Chapter 14 – The Arena Tournament

Liang was a poor country! That was Xiao Jing’s conclusion after sneaking in.

Everywhere in Liang was yellow sand and dusty roads. Even the city walls were built from packed earth. The people wore rough linen garments, and the faces of these common folk were all tinged with a thin layer of yellowish spots, likely from prolonged exposure to the wind.

Though night had fallen, there was no curfew in Liang. The streets were still bustling with people.

Vendors lined the roadside, their cries rising and falling. As Xiao Jing walked along, his gaze was caught by a posted notice. The gist of it was that the imperial court was recruiting—registration would take place on September 26th, followed by a tournament. The victor would be directly awarded the title of martial champion and serve the court!

“Brother, interested?” a man asked Xiao Jing.

The man was about six feet tall, slightly shorter than Xiao Jing. With unrestrained eyebrows, bright eyes, a broad nose, and thin lips, he looked rather heroic—though his tone was a bit flippant.

“Of course. Who wouldn’t be tempted by the martial champion title!” Xiao Jing answered enthusiastically.

“Then let’s go together. I’m Song Yan,” the young man said with a smile.

Xiao Jing’s eyes flickered as he introduced himself, “I’m Ni Die—Die as in falling! My friends all call me Diedie. If you don’t mind, you can call me that too, Brother Song.”

“Alright then, Diedie. Where are you staying? Let’s squeeze in together tonight!” Song Yan said.

“This guy’s not all there, is he? He really called you ‘Dad!’” the system couldn’t help but snark.

“This is my unique personal charm! You wouldn’t understand!” Xiao Jing retorted.

If the system had a body, it would probably be shaking its head helplessly.

“Why squeeze in? You don’t have a place to stay?” Xiao Jing asked, puzzled.

Song Yan sighed, “Ah, I ran away from home. They always say I’m a pampered good-for-nothing who’ll never accomplish anything. I’m going to prove them wrong. I, Song Yan, do have some talent! I’m not just a salted fish!”

“A salted fish with dreams is still a salted fish. Even if you flip over, you’re still a salted fish,” Xiao Jing replied.

Unbothered, Song Yan said, “Alright, Diedie, I left in a rush and didn’t bring any silver. Just take me in! Tomorrow we’ll go register and join the tournament together!”

“Fine…” Xiao Jing gave in helplessly. With an idiot like this beside him, no one would suspect anything.

They casually found an inn. With the upcoming tournament, rooms were scarce. By the time they arrived, only one single room was left. With no other choice, they shared it. After a light meal, they went to rest.

“Diedie, there’s only one bed. How are we going to sleep?” Song Yan asked.

“You sleep on the floor. I’ll take the bed,” Xiao Jing replied.

“This fool’s gotten used to calling you that! The kid’s been completely brainwashed!” the system said, feeling a little sorry for Song Yan.

Song Yan protested, “How could I? I’ve been pampered since childhood and never suffered. How can I sleep on the floor? Let’s just share the bed!”

Xiao Jing got angry, “Song Yan! I’m paying. There’s no negotiating this!”

“Is this guy into men or what? Always trying to squeeze in!” The system nearly burst out laughing.

With no money to his name, Song Yan could only give in. “Alright then!”

That night, while half-asleep, Song Yan found the floor too hard. He quietly climbed into bed…

The next morning, Song Yan was rudely awakened—by being kicked off the bed!

“Ow! That hurts!” Song Yan yelped.

Xiao Jing yelled, “Song Yan! You really are a damned pervert!”

“No, Diedie, let me explain! The floor was too hard and cold—I couldn’t sleep!” Song Yan protested.

“And that’s your excuse for sleeping with another man? You sicko!” Xiao Jing scolded.

“I’ll never do it again! Please don’t be mad, calm down, calm down. Today’s registration day. Let’s go!” Song Yan quickly changed the subject.

Still grumbling, “Pervert!” Xiao Jing got dressed and went downstairs.

After a simple breakfast, the two headed to the registration site.

They lined up and waited.

“Name?” the official asked as usual.

