Chapter 66: The Terrifying Gravitational Domain

The sports plaza surged with waves of noise. On the massive screen, the matchups for the first round of the official tournament were displayed, showing the thirty-two contestants arranged into sixteen pairs.

Number 01 (Cheng Feng) versus Number 03 (Jiang He).
Number 08 (Gu Yan) versus Number 20 (Wang Yuming).
Number 05 (Luo Ke) versus Number 14 (Jike).
Number 10 (Ye Lin) versus Number 24 (…)
Number 07 (…) versus Number 32 (…)
Number 15 (…) versus Number 29 (…) …
…

In the VIP section, the president of the Disaster Association, robed in ceremonial attire, rested his gaze on Cheng Feng in the contestants’ area. A hint of doubt flickered in his kindly eyes. “That child is Cheng Feng…”

The mayor, seated nearby, asked in surprise, “President, is there something special about that contestant?”

“Of course there is,” the president replied with a slight smile. “I’ve been waiting for him a long time.”

Sitting alongside, Su Ting said, “After this match, do you plan to meet him?”

“There’s no rush,” the president replied, his gaze deep. “How is Cheng Feng’s progress so far?”

Su Ting considered for a moment. “I saw him myself in the preliminaries yesterday. He’s just a beginner, but the potential he displayed is remarkable—well worth nurturing.”

“Is that so? Then let me see how he performs on the field.” The president stroked his beard.

Additionally, to lend weight to this promotion tournament, they had specially invited Chu Xinghe, the Chief Ace, to attend.

News of Chu Xinghe’s invitation to the sports plaza had already spread two days prior. In these recent days, the monsters of Donglin City had kept to themselves, vanishing without a trace, terrified of crossing paths with the Disaster Association’s top ace. Even hearing his name sent most monsters fleeing to the shadows, none daring to emerge and hunt. Wherever Chu Xinghe appeared, the monsters of that city would be purged without mercy.

Seated to the president’s left, Chu Xinghe’s attention was not on the same target as the president’s; instead, his gaze fell upon a nondescript girl in blue in the contestants’ waiting area.

“Ye Lin—why is she here as well? Utter nonsense.”

…

“The official tournament begins! The first match: Number 01, Cheng Feng, versus Number 03… Jiang He!” Standing at the center of the arena, the announcer’s voice rang out with fervor.

“Oh oh oh!”
“Ohohoh!”
“OHOHOHO…”

As Cheng Feng and Jiang He stepped onto the stage, the crowd erupted in even more passionate cheers.

Standing atop the stone arena, Cheng Feng lifted his gaze, taking in the dense crowd, their voices roaring with excitement. In the front row, he spotted Liu Shiyu and his sister Cheng Yi. “Why did she bring my sister along?”

Cheng Yi, recognizing her brother onstage, waved her hand energetically, cheering him on. A warmth rose in Cheng Feng’s heart, and he responded with a smile.

…

Below the stage, in the waiting area, Gu Yan—in her gothic lolita dress—rested her chin on her hand, watching Cheng Feng and Jiang He on the arena. Curious, she asked, “Luo Ke, who do you think will win this match?”

“If you ask me…” Luo Ke analyzed seriously, “Jiang He has been with the association for five years, with an impressive record. His strength is about the same as mine, and that troublesome superpower of his isn’t something Cheng Feng can handle at his current level.

To be honest, his chances… are slim.”

After all, Cheng Feng had been with the association for less than a month, a complete newcomer. Luo Ke found it hard to believe he could defeat Jiang He, who had seen countless battles.

Moreover, at the last monster auction, apart from his duel with the Magician, Cheng Feng hadn’t shown any truly astonishing feats.

Cheng Feng’s strength rating was 9.0, while Jiang He’s was 9.1. Though the difference seemed slight, only a true match would reveal who was truly superior.

After Luo Ke’s analysis, Gu Yan’s eyes sparkled. “So, Jiang He has the advantage?”

Luo Ke pondered a moment, then shook his head. “That’s not necessarily the case. Unexpected things can happen in a fight. Cheng Feng may not lose.”

“Is that so.” Gu Yan’s eyes glimmered. “Now I’m looking forward to it.”

Luo Ke shot her a sideways glance. “Aren’t you going to prepare? Your match is coming up next.”

Gu Yan scoffed confidently. “What’s there to fear? As if I’d ever lose.”

All the contestants focused on the arena, while unnoticed by the wall, the girl in blue crouched quietly, hands twisting nervously, her gaze fixed on the VIP seats.

Ye Lin, Number 10.

…

On the arena, Cheng Feng and Jiang He faced each other. The announcer, microphone in hand, gave a brief introduction, then formally declared, “Let the match begin!”

He quickly darted off the stage, lest he be caught in the crossfire.

A clear bell rang out, signaling the start—its sound echoed through the venue.

More than thirty thousand spectators erupted in cheers.

Jiang He, a hint of excitement in his voice, said, “At last we can settle this. Ever since we met at the sword academy, I’ve been waiting for this day.”

Cheng Feng summoned his spirit blade, Thunder Cutter. “Before we start, let me make something clear.”

“What’s that?” Jiang He summoned his spirit blade, Ten Thousand Pressure.

Cheng Feng raised his blade. “If you lose this match, don’t interfere in my affairs again.”

“Bold words,” Jiang He sneered. “If I lose, I naturally won’t trouble you again. But do you really think you have what it takes?”

Then, his tone shifted. “But if you lose, as per last night’s wager, you’ll stay away from her from now on.”

“If you can make me,” Cheng Feng retorted. Suddenly, a surge of power exploded from him, winds howling around his body as he bent his knees and charged forward, blade in hand.

Clang!

Blade met blade in a heavy clash. Shockwaves radiated outward from their clash, sweeping the dust from the arena.

Cheng Feng’s spirit blade struck again and again at high speed, like an unending storm, enveloping Jiang He.

Faced with the dazzling flashes of white, Jiang He’s eyes flickered with surprise, but he quickly countered with his own blade.

Clang, clang, clang, clang!

Sparks flew as wild shockwaves and thunderous impacts rolled across the arena like war drums.

In terms of sword speed, Jiang He was a step behind.

Barring any surprises, in just a few more seconds, Cheng Feng would press his advantage and overwhelm his opponent.

Suddenly, Cheng Feng felt his entire body become unbearably heavy. His arms grew leaden, his blade slowing to less than half its previous speed.

His body—what’s happening?

Shock flashed in his eyes. With one final clash, he used the force to leap back.

Jiang He pressed the attack, channeling spirit energy into Ten Thousand Pressure. With a sweeping motion, he unleashed a crescent-shaped vacuum slash.

Whoosh!

The razor-sharp wave tore through the air, hurtling toward its target.

Alarmed, Cheng Feng tried to dodge, but his leaden limbs barely obeyed, as if crushed beneath a mountain.

Slash!

A streak of crimson blossomed.

At the last instant, Cheng Feng stamped hard on the stones beneath, twisting away—but couldn’t entirely evade the blow.

A chunk of flesh was sliced from his left shoulder, blood spraying.

Clutching his wounded shoulder, Cheng Feng frowned. “So your superpower is gravity.”

The sudden, oppressive weight made the answer clear.

“Exactly,” Jiang He replied, raising his spirit blade for another assault. “I’ve studied your abilities: super strength, rapid recovery, weaponizing your own blood… None of those can counter my gravity.”

Certain of victory, he sneered. “Now, you can’t move. The entire arena is within my gravity field. As time passes, the pressure will only increase. Soon, you’ll be crushed to a pulp.”