The Eternal Sect holds immense power in the royal court, having exclusive seats in the Imperial Arena. It's a spacious and independent platform, adorned with an opulent silver silk tent, and the crimson Dragon Lord's Emblem is strikingly conspicuous.

At the moment, the seat is devoid of the Pope's presence, only occupied by some priests in dragon-faced helmets and white robes, while the throne remains empty.

The Pope had planned to snub the Emperor and only attend to present a grand gift to the Champion at the end.

However, to everyone's surprise,

The Emperor did not personally attend this year. Seated on the largest platform in the center of the arena, under a crimson canopy, was the Emperor's second son, Second Prince Phoenix, sitting where the Emperor should have been.

Having inherited the bloodline of the Emperor, his features are well-defined and profound, with broad shoulders and back, and a firm, taut waistline, yet possessing an elegantly proportioned, theatrical build. His black hair slightly curls, and despite being under twenty years old, he exudes an air of regality, as if etched in stone upon his throne, reflecting both the iron-blooded spirit of a soldier and a touch of scholarly refinement in his brows and eyes.

Those sky-blue eyes are most compelling, exuding an undeniable decisiveness.

The Emperor's two arms were beside him.

The legendary warrior Cicero, who once achieved a decisive victory in the battle for Old Aran Royal City, wore a silver eyepatch, and with a prosthetic replacing a lost leg, leaned on a crutch. These wounds were inflicted by Zote, the Deputy Director of the Old Aran Witch Hunting Secret Place.

Seated on Phoenix's right, currently serving as President of the National Bank, clad in court attire, his aggressive demeanor slightly subdued yet unable to conceal the air of authority.

The acting chairman of the Aran Military Committee, and the highest commander of the Military Department, Augustus, is seated on the left side, donning a black military uniform with the brim of his military cap pressed low.

He is a beast of a man, his cold military attire wrapped around each muscle fiber brimming with explosive strength, eyes shadowed by the hat brim, resembling an abyss, with a high nose bridge and lips pursed into a sharp arc.

The Imperial Guard was also protecting Phoenix.

The captain of the guard, last year's Champion, famed for tax exemption for his homeland for three years, Lockhart, is also the legendary Aran Superman known for obliterating the beastmen army along the North Sea borders, having swum in freezing waters for seven days and nights, clad in a dazzling silver-white Magic Rune Constructed Armor.

Among the Imperial Guard members was everyone's favorite, Black Sword Netherflame.

In a past battle in Beima, he climbed through designing false accusations and killing Zahak's father in a duel to secure a position in the Imperial Guard.

His armor is entirely black, and the strange blade at his waist emits an eerie black flame even inside its sheath, and beneath his snaky white curls, he wears a sinister expression as his gaze sweeps over the competitors, particularly lingering on Dead Dance Julius, with talk of seeking revenge drawing his intrigue.

Surrounding them are other high-ranking corps created by the Emperor: Army, Navy, Constitutional Army, Royal Knight Order, Tax Army, National Guard, Energy Department…

Those with lesser psychological fortitude dared not even glance that way.

The Western Continent, divided by the Narrow Sea into two halves, east of which, Aran's position of absolute authority is upheld by these people.

Of course, at the site of the Continent Martial Arts Competition, state affairs should not be discussed.

The situation at the Aran Royal Court is complex.

The Eldest Prince was not born of the official wife but an imperial concubine, with some suspected ties to anti-imperialist forces.

The Second Prince, naturally, is the offspring of the Emperor's official wife, the eldest daughter of the Astalia Family.

This Continental Martial Arts Competition evidently carries elements of political maneuvering, aligning with the Second Prince's bid for prominence.

The host wouldn't foolishly ask why the Emperor was absent, only knelt on one knee to salute Phoenix.

The audience also rose to show respect.

Gedre was taken aback; the Emperor didn't show up, which was an unexpected situation, requiring calm…

The most explosive idea was slowly budding in his mind, matters concerning the people of his homeland, today could only be a victory, not a defeat.

The sixteen finalists had the Aran people kneel on one knee, while foreigners also bowed in respect.

Kai Deng feigned the courtesy, yet was bewildered, even if it's not the Emperor, if it's the Second Prince, it could explode, but what the hell is going on,

Saleret was also somewhat stunned.

Because on that platform, was an exceedingly familiar figure, a few months ago he had been with him to the Cloud Palace.

Wesker, ordered to investigate the issue of the Overlord Descendant, reported back to the Royal City Army Commander, successfully bringing Ben to the Continental Martial Arts Competition's supreme special seat.

Due to timing and status issues, Wesker and Ben couldn't converse with Phoenix yet, only waiting on the edge of the special seat for the end of the introduction session.

Ben now plays the field of politics, with Wesker directing, gaining momentum, dressed in court attire with an imposing air, standing there with arms crossed, eyes looking down on everyone.

It seems fate still favors him, this year hasn't wasted his talents, his card skill polished fiercely, and in time, he might score a high-ranking officer position, a display of might, like the peak pomp and circumstance at a memorial service, so daunting it brings one to tears!

After the salutations were completed.

The host introduced the sixteen competitors to Phoenix, clad in a single-shouldered cloak, having completed their entrance, and after the introductions, Phoenix delivered a speech.

Then the Night of Boxes officially began.

Saleret stared intently at Ben, Kai Deng had something juicy but dared not expose, his thoughts in turmoil, if this dark contender already revealed the whole truth, then treason could result in on-the-spot beheading!

Meanwhile,

Within Mulong, at the riverside oasis near Drifting City where the Black Sail gang had set up an oasis camp.

The radio transmitted the speech from Aran's Second Prince to all the competitors.

[Esteemed warriors, citizens of the Empire, and friends from afar.

I know that for this moment, you've sweated on the training grounds or honed your skills on the edge of life and death, driven by a thirst for strength, a steadfast pursuit of victory.

I hope you remember, a true warrior must not only possess the edge to break formations and slay enemies but also uphold the grace to respect their opponents. Use your sword to display strength, your actions to define glory, regardless of who claims the crown, everyone standing here today is a hero of the Empire.

Now, in the name of the Second Prince of the Aran Empire, I announce the start of the Continental Martial Arts Competition finals! May courage be with you, may glory illuminate your journey!]

However, Liszt and his group were utterly disinterested in the speech; the Emperor didn't come, the Second Prince?

"What the hell is happening? Saleret staying silent is one thing, but even that snake-kissing Kai Deng has made no move?"

Liszt was greatly shaken, something unexpected had occurred on site, was it related to the snake-kissing incident earlier? Liszt himself didn't know how such a thing leaked out.

"Who the hell is Phoenix then?"

Morison munched on sand tangerines, the night seemed terrifying, indicating that Mr. Mai's adventure was even more frightening.

"Phoenix is the singer, probably because the Empress didn't perform well, and the imperial concubine was better in bed, in any case, the First Prince isn't the Empress's child, Phoenix is."

Rein, having mingled with adventure groups, found these tales old news.

In any case, last year's train robbery involved Alanee, having some blood relation to Phoenix, making him a cousin.

Liszt only felt terror, things were not progressing as expected, the anticipated confrontation in five seconds didn't occur.

Mika's train journey was just over an hour from the destination.

Saleret, the Ghost Eye Mad Blade, Brother Dao, you might only avoid disaster by placing in the top three!

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