The New Heroes Gathering began.
Most of those who appeared in the opening matches were young cultivators at the third or fourth limit break, future pillars nurtured by medium- and large-sized factions. Their techniques were all orderly and disciplined, but hardly dazzling.
Several bouts passed, each stopping short of serious injury, and the atmosphere gradually warmed.
Soon, very soon, Lin Sheng's name was called.
After all, his publicly known cultivation was only at the second limit break. If he wanted to improve his ranking, he still had to take the stage himself.
"Match seven, Zhou Qi of the Alchemist Alliance versus Lin Sheng of Quiet Thunder Courtyard!"
As the referee's voice fell, whispers immediately rose from the stands.
"Lin Sheng? The Council Speaker's disciple who defeated Shen Tuo?"
"I heard he's only in the Erosion Martial Second Realm, right? And he dares come to the New Heroes Gathering?"
"He's up against Zhou Qi of the Alchemist Alliance. I hear he's practically on the verge of the fourth limit break, a fair bit stronger than Shen Tuo. His poison techniques are impossible to guard against. Now we're in for a show."
Lin Sheng flickered forward and landed steadily in the arena.
Opposite him stood a young man in blue-green robes, his face slightly pale, a medicine pouch hanging at his waist. It was Zhou Qi, who cupped his hands. "Brother Lin, I've long heard of your reputation. Please enlighten me."
Before he finished speaking, he flicked his fingertips. Several streams of dark green poisonous smoke swept forward, making the air sizzle wherever they passed, their corrosive power immense.
Lin Sheng remained calm, neither dodging nor evading.
The instant the poisonous smoke reached him, a bloody gleam flashed around his body as his Flesh Rule began circulating. The oncoming smoke seemed to