890 Eight Seeded Fighters (1/2)

”Mr. Chen… how should we deal with these two idiots?” Liu Chunyi asked dutifully.

”Do whatever you want. I cannot be bothered.” Chen Xiaobei said uncaringly, shrugged and walked towards Xuanjian Faction. ”Remember I came to have fun today. Don't reveal my identity or no one will be brave enough to play with me anymore!”

”Y-y-yes! I will remember to do that! I will keep my mouth shut.”

Liu Chunyi nodded repeatedly.

”Master, who is that man?” the two guards asked in trepidation.

”He is actually a demi…” Liu Chunyi caught himself and scolded, ”Motherf*ckers! I had just promised Mr. Chen not to disclose his identity! Are you two trying to make me reveal the secret?”

”No no no… We wouldn't dare…”

The two guards shook their heads desperately. All the years they were in Xuanjian Faction, they had never seen Liu Chunyi fear an outsider like that before.

”Shut your mouths, the both of you and get your ass out of Xuanjian Faction!” Liu Chunyi bellowed, ”I want the both of you out of Mr. Chen's line of sight! Or I will make sure you meet your maker!”

”Yes… Yes master…”

Both the guards were shaking in their shoes. They hurried away without another word.

”I must hurry to see grandfather to make sure that God Chen's secret is safe with us!”

Liu Chunyi then took the shortcut to the arena.

At Xuanjian Faction.

Inside the arena.

It was early in the morning but the place was abuzz with fervent chatter. There were at least tens of thousands of people, including Xuanjian Faction's disciples, and people from Jianghu, present – all eagerly waiting, impatient for the competition to begin. The audience sat surrounding the training grounds where eight fighting arenas were set up to accommodate the overflowing number of contestants. With eight matches taking place concurrently, the elimination of the weaker competitors would be faster and more efficient.

North of the training ground was an elevated platform. On it was about a dozen rosewood yoke-back armchairs with matching side tables. And on each of them was a cup of fragrant tea and a platter of fruits. These seats are unquestionably reserved for big shots.

”Bro Bei! Why are you here?”

Just then, a guy in green traditional martial artist clothes ran over.

”Wu Jiechao?!”

Chen Xiaobei was taken aback for a moment.

He had made sure to inform those who knew him to not turn up.

As for this fool, Wu Jiechao with whom Chen Xiaobei was acquainted with; but he was not one of Chen Xiaobei's people and did not have any insider information so Chen Xiaobei did not need to worry about him divulging his identity.

”Bro Bei! It's been a while but you still remember me! It's such an honor!” Wu Jiechao said, grinning from ear to ear.

Chen Xiaobei beat around the bush and asked, ”When did you arrive?”

”I've been here for almost an hour!” Wu Jiechao said enthusiastically, ”Did you just arrive? Come with me. We'll see which arena you are assigned to!”

Chen Xiaobei nodded and followed behind Wu Jiechao to the staff area.

Chen Xiaobei was assigned to the arena no.3.

”Why is the arena set up like that?” Chen Xiaobei asked, curious.

”In this year's competition, there are 240 'average' contestants from all over the country.” Wu Jiechao explained. ”As you have seen there are eight arenas. That would mean that there would be thirty competitors in each arena. They will fight until there is only one preliminary winner left in each arena. The best eight will then compete in the semi-finals!”

”What? There are semi-finals?”