Chapter Sixty-Four: Preparations Before the Competition

Xia Qingyao furrowed her delicate brows. "Competition… what competition?"

"The promotion tournament held at the sports center, don’t you know?" Xue Ju tilted her little head.

"You mean the… promotion tournament?"

"Yes."

"But…" Xia Qingyao was so shocked she couldn’t find the right words, her lips moved slightly. "That’s a competition only members of the Disaster Association can participate in. Could it be that he…"

Xue Ju blinked. "Yes, you didn’t know?"

Xia Qingyao gently shook her head, utterly bewildered.

"You must be Cheng Feng’s friend then," Xue Ju said with a hint of confusion. "He didn’t tell you?"

Thinking carefully, Xia Qingyao realized even the nature of her relationship with Cheng Feng was uncertain. After a long pause, she lifted her gaze and asked, "Excuse me, when did he leave…?"

"This morning. Are you looking for him? Should I call him for you?"

"No… no need."

…

East side of the stadium, buffet restaurant.

Everyone had almost finished eating.

Cheng Feng’s thoughts were all on tomorrow’s competition. Suddenly, he asked with interest, "Liu Shiyu, you took part in the last tournament. So you became an elite member by winning that year’s competition?"

Liu Shiyu sliced the beef on her plate. "No, three years ago I didn’t have the strength I do now. Back then, I barely made it into the top four…"

"That’s impressive! So you actually broke into the semifinals?"

"Yes, but unfortunately, my opponent was unexpectedly strong, so I missed out on the final victory," Liu Shiyu recalled, a hint of regret in her expression.

Someone actually beat Liu Shiyu—even if it was the her from three years ago—which surprised Cheng Feng. He’d been fighting alongside Liu Shiyu lately, and unconsciously saw her as invincible.

Curious, Cheng Feng asked, "So who was the champion last time?"

Luo Ke’s mouth was stuffed with food, and she spoke unclearly, "You don’t know?"

Cheng Feng took a sip from his drink. "What, judging by your tone, this person is famous?"

"Of course! That name is known across the internet." Luo Ke swallowed her food and continued, "Let me ask you first, you know the three top aces of the Disaster Association, right?"

The three aces.

They were the strongest representatives of the Disaster Association, with power far surpassing elite level. Unless a highly threatening grand monster appeared, they rarely showed themselves.

These three were humanity’s ‘hope.’ As long as they were around, people didn’t fear the collapse of the city walls or the invasion of monster armies.

Aside from the five great abyss monsters scattered around the world, currently no monster could stand against an ace-level member.

Mentioning the aces, Cheng Feng thought of Yan Ruoying.

She ranked third among the aces, known as the "Sword of Light Speed," but she was the most laid-back, rarely obeying headquarters’ orders, spending most of her time training students at her own sword school.

Moreover, after knowing her for so long, Cheng Feng always felt her strength didn’t match the legendary ace's reputation, as if it was exaggerated—he wondered if it was all hype.

"Of course," Cheng Feng replied to Luo Ke’s question, making a guess. "Is there some connection between the three aces and the last champion?"

"Can’t believe you really don’t know," Luo Ke still hadn’t answered when Gu Yan took over, her expression showing off a 'you’re so ignorant' look. "The last champion—Lu Baiming—became the Association’s second ace two years ago. Everyone online knows it."

Cheng Feng was astonished. "What did you say?"

Gu Yan snorted, "Are you deaf?"

"No, I’m just shocked."

"What’s so shocking about it?"

"That person rose from elite to ace in two years? That’s more than just genius—it’s extraordinary."

"Cheng Feng, she’s right," Luo Ke interjected. "Just look online and you’ll understand."

Cheng Feng felt incredulous. He searched on his phone, and a slew of official news popped up.

He learned that Lu Baiming was called the youngest ace.

Officially granted the code name "Divine Sorcerer," he was the dark horse of the tournament three years ago, the champion of the promotion tournament, now carrying out missions for headquarters.

Liu Shiyu folded her hands on the table, recalling, "Lu Baiming’s strength was unfathomable. When I met him on the field, frankly, I had no chance of winning.

His superpower was nearly invincible. Luckily he’s on humanity’s side, otherwise he’d be terrifying…"

Even Liu Shiyu spoke so highly of him. Cheng Feng pondered, feeling that if he ever had the chance, he must witness this person’s abilities.

"Bang!"

Suddenly, a collision sounded in the noisy buffet.

Cheng Feng looked over, puzzled.

"How can you bump into me while carrying dishes? Are you blind?" a man shouted angrily.

"Sorry!" A girl in a green dress bowed her head in apology. "I didn’t mean to…"

"You’d better hope I don’t run into you tomorrow on the field, or I’ll definitely cripple you. Get lost."

"Thank you…"

…

The four were full and satisfied. Next came the issue of tonight’s lodging.

Led by staff from Hall B, Cheng Feng and the others arrived at a luxurious hotel near the stadium.

For the three days before the tournament, the Disaster Association had booked the entire hotel, offering free accommodation to participants.

Following the staff, they checked in at the front desk and took the elevator together.

The first five floors were packed with contestants, so the group was assigned to the sixth floor: Luo Ke and Gu Yan in rooms 601 and 602, Cheng Feng in 603.

Cheng Feng used the magnetic card to unlock the electronic lock of room 603 and entered. The room was spacious.

He wandered inside, finding a bedroom, bathroom, living room, balcony… all furnished and equipped.

He felt quite satisfied—it was indeed a high-end suite.

A large double bed was set in a prominent spot, flanked by bedside lamps with warm orange light.

Beside the bed stood a standing fridge. Cheng Feng opened it, discovering it was stocked with all kinds of drinks and beers.

Next to the fridge, on a chest of drawers sat an electric kettle.

He pulled open the first drawer and found neatly arranged umbrellas and an assortment of condoms—every brand from Durex to Okamoto—causing him to click his tongue in admiration.

Truly a luxury hotel, nothing lacking, catering to every need.

Liu Shiyu was at the window, leaning out to look. "From here, you can see the whole arena for tomorrow’s match."

Cheng Feng walked over at her words. Through the window, he could indeed see the massive stadium, rows of spectator seats, and the oversized central ring.

"Cheng Feng, make sure to get up early tomorrow," Liu Shiyu reminded. "The chief examiner will call roll on the field, don’t be late."

Cheng Feng couldn’t help but ask, "What happens if you’re late?"

"Immediate disqualification."

"Damn!"

…

Liu Shiyu went downstairs and ran into an old acquaintance—Jiang He.

"Jiang He?"

"Shiyu, I have two movie tickets here. So, do you have time?"

"Sorry, no time."

"Ahaha… then never mind," Jiang He said awkwardly, scratching his head.

…

Eight o’clock in the evening.

Cheng Feng finished dinner. To prepare for tomorrow’s tournament, he needed to practice his superpowers for proficiency.

He first sat cross-legged on the bed, activated "Spirit Power Release." His dark eyes glowed silver, becoming brilliant silver pupils, radiating intense energy.

For this most important superpower, he wanted to test his limits, to see how long he could keep Spirit Power Release active.

This enhancement ability could multiply his strength several times—crucial in the competition.

Last time, facing the Magician, he felt its drawback: the longer he used it, the more his body struggled, and in the end, he might collapse entirely.

As seconds ticked by, Cheng Feng quickly felt his body grow hotter, white steam rising from his clothes.