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Translator: Ashish
Translation Checker: Silavin
As time flowed by, more than half a month had passed since the news of the Martial Arts Tournament spread.
During this period, not only Misty Mountains but also some entities beyond it heard about the ‘Martial Arts Tournament.’
Shanghai, the most prosperous city in China…
“Oh my god, Misty Mountains is holding a Martial Arts Tournament, and the first prize is an Elemental Fruit, a Light Elemental Fruit at that!”
At this moment, the entire city had fallen silent because of this news. If one raised their eyes, they would see the screens of the tall buildings displaying an image.
In the image was a fruit, glowing like a small Sun, radiating a gentle white light. Just looking at the image gave one a sense of warmth.
Beside the Elemental Fruit, there were several lines of text.
[Light Elemental Fruit — A Supreme Treasure nurtured by the Tree Monster, it transforms the consumer into an embodiment of light, allowing any part of the body to become light, immune to all physical and energy attacks, and grants the power to control light. Among Elemental Fruits, it is considered a top-tier ability.]
Following these words, there was a line in bold text.
[Anyone who consumes an Elemental Fruit is guaranteed to reach Tier-4, achieving a meteoric rise.]
These few words captured everyone’s attention. Faintly, one could hear the heavy breathing of the onlookers.
This was the Era of Transcendence, where strength was everything. Now, a treasure that promised a meteoric rise had been presented before everyone.
Not just ordinary people, but even some elites and dignitaries in Shanghai fell into silence at this moment.
Not long after, in the most renowned family of Shanghai—the Long Family.
“Son, you are nearly invincible among your peers. Do you have the confidence to become first?”
“Of course, I have confidence. But I am not from Misty Mountains…”
Before the young man could finish, the Long Family Patriarch smacked his head. “Are you stupid? If you’re not, you can just join! Misty Mountains don’t reject Humans… Even signing a contract is fine. Once you become a Natural Disaster-Class Superhuman, even in Misty Mountains, you can protect our Family for centuries.”
“Uh… is this really okay?” Hesitant, the young man looked doubtful.
“What’s not okay? Let me tell you, while we’re talking, countless people are already heading to Misty Mountains. That’s an Elemental Fruit! A treasure that can make you a Natural Disaster-Class Entity…” Almost roaring in anger, the old man’s eyes filled with indescribable fervor.
“Alright, I’ll go.” The young man gritted his teeth and finally agreed.
…
Scenes like this were not just in Shanghai but in many other cities as well.
Suddenly, on the streets and in alleys, the most discussed topic was the ‘Elemental Fruit.’
At this time, in the heart of China, a dozen anxious faces stared at the figure seated on the main seat, speaking in an anxious manner, “This is bad. Recently, many renowned prodigies are heading to Misty Mountains.”
“Damn it! Misty Mountains’ move to entice talents with such a treasure is really ruthless!”
“To think that they would use a Supreme Treasure to lure so many Human Prodigies into joining Misty Mountains…”
…
Hearing everyone’s point, the middle-aged man sitting on the main seat remained completely calm, and the corner of his lips rose into a sneer. “So what if they go? Do they really think they can compete with the monsters of Misty Mountains…”
Feeling helpless, the middle-aged man could not help but admit that Misty Mountains had become a true behemoth.
Not to mention others, just the Tier-3 Transcendents of Misty Mountains alone were beyond what Human Prodigies could challenge. While others may not have an idea, how could he not?
In the battle between those of the same Tier, Humans typically did not fare well against Mutant Beasts.
The Mutant Beasts of Misty Mountains were elites among the Mutant Beasts, with some capable of fighting against opponents of higher Tiers.
In other words, rather than participating in the Martial Arts Tournament, the Human Prodigies were just going there to be humiliated.
However, the middle-aged man would not stop this from happening. After all, without his tacit approval, how could the appearance and effects of the Elemental Fruit, such a precious treasure, spread so widely among Humans?
[You can be the Celestial God, and I’ll be the Earthly Emperor…] With a hint of bitterness in his voice, the middle-aged man shook his head almost imperceptibly.
Long ago, he had begun purging some of the extremist factions that were hostile to Misty Mountains. He had even offered up the heads of a few individuals.
This was his decision. After all, Misty Mountains had become too powerful.
[For my own sake and for China’s, it was best to avoid direct conflict. Thankfully, while the Tree Monster is terrifying, he’s not entirely unreasonable… Regularly providing resources could help avoid the outbreak of war. Moreover, according to the Tree Monster, this world shouldn’t be torn by internal strife. And he is right, civilizations are rising in every corner of the universe, quietly and unnoticed. Rather than wasting strength on internal conflicts, it would be better to unite and plunder other civilizations.]
“Next year, 3rd of March, an expedition to conquer the otherworldly civilization…” Muttering to himself, the middle-aged man lightly tapped the armrest with his fingers and slowly closed his eyes.
[‘If you can muster an army to conquer the otherworldly civilizations, the spoils will be divided 80/20. Misty Mountains will take 80%, and your Federation will get 20%. Of course, this isn’t about greed, but about the enormous burden of establishing a pathway across the stars… You, with your inherited memories, should understand this best.’] Recalling that secret meeting they had, the middle-aged man felt helpless.
Rather than assembling an army to conquer the otherworldly civilizations, it was more like gathering a suitable cannon fodder force.
Still, he could not refuse this deal. Not only was Tree Monster eager for the otherworldly resources, but even he was tempted.
[Though China would only be receiving 20% of the resources, it’s still a substantial amount. After all, as the Tree Monster said, establishing a star-crossing pathway is an enormous burden. Still, there’s no denying it has a voracious appetite.]
“Never mind… They are strong, we are weak. Getting even a share is good enough.”
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