In the plaza, everyone including the emperor had black lines on their faces as they watched the big screen.
Setting aside the poisonous traps at the eight exits, even some of the stronger contestants were secretly taking advantage of the chaos to steal kills and boost their scores.
After only half an hour, fewer than fifty of the nearly three hundred young elite soul masters were left. The grand final that was supposed to be magnificent was about to end in this ridiculous way.
Inside the hunting grounds, many hungry soul beasts waited quietly, but no humans appeared,only the occasional scream echoed through the forest.
For the soul beasts, this year's tournament was unusually easy. They could go home safely without being beaten by soul masters.
As for the soul masters who had just escaped the poison mist, they hadn't gotten far before being ambushed again.
Near one of the exits guarded by Ma Hongjun, several capable soul masters had just sighed in relief and were trying to find a way to relieve the burning, itching, and blisters caused by the poison when a massive fire phoenix streaked across the sky.
The phoenix cried out, and under the power of the Bathing Fire Phoenix, a Phoenix Meteor Shower rained down, engulfing them.
Their faces turned pale. They had just escaped a tiger's den only to run into another predator.
Facing Ma Hongjun, who was attacking with full power while they were still weakened by the poison, it was impressive they could even muster half their strength.
Screams echoed.
With just one move, Ma Hongjun wiped out all the remaining soul masters at that exit and then sped off toward the others.
After he left, the referee speechlessly carried away the unconscious competitors.
One referee muttered, "I swear, I saw him set those traps with my own eyes. I should've known something was off when he hid in the woods. Who would've thought a prodigy like him would use such underhanded tricks!"
Another referee shook his head. "I think it's fine. Not only can we rest earlier, but it also shows his unconventional thinking. Only geniuses like that have what it takes to grow and become true powerhouses."
Hearing them ramble, the assistant referee barked, "Stop talking and get to work. If you delay treatment for these young geniuses, you'll be the ones getting punished."
The same scene played out at other exits.
Nine people guarded eight exits. Zhao Lan and Li Sheng worked together, while the others acted separately.
They had no intention of teaming up to take enemies down one by one.
The tactics might have been ugly, but they still saw it as a valuable test of their own endurance.
And even if some competitors managed to escape the poison fog, the specially mixed toxins severely weakened them, reducing their threat.
Dai Mubai, Baili Chiyan, and Feng Qinglong performed much like Ma Hongjun,when any survivors appeared, they crushed them with overwhelming force.
Zhu Zhuqing turned into a dark shadow, slitting throats before her opponents could even react.
At this point, her role as an assassin was fully revealed.
At Long Wu's exit, a Nether White Tiger, a Blue Luan, and a Lion charged out. Seeing this, Long Wu silently fired a signal flare and quickly retreated.
He wasn't stupid,there was no way he could take them on alone. Calling for reinforcements was the best choice.
The three soul beasts noticed the flare and exchanged looks before charging toward his position.
Long Wu raised an eyebrow and ran for it.
Moments later, a fire phoenix streaked through the sky. Long Wu cast a shield on it and stopped nearby.
Seeing that Ma Hongjun had arrived alone, Davis grinned and launched an attack.
If they could take out Ma Hongjun, their chances of making the top ten would rise again.
Although they were also suffering from the poison, they had their Martial Soul Fusion Technique and both the second and third brothers were Soul Emperors at level 64,stronger than most.
Three against one, they still had the advantage.
But before they could celebrate, fiery red and azure figures arrived,Baili Chiyan and Feng Qinglong's teams.
Long Wu immediately shielded them.
Beside Feng Qinglong were Yun Yi, Gao Jin, and Gao Yuan.
Yun Yi's Emerald Demon Bird spirit excelled in speed, and the Gao brothers had a Martial Soul Fusion Technique strong enough to rival high-level Soul Sages, allowing them to escape the poison field with ease.
Sadly, their other teammates had been ambushed and eliminated. Without Feng Qinglong, Qing Yan and Qing Yu, who were mainly support types, couldn't protect themselves.
Even so, the Wind God Valley team had done well,especially with Feng Qinglong now having powerful allies.
Surrounded by so many, the Nether White Tiger was dumbfounded. Was there no justice left in the world?
But no one bothered talking. The Twin-Headed Gale Wolf appeared instantly and lunged at the White Tiger.
Feng Qinglong and Yun Yi surrounded the Blue Luan, while Ma Hongjun and Baili Chiyan targeted the Flame Lion.
After casting his shields, Long Wu slipped away to help Qin Qiong,their combined strength would double.
He wasn't needed here anymore.
Elsewhere, Li Sheng used his Heavenly Mechanism Lock to ambush a group of half-paralyzed, poisoned soul masters,it was effortless.
With Zhao Lan's support, he didn't even have to worry about exhausting his soul power. He simply tied them up and tossed them to the referees.
Even Xu Lin'er, who had the powerful Star Crown spirit that could block attributes, couldn't withstand the poison and sneak attacks. She fainted in frustration.
Who on earth would set such a vicious trap right at the exit? Just seeing the blisters on her skin made her nauseous,how could she still fight?
Time passed quickly. After another half hour, almost no one was left in the hunting field. Most participants hadn't even made it deep inside before being eliminated at the exits.
What was supposed to be a two-day, one-night competition ended in less than two hours. Only twelve people remained: seven from the Third Prince's team, one from the Divine Fire Sect, and four from Wind God Valley.
After some silence, Gao Jin and Gao Yuan voluntarily withdrew from the top-ten contest. With their captain and vice-captain advancing, they were satisfied.
If they pushed their luck, Ma Hongjun's group might eliminate them all together.
