Lin Bai entered the Fighting Arena and learned about its rules and the purpose of the masks. He was offered a choice of masks but chose one the old man had just finished carving, named "Sword Demon". This mask perfectly fit him, transforming his appearance and clothing, making him look like a "Demon God".
"Sword Demon..., haha, many have addressed me with that moniker before!"
"It appears this mask was truly meant for me!"
"Such is the decree of fate!"
Lin Bai responded with a slight smile upon hearing the name.
"Thank you for the honor, Senior. May I inquire when I'll be eligible to join the Fighting Arena's martial arts competitions?" Lin Bai asked, a smile gracing his features.
The Sloppy Old Man ambled to the edge of the wall, activating a hidden mechanism. A section of stone slid open, revealing a concealed passage. "Should you wish to remain anonymous within the Fighting Arena," the Sloppy Old Man explained, "don the mask and utilize this passageway!"
"At the passage's terminus, the Fighting Arena's warriors will arrange a bout for you!"
"Naturally, you also have the option to compete without the mask, revealing your true visage."
"The choice rests entirely with you!"
The Sloppy Old Man added with a subtle grin.
"Having gone through such effort to procure this gift from you, Senior, I shall certainly wear it. To do otherwise would be a disservice to your endeavor!" Lin Bai reaffirmed, placing the mask back onto his face.
At this very moment, Lin Bai's pristine white robe transformed into a dark, flowing cloak.
Without further delay, Lin Bai turned and stepped into the revealed passageway.
The Sloppy Old Man observed Lin Bai's receding figure, clicking his tongue in mild astonishment. "Tsk tsk, this mask occupied my efforts for three full years to carve, yet this young man took such an immediate liking to it!"
"Young man, you would be wise not to bring shame upon this mask. Should you do so, I shall reclaim it personally!"
The Sloppy Old Man declared with resolute conviction as Lin Bai's form vanished from sight.
Just then, a warrior emerged from another passage on the far side of the stone chamber. He clasped his fist in greeting towards the Sloppy Old Man and announced, "Senior, the City Lord requests your esteemed presence!"
The Sloppy Old Man let out a grumble of annoyance. "What does he desire from me now? I've already informed him that even an immortal cannot mend his grievous injuries!"
"Convey to him my refusal to be disturbed. He would be better off seeking a place for his eternal rest, and should he dare to trouble me again, I shall personally escort him to the depths of hell!"
"Begone!"
The Sloppy Old Man glared fiercely at the warrior.
"Yes, yes, yes..." The warrior, consumed by terror, retreated with a trembling, ashen countenance.
Upon his return to the Blackwater City Lord Mansion, the warrior faithfully relayed the Sloppy Old Man's unvarnished words to the City Lord.
The City Lord's face drained of all color, and he could only shake his head with a wry, bitter smile, remaining utterly silent.
The City Lord of Blackwater City spoke with a heavy sigh, "It appears I must truly begin preparations for my departure... Inform the Eight Great Clans to assemble and commence the selection process for the next City Lord!"
Coincidentally, just as Lin Bai was making arrangements to enter the Fighting Arena.
Blackwater City was already plunged into a state of unrest due to the City Lord's decree for the selection of his successor!
This action unequivocally signaled that the City Lord of Blackwater City's remaining time was exceedingly limited!
...
Proceeding through the passageway, Lin Bai eventually reached the culmination of the route, arriving within a sprawling, subterranean palace.
Within this vast underground hall, numerous warriors were engaged in various activities, moving with purpose.
However, upon Lin Bai's arrival, a middle-aged man approached with a welcoming smile, inquiring, "A new combatant?"
Lin Bai offered a slight nod in affirmation.
The middle-aged man chuckled warmly. "This mask... it genuinely suits you perfectly. You've chosen admirably!"
"I am Tai Yi, serving as the manager here, responsible for the daily ranking of fighters!"
"When you selected this mask, were you aware of its designated name? If it lacks one, you are free to bestow a name yourself; this shall become your identity within the Fighting Arena!"
"Should fortune favor you with victories and accumulated merit, it will also be recorded and recognized by this very mask!"
"Therefore, you must deliberate with utmost care." The middle-aged man, Tai Yi, advised.
Lin Bai stated with clarity, "The Senior who bestowed it upon me referred to this mask as... Sword Demon!"
