Read Novel Full Chapter 225: Cloud Empire (45)
Chapter 225: Cloud Empire (45)
Kyrian, Bai Zhu, and Mei Li left the Crimson Lotus Residence shortly after breakfast. The sun was still struggling to break through the eternal clouds, casting a gray and cold light over the capital.
The rented carriage was already waiting for them at the gate. The coachman merely nodded to the three before preparing himself, reins in hand.
They climbed in without haste. Bai Zhu occupied almost half of the seat, as animated as always, while Mei Li sat beside Kyrian, maintaining her elegant posture.
The journey began calmly. The streets of the Fifth District were still relatively empty, most cultivators only heading to the Coliseum later, when the main fights began. Bai Zhu couldn’t stay silent for long.
"So, Leader, the Cloud Coliseum is different from anything I’ve ever participated in. Tao explained it to me last night while we were training. The place is a gigantic arena, with capacity for tens of thousands of spectators."
"To challenge someone in the Top 100, you pay a fixed fee in spirit stones. The higher the rank, the more expensive. If you win, you take a portion of the challenged person’s stones, gain fame, and with a winning streak, you can enter the ranking."
"But there’s an important detail. Death is allowed. Everyone signs a responsibility agreement before entering. No crying, no turning back."
Kyrian listened in silence, looking out the window. He already knew most of that, Yao had explained days before, but he let Bai Zhu speak. It was good for the big man to feel useful.
"And there’s more," Bai Zhu continued, gesturing with his enormous hands.
"The Coliseum isn’t just about fighting. There are official bets in the stands. You can bet on any fight, including your own. If you get a streak going, the money from bets can be bigger than the challenge prize itself. Tao said, Some ranked fighters live only from that, fight little, but earn fortunes from betting."
Mei Li nodded.
"That’s why the Coliseum attracts so many people. It’s not just strength. It’s fame and money."
Kyrian didn’t respond. His mind was already elsewhere, on the meeting with Yao, on the list of vulnerable targets, and on the stones he needed to accumulate for the auction.
The carriage began to climb a wide avenue that led to the central district. The traffic increased. Common cultivators walked in groups, carrying banners or standards in support of their favorites.
Young people from various minor forces ran excitedly, speaking loudly about who would challenge whom. The air was heavy with expectation.
Then, the Cloud Coliseum appeared on the horizon.
It was an absolutely gigantic construction.
A colossal cylinder of black stone and white jade, with dozens of floors rising until they almost touched the lowest clouds.
Observation towers floated around the main structure, sustained by ancient formations. Enormous flags of every color fluttered at the top, each one representing a force, a noble family that sponsored the Cloud Coliseum.
The main gate was a monumental arch over thirty meters high, with sculptures of spiritual beasts and legendary warriors carved into the stone. Even early in the morning, the place was already crowded.
Most were common cultivators, spectators who had come just to watch the fights, bet small amounts, and feel the thrill of blood and glory. But there were also those who had come to issue challenges. Young people with determined eyes, groups of disciples from minor forces, and some loners with worn robes but well-maintained weapons.
Kyrian saw the line at the main entrance, a long and organized queue that snaked across the front plaza. It was the line to challenge the ranked fighters. He immediately recognized some faces.
Nan Feng Yu, from the Southern Wind Dynasty, talking animatedly with Lin Qiao, from the Deep Roots Sect. Mo Qian was a little behind, arms crossed, fierce expression. Even Gu Tian, from the Radiant Sky Sect, was there, adjusting the sword on his back.
Kyrian thought coldly.
’As I imagined, they all came, after all, it’s the best way to make money, through strength.’
At the same time, his eyes searched for someone specific in the crowd.
It didn’t take long.
Yao was leaning against a side column, away from the main line, hood covering half his face, crooked smile already in place. When he saw Kyrian approaching, he nodded and extended a sealed scroll.
"So you came. Take it. This is the information list of practically everyone in the Top 100 that I managed to gather. Types of Qi, main weapons, cultivation realms, known weaknesses, and recent win and loss streaks. Use it the best way."
He handed over the scroll and added, quietly.
"I also managed to get a good amount of spirit stones. I’m going to bet on you. Don’t disappoint me."
Kyrian took the scroll without saying anything. He merely nodded back and returned to the line, where Bai Zhu and Mei Li were waiting.
Bai Zhu raised an eyebrow.
"Who was that?"
Kyrian didn’t answer. He just opened the scroll and began to read while they advanced in line.
Indeed, there was a lot of information. Names, cultivation realms, some at the peak of Qi Release or the beginning of Core Formation, while most were in the middle or late stages of the Core Formation realm. There was information about fighting styles, preferred weapons, and weaknesses exploited in past fights. Some had recent undisclosed injuries. Others relied too much on a single technique. Kyrian gave a slight sideways smile.
Even without the list, he would have to win anyway. But that was useful.
He handed the scroll to Bai Zhu without ceremony.
"Read. You’re going to fight too. It might be more useful for you."
Bai Zhu took the scroll with shining eyes.
"Thanks, Leader!"
At that moment, someone approached.
Kyrian immediately recognized the young man. It was Nan Feng Yu, from the Southern Wind Dynasty, the same one who had fought at Tao’s party. He approached with a confident smile, accompanied by Lin Qiao and Mo Qian.
"Kyrian. Bai Zhu. You came. Good."
They exchanged respectful nods. Nan Feng Yu looked at the line and then at Kyrian.
"Are you already aware of the bet from the leaders of the external forces?"
Kyrian frowned, not understanding the question.
"What do you mean?"
Nan Feng Yu laughed lightly.
"After Tao’s party, I and the leaders of the other forces started a bet. Who would be the one from the forces outside the Cloud Empire who would reach the highest rank this week in the Coliseum, before the auction begins."
Kyrian was immediately interested. Another way to earn stones. And he was confident.
"How do I participate?"
Nan Feng Yu raised three fingers.
"Each group leader paid five thousand medium-grade spirit stones."
"The winner takes everything. The seven 4th-level forces are participating. The Blue Mountain Alliance and the Radiant Sky Sect also joined. The only ones not in yet are you and the people from the Cloud Academy."
Kyrian looked at Bai Zhu and Mei Li. Bai Zhu smiled fiercely.
"I’m in. Five thousand is little compared to what we can win."
Mei Li nodded.
"It’s a good opportunity," she said, confident in her leader.
Kyrian didn’t hesitate.
Nan Feng Yu extended his hand.
"Then it’s done. Good luck. Let’s see who climbs higher."
They shook hands.
The line advanced.