"A combat power value of seventy-eight—now that's a very promising number! Young man, you’ve got real potential. You still have one more chance; do you want to give it a shot?" the elder said to the youth.
The youth smiled, flashing a row of white teeth. "That was already my strongest attack. Even if I try again, the result will be about the same."
"Excellent, you can advance directly. Keep it up and show us your best—King Victor Zhao always favors those with outstanding talent. Next!" the elder announced loudly.
The youth stepped off the arena. Many in the crowd looked at him, their eyes filled with envy, jealousy, or disdain. Most thought: A black charcoal head like him dares to compete for Princess Serene? How laughable—he’s totally overestimating himself.
Next up was the third contestant—a pampered, handsome young man. Passing the Literary Gate meant he had some skill. Now, standing before the Testing Screen, he took out his sword from his storage ring.
He stepped back several paces, shouted loudly, and unleashed a powerful martial technique. Though he was only at the Nether General level, his move looked flashy but lacked real destructive force. After striking the screen, he was blasted back dozens of meters, nearly falling off the arena.
Luckily, he wasn’t injured by the rebound force. With full confidence, he stared at the screen, convinced he would pass.
Soon, the screen flashed white and a number appeared. Seeing it, the youth could hardly believe his eyes—it was so low he wondered if the screen was broken.
His expression turned awkward. The elder announced, "Combat power value: forty-one. That’s not enough to pass. You have two more chances—want to try again?"
"Forty-one? I want to! I want to!" The youth was stunned at first, but quickly agreed.
The crowd below was also shocked and puzzled by that number. At the same time, a faint worry crept into their hearts—passing the Martial Gate clearly wasn’t going to be easy.
Standing before the screen, the youth gathered all his Nether force. This time, he was determined to unleash his strongest martial technique, even if it meant getting hurt. As long as he could win a kiss from Princess Serene, it would be worth dying for.
His longsword once again radiated a powerful sword glow. Sword qi filled the air and slashed at the screen, but despite the flashy display, his attack still lacked real power—it was just flowery moves with no substance.
But this strike sent him flying clear off the arena, blood spraying from his mouth. Just as he thought he’d finally pass, he saw the number appear on the screen.
Staring at the number, he was dumbfounded. A surge of unwillingness and despair welled up inside him; he spat out blood again and nearly fainted.
"Combat power value: forty-five. Still not enough to pass. You have one last chance—want to try?" the elder said expressionlessly.
The youth got up and waved his hand. "No need. Even if I attack again, I won’t break through—this was already my strongest. I’ll give up my last chance."
He left the crowd without a word. No one knew what he was feeling, and no one paid attention to his departure—their focus had already shifted to the fourth contestant.
The fourth youth did slightly better, but after three attempts, his highest combat power value was only fifty-two—still below passing. He was eliminated.
The selection tournament was brutal. Some rejoiced, others grieved. Two hours passed, and the sky gradually darkened. In that time, only about two hundred contestants were tested—and just over twenty passed.
In other words, maybe only sixty or seventy more will pass. Out of ten thousand people, barely a hundred—or maybe less—will clear the gate. Those who passed felt lucky; those who failed were filled with frustration and regret.
Those still waiting to be tested grew even more anxious and panicked. Originally so confident, now, seeing how few succeeded, their nerves collapsed. One by one, they drooped like defeated roosters.
"It’s getting late today. We’ll continue the tests tomorrow. The rest of you can rest in the area the City Lord’s Mansion has prepared, or at any inn or tavern in the city—just don’t miss tomorrow’s test." the elder announced.
With that, everyone left the arena—some heading for inns and taverns, others to the City Lord’s Mansion. Chase Chu went with Evan Chu and Princess Serene back to the Mansion.
"Chase, do you think you’ll pass the test smoothly this time?" Evan Chu asked.
"Dad, I’ll do my best. With so many eliminated, I can’t be totally sure, but I still believe I’ll make it through," Chase replied with a smile, glancing—intentionally or not—at Princess Serene beside him.
Just then, King Victor Zhao walked into the side hall. He’d just finished arranging accommodations for the Three Great Forces and other important guests—as the City Lord, it was his responsibility.
Princess Ivy laughed. "Lin Feng, you’re underestimating your son! Chase will definitely pass—he still has to marry Serene, right? Don’t you want them together?"
As soon as she said this, both Chase and Princess Serene blushed. They exchanged a glance, and everything was understood without words. Evan Chu laughed and said:
"Of course I hope they end up together. Who wouldn’t want such a beautiful daughter-in-law? But it all depends on whether Chase has the strength. The competition is fierce, and the pressure is huge. I just wonder if some people might intentionally go easy on him."
After Evan finished, he deliberately glanced at Princess Serene. She understood his meaning and smiled, "Uncle Evan, you’re joking! This isn’t something I can decide—everything depends on my father. If Chase really proves himself, I’ll naturally consider it."
Evan laughed, "Hahaha! Isn’t that easy? Does King Victor Zhao really dare refuse my son? He should be thrilled to become in-laws with me! I never thought my son’s marriage would be settled so quickly—what a surprise!"
King Victor Zhao glanced at Evan and laughed, "I knew you’d pressure me! But let me say this up front: as much as I want to become in-laws, it all depends on Chase’s performance. If he can’t advance, there’s nothing I can do."
"After all, the other contestants represent the Three Great Forces—I can’t play favorites. That would have a huge impact on Serene Nether City, and could bring serious trouble."
"I understand. I trust Chase will do fine. I think we should go greet the other key figures and let Chase and Serene spend some time together—building their relationship. They’ll end up together sooner or later, so let’s not disturb them. I also want to see how those guys treat you," Evan laughed.
Chase and Serene both blushed but didn’t object, while Evan and the others left the side hall...