After the banquet ended, the list of Saint Kings who had signed up for the sparring matches was released.
When Granny projected the list, everyone was somewhat surprised, because neither Gu Ding's name nor Kou De's, who had emerged from the Path of the King last, was on it.
Many people had signed up specifically for Gu Ding and Kou De. Several Saint King Level powerhouses had appeared in the Gu Ding Pirate Crew, so defeating Gu Ding would be enough to prove that one was stronger than the other Saint Kings of the Gu Ding Pirate Crew. As for Kou De, he might have completed the Path of the King. Defeating him would likewise prove one was stronger than someone who had completed the Path of the King.
After seeing the list, even Monarch Celestine could not help asking, "Why hasn't the captain of the Judgement Pirate Crew signed up?"
Hearing that, Kou De rose to his feet and bowed toward the Monarch. "I only emerged from the Path of the King a few days ago, and I haven't had time to readjust my physical condition. I also haven't sorted through the Saint King inheritance in my mind. So I asked Soya to participate in this sparring tournament in my place."
The Monarch nodded, then turned his gaze toward Gu Ding.
"Then why hasn't the captain of the Gu Ding Pirate Crew signed up?"
Gu Ding froze for a moment. He increasingly felt that he had become Celestine's target. Still, he stood up, nodded to the Monarch, and said, "I've gained some insights lately and have been constantly working them out in my mind. If not for the Monarch's Grand Banquet, I would probably have already entered seclusion. It isn't convenient for me to fight."
"Then... the young man