Chapter 549: Lucky Haotian?

The next two matches were even faster. “The Emperor” used just two moves to seriously injure his two opponents, leaving them bleeding profusely and forcing them to leave the ring for treatment under the complex gazes of countless onlookers filled with awe and fear.
Three consecutive victories, won effortlessly, with such calmness and dominance!
Even Happy sensed a sense of confidence and the belief that he was the only one capable in this world.
“The Emperor”!
It was still the same “The Emperor” from his past life!
The only difference was that this lifetime’s “The Emperor” seemed much more assertive and confident, and more proactive!
“Is this guy even human?”
Even Silver Fox couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. It turned out that “The Emperor” had held back slightly during their duel—nothing could be more disheartening.
Happy didn’t reply; instead, he was lost in memories triggered by that powerful sword strike. That strike brought back so many memories, as if the world had suddenly returned to his past life. All kinds of information flooded back into his body with that strike.
From Silver Fox’s first-person perspective, “The Emperor’s” swordsmanship had seemed even more ferocious earlier—drawing a sword to kill was simply a habitual action, as if practiced countless times. Some other elements had been integrated into his moves, giving his swordsmanship a soulful, bone-chilling coldness.
“What on earth is it…”
Happy frowned deeply, his thoughts racing.
What made “The Emperor’s” swordsmanship faster than before?
As an experienced warrior, Happy didn’t think “The Emperor” had held back against Silver Fox. For a swordsman, there was only progress—faster, stronger—never holding back, as that would do no good to improving skills. Only by fighting without distractions could one fully unleash the power of their swordsmanship.
But!
If “The Emperor’s” swordsmanship had been like that yesterday, why did it seem faster and more powerful today? After all, “The Emperor” hadn’t left the Hero’s Villa during this time.
It was impossible for him to have improved just by watching the matches…
Happy’s gaze swept around “The Emperor” before settling on a disheveled swordsman sitting on the ground behind him, leaning against a shed. Though his clothes were tattered, his features were sharp like a sword blade, and his face was very delicate. Every move he made gave off a strange impression.
His lips moved, as if he was talking to someone.

Near that down-and-out swordsman, many people were focusing on “The Emperor.” Yet “The Emperor” kept his eyes slightly closed, his mind not on anyone else, though unconsciously he adopted an ear-pricked posture that went unnoticed.
Secret communication!
Seeing this, Happy finally understood.
So that’s how it is!
It seems that not just Happy was there to accept and complete tasks at the Heroes’ Villa.
……
“The Emperor’s actions created a strange atmosphere in the Dragon and Tiger Arena!”
Not only did players dare not step onto the stage easily, but even countless ordinary martial arts masters began to view these unknown young heroes with new respect.
……
Hours passed…
As the leaders of various sects began to take their turns on the stage, the intense battles lasted for a long time, and a even more oppressive atmosphere quickly spread across the Dragon and Tiger Arena. Those who had planned to sit back and watch became panicked!
It was then they realized that the martial arts conference was merely a part of the plot. As time went by and the deadline neared, those who would appear next would likely not be ordinary Wuyi Realm masters, but rather those at the peak of the Wuyi Realm, or even masters beyond it!
Mengyun, Xueyi, Zhou Yu, and the Monk with Thick Eyebrows from the First-Class Hall all looked extremely displeased.
They had been too focused on the second round of actions taken by the four people from the Mu family, not wanting to become their next targets, which is why they had delayed. Now it seemed…
They had ended up doing the opposite of what they intended. They hadn’t expected the martial arts conference to reach its climax so quickly.
“Give up,” Mengyun said resolutely. “There’s not much time left. Not only do we need to challenge them, but Mu family members like Lu Mingyue and ‘The Emperor’ will surely hurry to compete for the top three or top ten spots. Acting now will only give them an advantage. The chances of making it to the top three are slim, and the rewards for the top ten aren’t substantial. It’s better to give up.”
Except for Zhou Yu, who hesitated slightly, the Monk with Thick Eyebrows and Xueyi both nodded in agreement. The choices of professional players became clear at this moment.
“What should we do now? The Abbot Kongxiang of Shaolin is in charge of the eastern arena… Zhang Sanfeng of Wudang is in charge of the southern arena… Zhang Wuji of the Ming Sect is in charge of the northern arena… Zhou Zhiruo of Emei is guarding the western arena. It seems like only Zhou Zhiruo is at a disadvantage. Ah, never mind. I didn’t say anything.” Xiao Bei analyzed for a while, planning to urge everyone to break through from the west, but then he noticed Happy’s gaze and quickly averted his eyes, coughing as he swallowed his words back.
Happy shook his head helplessly and explained:

“If you have to choose between Zhou Zhiruo and someone else, I advise you to pick the Abbot of Shaolin as your opponent. Zhou Zhiruo practices the Nine Yin Manual. Although she hasn’t practiced for long, her rapid mastery of it gives her strength far greater than Xie Xun’s. Kong Xiang is at most on the same level as Xie Xun.”
After a pause, his voice suddenly became extremely serious: “In my opinion, you can give up on Zhang Sanfeng’s side and also on Zhang Wuji’s side. Between Zhou Zhiruo and Master Kong Xiang, Master Kong Xiang is easier to deal with—both in terms of strength and personality, he has some weaknesses.”
“…”
Though his words made sense, with the Abbot of Shaolin’s reputation at stake, Xiao Bei and Mo Mo were still extremely troubled and dared not take action.
…
Watching the rapid changes on the Dragon and Tiger Arena, “Haotian,” who had just lost narrowly, suddenly burst into wild laughter from the spectator seats: “Haha! Hahahahaha…”
“Told you to drag things out! Now you regret it, right? How do you plan to fight me now? I’m the only one with 4 points! Let’s see how you’ll compete with me for the title of the greatest hero in the martial world! Hahahahaha!” His previous despair vanished completely, replaced by wild enthusiasm.
Below the arena, no one rebuked “Haotian.”
“Nonsense.”
At that moment, a cold voice came from a secluded corner. “The Emperor” stepped onto the arena from the audience, under the gaze of everyone and the attention of countless online players.
Standing high above, with his back to the suddenly silent Haotian, he spoke indifferently, his voice echoing throughout the arena: “Being ranked behind someone as skillless as you will never bring me satisfaction in this life…”
“…Let’s fight again after I win two matches first!”
As soon as he finished speaking, a clear and confident reply came from the seats of the Murong family: “Haha! Great!!” A golden figure soared gracefully onto the arena, landing on the other side of the Dragon and Tiger Arena.