A crowd had already gathered in front of the woods, most of them waiting to watch today's matches.
When Zack Guang arrived with Brian Guang and the others, he glanced to the side and saw Warren Wang, Bella Xiao, and Zane Wang standing not far away.
Bella Xiao, holding her camera, gave off an approachable vibe. Even with her baseball cap and hair covering half her face, she still had a striking beauty that drew everyone's eyes.
But Warren Wang's burly frame beside her was intimidating—especially after his explosive performance on the ring yesterday. His wild, aggressive attacks had beaten Bill Bi of the Southriver Sword Sect, leaving a fierce impression on everyone and making most people keep their distance rather than try to chat.
Zack Guang glanced at Warren Wang, his eyes flickering.
Warren Wang crossed his arms, full of swagger, and scanned the crowd like a tiger: "Who was the one who beat Zack Zhao yesterday? Are they here or not?"
His voice boomed out, but no one dared to answer.
"Keep it low-key, don't go looking for trouble. Today's the ninth day, the most important one. If you can win Melissa Mu, our parents will be proud of you." Zane Wang said helplessly beside him, trying to remind Warren.
"I'm not looking for trouble, I just want to fight someone. Either he beats me or I beat him. Smashing geniuses is what makes it fun!" Warren Wang snorted.
His words made the people nearby quietly avert their gaze, afraid he'd drag them into a brawl. He was clearly a battle maniac.
After a short while, a stir ran through the crowd. The outermost row parted to form a path, and people automatically stepped aside. From that direction, the youthful but monstrously strong Drake Yu appeared, dressed in a white Daoist robe, walking forward at a calm pace.
Beside him walked the pale-faced Colin Su, along with yesterday's defeated Hank Yue and Bill Bi. Both of them wore gloomy looks and radiated a 'keep away' aura that made people uneasy—especially when they saw Zack Guang and Warren Wang nearby, which only deepened the chill.
Obviously, yesterday's defeat still left them bitter inside.
And with their hopes pinned on the little genius Zack Zhao, who was never expected to lose, now having his Misty Rain Sword broken—this humiliation was like a slap to the Southriver Sword Sect's face!
"How's Junior Brother Zhao doing now? Any word from the sect?" Drake Yu asked blandly, eyes forward and face calm.
Colin Su, walking next to him, coughed and gave a wry smile: "Just got word—Junior Brother Zhao is already back at the sect, being treated by the elders. But I heard his injuries are pretty serious and might affect his future cultivation."
At this, Colin Su sighed, hesitated, then said, "Thanks for holding back yesterday, Senior Brother."
Yesterday, Drake Yu could've crushed Colin Su with full force, which would've ended badly for Colin. But in the end, Drake dispersed his power into the ring, destroying the whole arena and leaving Colin with only minor injuries—no danger to his life.
"No need to thank me. We're sect brothers, after all. Even in a match, there's a limit. But you've improved a lot." Drake Yu replied coolly.
Colin Su just shook his head and stayed silent, looking at Drake Yu's back with a flash of tiredness in his eyes.
He actually joined the Southriver Sword Sect a few years before Drake Yu. At first, they shared a room and even slept under the same blanket, talking about everything—true friends. Back when they’d just entered the sect and were bullied by others, they always stood on the same side.
But as Drake Yu's talent became obvious, no matter how hard Colin Su chased after him, he just couldn't keep up. The gap kept growing, and their friendship faded, leaving only the bond of fellow sect brothers.
"Has the guy who beat Junior Brother Zhao and snapped our Misty Rain Sword arrived yet? If he dares to act like that, he’d better be ready for my wrath. I’ve cultivated in the Southriver Sword Sect for years—it's time to set our name straight and show everyone what happens to those who dare to oppose us." Drake Yu said calmly.
Drake Yu’s voice was flat and calm, but the killing intent hidden in his words made many people shiver. It was chilling.
"No idea. I wasn’t paying much attention yesterday. But since he fought in the matches, there’s no reason he’d skip today—the ninth day is the most important. Whether he’s here for Melissa Mu or the Mu Family Ancient Sword, he’ll have to show up sooner or later." Colin Su shook his head.
Drake Yu said nothing, walked forward with his hands behind his back, and stopped at the edge of the woods, eyes fixed on the depths ahead.
At first glance, there was nothing special about the place—just ordinary mountain trees and grass.
Outside the woods, there were no arenas or match sites anywhere in sight.
Everyone held their breath, waiting.
Time ticked by, second after second, until at nine o'clock sharp, the Mu family group finally emerged from the villa and headed this way.
Bob Moore was simply dressed, wearing a blue robe. His hair and eyebrows were all white, and his face carried a certain authority. Even in old age, as the previous Moore family patriarch, Bob's presence was unmistakably powerful.
Next to Bob, Martin Mu walked with his head held high, followed by Victor Moore. On the other side was Melissa Mu, dressed in a princess gown, looking stunning with her hair casually draped over her shoulders.
As soon as Melissa Mu appeared, she immediately drew everyone's attention.
No doubt about it—today, Melissa had clearly been carefully styled. Her figure and looks were enough to drive plenty of men crazy.
Rumor had it that Melissa Mu was a spoiled, headstrong heiress. But today, she was quiet, head slightly bowed, her side profile calm and gentle—less bratty, more serene, and absolutely gorgeous. Lots of men around were pounding hearts.
Uncle Victor Li watched Melissa Mu step forward and sighed. He looked around, trying to spot the young man’s figure, but found nothing.
"So, is he really not coming? Yesterday he crushed Zack Zhao, but now, facing Drake Yu… is he scared too?"
Uncle Victor Li muttered to himself, a bit hesitant and uncertain.