READ NOVEL ONLINE Chapter 57: The Top Four
The next day, the sun rose, marking a new beginning.
Today was the day to select the top four contenders. Even those who had been eliminated earlier were dissatisfied with the current standings and sought to challenge the top four. The winners of these challenges would replace the defeated and take their place as one of the top four.
On the Martial Arts Stage.
Hun Dun observed the twenty-five participants standing before him, nodding slightly in approval. With a wave of his hand, four small arenas, each one square meter in size, appeared suspended in the air in the four cardinal directions: east, west, north, and south.
Hun Dun spoke, his voice calm yet commanding. "Do you all see these four arenas? They will determine today's top four."
"You must rely on your abilities. If you are still standing on one of these stages by nightfall, you will be one of the top four."
With those words, Hun Dun stepped aside.
Hun Xiu was the first to act. Without hesitation, he leaped toward the eastern stage and landed confidently. Seeing this, the crowd was momentarily stunned but quickly regained their composure.
The remaining twenty-four competitors began vying for the other three stages, each employing their unique abilities. However, none dared to challenge Hun Xiu, acknowledging his overwhelming strength.
Hun Feng soon claimed the western stage, his strength also earning the unspoken approval of the others.
The battles for the northern and southern stages were far more intense. Hun Huan'er managed to secure the northern stage, though she faced repeated challenges. Meanwhile, the southern stage was claimed by Hun Fengxin, a seven-star Dou Wang. His position, however, was fiercely contested, as many viewed him as the weakest among the four.
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By noon, Hun Huan'er had successfully fended off three challengers, though she had expended a significant amount of Dou Qi. Hun Fengxin, on the other hand, had endured the most challenges—eighteen in total—and had exhausted nearly all his Dou Qi in the process.
Despite their efforts, both knew that their positions were far from secure. Among the previously eliminated participants, one name stood out: Hun Yu, a five-star Dou Huang. If he chose to challenge them, their chances of retaining their positions would be slim.
Hun Dun observed the proceedings and announced, "You will now have an hour to recover your Dou Qi. After that, those who were previously eliminated will have the opportunity to challenge you. The winners will remain in the top four, while the losers will be eliminated."
"Understood?"
"Understood," the four contenders replied in unison.
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While Hun Huan'er and Hun Fengxin meditated to recover their energy, Hun Xiu and Hun Feng appeared unbothered, closing their eyes to rest. Both knew their strength was unquestionable, and no one would dare challenge them.
As the hour passed, the previously eliminated participants gathered. Their eyes were filled with admiration for Hun Xiu, Hun Feng, and Hun Huan'er, but they were less convinced about Hun Fengxin.
Among them, all eyes turned to Hun Yu. His strength as a five-star Dou Huang made him a formidable contender.
Hun Yu flew to the air, his black robe billowing behind him, and landed on the martial arts stage. He fixed his gaze on Hun Fengxin and said coldly, "Will you step down willingly, or shall I make you?"
Hun Fengxin smiled bitterly, knowing he stood no chance against Hun Yu. "I will step down," he replied, his tone resigned.
With that, Hun Fengxin descended from the stage, blending into the crowd.
Hun Yu claimed the southern stage and sat cross-legged, exuding confidence.
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As the sun set and darkness enveloped the arena, no further challenges were made. The top four of the younger generation were finally decided:
Hun Xiu
Hun Feng
Hun Huan'er
Hun Yu
The crowd murmured in agreement. These four were truly the pinnacle of their generation, deserving of their positions.
The day's competition concluded perfectly, and the top four contenders stood ready to face the next challenge.