C12 Please Enter the Arena

As Chu Feng ascended the stage, all eyes instantly fixed on him. Dressed in regal attire, there was no doubt that Chu Feng sparked anticipation for what was to come.

"Even though I'm not sure which prince he is, with the royal family stepping in, it looks like the guy with five straight wins is about to hit a streak of bad luck," a middle-aged man in a gray robe mused as he intently watched Chu Feng.

In every Ralens Tournament, the royals consistently showcased their remarkable prowess, securing impressive results year after year.

"Haha, brother, you're not seeing things clearly. The guy with the five wins in a row is sure to come out on top," confidently declared a man in his thirties standing beside the middle-aged man.

"That's impossible. We're talking about a member of the royal family here. I'm certain they will win," the middle-aged man retorted upon hearing his companion's prediction.

"How about we make a wager? Ten gold coins say if the royal wins, you owe me. If the royal loses, I'll pay you. Deal?" he proposed.

"Alright, you're on," the other man agreed.

"Done!" they both exclaimed.

The onlookers nearby shook their heads, convinced that the middle-aged man was unaware of the true identity of the newcomer on stage.

The royals were known for their formidable strength, each a standout in their own right. However, the one who had stepped forward was Chu Feng, who had only recently unlocked the All-Seeing Eye after fifteen years, and just a few months ago at that!

Having only activated his All-Seeing Eye for a brief period, he was likely around the second level of the Initial Transcendent state. Could he truly overcome a seasoned fifth-level Initial Transcendent champion?

"Excuse me, may I know who you are?" asked the young champion, visibly taken aback upon Chu Feng's arrival.

The strength of the royals was not to be underestimated, as he well knew.

"Chu Feng," came the calm reply.

"Prince Chu Feng... Prince Chu Feng?!" The young man repeated the name under his breath, his expression swiftly turning to one of astonishment as he looked up.

"Are you Prince Chu Feng, the one who recently awakened his All-Seeing Eye a few months back?" The young man seemed incredulous. He had heard rumors about the Duke of Ralens' worthless son, who had only managed to open his All-Seeing Eye at sixteen. He hadn't expected to actually encounter him today.

"Indeed, is there an issue?" Chu Feng asked, his brow furrowed.

He disliked being looked upon as if he were garbage.

"Cough, cough. My Prince, I recommend you step down. I... I'd rather not engage in combat with you."

The youth hesitated before speaking, glancing over at the Duke of Ralens as he did so.

It was common knowledge that Prince Chu Feng was considered inept. His martial prowess was undoubtedly weak, having only recently awakened his All-Seeing Eye. If he were to accidentally harm him, it might be overlooked by the Duke of Ralens, but if not, the repercussions could be severe.

"Oh? I'm quite curious to hear why you think I should step down," Chu Feng responded, grasping the young man's implication and asking with a look that suggested deeper understanding.

"Your Highness, your status is esteemed. I would regret it if you were to be injured," the young man replied, maintaining eye contact with Chu Feng.

"Haha, to injure Prince Chu Feng..."

"This fellow is rather clever."

"There's going to be some drama. It's hard to say whether Prince Chu Feng will step down or not. Stepping down might disgrace the royal family, but staying could lead to a more direct embarrassment."

The crowd murmured amongst themselves, intrigued by the exchange.

"Father, should we have Chu Feng withdraw? I've heard he only awakened his All-Seeing Eye recently. If he's defeated..."

A man in a python robe, standing next to the Duke of Ralens, posed the question with a concerned tone.

The man, in his early twenties, stood tall and handsome, exuding an air of integrity. His features bore a subtle resemblance to the Duke of Ralens.

"Xiao, your concern for your brother warms my heart. However, I believe we should let Chu Feng have this trial. The path of martial arts is never without its challenges..."

