Chapter 21: The Eagle Alliance Talent Competition

Having obtained the Illusory Celestial Spirit Fruit, Xiang Nan was overjoyed. Having watched countless martial arts films, he knew well that for a martial artist, unlocking the Ren and Du meridians was akin to activating a cheat code.

“Extract!” he commanded.

In the next instant, the Illusory Celestial Spirit Fruit appeared in his hand. It was crystal-clear, shimmering with starlight. He popped it into his mouth in one bite, and the fruit, as if possessed, burrowed into his body on its own.

Soon, a warm sensation spread throughout him. Xiang Nan felt his entire body being transformed; the flow of bodily fluids, which had previously been imperceptible, now became distinct and vivid. His senses sharpened. His limbs and bones united as one.

The fruit’s energy circulated through him, and his cultivation level broke through once again—First Tier, Eight Stars!

He casually picked up a stone from the planter, clenched his fist, and the stone instantly crumbled to powder.

Such immense strength startled even himself. The system’s rewards were truly extraordinary.

Deciding to push his luck, Xiang Nan went for another ten consecutive draws—after all, he had plenty of merit points to spare. Aside from some useless ointments, he drew another Marrow-Cleansing Pill, which he tucked away for later use.

…

The next day, the sun blazed overhead.

The Eagle Alliance Talent Tournament was in full swing.

In a vast arena of seven or eight thousand square meters, a stage stood at the center, surrounded by a dense crowd. On one side of the stage, an array of cold weapons—swords, spears, staves, hammers, axes, halberds—were laid out, covering every possible need.

On the other side, elegant seats were arranged. There sat the four chief stewards of the Eagle Alliance and several esteemed members.

The rules of the tournament were simple and brutal: step onto the stage and fight. Whoever lasted to the end would be the victor.

Within the Eagle Alliance, there were many under thirty whose strength had reached the Second Tier. Each was full of spirit, rubbing their hands in anticipation. Some were so excited their eyes glowed red.

Their gear was as extravagant as their ambitions. Xiang Nan finally understood why Xu Jiaya had insisted on giving him such ostentatious armor. Among the contestants, some sported golden armor, others were covered in intricate mechanisms, and some wielded specialized weapons—an impressive display of determination to win.

No wonder everyone was so fiercely determined. The opportunity to become the Young Master of the Eagle Alliance came only once: right here, at this tournament.

“Brother Xiang Nan, are you ready?” Xu Jiaya’s cheeks flushed as red as a ripe tomato when she spotted Xiang Nan.

Xiang Nan coughed to cover his embarrassment—this wasn’t the right time or place to explain what had happened.

“Don’t worry, victory is assured!” he declared confidently. After obtaining the Illusory Celestial Spirit Fruit last night, his cultivation had improved again—First Tier, Eight Stars! With spiritual energy concentrated between his brows, a single punch could blast a massive crater in the ground.

“That’s good.” Xu Jiaya was excited too, her eyes scanning the crowd as if searching for someone.

Three years had passed—would she really not return?

Despite the throngs of people, Xu Jiaya never found her. She felt a hint of relief, but couldn’t hide her disappointment.

Noticing something was off, Xiang Nan asked, “Jiaya, who are you looking for?”

Xu Jiaya snapped out of her reverie. “Oh, it’s nothing, just looking around.”

In a corner, most of the newly inducted Eagle Alliance disciples gathered.

Among them was a girl with short silver hair, skin as fair as snow, and eyes tinged with mystery—her presence was striking.

She wore a crop top and black leather pants that accentuated her curves perfectly. Her aura radiated a wild, enigmatic beauty.

At that moment, the girl was all smiles, gossiping easily with the nearby boys.

“Hey, guys, how about we start a betting pool? Let’s wager on who’ll win the tournament—what do you think?”

The bored boys, finding the tournament rather dull on its own, quickly perked up at her suggestion, several gathering eagerly around her.

“I’ll put five hundred on Gao Xiaoming to win!”

“Six hundred on Xie Dazhuang!”

“Amateurs! I’ll wager two thousand on our Young Master Gu!”

“Then I’ll put five thousand on Young Master Gu as well!”

“I’ll bet eight thousand on our new Eagle Alliance rising star, Brother Nan!”

“Brother Nan? Xiang Nan? Are you crazy? He’s only First Tier!”

“So what if he’s First Tier? Got to show some respect—I’m putting up ten thousand! Brother Nan is sure to win!”

“Xiang Nan, that clown, thinks he can challenge our Young Master Gu? Does he even deserve it?”

“Hundred thousand on Young Master Gu, guaranteed win!”

“Whoa!”

The boys gasped.

As newcomers, they didn’t have much money—one hundred thousand was no small sum. Those who followed Xiang Nan fell silent. Though they supported him emotionally, no one dared claim that Xiang Nan’s First Tier strength could really defeat a Second Tier, Six Stars opponent.

Seeing this, the silver-haired girl’s eyes gleamed; finally, something interesting.

“Xiang Nan? Eagle Alliance’s rising star? Who is he?” Su Yao asked, pouting.

Everyone turned curious eyes to Su Yao.

“He’s the hottest name in the Eagle Alliance right now—how could you not know?”

Su Yao shook her silver-white head. “No idea. Tell me about him.”

“Well, it went down like this—at the airport, he fought those black-clad men…” Someone recounted Xiang Nan’s battle at the airport, embellishing it for effect.

Su Yao listened in astonishment. “He fought thirteen Eagle Alliance brothers alone? That’s hardcore.”

“Brother Nan may be ruthless in a fight, but he’s loyal to his own! Ever heard of the Treasure Grove Trinity? It’s a hit at every street stall in Kyoto—our Eagle Alliance brothers are all living the good life thanks to him…”

Another recounted Xiang Nan’s legendary street medicine sales.

Su Yao’s eyes grew brighter. “Is that ointment really so miraculous? Sounds exaggerated.”

“No, no, not exaggerated at all! Tested and proven—absolutely effective!”

“I, Zheng Hao, only respect Brother Nan!”

Meanwhile, in the tense atmosphere, Xu Jiaya began strategizing for Xiang Nan.

“Don’t rush up immediately—let them wear each other out first. Everyone has their limits. Once they’re exhausted, you’ll have a better chance… Hey, Xiang Nan, where are you going? I haven’t finished!”

“To the stage.”

“Uh…”

Under everyone’s gaze, Xiang Nan strode confidently onto the stage.

Seeing Xiang Nan step onto the stage with such vigor, Wu Liang, Zheng Hao, and others cheered wildly.

“Brother Nan is awesome! He’s the first to step up in the round-robin!”

“That’s our Brother Nan!”

“He’s already winning with sheer momentum!”

Of course, several junior followers who’d made small fortunes from Xiang Nan’s Treasure Spirit worried about him.

“Isn’t Brother Nan being a bit reckless? First up—can he last through the later rounds?”

“Brother Nan’s still young, lacking some battle experience.”

“If I’m not mistaken, his cultivation is only First Tier? Isn’t that a bit overconfident?”

“Better get the medical kit ready—if Brother Nan gets hurt, we have to be quick to get him, can’t let anyone else take him away!”