C18 Eighteen Strong!

The arena was supposed to have forty contenders remaining, but due to Lo Chen's ferocity in the eighth match, only thirty-six were left standing.

The Family Competition was designed to identify the most outstanding member among the younger generation of the family!

And now, the next phase was the arena battle!

"Arena battles, one-on-one, spread across three stages."

With that announcement, everyone gathered in front of Lo Wushuang, eagerly awaiting the signal to begin.

"The first match, Lo Ding versus Lo Yu!"

Upon hearing this, Lo Ding momentarily froze, his gaze towards Lo Wushuang tinged with reluctance.

Despite the previous free-for-all, it was clear to all that his energy reserves were the least depleted!

Lo Yu, on the other hand, had emerged victorious but at a significant cost to his strength!

It appeared that his father had interfered on his behalf!

With this in mind, Lo Ding gave Lo Wushuang a nod of acknowledgment.

Lo Wushuang's expression turned grim as she reviewed the matchup details in her hand.

"Lo Gaang, you...!"

She was far from foolish, often feigning ignorance, but the manipulated matchup details did not escape her notice.

"Patriarch, please... give Young Master Ding another chance."

Lo Wushuang let out a cold snort and returned to her seat, no longer inclined to announce the rest.

She had initially hoped for Lo Ding to face Lo Chen, so that at least Lo Ding would understand the gap between them.

But Lo Wushuang had not anticipated the presence of a traitor in her midst, aiding Lo Gaang.

"Enough!"

With a dismissive gesture, Lo Wushuang indicated that Lo Chen would not be participating in this round.

Lo Chen himself seemed unconcerned, simply closing his eyes to rest in his seat.

It was clear that such resilience was unique to him; anyone else might have already been overwhelmed.

Though Lo Chen had triumphed, his expenditure of energy was far from negligible.

Indeed, he had exerted himself more than anyone else there.

To put it metaphorically, if one's body were likened to a river, Lo Chen's recent efforts were akin to drawing forth the river's waters.

What happens next?

The river had run dry, and all that could be done was to wait for the rains and dew to grace the land.

Only with the descent of rain and dew could the river swell once more.

Of course, this is but one condition for the river's replenishment, and arguably the most crucial.

It's common knowledge that no one in their right mind would drain a river only to refill it with another!

At this moment, Lo Chen was essentially gathering water, or more accurately, recuperating.

"The effort must have taken quite a toll on you?"

Upon hearing this, Lo Chen's brow furrowed slightly. Opening his eyes, he saw his adoptive father, Lo Wushuang.

"Patriarch."

At those words, Lo Wushuang let out a soft sigh, his gaze filled with a complex mix of emotions.

"This medicine will help you recover."

With that, Lo Wushuang tossed a small bottle of pills to Lo Chen.

Lo Chen caught the bottle, his eyes reflecting a mix of emotions.

Refuse it?

Ha, only a fool would turn down something of value.

"Ding! Low-grade Qi Accumulation Pill. Forty percent impurities, seventy-two percent of the ingredients wasted."

Good grief, with seventy-two percent of the ingredients squandered, how incompetent must the alchemist be?

Naturally, Lo Chen kept this thought to himself and simply took out a pill with composure.

Despite the system's alert, the Qi Accumulation Pill was toxin-free!

As long as it wasn't poisonous, it was safe to consume!

Lo Chen inhaled deeply, feeling his strength nearly fully restored.

"Just as I thought!"

He clenched his fist, a look of satisfaction flashing in his eyes.

A burst of sonic booms emanated from Lo Chen's hand, signaling his return to peak condition.

"The next match, Lo Chen versus Lo..."

Lo Chen couldn't make out the opponent's name, but he was certain the guy was just a minor character!

If he suggested the fellow go get his boxed lunch early, he'd surely be thankful!

With that thought, a smile played at the corners of Lo Chen's mouth.

And the other, witnessing Lo Chen's solo battle against so many without being ousted, who would dare challenge him?

He calmly bowed to the Lo family elders, signaling his forfeiture.

"Number one, Lo Chen wins!"

The announcement left everyone slightly astonished.

Has Lo Chen really become a byword for danger?

Someone actually withdrew without a fight, an unprecedented event that unfolded right before their eyes today!

"Alas."

Lo Chen gazed at the Lo family disciple who surrendered and sighed, "He has truly lost the spirit of our Lo family."

The crowd's lips quivered at his words.

What could possibly make you so fearful? Others may not understand, but don't you?

Yet, everyone managed to bite back their comments.

After all, this was the man who single-handedly took on forty-nine opponents!

"Lo Chen, just look at what you've done to these Lo family disciples!"

Lo Chen glanced at Lo Wushuang with feigned innocence. "Clan Master, don't make false accusations. How have I frightened them?"

Lo Wushuang paused, momentarily at a loss for words.

He had to concede that Lo Chen was not wrong, but the fear was palpable.

And what's more, would conceding to me be so terrible?

Fortunately, Lo Wushuang kept these thoughts to himself. Had he voiced them, Lo Chen would likely have agreed without hesitation.

Then, with an exasperatingly smug attitude, he would retort to Lo Wushuang, "Yes, it would be fatal!"

It was well-known that Lo Chen was not one to back down.

Expect Lo Chen to yield?

Sure, but only if the sky were to fall; otherwise, it would mean the sun rising from the west!

"Lo Chen!"

At that, Lo Chen arched an eyebrow and gave Lo Wushuang a questioning look, as if to ask why he was being summoned.

Lo Wushuang, observing Lo Chen's nonchalant demeanor, felt a surge of irritation. She was tempted to slap him.

But she realized that Lo Chen's piercing gaze was fixed on her, warning that any attempt to strike would be met with swift retribution from his sword.

Upon witnessing the scene, Lo Wushuang broke into a radiant smile, though her eyes betrayed a hint of resignation.

"The stars are so bright tonight."

At her words, Lo Chen found himself at a loss for words.

Great, it's broad daylight, and you can't even come up with a decent fib.

Lo Wushuang, catching the speechless expression in Lo Chen's eyes, felt a surge of irritation.

"Hmph!"

With a cold huff, she decisively walked away from Lo Chen, as if spending another moment in his presence would shave years off her life!