As the roars of the crowd rose higher and higher, they drove the atmosphere within the giant arena to its peak.
The air brimmed with frenzy and anticipation, as though a single spark could set everything ablaze.
"..."
King of Gale slowly rose from his throne, looking down at the boiling sea of people below, his heart filled with countless emotions.
By now, he had actually given up all hope of Asel winning.
All he wanted now was to use Ye Li's sun-at-noon reputation to maximize the profits from this competition.
As for the rumors spreading throughout the kingdom...
Even if the other party already knew they had been orchestrated by the royal family, surely he would not kill Asel over such a trivial matter beneath the gaze of countless spectators.
With that thought, King of Gale felt somewhat reassured.
He immediately straightened up, walked to the edge of the platform, and activated his cultivation. His deep voice rang across the entire arena:
"Everyone!"
The waves of sound subsided slightly as countless gazes focused on him.
"I hereby announce that the final match of this Gale Hegemony Competition—"
"Officially begins!"
"Please welcome both contestants to the stage!!"
As the king's words fell, rolling waves of cheers erupted across the venue once more!
The host, who had long been waiting at the edge of the arena, immediately took over in an exceptionally rousing tone:
"First!"
"Let us welcome with our warmest cheers the pride of our Gale Kingdom, the First Prince beloved by the people!"
"His Highness Asel!!"
At that moment, within the passage leading to the arena.
Asel took a deep breath and felt the warm medicinal power from the Secret Medicine he had taken in advance slowly spreading through his body. His heart settled slightly.
That tangible sensation of