"Life and death challenge?" Just the name made Zhang Menglong feel this wasn't something ordinary, "Care to elaborate?"

"Hehe, on the Stigma Continent, there's a top-notch organization called the Giant Blade Martial Battle Arena. Its founder is a super-powerful person of the Saint Realm. It has branches all over the Stigma Continent, and their fundamental purpose is twofold: one is for warrior battles, and the other is for challenge matches."

"The warrior battle is simple. It provides a platform for martial artists to spar. As long as you pay, they'll find you various types of martial artists. However, most of this sparring is done in virtual battles online, so it doesn't matter if you die in the game."

"I've seen this kind of thing before," Zhang Menglong said. "Back in Universe Seven, some of the more advanced civilizations already had such virtual battle systems."

"As for the second type, it's truly a life gamble," Xiaobai said. "The Giant Blade Martial Battle Arena will capture various types of Warcraft. Challengers need to fight these Warcraft, and as long as they kill them, they can earn a large sum of money."

"Is it difficult?" Zhang Menglong asked.

"They certainly won't let you earn money that easily," Xiaobai said. "Before the challenge, the Giant Blade Martial Battle Arena will evaluate your overall strength and select a corresponding Warcraft. The strength of the Warcraft will range between 100% to 120% of the martial artist's strength."

"That does make it a bit difficult," Zhang Menglong said. After all, Warcraft are fierce beasts. If they're stronger, it's difficult for humans to defeat them."

"Unless someone is at the brink of a breakthrough and needs such a life-and-death opportunity, few dare to challenge because if you die, you really die," Xiaobai added. "But if you survive, the rewards are extremely generous."

"Aren't they afraid of losing money?" Zhang Menglong asked.

"The people at the Giant Blade Martial Battle Arena aren't that foolish," Xiaobai laughed. "Besides the battles, they also organize online betting matches. Martial artists can bet on the outcome or even the duration of the battles. Betting, well, you lose nine times out of ten, so they almost never lose."

"And this life and death challenge match you mentioned? It seems different from regular challenge matches."

"That's right, the life and death challenge match is the most dangerous of them all," Xiaobai said. "Regular challenge matches are just one round and end after that. But the life and death challenge match is a gauntlet. A martial artist needs to go through eight rounds without rest, and the Warcraft they face will get increasingly powerful!"

"For instance, if you're a Heaven Breaking First Realm martial artist, your first opponent might be a low-level Demon King. But by the eighth round, your opponent might be a Demon Saint. Of course, if you can last until the final round, the rewards will be enormous."

"Sounds interesting," Zhang Menglong said excitedly, rubbing his hands. "If I can get to the eighth round, will I hit the jackpot?"

"In theory, that's correct," Xiaobai warned. "But so far, no one has ever completed this life and death challenge match. And once the challenge starts, it cannot be stopped. Of course, if you die, the prize money you've already earned will be given to your family. Remember to put my name as the beneficiary."

"Stop bullshitting. Where's the Giant Blade Martial Battle Arena?" Zhang Menglong asked eagerly.

"Almost every city should have one. You can check the map for directions."

Indeed, there was a Giant Blade Martial Battle Arena in Tiege City. In the entire Moyun Empire, large cities all had a Giant Blade Martial Battle Arena. Because Tiege City's arena was located at the frontier and martial artists here were generally stronger, its standards were the highest in the Moyun Empire. Even the one in the capital city wasn't much more luxurious.

"Wow, it's really big!" Zhang Menglong found the Giant Blade Martial Battle Arena following the map. Although it sounded similar to a martial gym, it occupied an area almost equivalent to a city on Earth.

It made sense, considering many Warcraft were enormous. Without enough space, there wouldn't be enough room to maneuver in battles.

Walking into the splendid hall, an intelligent robot flew toward Zhang Menglong. In this blend of technology and cultivation, high-tech offered plenty of conveniences.

"Distinguished guest, how can I assist you?"

"I want to participate in the life and death challenge match," Zhang Menglong replied.

"Life and death challenge?"

"Is someone going for a life and death challenge? Are they crazy?"

"So young? What could make one so desperate?"

A lot of eyes turned towards him at once.

The number of people who participated in the beast challenges was countless, but those entering the life and death challenge—there weren't even a few in a whole year, and sometimes, none for several years.

"Please wait a moment!" An artificial intelligence couldn't handle something of this magnitude.

Every life and death challenge match was a significant event for the entire arena and even the city's martial artists. Countless people would watch the event, and the betting stakes would be sky-high, drawing the attention of the arena's higher-ups.

The AI led Zhang Menglong into a room, which was decorated with a grandiose mix of modern aesthetics and traditional simplicity.

"Click, click, click!" The sound of what seemed like high heels rang out as a very tall girl walked in. With long, sea-blue hair, she looked just like a girl from a manga.

"Sir, are you the one looking to participate in the life and death challenge?" The girl looked Zhang Menglong up and down. Those who came for this challenge weren't ordinary people, but Zhang Menglong seemed to be lacking something compared to previous participants.

Some had despair in their eyes, others anger or hatred, yet Zhang Menglong's eyes showed nothing.

"Yes, that's me," Zhang Menglong said.

"Hello, my name is Yu Nuo. If you confirm you're entering the life and death challenge match, from now until the end, I'll be responsible for all your arrangements," she said, summoning a window. "Please complete the certification if you've confirmed."

"Alright," Zhang Menglong followed the window's prompts for confirmation. "When can I start?"

Yu Nuo showed a hint of surprise. Usually, even those coming for a challenge would undergo extensive preparation, but Zhang Menglong seemed impatient, like a rookie heading to his doom.

"Usually, we start on the third day after registration, during which we assess your overall strength and select the appropriate Warcraft with a professional team. Our betting stakes are tied to your prize, so there's no need to rush."

Zhang Menglong had booked a hotel for just three days. If he didn't earn money by then, he'd have to sleep on the streets.

"Oh," Zhang Menglong nodded, "make it as soon as possible. I'm in a hurry."