Chapter Fifty-Eight: The Promotion Tournament Begins

Cheng Feng took the information sheet handed to him by Liu Shiyu and examined it carefully; it contained his detailed registration information, the schedule of the competition, and important notes.

Liu Shiyu reminded him, “The tournament begins the day after tomorrow.”

“The day after tomorrow… Seems like there’s not much time left,” Cheng Feng sighed, feeling the pressure. “I’ll have to intensify my training these next two days.”

Seeing Cheng Feng’s lack of confidence, Liu Shiyu encouraged him, “Don’t worry. With your current combat prowess, you won’t lose to anyone on the field—I believe in you.”

Her words warmed his heart and lifted his spirits. Cheng Feng smiled faintly, “Let’s hope so.”

“Give it your all.”

Yan Ruying took another drag of her cigarette, chuckled, and patted Cheng Feng’s shoulder. “I don’t expect you to make it to the top four, but at least fight until the end.”

“The top four… That’s too narrow a vision,” Cheng Feng’s gaze grew resolute. “My goal is the championship.”

***

On the third day, at the Sports Center.

The Promotion Tournament organized by the Disaster Association was held every three years. Any demon hunter below the elite rank could sign up.

This was a day of great importance; whenever the tournament commenced, the entire city would observe a three-day holiday.

For three days, workers had no need to go to their jobs, students were free from classes—it was an official policy, mainly to encourage citizens to attend and watch the competition.

People from all over the city could witness the thrilling battles between demon hunters firsthand.

There was another reason behind this government policy: to show the citizens the strength of the new generation of demon hunters, so they could see that terrifying monsters had become far less threatening before the hunters of the Disaster Association. It reassured the public of the authorities’ power and eased their fears of monsters.

A dusty blue sedan came to a stop by the roadside.

Cheng Feng stepped out, gazing in awe at the magnificent and luxurious arena.

It was his first time preparing to compete, and Cheng Feng was unfamiliar with the procedures. Liu Shiyu had participated in a previous tournament and was well-versed in the process, so Yan Ruying had suggested she accompany Cheng Feng.

“Let’s go, don’t be too nervous.”

Liu Shiyu got out and looked toward the arena, leading Cheng Feng forward.

Even early in the morning, the crowd outside was surging; demon hunters were everywhere, making it clear that the number of contestants this year was substantial.

Liu Shiyu took out her demon hunter license from the association and clocked in at the identity checkpoint; only after doing so could she enter the main arena hall.

Cheng Feng followed suit, copying her actions and passing through.

***

As he walked through the vast arena hall, Cheng Feng overheard conversations from those around him and learned that over two hundred contestants were taking part this year.

After all, winning the championship meant a leap to the elite rank—a powerful recognition for any demon hunter. Not to mention, there was a prize of two hundred thousand.

But for most contestants, the real draw was the chance to spar with powerful demon hunters from all corners; for battle enthusiasts, it was a tremendous temptation.

Each contestant was assigned a number.

From Liu Shiyu, Cheng Feng learned that his number was 22.

A staff member spotted Cheng Feng and Liu Shiyu in the hall and stepped forward to guide them. They followed him into the elevator, arriving at the first-floor preparation area.

The Promotion Tournament lasted three days. With over two hundred participants, a preliminary round was necessary to whittle down the numbers.

After the preliminaries, those who advanced could enter the main competition.

The matches took place in the ring. Citizens flocked to the venue from early morning, with crowd estimates exceeding thirty thousand.

Contestants were ranked based on their strength. Using computer matching, the organizers considered the contestants’ records, abilities, and length of association membership.

It automatically paired two contestants of comparable combat strength for each match.

For instance, Cheng Feng, a newcomer who had joined the association only a few days earlier, boasted three outstanding demon-hunting achievements. The system would match him with an opponent of similar prowess.

The first round was an elimination format: every contestant had to defeat five opponents in the elimination round to advance.

Those who advanced would participate in the official competition on the second day.

Staff led Cheng Feng to a physical examination, checking for illnesses, hereditary conditions, and a urine test.

Cheng Feng followed the staff to the restroom, while Liu Shiyu waited for him on a public bench.

Such a beautiful girl sitting there quickly attracted the attention of many passing contestants. More than one tried to approach her, but all were politely rebuffed by Liu Shiyu.

After finishing in the restroom, Cheng Feng handed his urine sample to the staff for inspection.

Returning to the preparation hall, he realized that while he was gone, every seat on the public benches had filled up—the number of contestants was indeed high.

Luckily, Liu Shiyu had saved him a spot on a bench.

Soon, all contestants completed their physical and urine checks.

At precisely nine o’clock, the competition was about to begin.

On the hall’s stage, a tall woman strode up, her long hair tied back, wearing a white trench coat over a white blouse and a black A-line skirt.

***

Her demeanor was mature and poised, exuding an aura of leadership.

Her presence quieted the lively preparation area; the contestants’ admiring gazes converged on her.

Seeing this unfamiliar yet authoritative woman on stage, Cheng Feng asked Liu Shiyu, “Who is she?”

Liu Shiyu replied calmly, “The vice president.”

The vice president of the Disaster Association—second only to the president.

“Contestants, I am Su Ting, vice president of the Supernatural Disaster Association.”

Standing at the podium, Su Ting looked over the assembled contestants and spoke in clear, measured tones, “Once again, it’s time for our triennial Promotion Tournament. I know all of you have worked tirelessly for this day.”

“As vice president, I share your excitement and anticipation.”

“For the country, this means the Disaster Association has cultivated another generation of outstanding talent to confront terrifying monsters.”

“I won’t delay—let’s get straight to the point.”

“In a moment, we begin the grueling elimination round. Only those who advance today will compete in tomorrow’s official match at the outdoor plaza.”

“One thing to note: if, during a match, there is an overwhelming disparity in strength, one party may forfeit to avoid the risk of severe injury or even loss of life—blade and sword know no mercy.”

“Finally, I wish you all good fortune in battle.”

“I hereby declare… the Winterlin City triennial Promotion Tournament officially begins!”

When Su Ting finished, the giant screen in the hall began to scroll, displaying the matchups for over two hundred contestants.

Countless eyes searched the screen for their names and their matched opponents.

Cheng Feng could feel the excitement pulsing through the preparation area; indeed, many demon hunters were true battle fanatics.

[First round elimination: Contestant 22 vs. Contestant 14]

As contestant number 22, Cheng Feng was momentarily stunned—it was already his turn to compete.

ps: Thanks to newnode for the monthly ticket.