The crowd was extremely disgruntled as they watched Master A. A large smile covered his face as he pocketed all the money he just made. He looked around at everyone staring daggers at him.
With a carefree smile. “You can of course get all your money back. Just find someone who can beat my disciple—” Tilting his head to the left with a side-eyed smirk “—I do wonder if any of your disciples can even beat mine.”
“Fuck off!”
There’s still a couple more days!”
“Yeah, there has to be someone who can beat this kid!”
The crowd became riled up as they began a witch hunt for strong kids. They had bet quite a bit on the girl. If she lost fairly then they wouldn’t be so enraged. But, the fight was forcibly stopped early. With their anger unable to be directed toward the girl. They could only direct it toward the ones who profited. Plus, who would dare to openly break Julchen City’s rules?
Kyoot Kint walked over to Raja Kint. “She was strong, do you think you really could beat her?”
Raja Kint opened his eyes. “Yeah, she’d be some trouble but I would win.”
Kyoot Kint chuckled. “Even such a talent known within such a large city isn’t even on your radar.”
“I’m not the only unknown talent. Exochos is also really strong. I’m not sure I’d beat him right now. And, if there are more like him. Then I need to increase my stage quickly.” Raja Kint sighed. “I realize it now but I’m already been pulled too deep into Master A’s plan.”
Kyoot Kint mumbled, “I never knew he was such a schemer.”
The two smiled with the rest of the day having no more challengers. Master A proclaimed that Raja Kint would only fight one more day. Although he loved how much they were able to make. He understood that Raja Kint needed to focus on cultivation as well.
The next day Raja Kint woke up, stretched and went to eat. Outside of their white building. Raja Kint found Kyoot Kint, Exochos Kint and Rhode Kint.
“Finally, let’s go check out this place,” said Rhode Kint with a beaming smile. “I asked around a lot yesterday and this is the best spot in the city.”
Rhode Kint led the group through the city. Soon reaching a black building. The four entered the building.
A young woman smiled. “Four for the first floor?”
Rhode Kint replied, “We would like the third floor.”
“I’ll need 300 low-grade ki stones per person.”
Rhode Kint grabbed her pouch, holding it above a large square box with a small hole up top. Low-grade ki stones began pouring out en masse. On the front of the box. Numbers began shooting up before reaching 1200. Returning the pouch to her hips the woman was a bit shocked.
Staying professional she slapped the box as the number reset to zero. The woman quickly waved over a middle-aged man. “Take these four to the third floor.”
The man simply nodded his head as the five walked to the stairs. They soon reached the third floor to find a few other kids up here in groups. It seemed that those with a bit more money to spend all came here. Raja Kint sat down at a table by a window. The four were given menus as the man left. Raja Kint looked through the menu a bit surprised by the prices. The entrance alone was 300 per person and now it seemed the food would easily surpass the entrance fee! He had a hunch for the four of them. This meal would likely cost multiple mid-grade ki stones.
The man soon returned as the four ordered. Raja Kint ordered a seasoned chunk of meat covered in a honey and berry sauce with veggies also covered in the sauce.
Kyoot Kint asked Rhode Kint. “Do you know how the competition works?”
“Yeah. There are two rounds to the competition. The first round is a huge arena. And there are usually huge back-to-back battles. The objective is to be one of the last few standing. Then, the second round is a 1 on 1 bracket.”
“What about us who use arrays? Are we at a disadvantage?” asked Kyoot Kint worriedly.
“Well, there are separate competitions for arrays, blacksmiths, pillmakers and any other paths. But, if you want the most eyes on you for the highest chance of being picked. You’ll go the martial route. Usually everyone goes the martial route. Plus, you can still compete in other areas if need be. I think you’ll be fine tho. You’re quite strong.”
Rhode Kint lightly smiled. “I’m sure brother is looking for a top spot in this tournament at the minimum. Although, this tournament is a bit different.”
“Why?” Kyoot Kint asked with slightly raised brows.
“That Fenix kid has already claimed the throne as the strongest of this generation. At least for those not already within the higher powers. So we’re all effectively fighting for second place.”
This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
Kyoot Kint smirked. “I’m not looking to compete with such a monster anyhow.”
“Samesies.” The two girls laughed.
Exochos Kint looked at Raja Kint. “Are you also aiming for number 1?”
“What other spot would fit me?”
“Good.”
The group soon received their food. With how good the food tasted, Raja Kint ordered more food. After the recent fighting this food was like a gift. When the bill came Raja Kint happily placed down mid-grade ki stones for everyone’s food.
