48 The Three Trials 3 (1/2)

The following day, Ming Yue woke up, brimming with energy. In fact, she felt even stronger than before, sensing that she was close to breaking through. Those trials had truly pushed her beyond, bringing out much of her latent potential.

After studying the state of her body, she left the inn and arrived to the arena quite early. The second day of the tournament had yet to start but many people were seated and waiting. Furthermore, many of the remaining participants were already on the arena, claiming a space to sit. Following their behavior, she found a empty spot in the farther end of the arena and sat down.

”Ming Yue! Its so great to see you here!” a cheerful voice entered her ears.

She looked up, finding Yu Yao Xian standing in front of her. She had a happy look on her face and seemed have recovered from yesterday's ordeals. In addition, Ming Yue sensed that her strength had vastly improved.

”It's good to see you too”, she said with an amiable tone.

”I should thank you for before. If it wasn't for your help, I would not be here right now. I'll tell you everything that happened later, looks like the announcer is coming out”, Yao Xian then looked up with Ming Yue and waited for the announcer to officialy begin the third trial.

Ming Yue felt content knowing that she and her brother were doing well. Especially now that they met in the tournament, she had been wanting to speak with her since seeing her in the second trial. Then she remembered seeing Fei Xian, Elder Fei's nephew during the second trial as well. She looked around but could not find him, guess that he did not pass the trial.

This little exchange between the two did not go unnoticed. After all, Yu Yao Xian was the representative of the Yu Family and she had come from a branch family. With such a background, she had many eyes on her. Many onlookers as well as those in the arena looked at Ming Yue, curious as to who she was to have such a friendly relationship. But it was pushed to the back of their minds, as the announcer made herself known.

”Welcome to the Youth Dragon Tournament, the third trial will commence immediately!” she said, ”This one is going to be a bit unique. In order to qualify for the second half of the tournament, you will all be fighting this rank 4, Thunderhide Ape, together.”

Everyone was slightly confused, 400 young geniuses would make this fight rather one sided, even if it was rank 4. Exactly how could this be even considered a challenge?

But the announcer did not stop there, ”This ape is no normal ape but the pet of the head administrator of the Jade Dragon Pavilion and the Emperor's sworn brother, Lord Tang Guang. As his pet and partner, this Thunderhide Ape is quite formidable. Those who are knocked out by him are immediately disqualified, you are to work together to defeat him. Good luck!”

After speaking, a giant golden ape entered the arena. Small amounts of electricity discharged as he walked up to the small figures, standing at almost two stories tall. It stared at them and roared with enough power to stun several of them.

Almost immediately, it charged forth, crashing into the crowd and pummeling its lightning clad fists at them. Not even ten seconds have passed and already there were losses.

”Everyone evade him! We can't beat the ape in a direct fight!” Yu Yao Xian screamed out, warning everyone to avoid the Thunderhide Ape.

Many did as she told, understanding that blindly attacking it would not end well. However there were those who didn't listen.

”What should we be afraid of?! It's just one giant monkey and there are several hundred of us. Let's just attack it all at once”, the arrogant voice of Young Master Shao spoke out.

His confident demeanor had convinced some to join him and charged towards the ape. However, this small group started to feel fearful as the Thunderhide Ape grinned from their actions, as if they were just a meal running to him. They did not know what to do and turned to look for Young Master Shao only to see him dashing away.

”Idiots! Did you think I really wanted to attack a Rank 4 beast directly?” he ridiculed them before leaving the scene, ”I have to thin out the competition after all.”