“Song Yan.” The official gave Song Yan a glance. Not many people in Liang had the surname Song. He was likely a branch member of the Song clan. If the official thought more deeply, he might’ve realized this was the runaway heir of the main Song family.

The official’s attitude softened slightly. “Registration complete. Here’s your ID badge! Next!”

A nearby clerk quickly wrote the name on the pre-made badge and handed it over.

“Ni Die. Die as in falling!” Xiao Jing said.

“What a strange name!” the official muttered.

After the simple registration, the tournament rules were announced. No weapons allowed. Everyone had a number, and matches would be drawn as follows: first versus last, second versus second-last, and so on.

A total of 115 people registered. Song Yan was number 58, and Xiao Jing was 59.

So the lucky fool Song Yan got a bye in the first round and advanced directly to round two!

The first day’s matches mostly involved weaklings, so things moved quickly. When it was Xiao Jing’s turn, he defeated his opponent in a single move!

Excited, Song Yan shouted, “Ni Die is the strongest! Crashing through waves, invincible in battle, shaking the world!”

Xiao Jing’s mouth twitched. This kid’s clearly got a slogan disorder. That chant rolled off his tongue too easily—why doesn’t he go take an exam or something?

After the first day, the officials recorded all who advanced. A total of 58 moved on, and new numbers were assigned. That concluded the day’s work.

That night, they stayed at the same inn. This time, Xiao Jing got smart—he gave Song Yan the bed and slept on the floor himself!

He didn’t know what karmic debt he owed, but somehow he ended up the clown. Staying at an inn, paying the fee, and still sleeping on the floor? Pure suffering! T-T

The second day used a lottery system. Number one drew first, and so on. If one drew the next in line, then the next would draw the following.

Everyone who had advanced was at least somewhat skilled. Today wouldn’t be easy—Xiao Jing thought silently.

He drew a scrawny opponent. This… was like picking up a chick. In less than a minute, Xiao Jing ended the fight!

Again—“Ni Die is the strongest! Crashing through waves, invincible in battle, shaking the world!”

Another day of speechlessness. After stepping off the stage, Song Yan rushed up to him excitedly. “Diedie, you’re amazing! That was so easy!”

Xiao Jing brushed his bangs aside, gave Song Yan a look, and walked off coolly. Ah, to win, then leave in style, hiding both merit and fame!

Soon it was Song Yan’s turn. He drew number 43. The official called out, “Number 21 versus 43! Please enter the stage!”

Full of spirit, Song Yan leapt onto the platform, ready to go!

But… no one came.

“Number 43, please enter the stage!” …No response.

No way! Don’t tell me this pervert’s opponent didn’t show up, and he advanced by default again? Xiao Jing thought.

Yup. Just as he guessed, Song Yan’s opponent was a no-show, and he advanced again!

“This guy must be born under a lucky star!” Xiao Jing sighed.

“Congrats, Song the Lucky Koi! Advancing without a fight!” he said with some sarcasm. He wanted that kind of luck too!

Song Yan scratched his head sheepishly. “Just lucky, I guess!”

Twenty-nine people advanced that day. Once again, they were renumbered, and the officials recorded everything, wrapping up the day’s work.

Last night had been peaceful—but not tonight! Song Yan sleepwalked!

He got out of bed, walking with firm steps. “You ghost! How dare you try to scare your grandpa? I’ll beat you to death—!” Song Yan played out a whole battle with an invisible “ghost,” complete with action!

Did this kid grow up eating steroids? How is he this strong?! Xiao Jing was losing it.

It took everything he had to subdue Song Yan! He pinned him to the bed, but Song Yan kept struggling!

“Let go of me, you damn ghost! Grandpa’s gonna beat you down again—!” Song Yan shouted.

Xiao Jing had no choice but to press down even harder to restrain him!

Eventually, Song Yan calmed down and fell asleep. Afraid he’d sleepwalk again, Xiao Jing didn’t dare move and ended up falling asleep like that, slumped over…

By dawn, Song Yan woke first—probably because he’d been pinned and went numb! This time, it was Xiao Jing who got kicked out of bed!