This was the most spectacular and final opportunity for the major mercenary alliances to clash, drawing an unimaginable number of nobles and powerful figures to witness the confrontation between masters. Because of this influx, the city of "Xianyang" was now completely overflowing.

To prevent the various mercenary alliances from suffering a drop in standard due to continuous fighting, the competition temporarily adjusted the schedule, spacing out the duels to one match per day.

Today, Zhong Shenxiu and his team were set for their first match—the "Solo Competition"—with the doubles matches scheduled for the following day.

Even with the extended time interval, the audience's enthusiasm was undiminished; in fact, they strongly approved of the decision, reasoning that well-rested alliances would deliver a fiercer and more magnificent battle for their viewing pleasure!

Following tradition, there was an opening address before the matches, followed by an introduction to the day's events.

"Now, let us welcome the competing teams! First to enter is the 'Heavenly King Mercenary Alliance'!" As the announcer’s voice boomed, the venue immediately erupted into a frenzy.

"Heavenly King Mercenary Alliance, we support you!"

"You are the best!"

"I really want to join you!"

"..."

Screams were incessant, and many who idolized the "Heavenly King Mercenary Group" rose to their feet, some even waving their arms wildly, desperate to catch the attention of the Heavenly King members.

"Next up, the team entering is the 'Ten Clouds Drifting Mercenary Alliance'!" the announcer called out again.

The arena did not erupt; instead, a heavy silence descended. Those who had stood moments before quietly resumed their seats.

"Who are they? I've never heard of them?"

"I heard they were eliminated in the 'Elimination Rounds,' not very strong! Apparently, they only managed to complete a revival quest due to sheer luck..."

"So, they’re just a bunch of trash. Hmph, they actually think they can compete with the Heavenly King Mercenary Alliance? What a pipe dream!"

"I doubt this match will be exciting; the skill gap is simply too enormous. I estimate the members of the 'Ten Clouds Drifting Mercenary Alliance' will be instantly wiped out shortly after stepping onto the stage!"

"..."

Murmurs and sounds of derision rose and fell in waves.

Zhong Shenxiu listened to these discussions, the cold smile on his lips growing wider, while a sharp light ignited in his deep eyes.

. . . . . .

In a high-tier viewing box outside the arena, the occupants were exclusively the rich and powerful, often attended by servants.

When Zhong Shenxiu's team entered, the face of one servant visibly stiffened. He stared fixedly at one individual—Liss!—with an expression of sheer disbelief.

When Liss noticed and glanced in that direction, the servant hastily ducked behind his master, acting highly suspicious.

Due to the prevailing atmosphere in the venue, no one noticed his anomaly!

"The competition is about to begin; please have the participating members of both teams take the stage!" The announcer's voice rang out once more, finally silencing the audience chatter for a moment.

"Niuniu, you take this match. You need to defeat your opponent within ten seconds!" Zhong Shenxiu said with a smile, though the sight of his expression made the others secretly break out in a sweat.

Niuniu was visibly excited and nodded eagerly in agreement. This was her first time stepping onto the stage for a formal competition, and having received special permission from Zhong Shenxiu filled her with a powerful sense of responsibility. Furthermore, the dismissive murmurs from the crowd had genuinely displeased her; she had already planned out her countermove: This time, I will make you all look at the 'Ten Clouds Drifting Mercenary Alliance' with new eyes!

Her intention was noble enough, but woe betide her opponent!

As Niuniu walked onto the stage with steady steps, she immediately drew another wave of considerable commentary.

"Heavens, am I seeing things? They... they actually sent out a little girl to fight? That’s shameless!"

"I guess they know they have no hope of winning, so they sent a child out to avoid losing too badly. Truly utterly shameless!"

"I actually felt a bit of sympathy for the 'Ten Clouds Drifting Mercenary Alliance' before, but now I despise them!"

"..."

Winnar, seated in the audience as well, swept his gaze across these loudmouths with the look one reserves for idiots, thinking to himself: You fools don't know a thing! Is that just any child? Wait until you see what a 'monster' looks like!

He had witnessed Niuniu demonstrating her magic; it could absolutely be called "perverted" in its intensity. He was certain that the Niuniu he saw then hadn't even unleashed her true power. If this little one got serious, then...

Winnar suddenly shivered violently.

As for the "Heavenly King Mercenary Alliance," they were also startled when they saw Niuniu step onto the platform. This was a scenario they had never encountered. Whether they won or lost fighting a little girl, they would carry the stigma of bullying the young.