Upon hearing Chu Xiao's remarks, the Duke of Ralens responded with a look of tender affection. Of all his sons, the Duke cherished Chu Xiao the most. Unlike his brothers Chu Lang and Chu Tian, Chu Xiao was always hardworking and sincere, never engaging in conflicts with others. Moreover, Chu Feng respected him despite his inability to wield the All-Seeing Eye.

What truly impressed the Duke was that at the tender age of twenty, Chu Xiao had already attained the rank of an Eternal Green, earning him considerable esteem.

As the Duke of Ralens spoke, Chu Xiao glanced at the arena, opened his mouth to speak, but then chose to remain silent.

"I'm eager to see the true capabilities of someone who aspires to be the foremost among the Initial Transcendents," the Duke of Ralens mused internally as he observed Chu Feng.

"Injure me? I highly doubt that," Chu Feng replied with a confident smile.

"This... Prince Chu Feng, I truly have your best interests at heart..."

"Enough talk. Let's get started," Chu Feng said, cutting off his opponent and assuming a stance ready to engage.

"Very well, if Prince Chu Feng is set on a battle, then pay close attention!" The youth bellowed and charged at Chu Feng with incredible speed. As he neared, he unleashed a punch, and even before his fist could make contact, the distinctive sound of Voidfist sliced through the air.

"Voidfist!" the crowd gasped in awe. The young warrior had managed to secure five consecutive victories on the strength of his top-grade Mystic Ascension skill, Voidfist!

Voidfist was a formidable technique; a direct hit could result in grave injury, or even instant death if it struck a critical spot.

"He's going straight for his signature move; it looks like he's intent on taking down Prince Chu Feng with a single punch," someone remarked.

"Yes, but... what's happening?!" the words were barely out before a collective gasp of surprise rippled through the onlookers.

Chu Feng, facing the ferocious Voidfist, didn't attempt to evade. Instead, he advanced towards it. To the astonishment of all, he too readied his fist, prepared to meet force with force in a direct confrontation.

Chu Feng not only evaded the attack but also countered it with force. To the young man's dismay, he spotted a look of disdain in Chu Feng's eyes.

He didn't see me as a threat!

That was the young man's immediate thought.

With that realization, he intensified his Shadow Power, and his fist surged towards Chu Feng's with increased speed.

In a flash, as the crowd watched, the young man's fist collided violently with Chu Feng's.

Feeling Chu Feng's punch, the young man smirked. Chu Feng was clearly someone who had recently unlocked the All-Seeing Eye—too inexperienced!

But suddenly, the young man's smile vanished.

"Thump!"

A dull thud echoed as the young man hit the ground hard.

"Ah! My hand!"

A scream erupted from the arena as the young man's fist was gruesomely mangled. He writhed and howled in pain, clutching his injured hand.

"Your Voidfist packs a punch, but it lacks a commanding presence."

"Hmm, next."

Chu Feng glanced at the young man still screaming in agony and slowly lifted his head.

"My goodness..."

"What have I just witnessed?!"

"Is that... Prince Chu Feng?"

"Incredibly fierce..."

"Unbelievably strong!"

The crowd, after a moment of stunned silence, erupted into a frenzy. No one had expected the so-called weakling to knock down his opponent with a single punch!

The Duke of Ralen, watching from a distance, paused briefly in shock before his gaze fixed on the arena.

He had been curious about Prince Chu Feng's abilities. Today, it seemed, he was truly different.

"He certainly has some skill, haha."

Chu Lang, observing from afar, watched Chu Feng in the arena and commented icily.

"Remember what I said. Defeat him!"

Xiahou Jiao, standing next to Chu Lang, was visibly astonished. She quickly turned to the man beside Chu Lang and instructed.

"Hold on!"

Chu Lang, noticing his companion about to step into the arena, interjected sharply.

"Cripple him."

With narrowed eyes, Chu Lang's gaze locked onto Chu Feng.

The man, momentarily taken aback by Chu Lang's command, then proceeded towards the arena.