Chapter 132: Esdeath's Martial Contest for a Bride
Inside this arena, there were ten ice-sculpted combat platforms, presumably fashioned by Esdeath on the spur of the moment. She herself had likely never expected so many people to sign up!
On the ten platforms, combatants were already locked in battle, trading blows and kicks in a flurry of motion.
Watching this scene, Qi felt a sudden, intense sense of déjà vu, followed by a moment of utter bewilderment. Good grief, this was far too similar to the "World Martial Arts Tournament" from Dragon Ball.
This wasn't a competition for the title of the world's strongest; it was just for a bit of money and a pair of scissor-type Teigu. Was such extravagance really necessary?
"Hmm? Is that...?" Amidst his confusion, Qi caught sight of a familiar figure. Since arriving in this world, the only people he could call familiar were the members of Night Raid, and the person in his line of sight was no exception.
"Why is Tatsumi here? Surely he isn't trying to earn money to send back to his village?" Qi muttered to himself.
...
"Hey, Brother Daniu, you're here too? I thought you had retired from the martial arts world?"
"You've got some nerve saying that to me. Didn't you, Brother Yunhe, also hang up your sword? I find it hard to believe a mere pittance of money and an unknown Teigu were enough to lure you out."
"Don't play coy, Brother Daniu. You only came out of retirement because you heard that secret rumor, didn't you?"
"It seems Brother Yunhe is here for the same reason. To think General Esdeath is using this tournament to select a suitor—such a grand event is not to be missed."
"Indeed. Even if we aren't chosen, witnessing so many experts competing on the same stage is a rare spectacle. This trip has been worth it."
...
Hearing the chatter of those nearby, cold sweat broke out on Qi's forehead. Why hadn't he heard such a rumor? The desire he had harbored to boldly seize the championship was instantly stifled in the cradle.
He hadn't realized Esdeath’s allure was so potent that it had drawn so many experts from across the Empire to the capital. So, this was Esdeath's marriage-recruitment tournament? Judging by the sign-up process and the state of the platforms, it seemed she hadn't anticipated this outcome either.
If the news had been leaked secretly, it couldn't have been Esdeath herself. Who could it be, and what was their objective?
Without a clear lead, Qi decided to stop overthinking it. He would cross that bridge when he came to it; his strength was enough that he had no reason to fear any schemes or plots.
"Contestant 998, please report to Arena 1 for your match. If you do not appear on stage within the time it takes to brew a cup of tea, you will be considered to have forfeited."
Wandering between the ten arenas, Qi vaguely heard the announcement. He hurriedly pushed through the crowd toward Arena 1. He had been so distracted he’d forgotten he was a participant himself.
"Haha! I suppose you were too intimidated by the reputation of 'Ghost Blade' to show your face? Referee, hurry up and declare my victory!" a giant man wielding a ghastly-looking cleaver roared with laughter.
"I'm here." Qi vaulted over the heads of the spectators and landed directly on the stage.
"Very well. Since both parties are present, the match begins." The referee quickly retreated from the platform. Several previous referees had been caught in the crossfire and severely injured for staying too close.
"Kid, I was just about to praise you for knowing your place. I didn't expect you to be so eager for death. I’ll make you regret stepping onto this stage." The giant sneered, raising his massive cleaver.
...
"Captain, I'm not sure who spread the rumor that you would be choosing a romantic partner from the tournament participants, but it has caused the number of sign-ups to increase dozens of times over," the blond, handsome member of the Jaegers reported to Esdeath.
"Hmm. I did have that thought, but since it's already out there, it doesn't matter. Besides, a larger crowd makes things more lively. It's much more interesting than watching small fry fight," Esdeath replied, sitting on the highest dais in the back. She watched the heated battles on the stages below with an excited smile.
"Should we find out who leaked the information and what their motives were?"
"While I enjoy the spectacle, I don't appreciate being used or kept in the dark. Go and investigate who dared to use me to stir up trouble!" Esdeath waved her hand dismissively.
"Yes, ma'am."
...
"Winner, number 998. Next, number 999 and number 1000, please take the stage."
Those who talk too much are destined to be defeated in seconds. Qi walked off the stage slowly. The surrounding crowd parted to clear a path for him.
No one had clearly seen what happened, but the giant had already collapsed to the ground. If he hadn't still been breathing, the referee would have assumed he was dead.
The afternoon matches continued until dinner time. The massive field of over five thousand participants had been whittled down to just ten.
Among these ten were Tatsumi and Qi; he didn't recognize any of the other eight.
They were a motley crew—tall and short, fat and thin, old and young. There was even a girl among them.
Qi couldn't help but inwardly scoff: *What is a bald old monk doing here? And that child—how old are you, twelve? As for the two women, I’m certain you’re only here for the money or the Teigu.*
Though they were a diverse group, their skills were top-tier. Tatsumi was arguably the weakest among them. Qi found himself growing interested in tomorrow's matches.
"Hahahaha! What a delightful afternoon. I never expected so many masters to join the tournament I hosted, especially since the great Master Martial Emperor has graced us with his presence," Esdeath said, laughing as she approached the group and stared at the old man.
"Hehe, General Esdeath is too kind. This old man was just traveling with his young apprentice when he heard of this grand tournament, so he brought the boy along to broaden his horizons," the only old man among the ten replied with a chuckle.
"Master Martial Emperor is too modest. In terms of pure physical combat, you are undeniably the best in the world. Would you be interested in joining my Jaegers and working for me?" Esdeath's smile was playful.
"This old man is already halfway to the grave; I lack the energy to serve the General. I am grateful for your repeated invitations, however," the old man declined.
"Master, is she the General Esdeath you mentioned, the strongest in the Empire?" the child beside the old man asked.
"What a sweet-talking child. Wave, announce the list of the ten finalists, then invite them to a lavish dinner. Tomorrow morning, they will compete on the outdoor arena." With that, Esdeath turned and walked away.
"Yes. The finalists for tomorrow are: Master Martial Emperor, Wukong, Tatsumi, Spike, Kaitian, Izo, Dorothea, Cosmina, Champ, and Hong Meiling. These are the participants for tomorrow morning. Please do not be late. Now, please follow me to the dining hall for a feast..."