107: Chapter 17 Kana Hashimoto, Third Round

"Let them come!"

Yamashita Tetsuya glanced at them lightly, then said calmly.

The supernatural being beside him hurriedly left the palace to bring Yamamoto Musashi and the others.

"I'm sorry, Yamashita-kun. It's all my fault. I underestimated that guy from Xia Country!"

Soon, Yamamoto Musashi also arrived at the palace with the other members, coming to apologize to Yamashita Tetsuya.

"Yamashita-kun, this isn't Musashi's fault. That guy from Xia Country is truly terrifying. Not only does he possess an overbearing..."

A powerful figure from Sakura Country beside them quickly said to Yamashita Tetsuya.

Yamashita Tetsuya didn't speak, just quietly looked at the five new supernatural talents from Sakura Country below.

Besides Yamamoto Musashi, the other supernatural beings were also very strong, all top-tier fourth-rank, with three SS-rank and one S-rank.

"Musashi, how has your father been recently?"

After scanning them, Yamashita Tetsuya then looked at Yamamoto Musashi and continued.

"My father is well, Yamashita-kun. I'm sorry, I've let you down!"

Hearing Yamashita Tetsuya's words, the look of guilt on Yamamoto Musashi's face deepened.

He carried the hopes of Sakura Country to support Yamashita Tetsuya, but now he's been eliminated in the Selection Round.

"It's fine, Musashi-kun. Being eliminated might not be a bad thing!"

Yamashita Tetsuya then said slowly, his tone extremely gentle.

"Even if we can't participate in the World Martial Arts Competition and enter the Ancient Mystic Realm, it's already a huge help for our Sakura Country!"

"Yamashita-kun, what do you mean?"

Hearing this, Yamamoto Musashi's face was full of confusion.

The higher-ups of Sakura Country said that their biggest task upon entering the Ancient Mystic Realm was to assist in the World Martial Arts Competition.

"This Ancient Mystic Realm holds another world. I have a different mission for you all!"

Yamashita Tetsuya said to Yamamoto Musashi.

"Please command me freely, Yamashita-kun. I will spare no effort and will not refuse!"

Yamamoto Musashi quickly said in a deep voice, his tone extremely firm.

"Matsue, take Musashi-kun and the others to my meditation room and give the items to Musashi-kun!"

Yamashita Tetsuya said to a supernatural being beside him.

"Yes, Yamashita-kun!"

Matsue Tobu beside him hurriedly led Yamamoto Musashi away.

"You stay!"

At this moment, Yamashita Tetsuya said to one of the pure and stunningly beautiful young women.

The young woman wore a Sakura kimono, exuding purity and gentleness, making people feel an infinite desire to protect her.

"Yes, Yamashita-kun!"

The young woman quickly knelt in place and said respectfully.

"What is your name?"

Yamashita Tetsuya asked the young woman.

"Reporting to Yamashita-kun, Hashimoto Kana!"

Hashimoto Kana said in a soft voice.

"So, it's the Hashimoto family..."

Yamashita Tetsuya said slowly, his eyes filled with reminiscence.

"Are you willing to dedicate yourself for the future of our Sakura Country?"

"I am willing!"

Hashimoto Kana's voice was incredibly firm.

"Good. I have a different mission for you!"

...

In the martial artist's palace of Xia Country.

The palace was filled with shimmering lights and refreshing fragrances.

"I didn't expect you to actually advance!"

In the palace, Mu Qinghuang looked at Zhou Bai and the others entering, raised an eyebrow, and said with some surprise.

The other members of the World Martial Arts Competition in the palace were also quite surprised.

After all, before this, no one had held any expectations for them.

"Hmph, it's just a Selection Round. Passing it is a piece of cake!"

Xu Xiu snorted coldly and said with immense pride.

Qin Hao glanced at Xu Xiu, his eyes full of disdain.

This guy basically got carried in and still has the nerve to say that.

However, Qin Hao didn't expose him. Advancing made him quite happy too.

"Alright, stop arguing. Now we're all teammates!"

At this moment, Ye Wushang from above in the palace spoke up, saying slowly,

"Everyone, briefly introduce yourselves so we can get to know each other!"

"I'll go first. Ye Wushang, SSS-grade Talent, War God Body, sixth-rank martial artist!"

After Ye Wushang spoke, everyone stopped saying more and began introducing themselves.

"Mu Qinghuang, SS-rank Nirvana Sacred Flame, sixth-rank..."

"Wang Tianba, SS-rank Diamond Divine Strength, sixth-rank..."

"Gu Yu, SS-rank Wood Element, sixth-rank..."

"Liu Wen, SS-rank Sound Element, sixth-rank..."

Soon, everyone briefly introduced their basic information.

Zhou Bai and the others also briefly introduced themselves.

"The freshmen from Imperial Martial Arts University this year truly have terrifying talents. An SS-rank Space Element, an SS-rank Sword Element, and Ling Xiao with dual SS-rank and S-rank. But how did Student Zhou Bai, a dual S-rank Vocational College student, take the champion of the dawn battle from you..."

After learning about Zhou Bai and the others' talents, everyone's eyes were filled with astonishment.

Qin Hao, Ling Xiao, Chu Lingyan—any one of these three in previous years would have been the ultimate favorite to win.

Now, all defeated by Zhou Bai's hands, it truly surprised them.

Hearing Liu Wen's question, both Qin Hao and Ling Xiao's faces darkened, and they didn't answer.

Chu Lingyan naturally wouldn't offer any further explanation.

"Alright, Student Zhou Bai, as a Vocational College student, must have his exceptional qualities to win the champion of the dawn battle. There's no need to bring up the past. Let's focus on discussing this World Martial Arts Competition properly!"

Ye Wushang then said calmly.

Hearing this, everyone collected their thoughts, their expressions becoming solemn.

"This World Martial Arts Competition has two key aspects: team points and individual points!"

"The first and second stages of the first half of the World Martial Arts Competition have ended. Currently, our Xia Country ranks third in team points. For individual points, I rank second. First is M Country's Aaron Helens..."

"In the third stage of the latter half, which is the current stage, it's no longer just a contest of strength among us prodigies. It's more about exploring this Ancient Mystic Realm and hunting the ferocious beasts within!"

"Exploring the Ancient Mystic Realm and slaying ferocious beasts inside can both earn points. For slaying beasts, only fifth-rank and above ferocious beasts yield points..."

"As for exploring the Ancient Mystic Realm, it involves investigating other areas. Of course, not all exploration yields points; only areas with top-tier resources or mineral veins, confirmed afterward, will grant point rewards..."

Ye Wushang explained slowly, briefly informing everyone about the World Martial Arts Competition.

"I understand. The entire Ancient Mystic Realm is the competition area. We find resource-rich lands or slay sixth-rank and above ferocious beasts to earn points, then determine rankings based on points..."

Hearing Ye Wushang's words, Xu Xiu's eyes lit up, and he said slowly.

Everyone nodded, acknowledging Xu Xiu's answer.

"However, exploring the mystic realm and slaying ferocious beasts are both very dangerous, especially for all of you now!"

Ye Wushang changed the subject, then said to Zhou Bai and the others.

...