Early in the morning, at seven o'clock.

Tianhai Central Gymnasium.

The Tianhai Central Gymnasium, which was normally open, was curiously closed today, displaying an "Under Renovation" sign. Even the adjacent square, usually accessible to passersby and tourists, was completely sealed off, forcing many who came for their morning exercises to leave in disappointment.

What they didn't know was that an entrance to another of the gymnasium's underground parking lots remained open. One after another, luxury business cars converged on the lot from all directions. After presenting special passes, they were allowed entry into the gymnasium.

Upon entering the underground parking lot, a wide array of people, all dressed in expensive suits, boarded the elevators.

If any reporters from Tianhai's financial news were here, their eyes would have popped out of their sockets. Every single person was a significant figure in Tianhai! You could say that if someone randomly threw a brick into the parking lot, anyone it hit would have a net worth of no less than a billion.

...

「Inside the venue.」

The space, normally used for hosting various sports events and cultural activities, had now been transformed into a massive combat ring. Clearly, this was the competition area for the sixteen contestants scheduled to fight this morning.

Personnel from the Tianhai Martial Alliance had already demarcated an area large enough to permit the fighters to maneuver, dodge, and exchange attacks. Many staff members were busy with the setup and guiding people to their seats, filling the entire gymnasium with a bustling energy.

But beneath the bustle was an oppressive tension...

A number of Tianhai Martial Alliance members, representatives from the various prominent families, had already arrived in the spectator seats. As the host city, Tianhai's members had arrived earlier than the others. However, these people, who should have been here simply to enjoy the show, were all frowning with anger on their faces.

They had found out this morning—Xu Ke, Tianhai's representative, had been successfully ambushed!

"Have they caught the person?"

"Not yet..."

"What do we do now? Are we in Tianhai doomed to lose?"

"That's not certain. I heard Xu Ke's opponent isn't that strong. Getting into the top eight should be no problem, right?"

"Making it to the top eight? What damn good is that if you're not in the top three? This is such rotten luck!"

"If I'd known, I would've said we should send someone else. At least they wouldn't be so unlucky as to get ambushed right before the competition..."

"I heard the Alliance Hierarch's grandson has already reached the Postnatal Late Stage. He's more than capable of securing a top-three spot."

"It's all because that gigolo is always so arrogant. He's made too many enemies. Usually, no one wants to deal with him, so he gets to parade around, but now that it's a critical moment, someone's immediately come out to plot against him..."

"Heh, he brought this on himself! If he'd just kept a lower profile, none of this would have happened, would it?"

"Quiet down, Vice Alliance Leader Yuan is looking this way..."

Standing on the arena floor, Yuan Shang shot them a cold glance. With his keen hearing, he had naturally heard every single word. Tianhai's infighting is one thing, but for these sycophants to kick a man when he's down at a time like this... If not for the critical importance of today's competition, Yuan Shang would have already stormed up there and cursed them out.

"Good morning, Shang." At that moment, Chen Xiong approached from a short distance away, his face etched with worry. He clearly hadn't slept well.

Yuan Shang nodded slightly. "Good morning, Alliance Hierarch."

Chen Xiong glanced at the spectator area. "Did they say anything?"

"They did. Nothing more than blaming Xu Ke for being too arrogant, making too many enemies, and dragging Tianhai down with him..."

Chen Xiong was not at all surprised to hear this from them. Anger flashed in his eyes, but he let it go with a sigh. "Forget it. Let them talk. There's no stopping them."

"How is Xu Ke now?" Yuan Shang, also knowing their gossip was unstoppable, changed the subject.

Chen Xiong shook his head. "Xu Ke told me he barely managed to halt the poison's spread with his medical skills, but he still needs time to recuperate. He should be fine to deal with Wong Qiang."

"But whether he can continue this afternoon is still up in the air."

Hearing this, Yuan Shang swore, "Who the hell hired this assassin..."

Chen Xiong shook his head slightly. "Forget it. There's no point in getting worked up over it. Let's focus on how to help Xu Ke."

"If he can't fight this afternoon, then we'll have to forfeit!"

"Losing a top-three spot once isn't the end of the world."

Yuan Shang frowned and sighed. "You're right. Xu Ke's health is more important." Then he asked, "By the way, can the Zhou Family do anything to help Xu Ke with the poison?"

"They said they can't. They barely even understood the methods Xu Ke used to delay the poison's onset, let alone how to cure it!"

Yuan Shang sighed heavily.

Just then, a particularly grating voice cut in from nearby. "Today is a joyous occasion for selecting talent for the Martial Alliance. Why do I hear someone sighing the moment I arrive?"

"It's bad enough to do something so unlucky, but to wear such a gloomy face on top of it is a real buzzkill!"

"From now on, I don't want to see anyone sighing or looking dejected. For the next two days, everyone is to be happy, understand?"

Yuan Shang and Chen Xiong immediately turned around.

Jin Hankang was walking in through the entrance, followed by Lin Zhongtian, Peng Hetong, and the silent Mo Yunchang and Shi Junneng. A smug look was plastered on Jin Hankang's face; he looked like he wanted to strut in sideways, his expression beaming with the smugness of a petty man who had gotten his way.

Clearly, the news of Xu Ke's injury had made him ecstatic. Yuan Shang's expression, already grim, darkened several shades upon seeing him.

At that moment, Peng Hetong chimed in, "Elder Jin, some people are getting what they deserve. Isn't it only natural they'd look so dejected today?" As he spoke, he shot a provocative look at Yuan Shang.

Xu Ke's injury had sent Jin Hankang into a state of pure bliss, so naturally, he had no time to pursue his suspicions about Peng Hetong's involvement in the rigged draw. Thus, Peng Hetong seized the opportunity to resume his groveling!

Hearing Peng Hetong's words, Jin Hankang's face lit up with pleasure. "You do have a point. I suppose I can be understanding."

"You are truly magnanimous, Elder Jin!" Peng Hetong immediately flattered him.

Yuan Shang took a deep breath to suppress his rage. He was afraid he wouldn't be able to stop himself from tearing these two animals apart.

He sneered, "Elder Jin, Chief Peng, seeing you two so close, anyone who didn't know better might think you're part of the same family."

"The entire Martial Alliance is one family," Peng Hetong retorted with a grin, practically itching to write the word 'triumphant' across his face. "And Elder Jin and I hit it off from the start, so it's perfectly normal for us to be close."

He had no fear of Yuan Shang now. If Xu Ke suffered a humiliating defeat this time, Jin Hankang would receive a reward from Wong Ting. In that case, after slavishly serving Jin Hankang, wouldn't it be reasonable for him, Peng Hetong, to expect a promotion? If he got a promotion, why the hell would he be scared of Yuan Shang?

"Indeed, as close as family." Chen Xiong stepped forward, his face betraying no anger. "If Elder Jin doesn't mind, he could take Peng Hetong as his adopted son. I can even offer my congratulations today."

Faced with Chen Xiong's barbed words, Peng Hetong wasn't the least bit annoyed. He just chuckled. "Alliance Hierarch, you're at such a grand age. Speaking with such a sarcastic tone will only hurt your own health."

"I advise you to speak less, take care of yourself, and wait for retirement!"