The World Martial Arts Tournament Begins

"Since there are no more powerful opponents here, I think it's time for me to leave!" Ziye suddenly said.

At that, Lena's expression shifted, and her gaze wavered. Reluctantly, she said, "You're leaving? But you just defeated Asura. The Demon Realm needs a new ruler now."

"Perfect. You've helped me so much, so you can be the ruler of the Demon Realm!"

Ziye chuckled.

"Me?"

Lena pointed at herself. Though a hint of longing showed in her eyes, she lowered her head in embarrassment and said, "But I'm not one of the strongest in the Demon Realm. I'm sure plenty of people won't accept me!"

"Don't worry. I'll be here!"

Ziye reached out and gently patted her shoulder.

"You just need to boldly take your place as ruler of the Demon Realm. I'll deal with anyone who refuses to accept it!"

"If that's the case, then... all right."

Lena lightly pressed her lips together and nodded.

News of Asura's death quickly spread throughout the Demon Realm. Before half a day had passed, demons across the realm were already restless, and every powerful leader had gathered in Asura's former palace.

"Lena, you're saying this human kid defeated Lord Asura?"

"That's ridiculous. Do you think we're fools?"

"I bet you two secretly assassinated Lord Asura because you wanted the throne of the Demon Realm!"

Each demon beneath the throne had their own agenda. Their faces were full of disdain, as if they didn't take a word of it seriously.

"Believe it or not, I killed Asura! And now I declare Lena the new ruler of the Demon Realm!"

At that, all the demons beneath the throne burst out laughing, hurling insults one after another.

"Ridiculous! You want a watchdog to rule the Demon Realm? Do you think we have no one else?"

"Exactly! Besides, you're only human. What right do you have to interfere in the affairs of the Demon Realm?"

"What right? This right!"

Ziye sneered and sent out two whirling blades of energy. Two demons of considerable strength were instantly reduced to bloody mist.

The sight left the demons speechless with shock. The two dead demons hadn't been the strongest in the room, but they had been formidable in their own right. Yet they hadn't even been able to fight back against him. Terrified, the others stumbled several steps backward. They were beginning to believe that Ziye really had killed Asura!

"Does anyone have a problem with it now?"

Seeing the demons fall silent, Ziye nodded and continued, "Since no one objects, Lena will be the new ruler of the Demon Realm from this moment on!"

"But there are three rules you'll all have to follow. First, anyone who refuses to accept this or betrays us will be killed without mercy. Second, anyone who eats human flesh will be killed without mercy. Third, anyone who goes to the human world and harms innocent people will be killed without mercy!"

The demons below looked displeased. A few of the bolder ones immediately challenged him.

"Why? We're demons. Why can't we eat humans?"

"Exactly! Lord Asura never stopped us. What gives you the right?"

"That's right! Don't think you can push the people of the Demon Realm around!"

Before they could finish, Ziye casually swept his hand and sent out several whirling blades of energy, slaughtering the troublemakers. Then he continued coldly, "Anyone else have a problem? Step forward and show me how many of you in the Demon Realm have any backbone!"

"Since that's settled, I'll take your silence as agreement!"

At that, the demons beneath the throne remained silent, standing with their heads bowed and not daring to move!

With Ziye's help, Lena successfully took her place as ruler of the Demon Realm. To keep her safe, Ziye slaughtered all the demons who opposed her behind her back or had clashed with her in the past!

The Demon Realm was an awful place for humans to live, but to help Lena train, Ziye gladly stayed there for nearly a year. Over the course of that year, Lena's strength soared, surpassing Asura's even before his transformation!

A year later, Lena's standing in the Demon Realm had risen steadily, and her title as queen had become far more renowned than King Asura's had ever been. Having repaid her for saving his life, Ziye left the Demon Realm with a clear conscience!

After leaving the Demon Realm, Ziye returned to his room in Korin Tower. He looked around at the familiar surroundings, then headed outside.

"Ziye, I can't believe you actually made it back alive. You had me worried for several minutes!"

Korin looked surprised when he saw Ziye.

"Hmm, your ki feels quite different! Looks like you gained a lot in the Demon Realm!" Korin stroked his chin.

"Not bad. At least my strength has improved a lot," Ziye replied.

Two years flew by, and soon it was time for the second World Martial Arts Tournament!

After saying goodbye to Korin, Ziye flew straight toward Papaya Island, in the middle of the southern ocean. That's right—by then, Ziye had figured out how to fly on his own!

After flying for less than thirty minutes, Ziye finally arrived at the venue for the World Martial Arts Tournament. After the exciting matches at the last tournament, people from all over the country who loved a good spectacle had flocked to this one. The entire venue was packed!

"I wonder if Bulma and the others are here yet. I promised I'd visit her, but I broke my word. She'll probably give me an earful," Ziye muttered, scratching his head.

"Hey, Ziye! We're over here!"

A familiar voice rang out. Ziye turned, and sure enough, Krillin and the others were waving excitedly at him from a short distance away.

"Master Mutten, Krillin, Oolong! It's been a long time!" Ziye strode over and warmly greeted them all.

"Bulma, what's wrong?" Ziye asked awkwardly when he saw her standing silently to the side.

"Hmph."

Bulma shot Ziye a glare, pursed her lips, and turned her head away. "I wonder who promised to visit me. Three years have gone by, and I haven't even seen a glimpse of him."

"I'm sorry, Bulma! I've been busy training these past few years, so..." Ziye scratched his head and offered a rather feeble explanation.

"Enough. You don't need to explain! I guess you just don't care about me, do you?"

"Do you think I'm getting in the way of your training? Fine, I'll leave!"

With that, Bulma crossed her arms, ignored Ziye, and headed straight for the hotel they'd rented. As she walked, she muttered under her breath.

"Damn you! If you don't come and make it up to me, you're dead!"