The Last Paragon in the Apocalypse Chapter 1408: Blood Tournament Starts Again

While Planet Yahmir remains a perilous world, it surprisingly offers an easy existence, particularly for fugitives from the law or those who reject societal norms.

Daily, hordes of people arrive and leave, transporting a wide array of items to and fro.

Yet today, folks aren't merely surviving—they're flocking in droves because the highly anticipated Blood Tournament is about to unfold over the next few days, maybe even weeks, and the participant list is utterly insane.

"I can't believe every single champion from past Blood Tournaments will compete in this upcoming Blood Tournament," declared a reporter specializing in underworld news during her live broadcast on the dark web.

Access to her stream is restricted solely to criminals. Accompanying her are several companions whose backgrounds would terrify any member of the righteous faction if uncovered.

"Expect a massive bloodbath, and I'm personally thrilled to root for the victors. I've been pulling every string to snag a VIP seat, and with some key contacts, I'll witness the carnage unfold live."

"You're not alone in that, friend. Count me in for live reporting from the scene." Their evident joy and eagerness to observe the massacre feels somewhat unsettling, even among crooks.

That said, the atrocities these offenders have perpetrated are so horrifying that executing them seems entirely warranted.

"I'm heading there for Blood Sword," one participant abruptly announced, silencing the room. Months earlier, Klaus had entered the Blood Tournament under the alias Blood Sword.

His reputation has since exploded across the underworld, much like the Renegade Hunter's dominance in the righteous faction.

As days drag on, anticipation mounts for his arena comeback. Clips of his fights have looped endlessly for months, fueling ever-growing hype as the tournament nears.

"He claimed the previous victory through sheer skill and cunning, so I'd love to see him pull it off once more."

"Pull it off again? Don't make me chuckle. Sure, Blood Sword is a formidable fighter—he's shown he can take on superiors—but you're overlooking a key detail. His opponents this time are all seasoned pros.

For example, consider Jagged Axe, who triumphed in the 30th Blood Tournament at the High-Level True Immortal stage, boasting three Immortal Rings.

Last reports indicate he's forged two additional Immortal Rings, ascended to Peak-Level True Immortal, and even slain a High-Level Immortal King serving as a prime guard for the Night Merchant."

"Seriously..."

"Absolutely. How else do you suppose the Night Merchant got plundered initially? Word is, Lord Varkos extended an offer to join his elite ranks, but he turned it down.

Someone like that far surpasses Blood Sword's level, and he's not even the most lethal or powerful out there. Plenty more could make Jagged Axe flee in fear."

"Even so, I have faith in him and am certain he'll shine. If he beat Real Immortals before achieving Immortality himself, imagine his prowess now that he's Immortal."

"Assuming he actually attains the Immortal stage, that is."

The room fell silent once more.

Speculation about Blood Sword's preparedness for the Blood Tournament had buzzed long before this discussion. But it intensified dramatically when, just three days prior to the event, he was still missing.

All 127 other entrants had checked in, with many even sitting for interviews. Yet Blood Sword stayed vanished, as though oblivious to the tournament's imminent start.

Two days out, his no-show revived the theory Supreme Elder Juo had voiced during Klaus's clash with Rouni, propelling it to viral status.

Folks began questioning if Blood Sword truly equaled the Renegade Hunter. By the following day, with no sign of him, the speculation spiraled wildly, permeating the entire universe.

Then, a stunning twist occurred merely four hours before kickoff.

Three days back, a masked youth donning a tiger visage had strolled into the Anonymous Poker House and dominated the tables ever since.

He dismantled numerous Poker House legends in one go. But four hours shy of the Blood Tournament's launch, he rose abruptly and doffed his mask.

"Ladies and gentlemen, obligations summon me, so farewell for now." Nearly everyone in the poker house recognized him on the spot.

With bated breaths all around, he exited the Poker House wealthy beyond measure. The news raced across channels, debunking every rampant theory.

Those insisting he was the Renegade Hunter ended up utterly humiliated. It emerged that Blood Sword had lingered nearby for the past 72 hours, merely incognito.

Now, with his emergence and whispers of his Peak Early Immortal power circulating, consensus formed that the Renegade Hunter and Blood Sword were distinct individuals.

After all, Blood Sword stands at Peak level, whereas the Renegade Hunter has barely hit Medium Level. The disparity is obvious, confirmed via his hunter records.

Thus, the outlaw Blood Sword had surfaced, priming the underworld's masses, all tuned in for this Blood Tournament spectacle.

At precisely 12 noon, the tournament commenced.

A colossal arena, crafted exclusively for this event, hosted 100,000 live spectators, while billions tuned in from homes and myriad dens of vice.

Supreme Elder Juo's earlier tirade had spotlighted the Blood Tournament, drawing even righteous faction viewers.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to the Blood Tournament. I'm the Needle Mistress, your host for this thrilling installment."

As before, the seductive woman whose offenses could derange deities materialized on screens everywhere.

"Everyone knows this Blood Tournament edition will select the Black Tempest Cartel's champion for the forthcoming Underworld Slaughter Tournament.

Having witnessed spine-chilling clashes over the last year, prepare for deadlier, more scorching confrontations among all 128 past Blood Tournament victors.

This lineup features icons like the Midnight Queen, the Wind Whisperer, Jagged Axe, the Blade Cleaner, and our surprise entrant, the fabled Blood Sword.

Who emerges as the sole survivor? We'll have to observe to find out." Roars of cheers erupted universally.

"I love the energy, so let's dive right in and reveal the opening matchups."