Volume One: Intrigue in the Imperial Capital - The Showdown at the Summit (I)

A few days later, the explosive news spread throughout the capital.

The third stage of the clan competition, the round of 16 to 8.

The first match was between Haoyue Tartaglia and Liu Ye.

"Me and Haoyue? The first round? Are you kidding me!?" I couldn't help but yell.

"But this is all arranged by the machine, so you guys are just too lucky." Si Nan Yuan shrugged.

"But..."

"Isn't it fine?"

"Little Ying?"

"Since you really like her anyway, it's perfect that you're going up against her in the first match. You two big-breasted people can just keep fighting until you die, ba~kaba~ka!"

"... You really are jealous, aren't you?"

"Tell me, how many times have I told you I'm not jealous Xiao Ye big idiot!"

Is this forced tsundere behavior...? Oh well, as long as it's cute, that's fine.

"Let me explain first, the round of 16 to 8 is a little different from before. It will divide the contestants into groups of four, for a total of four groups. Each group will be randomly paired into two teams to fight, and two teams will advance," Si Nan Yuan said.

"Then what's the difference from before?"

"Those who make it to the round of 16 are all top players, and their strengths are often very similar. Ties happen frequently. If there is a tie, they will switch opponents with other players in the group and fight again."

"That road may have many..."

"And you need to be especially careful now."

"So it really is the Cleon Family?"

"That's right, you really made a big scene last time. They definitely see you as a thorn in their side and want to get rid of you as soon as possible. Even the Si Nan Family might not be able to provide you with the best protection, so the key is still you."

"I understand, I'll be careful."

"Hmph~ Hmph hmph hmph~ Hmph~♪"

In the dimly lit room, Haoyue hummed a tuneless song in a melodious voice while carefully wiping the sword in her hand. The sword was nearly four feet long, pure white, and when swung, it created white afterimages that resembled both moonlight and flying snow, making it incomparably beautiful.

This is Haoyue's personal weapon – "Snow Moon". As is well known, Haoyue is not the biological daughter of the Patriarch, Philip Tartaglia. It is said that when Philip found Haoyue abandoned at the gate of the mansion, this Snow Moon was placed next to the swaddling clothes.

As the head of the underworld, the Tartaglia Family was naturally adept at weapon appraisal. However, despite their best efforts, they were unable to determine the grade of Snow Moon it showed no spiritual energy whatsoever! After consulting numerous appraisal masters, they had to admit the truth— Snow Moon was a genuine, unranked weapon, essentially a worthless "Mortal Artifact."

Strangely, although it is Mortal Artifact, the Snow Moon is incredibly sturdy. After so many years of use, it has not even been scratched. Even when it collided head-on with a top-grade Treasure Artifact, it was not damaged in the slightest. This means that the Snow Moon, which has no special functions, has probably reached the level of Saint Artifact in terms of hardness alone!

Over time, the origin of the Snow Moon has become a great mystery.

"Haoyue, you seem to be in a good mood," said Bao Li, who was watching from the side.

Isn't that obvious?

"... Could it be because he's going to fight Liu Ye, and he's so excited?"

"Could there be any other reason?"

Faced with Bao Li's question, Haoyue unusually showed signs of "impatience".

"... Actually, the people above just made a request, um..." Bao Li hesitated for a moment, but still said it, "They want you to defeat her with an absolute advantage, preferably making her lose completely."

"..."

The humming stopped.

"Also, just in case, we were given these poisons," Bao Li carefully took out a few small bottles, "Just apply these to the sword, and it will..."

A flash of light streaked across the sky, shattering fragments of the poison bottle into countless pieces. The multicolored potion spilled onto the floor, sizzling and corroding the surface.

"I advise you not to come up with any bad ideas..." Haoyue turned her head, her eyes icy cold. "Anyone who dares to interfere with my fight with her will suffer a fate worse than death!"

Trembling all over, Bao Li hurriedly left the room. He knew he had just escaped with his life. The murderous aura emanating from Haoyue at that moment was stronger than ever before. He was truly blessed to have survived.

"The competition between Miss Haoyue and Miss Ye is about to begin. Aren't you going to watch, Young Master Feng?"

"I would indeed like to see the battle between my future wife and concubine, but not today. After all... I'll have them soon..."

Si Nan Feng sat with his legs crossed in a spacious hall, surrounded by several servants and a... long-haired man.

Si Nan Feng's crotch was bulging, the large male symbol actively proclaiming his existence—he hadn't touched a woman for a week.

This isn't because he's reformed; you see, the longer you endure, the stronger the sense of accomplishment you feel when you succeed.

"Is everything arranged, Gong Yan?"

"It's complete. We can move out at any time, just give the order," replied the long-haired man, Gong Yan.

"Very good!" Si Nan Feng was very satisfied. He stood up, desperately suppressing the burning desire in his lower abdomen, and turned his fiery gaze toward the arena.

"Liu Ye... you'll be mine soon! I've been saving up for a whole week for you... hahahahahaha!"

"Bright moon! Bright moon! Bright moon!"

"Liu Ye! Liu Ye! Liu Ye!"

The deafening cheers and shouts made my ears ring. Looking up, I saw the stands were packed to the brim. I have to admit, the allure of beautiful women is undeniable...

At the other end of the arena, Haoyue held a white longsword and smiled as she looked at me. Today, her cheongsam was embroidered with cloud and moon patterns, even more intricate and delicate than before.

I gripped the Charging Blade tightly, staring intently at her. Today, I was still wearing a black bodysuit that revealed my skin, but this one was embroidered with blood-red patterns, which suited me perfectly.

Are you two ready?

"Ready!"

"So, 3--"

To my surprise, I wasn't nervous at all when faced with such a grand occasion.

"2--"

I don't know when it started, but the ring, the referee, and the audience all disappeared from my sight.

"1--"

Now, in my field of vision, there is only Haoyue.

"Start!"