The Unparalleled Sword Emperor Chapter 2677 - 2652: Mask

Lin Bai and Ban Ye departed the Martial Arts Competition Arena, entering a clandestine passageway situated within the confines of the Fighting Arena. Descending into its depths revealed a sprawling underground palace teeming with a constant flow of warriors.

"Where exactly is this place..." Lin Bai inquired, scanning his surroundings.

Ban Ye calmly elucidated, "This is the Underground Casino. For each martial arts competition held, the Fighting Arena establishes a dedicated casino for payouts and wagers. One can stake merit points or spirit liquid – there are absolutely no limitations!"

He added, "In essence, this Underground Casino serves as the primary revenue-generating engine for the entirety of the Fighting Arena!"

Lin Bai gave a slight nod in understanding.

Subsequently, Lin Bai and Ban Ye navigated through the bustling Underground Casino, arriving before a formidable stone door.

Two imposing guards stood sentinel at the stone door. Upon observing Lin Bai and Ban Ye's approach, they immediately issued a stern warning, "Halt! This is a strictly restricted zone. If your intention is to place bets, kindly proceed to the exterior!"

Ban Ye acknowledged them with a smile and directly stated their objective, "This young brother accompanying me intends to enlist as a fighter within the Fighting Arena!"

The two guards cast a dismissive glance at Lin Bai, noting his slender build, youthful appearance, and relatively low cultivation. They scoffed, "A warrior barely into his twenties, possessing a mere Seventh Layer cultivation in the Death Reversal Realm – is he not simply seeking his own demise?"

"Fighters who compete within the Fighting Arena typically possess cultivation at the Great Perfection stage of the Death Reversal Realm. We strongly advise you against such a suicidal endeavor; it would be best to return whence you came."

Despite their gruff exterior, the guards offered this counsel to Lin Bai with a measure of genuine goodwill.

Lin Bai responded with a gentle smile, "I appreciate your well-intentioned advice, but I am determined to take on this challenge. I would be most grateful if you could grant me this opportunity!"

The two guards exchanged a look before replying indifferently, "Within the Fighting Arena, any cultivator whose cultivation surpasses the Death Reversal Realm is permitted to participate, provided it does not exceed the Wending Realm. Since you are resolute in your decision, you may proceed inside!"

As they spoke, the two guards pushed open the stone door behind them, gesturing for Lin Bai to enter.

Lin Bai stepped through, and the guards then ngăn Ban Ye from following, denying him entry.

Beyond the stone door lay a spartan stone chamber. Seated within was an unkempt old man, engrossed in his work. He held a carving knife in his left hand and a mask in his right, diligently carving the latter with a look of deep satisfaction.

Upon noticing Lin Bai's arrival, he offered a welcoming smile, "So, you've come to register as a fighter in the Fighting Arena?"

Lin Bai affirmed with a nod, "Indeed!"

The slovenly old man let out a chuckle, "Seventh Layer cultivation in the Death Reversal Realm, eh? You possess a commendable amount of courage, young one. Having come this far, it's clear you've made your decision!"

"Therefore, I shall not attempt to dissuade you further!"

"Allow me to briefly outline the rules governing the Fighting Arena for your understanding!"

"In this arena, any warrior at the Death Reversal Realm is eligible to compete!"

"As a newly registered fighter, your initial three bouts within the Fighting Arena will yield no rewards; this serves as a crucial assessment period for newcomers."

"Should you emerge victorious from these initial trials, from your fourth bout onward, you will be officially recognized as a bona fide fighter in the Fighting Arena. Upon achieving this status, each victory you secure will earn you one thousand merit points!"

"Furthermore, the Fighting Arena also offers substantial bonuses for maintaining winning streaks!"

"Achieve ten consecutive victories, and you shall be rewarded with one thousand merit points!"

"Secure twenty consecutive wins, and the reward escalates to two thousand merit points!"

"This reward structure continues indefinitely, with no discernible upper limit!"

"Do you comprehend these stipulations?" the slovenly old man inquired with a jovial smile.

