention, the referees and staff couldn’t protect themselves either.
On the picturesque mountain wall platform to the right of Yunshan Valley.
Bai Xiao faintly smelled the sea; this section of the valley faced the sea, located at the very edge. To the right of the valley was a sparse forest, beyond which lay a beach, and then the endless ocean.
After taking in the scenery for a while.
By eleven o’clock in the morning, numerous participants and spectators left the Yunshan Valley and headed to a nearby resort along the road.
There, they enjoyed a lavish lunch.
Some even lounged idly on the distant beach, sunbathing or diving. In reality, that section of the beach was off-limits for ordinary people to swim because of shark pods and poisonous jellyfish near the coast. But for a group of Secret Martial Artists, how could they be afraid of such things? They thoroughly enjoyed their activities, with some even standing on sharks, indulging in the thrill of surfing.
After a period of carefree relaxation, it finally reached half-past twelve in the afternoon.
The time had come.
Many participants entered early, arriving in the modern building beside the battle plaza. It had an airport-like layout, with shining marble floors and a steel framework crisscrossing the dome. The wall facing the battle plaza was transparent tempered glass, allowing views of the combat scenes. The waiting hall contained rows of scattered seating.
Dozens of participants exuded formidable auras as they each took their seats.
Each seat had numbers and names posted on it.