Time ticked down while Anmos waited, waited to get on stage. His only protection was that stage, and relief flooded into his body when Elder Apola waved for him to get on stage. The person previous decided to step down, meaning Anmos wouldn't have to face him.

Anmos stepped on stage, taking in a deep breath. Elder Apola glanced at him oddly, "What's wrong?"

"Long story." No point in explaining, it's more helpful to prepare himself for the challenges coming up.

"There he is! He's on the Battle Arena!" The library crowd arrived, shouting and pointing at Anmos. Anmos' icy gaze descended on each and every one of them, committing each face to memory. He clenched his fists, his brown eyes showing a shine dangerously close to Denom's own death glare. The switch flicked, and his countenance changed drastically.

"Treasure!? I don't have one! But if you think you can take it, come on this stage and face death!" His bellow roared throughout the entire crowd, arena, and stage. Everyone was quiet, looking at him with shock. Such arrogant words! Was he saying he's unrivaled at his level? That only those with the qualifications can take his treasure?

"A death sentence." Theo, elsewhere, muttered to himself.

Elder Apola became interested, stroking his stocky grey-haired beard. This interesting fellow again, eh?

"So whoever beats you can take your treasure! Good, good, second level isn't it? Spread the news, second level disciples are to gather here." The bushy-eyebrowed fifth level disciple called out. He pointed to a bulky second-level disciple and pointed at the stage, "You know what to do."

The earlier crowd watched with increasing interest, and as each of their fellow disciples informed them their own greed began to soar. A second level holding a Core Disciple treasure? Unacceptable!

"That's Polp! He's known for his huge size and pure strength, at low levels he's extremely tough to beat. Anmos has no chance!" Some were convinced in Anmos' failure.

"Are you insane? You mustn't have seen this boy's second fight. He utterly decimated his opponent, shrugged off a killer uppercut as if it was worthless. Polp? His chances aren't as high as you say." Others present when Anmos first fought argued.

But how did Polp feel? While he felt defeating such a scrawny kid wasn't a problem, he was worried about what happens once he gets the treasure. It was like trading spots with Anmos.

Nevertheless, he didn't have a choice. He decided to defeat Anmos, then throw the treasure to the fifth-level disciple, and leave the situation as quickly as possible. Maybe even curry favor.

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

Polp stepped onto the stage, pointing directly at Anmos, "Just hand over the treasure. I can't guarantee your safety, but at least you'll be out of this situation."

"Such confident words. Display it in your battle." Anmos switch had long ago been flicked, his signature "insanity" smile spreading on his face. It was a smile of a madman, a psychopath, one with no care of consequences. Even with Anmos' low cultivation, a hint of killing intent spread from his smile, attracting the deep gaze of Elder Apola.

"This is a grudge, so there has to be a bet placed onto it. The price depends on you two." Elder Apola looked between the two; he already knew who would win. The deranged smile from Anmos spoke the story of this fight - utter decimation. Perhaps even death.

"One mid-tier condensation pill." Anmos emotionlessly spoke out, rising shock against the crowd. What greed! Was he purposely trying to anger Polp? How could he show him mercy with such stakes?

"Fine." Polp hesitated for a second but then accepted. A mid-tier condensation pill is equivalent to ten low-quality ones. Since he could make such a prize, why not?

"Begin." Elder Apola stepped backward, allowing the two to fight.

Qi raced across Anmos' body, his smile widening even further - forming a shiny crescent moon on his face. His knee bent forward as he dug his foot into the arena floor, bursting forward at Polp with incredible speed.

Polp responded by lifting his arm - a tree trunk supported by wide shoulders. He seemed to be a body-lifter before he joined the sect, throwing his fist forward with the force of a wrecking ball. At this rate, Anmos would run straight into his fist!

At this point, the crowd thought it was over. He was heading directly into Polp's fist, collision was imminent. But they didn't expect Anmos to grab Polp's hand and swing it to the side - leaving Polp's entire chest open!

Polp's eyebrows knitted in concentration, his other fist flying forward in a jab aimed at Anmos' face! His muscles flexed, as he tried to make his jab even faster compared to his first punch.

And at that moment, Anmos knee's buckled! His bizarre smile everlasting, the jab flew above his head! He was in the exact same position his second opponent was in! Qi circulated to his calves, he skyrocketed up, his fist SLAMMING against Polp's bottom jaw, threatening to fracture it.

"Agh!" Polp's head flicked up into the air, blood rushing to his mouth. The searing pain was unbearable, so he angrily brought both his hands up and wrapped them together, preparing to bring them down like a sledgehammer! If it hit, it threatened to directly knock out Anmos, perhaps even cause a concussion with the impact on his skull.

But it was all stopped! Landing onto the ground after his uppercut, Anmos exploded forward one more time, this time tackling Polp's bare chest. This caused Polp's sledgehammer punch to slam against his back, the force can only be imagined! Yet Anmos' didn't care, tackling Polp to the ground. He wrapped his hands around Polp's neck and began squeezing harder and harder.

Polp frantically put his hands to his neck, trying to throw off Anmos' grip - but his grip was like steel! Struggling harder and harder, he threw futile punches at Anmos face - to no avail. His vision slowly became black, until he was knocked out.

Anmos finally let go, getting up from Polp's now unconscious body. His smile remained the same as before, he didn't even hesitate before looking at the next person in line - his next challenger. His death glare glued onto the challenger, he spread his arms out - welcoming him onto the stage.

The crowd was silent. It won't be easy to get this treasure.