After donning the mask, Lin Bai was astonished to discover that even his vocalizations had subtly altered, deepening in pitch, acquiring a rough timbre, and resonating with an undercurrent of cold, lethal intent.
"Sword Demon! What a magnificent designation!" The middle-aged man exclaimed, retrieving a substantial tome from a storage bag to meticulously record the chosen moniker.
Subsequently, Tai Yi inquired, "When might you be prepared to take to the stage? Allow me to inform you, the initial three bouts for novice fighters are considered exhibition matches, yielding no merit rewards. Commencing from your fourth engagement onwards, you shall begin accumulating merits!"
"Do you comprehend these stipulations?"
Lin Bai nodded affirmatively. "I understand completely. I am ready to compete at any moment; the sooner, the better!"
Tai Yi nodded in agreement. "Very well, then tomorrow it shall be!"
Lin Bai assented, "Agreed!"
Tai Yi continued, "Given your decision to compete tomorrow, ensure your arrival at the Fighting Arena precedes dawn. I shall then arrange for your ascendancy to the stage!"
"May fortune favor your endeavors!"
Lin Bai offered a slight nod in acknowledgement.
Following this, Tai Yi presented Lin Bai with a bound volume and a navigational map.
This book contained comprehensive records detailing all registered fighters and numerous formidable individuals within the Fighting Arena's roster.
Furthermore, it meticulously documented the established rules and regulations governing the Fighting Arena.
And the map depicted the Fighting Arena, detailing the Martial Arts Competition Arena, the underground casino, and the fighters’ designated waiting area!
"Take this book and map back with you and study them diligently!" Tai Yi instructed.
Lin Bai offered a slight nod, accepted the two items, and then departed from the location.
Once outside, Lin Bai removed his mask, placing it away into his storage bag. He naturally wished to maintain his anonymity, as the mask served the purpose of concealing his true identity.
Subsequently, Lin Bai located Ban Ye within the underground casino.
The two of them then proceeded back to the Tang Family residence together.
"What is it, Brother Lin Bai?" Ban Ye inquired eagerly upon their return to the Tang Family.
Lin Bai smiled, responding, "Everything is set; I will be on the stage tomorrow!"
"Oh, and about the mask you selected..." Ban Ye began to ask, but then chuckled, "No need to tell me the specifics of the mask you chose!"
Lin Bai offered a somewhat wry chuckle and gave a slight nod in agreement.
"Get some good rest then. Tomorrow is a battle for survival," Ban Ye advised.
Lin Bai gave another subtle nod.
After Ban Ye had departed, Lin Bai retrieved the book and the map from his storage bag.
His first action was to meticulously memorize the layout of the map.
Following that, Lin Bai turned his attention to the book.
Inside the book were records of numerous formidable fighters within the Fighting Arena. Lin Bai did not recognize any of them, yet he committed their names, appearances, and masks to memory.
Though he was unfamiliar with them now, he acknowledged that in the future, within the Fighting Arena, he might find himself confronting them!
The latter portion of the book provided an introduction to the Fighting Arena itself!
Upon finishing it, Lin Bai expressed his astonishment: "So the Fighting Arena commands such a significant presence throughout the Northern Continent! Everywhere there is a city in the Northern Continent, you'll find a Fighting Arena!"
Lin Bai was momentarily taken aback, realizing that the Fighting Arena could very well emerge as the third most powerful entity on the Northern Continent, trailing only behind the Sword God Family and the Lounan Dynasty!
It was not to be underestimated!
After carefully re-reading the book multiple times, Lin Bai had its contents firmly ingrained in his mind before he put it away.
"Since I'll be wearing the mask, I will refrain from using my sword for the time being..."
"I shall only draw my sword when it becomes absolutely necessary!"
"If my opponent lacks significant strength, I can manage with my bare fists!"
Lin Bai quietly spoke these thoughts to himself.
"The Fighting Arena might just be the most expeditious route for me to accumulate three hundred thousand merits!" Lin Bai's gaze darkened, a flicker of killing intent surfacing!
Soon, the night passed, and the break of dawn loomed near.
Even before the morning sun had begun to ascend in the east, Lin Bai departed from the Tang Family, setting his course for the Fighting Arena!
Ban Ye was already awake in the courtyard, seeing Lin Bai off and offering a few final words of encouragement.
Ban Ye was aware that all fighters scheduled to compete in the Fighting Arena each day were required to arrive before dawn to complete their preparations!