After exiting the restaurant, Rhode Kint asked, “If everyone’s down. Let’s go do a bit of sightseeing.” She smirked toward Raja Kint. “Then we’ll see how crowded that stage of yours is.”
“Is it really that popular?”
“Yeah, everyone is talking about it.”
Raja Kint lightly shook his head. “Probably won’t be anyone challenging me. I’m down for sightseeing.”
The other two agreed and the four began a mini excursion through the city. They went to the tourist spots, taking in the culture of the city before making their way to the stage. When they arrived there was a big crowd already present.
Raja Kint took the lead, when he told everyone who he was. He was let through the crowd with no problem. Soon, the four reached the stage.
“Father?” Rhode Kint’s eyes widened.
King Kint, Empros Kint, Master A, and the Martial Master were all present. Along with another person who walked over with a smile and pinched his cheek. Raja Kint felt embarrassed as he walked to the group.
Kyoot Kint excitedly said, “I thought we wouldn’t see you until the competition.”
The Lerup Sect woman who taught the two during their stay. Turned and smiled. “Do you not want to see me?”
Kyoot Kint hurriedly waved her hands. “Of course I’m happy to see you. Just surprised.”
“You all can just refer to me as Senior Sister Lerup.” Her eyes glanced across the two siblings.
The siblings both greeted her as they reached the stage. Raja Kint’s cheek was released, along with the other three.
“Greetings seniors.”
King Kint lightly waved his hand, the four standing tall. Raja Kint looked toward Master A. “Any challengers?”
“Not so far. I wouldn’t believe if they don’t have at least one person step up today. That’s when we win a jackpot.”
Raja Kint walked onto the arena and sat down. Master A stood up and walked onto the arena to overlook the crowd.
He took a breath in before shouting. “Raja Kint is here.” The large crowd quieted down. “You have three hours to send someone up here. Or, we’ll pack up and be done. Also, every fight must have bets placed. No more free fights.” He surveyed the crowd before sitting down at his betting stand.
Raja Kint decided not to cultivate. He laid down on his side and closed his eyes. That food was seriously good. Raja Kint closed his eyes as the crowd stared at him.
“Is he sleeping?”
“He takes his generation as a joke?”
Some kids were shell-shocked as they became enraged.
“You won’t sleep for long bastard!”
“Someone will come knock you out of your dreams.”
The five adults next to the arena looked at Raja Kint with amusement. Exochos Kint had also laid down. While the two girls continued casually talking.
Martial Master said, “I quite like the boy’s temperament. This shows how calm he is.”
“Indeed," said King Kint. “Will anyone actually challenge him?”
The five exchanged glances. Nobody speaking, unsure if anyone actually would show up. Empros Kint looked out amongst the crowd. “Is there anyone stronger than that little girl?”
Martial Master replied, “I heard there were a few good seedlings here. She is quite an extraordinary one. Plus, even if someone stronger is here. Would they be willing to actually fight this out right before the tournament?”
Master A said, “True, she was forced to stop fighting so that she could stay in top condition.”
As people continued to wonder if someone would appear. Time peacefully passed for Raja Kint as he slept. After two and a half hours passed. A boy appeared.
He was average-looking with dark orange clothes. Behind him was a middle-aged man, also wearing dark orange.
Master A smiled, “You’re here to challenge my disciple?”
The young boy cupped his hands. “Junior is indeed here for the challenge.”
Master A turned his head to see Raja Kint still sleeping. He then turned his head to the crowd. “Alright, whoever wants to bet, come up now.” After a few moments, nobody moved.
A man spoke out. “I don’t want to waste my money on some random kid.”
“I recognize your origins. You come from the Timurid Clan. Your clan has enough strength to maintain its position. But you're not an exceptional clan.”
The dark orange-clothed man turned around. His eyes meeting the speaker. “This boy is a true talent of my clan. Nurtured in secret.” The man turned around, reaching into his pouch he took out a bag of mid-grade ki stones and slammed it in front of Master A.
Master A stared in amazement before quickly placing a bet on Raja Kint. Master A gestured for the boy to go to the stage. His eyes looking over the crowd. “Once they start fighting then nobody else can place bets.”
Some people quickly stepped forth placing a bet. Some threatened the boy that he’d better win. The boy finally stepped on the stage. Raja Kint still sleeping. The boy raised an eyebrow and walked toward Raja Kint.
Raja Kint’s eyes lightly fluttered. “Give me a sec.” He stretched like a cat as he slowly got up.
Raja Kint asked, “Stage?”
“Eight.”
“I’m good now,” says Raja Kint.