Having absorbed the rules of the Fighting Arena, which mirrored the information previously provided by Ban Ye, Lin Bai gave a faint nod and replied, "I understand perfectly!"

"Excellent. Now, you must select your mask!" With a wave of his hand, the slovenly old man cast a warm glow throughout the sparsely lit stone chamber, illuminating its entirety.

Lin Bai's gaze fell upon numerous shelves lining the chamber walls, each adorned with exquisitely carved masks!

"What is the significance of these?" Lin Bai inquired, his curiosity piqued.

The slovenly old man explained with a smile, "These masks represent the unique reward bestowed upon every warrior who attains fighter status within the Fighting Arena!"

"Do not underestimate the power and utility of these masks!"

"Once you don one of these masks, no individual, by any means whatsoever, will be able to perceive your true face, unless you choose to remove it yourself. Otherwise, the mask remains inviolable!"

"This mask shall henceforth serve as your undeniable identity within the Fighting Arena!"

"Naturally, should the day arrive when you wish to relinquish your role as a fighter in the Fighting Arena and depart, perhaps to pursue illicit activities outside its confines, this mask will serve to effectively shield your identity from all scrutiny!"

"After you have received your chosen mask, the decision of whether to wear it or not rests entirely with you!" the slovenly old man concluded with a cheerful grin.

Lin Bai approached the shelves, his eyes meticulously examining the artfully crafted masks displayed before him.

Masks fashioned into grimacing evil spirits were displayed.

Then there were those with Yaksha brandishing steel forks!

Also, masks of golden-faced Human Emperors!

Some depicted Demon Tigers letting out roars that shook the world!

Every conceivable type of mask, offering an endless selection.

Yet, after surveying them all, Lin Bai found none that truly pleased him.

The unkempt old man, a smile on his face, spoke, "If none of these masks capture your fancy, simply tell this old fellow what you desire, and I shall carve it by hand just for you!"

Lin Bai turned his gaze back to the disheveled elder. As his eyes fell upon the mask the old man held, a spark of genuine interest ignited within him.

This particular mask was fashioned from the same profound black material, shimmering with an enigmatic, soul-stirring mystic power.

From the center of its forehead, a sharp, peerless sword appeared to emerge, radiating a terrifying sword aura.

The sides of the cheeks bore intricate engravings, imbued with a deep, mysterious quality!

"Senior, the mask you hold seems quite remarkable," Lin Bai remarked, a subtle smile gracing his lips.

The slovenly old man blinked in surprise, lowering his head to examine the mask in his hand. A look of deep satisfaction spread across his features as he replied, "Indeed, this piece ranks among the top three I have ever crafted in my entire life!"

"I dedicated three full years to its creation; it is only just completed."

The old man gazed at the mask with evident affection, clearly reluctant to part with it.

Then, snapping back to the present, his eyes gleamed with newfound joy as he addressed Lin Bai, "Has this mask caught your eye?"

Lin Bai offered a slight nod in affirmation.

"Then it is yours to take," the slovenly old man said with a gentle smile, extending the mask towards Lin Bai.

Lin Bai accepted the mask, scrutinizing it with a meticulous eye before finally placing it upon his face.

The mask's fit was impeccable, conforming precisely to Lin Bai's features as if it had been meticulously crafted solely for him!

The moment Lin Bai wore the mask, it seemed to awaken, thrumming with an enchanting, potent energy.

Simultaneously, Lin Bai's attire underwent a metamorphosis, transforming into a different, deep black robe!

The lustrous, profound black mask, its enigmatic engravings hinting at distant realms, the celestial sword emblazoned between the brows, juxtaposed with Lin Bai's cold, detached gaze beneath the mask, created an image of an emotionless Demon God!

"Perfect, absolutely perfect! It's as if this mask was tailor-made for you!" the slovenly old man exclaimed with unbridled excitement, observing Lin Bai now adorned with the mask.

Lin Bai removed the artifact and inquired, "What name does this mask bear?"

"Having invested three years into its carving, I had long decided upon a name..." the slovenly old man chuckled softly. "This mask shall be known as... the Sword Demon!"