"Hmph, the opponent is truly despicable!" one member roared angrily.

Gwendolyn, however, quickly regained her composure. "That's not fair to say. In combat, there is no concept of despicable or not, and they haven't violated any competition rules. This is simply a tactic!"

"But they clearly think we won't dare strike a child!" the man grumbled again.

Gwendolyn smiled, ignoring him, and instead addressed the group: "In that case, which one of you is willing to fight this first match?"

At this question, everyone fell silent. Who would volunteer to face a little girl, risking being ridiculed mercilessly by everyone else?

"What, nobody wants to step up?" Gwendolyn surveyed them again. "If none of you are willing, then I suppose I will have to fight!"

This statement shocked them all, and several voices chimed in unison: "Commander, you cannot go!"

"Why shouldn't I go?" Gwendolyn smiled.

"You are our Commander! How can you stoop to an insignificant match like this? If you fight, outsiders will say the 'Heavenly King Mercenary Group' has no capable fighters left!"

"But if you won't fight, and you won't let me fight, are we just forfeiting the first match?" Gwendolyn pressed.

This question left them all speechless. Forfeiting would be far more humiliating than fighting!

"Commander, perhaps I should go!" a faint, thin voice arose, belonging to a slender man. His expression could best be described by the phrase, If I don't enter hell, who will?—it was terribly anxious.

"Bankro, well done! Sacrificing self for the greater good, we are all proud of you!" Another person clapped Bankro on the shoulder as he walked over.

Bankro: "..."

"Rest assured, brother, in tomorrow's matches, we will thoroughly teach those despicable opponents a lesson for you! Go on, don't worry!" another added.

Bankro: "I haven't died yet!"

"Brother, I won't say anything more, just remember not to go easy on them just because they’re children. Believe in yourself, you can do it!"

"..."

Listening to these utterly heartless remarks, Bankro instantly regretted his impulsive offer. These fellows were clearly enjoying his misfortune and mocking him! Not a single word of genuine comfort!

"Uncle Bankro, you don't need to go. I'll take the stage!" A slightly childlike voice sounded, transforming instantly into heavenly music in Bankro's ears.

"Yes! How could we forget the Young Master? This match is perfectly suited for the Young Master to fight!" Bankro’s face immediately lit up with a brilliant smile. "If the Young Master fights, no one can accuse us of bullying a child!"

"Mother, please let me fight!" Bishop said, his eyes fixed on Niuniu on the platform, brimming with fighting spirit.

Gwendolyn hesitated. Although her son's skills had reached a certain level, he was not yet ready for the grand stage. Her plan was to hone him for a few more years before entrusting him with major responsibilities. Would putting him out there now be too soon?

"Mother, don't worry, I will not bring shame to the 'Heavenly King Mercenary Group'!" Bishop declared, thumping his chest.

Gwendolyn looked at her son’s earnest expression and sighed internally. Very well, let him gain experience this one time; such opportunities were rare!

"You may go, but you must not injure her, do you understand?"

"Yes, I remember!" Upon receiving his mother's consent, Bishop rushed toward the platform, as if afraid Gwendolyn might change her mind.

. . . . . .

When Bishop stepped onto the field, the audience chatter instantly froze into silence.

They had never expected that the "Heavenly King Mercenary Alliance" would also field a child. This was completely unexpected!

"Who is this little boy?" This question began spreading rapidly through the stands.

Some well-informed spectators quickly supplied the definitive answer: "That is Gwendolyn's son; his name is Bishop!"

And just like that, the voices cheering for Bishop erupted like a volcanic explosion, unstoppable.

Bishop was currently sizing up Niuniu, unconcealed contempt evident in his eyes. In his mind, he was already planning: I must take her down within three moves!

As the saying goes, a tiger mother does not raise a dog son; Bishop, having received direct tutelage from his mother, was naturally several times stronger than his peers. However, he failed to realize that the opponent before him could not be measured by conventional standards!

Niuniu, too, was assessing Bishop. Despite her young age, she felt the malevolence emanating from his gaze. His superior attitude particularly irritated her, causing her own lips to pout involuntarily.

The nearby referee, while reciting the rules, wrestled internally with a conflict, realizing that neither competitor was paying attention to his words. Children, after all, behave like children—as soon as they step onto the stage, they lock horns!

The surrounding noise of the crowd remained boisterous, perhaps so loud that it drowned out the referee’s announcement that the match had officially begun.

But quickly, those mouths found they could no longer utter a sound, for Niuniu had already made her move!