After their late-night duel concluded, Li Xiuwen and Mu Rong Jian agreed to use the few days remaining before the Underground Tournament to prepare and plan together. They spent most of their time at the inn, discussing each other's strengths and weaknesses, as well as analyzing potential opponents.
"The Underground Tournament is an open arena," Mu Rong Jian explained while sharpening his sword. "It's not just for sect disciples or mercenaries, but also people from various blacksmith sects with their own unique techniques. And most importantly, we must be wary of the Iron Demon Sect."
"The Iron Demon Sect?" Li Xiuwen said with interest. "Is there anything about this sect I should know?"
"This sect is famous for creating powerful and formidable weapons," Mu Rong Jian replied. "And their disciples are renowned for their madness in combat. They follow no rules, show no mercy, and will do whatever it takes to achieve victory."
Li Xiuwen nodded in understanding. What Mu Rong Jian said aligned perfectly with his own philosophy.
When the day of the Underground Tournament arrived, they both traveled to the arena set up in the wide plaza of Iron Mine City. The arena was not beautifully constructed, but was a massive pit dug into the ground. Grandstands built from stone and steel were lined up all around, and hundreds, even thousands, of people were cheering raucously.
When the two of them stepped into the arena, they saw hundreds of opponents standing on the battlefield. Each person had different weapons and armor. Some looked strong and formidable, while others looked terrifying and exuded a fierce killing intent.
"Welcome, everyone, to the Underground Tournament!" a man's voice boomed from the announcer's stand in the middle of the arena. He was a large man covered in tattoos. "For this first round… there are no rules, no exceptions! Only the last one standing will be the winner!"
As soon as the large man's voice ended, all the fighters began attacking each other without hesitation. The sound of weapons clashing echoed throughout the entire arena. Li Xiuwen and Mu Rong Jian did not immediately rush into the fray. Instead, they chose to retreat to the quietest corner.
"What's our plan?" Mu Rong Jian asked in a serious tone.
"We don't need to join in right away," Li Xiuwen replied with sharp eyes. "We will wait until most of the fighters have been eliminated, and then we'll make our move."
As they were watching the situation unfold, Li Xiuwen's gaze fell upon a man standing some distance away. He was a large man whose weapon was a colossal hammer. He used no clever techniques, but instead used all his strength to attack his opponents with a frenzied madness. The strongest fighter in this first round would surely be this man.
"That's Liu Ming, the chief disciple of the Iron Demon Sect," Mu Rong Jian whispered softly. "He is known for his immense strength and powerful weapon."
At the same time, Li Xiuwen's eyes caught sight of a young woman standing in a corner of the grandstands. She was dressed in all black, with a beautiful face but a terrifying smile. Her eyes watched the arena with interest, and in her hand was a small, glowing purple venomous needle.
"That's Hong Mei," Mu Rong Jian whispered. "She's a disciple from the Shadow Venom Sect and is known for her speed and deadly poison."
Li Xiuwen nodded in understanding. He knew well that their opponents in this round were not just ordinary fighters, but many with special abilities.
"It seems we are not in a very advantageous position," Mu Rong Jian said in a serious voice. "But we must get through this round to get the prize we want."
"I agree," Li Xiuwen replied with a cold smile.
"Since we can't avoid it… we must fight."
When most of the opponents had been eliminated, Li Xiuwen and Mu Rong Jian decided to make their move immediately. Mu Rong Jian gracefully drew his silver sword, while Li Xiuwen gathered Qi into his right hand.
"Are you ready, friend?" Mu Rong Jian said with a confident smile.
"Ready," Li Xiuwen replied in a voice that made Mu Rong Jian feel that they were not just teammates, but fighters who had to survive this arena together.