Hearing this, Feng Qinglong and Yun Yi patted their shoulders. "Don't worry. Once we're back at the sect, we'll make sure you're rewarded."
Ma Hongjun laughed. "In that case, there's no need to keep fighting."
The remaining contestants pulled out guidance compasses from their soul tools.
These compasses were the privilege of the top ten, each pointing to a special seat of honor.
Except for Jin Chen's, eight of the nine others overlapped, pairing off to share the thrones. Feng Qinglong and Yun Yi went together.
Watching the others leave, the Gao brothers turned into the Twin-Headed Gale Wolf and found a referee to eliminate themselves.
The scene on the big screen left the spectators uneasy. Apart from the teams that made the top ten, the rest of the senior officials were filled with indignation.
A final that should have been full of passion had ended in such a half-hearted way.
In the plaza, the ten finalists stood in a line on the platform. Emperor Dai Yutian's commanding voice rang out: "Your performance has exceeded my expectations. Since the start of the tournament, you have set another record,eliminating everyone in just two hours."
He said nothing negative,this too was a display of strength.
In fact, he was pleased. Only with young people like this could the empire truly flourish.
Talent was vital, but without the will to survive, it was meaningless.
The Third Prince's team having seven members in the top ten broke another record.
The rankings were announced: Ma Hongjun first, Dai Mubai second, Zhu Zhuqing third, Baili Chiyan eighth, Feng Qinglong ninth, and Yun Yi tenth.
Everyone received their awards before the crowd. Ma Hongjun even obtained a thirty-thousand-year spirit bone, and all the prizes were extremely generous.
After the ceremony, the group returned to Dai Mubai's mansion and finally relaxed.
With the tournament over, they could rest at last.
Davis had been completely crushed this time. From now on, Dai Mubai would have almost no rivals in court,he'd likely become the Crown Prince soon.
After a hearty meal, they sat in the courtyard drinking tea. Ma Hongjun took out the spirit bone he had received.
He handed it to Dai Mubai. "Mubai, this spirit bone suits you better."
Dai Mubai was surprised. "What are you saying? You contributed the most in the tournament. That reward is yours."
Ma Hongjun smiled. "Come on, don't be so polite. Once you absorb it, your strength will improve a lot. If you feel bad about it, just make it up to me with some good stuff once you're Crown Prince."
Dai Mubai laughed and accepted it.
After such intense fighting, everyone had gained a level. Dai Mubai was now level 65, and with the spirit bone, he'd grow even stronger.
Ma Hongjun, already level 68, would gain even more in the future.
They had also received special sausages from the Lingyu Couriers,the Overload Warp White Jade Sausage and the Bloodline Awakening Amber Sausage. Consuming them would further boost their power.
Oscar's sausages were truly extraordinary,powerful enough to benefit even top-tier geniuses like Ma Hongjun.
His body was already extremely strong. After eating the White Jade Sausage, once he broke through level 70, he could definitely absorb a hundred-thousand-year soul ring.
His seventh soul ring would come from the Ten-Headed Blazing Sun Serpent's core, originally prepared by Dugu Yan but later given to him since it didn't suit her attributes.
With it, his martial spirit could evolve into the Ten-Headed Fire Phoenix, taking his already top-tier spirit to a new level.
While everyone was discussing their rewards and titles, a guest arrived at the courtyard.
Baili Chiyan entered under the butler's guidance, walked up to Ma Hongjun, and said, "Boss."
He behaved like a loyal little brother, serving tea with practiced ease.
The others exchanged strange looks but said nothing.
A man who keeps his word deserves respect.
Besides, Ma Hongjun was so strong that losing to him was nothing to be ashamed of.
Even Dai Mubai, now level 65, might not beat Baili Chiyan in a duel,his fifth soul skill was that troublesome.
After all, no matter how strong your attacks are, they're useless if you can't hit your target.
Ma Hongjun glanced at him. "You talked it through with those old guys from your sect?"
Baili Chiyan shook his head. "They wouldn't listen. But I, Baili Chiyan, always keep my word. From today, for the next ten years, I'll follow your orders, Boss."
"If my family comes looking for me, I trust the Sword Sect behind you can make them back off."
Everyone gave him a thumbs-up. This guy was bold,truly fearless.
Ma Hongjun smiled. "Since you've made your decision, I'll naturally protect you. You're my brother now."
"Don't be so formal. Treat this place like your own home. Everyone here is your friend,including me."
Baili Chiyan nodded seriously, and the others introduced themselves.
The young sect heir truly seemed to have let go of his pride and status, content to act as a loyal little brother.
Meanwhile, in the Star Luo Grand Hotel, the guardians of the Divine Fire Sect looked at each other in disbelief. Their young sect master had vanished at dawn. They searched everywhere but found nothing.
Baili Chiling arrived holding a letter. "My brother's gone. He went to be Ma Hongjun's little brother!"
The guardians felt like the sky had fallen. They had come to make a name for their sect, and now their young master was gone.
Their sect would become the laughingstock of the continent.
How could they face the sect master after returning? They'd left with their young master, but now he'd pledged himself to another man.
Baili Chiling fumed. Her proud brother had actually gone off willingly to be someone else's follower?
Was reputation really that important? With enough strength, fame would follow naturally.
Although Ma Hongjun wasn't exactly unworthy, the thought of her brother serving him made her furious.
But since she couldn't beat Ma Hongjun herself, she clenched her fists and said to the elders, "Elder Huo, I plan to return to the sect and ask my grandfather to step in. We can't just let my brother serve someone else for ten years!"
Elder Huo's eyes brightened. "Good. Let's head back right away. Once the sect master intervenes, I'm sure Ma Hongjun will give us face."
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