As the dance concluded, the entire venue erupted in thunderous applause! Luo Chen clapped so enthusiastically that his palms turned red. After all, this was Gu Caiyi, the girl-next-door! He felt honored to witness her performance up close.

Murong Qinglian also clapped with a smile. "Caiyi’s dance skills are getting better and better. Just this solo dance was so stunning. She might surpass Miss Xiangxiang in fame and completely make a name for herself in Dahe Market."

The other spectators were equally full of praise. Incorporating enchanting spells into a dance created effects that were breathtakingly beautiful—beyond imagination. For many cultivators, who spent their days struggling to survive and cultivate, such a mesmerizing performance was a rare and unforgettable experience.

As the white mist gradually dissipated, a figure appeared on the Debate Platform. Draped in a long golden robe, the figure had a stern face and piercing eyes. He cupped his hands toward all directions. “I am Pang Renxiong. Thank you all for attending the grand opening of the Dahe Market Debate Platform.”

The crowd fell silent, unsure of how to respond. This was because the man exuded an overwhelming aura—sharp as a sword. He was undoubtedly a sword cultivator of the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect. To low-tier cultivators, any reaction to such a figure risked offending him.

Pang Renxiong, however, didn’t seem to care about their hesitation. After his brief introduction, he raised his hand, fingers forming a sword gesture, and struck the hundred-meter-tall stele behind him with enchanting power. With a thunderous rumble, the Debate Platform drew upon the power of the spirit veins, dispersing spirit energy to fully awaken the stele. The three golden characters “Elite Prodigy Board” shone brilliantly.

Blurry names began to surface, gradually becoming clear:

Best Golden Core Realm: Ren Pingsheng of the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect

Best Foundation Establishment Realm: Lin Qingxuan of the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect

Best Qi-Refining Realm: Han Zheng of the Luoyun Sect

Upon seeing these names, the crowd of over ten thousand erupted into an uproar. Chatter spread like wildfire. For cultivators confined to remote places like Dahe Market, this was their first glimpse of prodigious talents from the outside world. How powerful must someone be to be hailed as the best in their realm? It was beyond their imagination.

The next moment, Pang Renxiong’s voice rang out again. “The Debate Platform is open, and the Elite Prodigy Board is activated. Any who aspire to contend for the Great Dao may step onto the platform and leave their name on the board.

"Each victor may claim a specified item from the defeated as spoils, along with an appearance fee for their realm. The higher one’s ranking, the greater annual rewards bestowed by my Jade Cauldron Sword Sect.

"Rogue cultivators may also compete. Outstanding performers may join my Jade Cauldron Sword Sect and enjoy the same benefits as sect disciples."

With his introduction, everyone gained a deeper understanding of the Debate Platform. They also came to understand the purpose of the Elite Prodigy Board.

By using the Spirit Eyes, one could query the Elite Prodigy Board to view the hidden records of those listed. Many instinctively checked and let out exclamations of surprise. Luo Chen was equally curious—what kind of person could be called the Best of Qi-Refining Realm?

𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

Thus, he deliberately checked the records of Han Zheng from the Luoyun Sect. With just one glance, he couldn’t help but gasp in astonishment.

"Thirty-two battles within the same realm, undefeated. Participated in Foundation Establishment battles, three wins and five losses."

"If such a figure isn’t the best in the Qi-Refining Realm, then who else could be?"

As he marveled, Mi Shuhua, seated in the center nearby, shook his head and sighed softly. "We cultivators strive and compete for longevity. This focus solely on battle prowess leans too much toward the path of the devils."

Luo Chen’s initial excitement cooled. Excessive fighting could indeed hinder cultivation and, in the long run, harm longevity. However, there was another perspective. For rogue cultivators, this was a potential path to rise above their circumstances—to gain recognition, resources, and possibly catch attention of a major sect.

If they could join a sect, they might escape the hardships of being a rogue cultivator and gain the support of a faction and guidance from experts. At the very least, joining a cultivation family as an elder offering support was better than cultivating alone.

Of course, this required exceptional combat strength.

Onstage, Pang Renxiong did not linger. After announcing the rules, he signaled the start of the grand opening ceremony. Various performances followed, including three electrifying battles between Foundation Establishment cultivators and second-tier demonic beasts.

Rumors spread that the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect would regularly pit first- and second-tier demonic beasts against cultivators in future matches. With the growing number of prisoners in Red Pillar Prison, the Debate Platform would never lack combat events. As long as it was managed well, fostering a culture of competitive cultivators, the Debate Platform was sure to generate spirit stones.

While watching the performances, Luo Chen also observed the expressions of the Poshan Gang members around him. Though they were amazed by the thrilling performances, there was still a hint of reservation in their expressions.

Indeed, people cared most about their own affairs and their affair was the main event of today’s grand opening ceremony — The Eighteen Deathmatches!

A familiar figure ascended the Debate Platform on a flying sword—Miao Zhen, the outer disciple steward of the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect and master of the Jade Cauldron Sword Pavilion. He was an old acquaintance, often hosting such events. His appearance signaled the beginning of the final and bloodiest event.

"The Poshan Gang and the Dajiang Gang have some minor disputes. Today, they will settle them on the Debate Platform, and you all shall bear witness. Each gang will field nine members under the Foundation Establishment Realm, with no restrictions on methods. Unlike regular debates, this battle will be fought to the death!

"Haha, if anyone has future disputes, you’re welcome to contact our sect’s Debate Platforms in towns and cities. We’ll arrange everything for you."

After a brief promotional remark, Miao Zhen’s expression turned serious.

"Now, the first match begins. Han Dang of the Poshan Gang versus Min Longyu of the Dajiang Gang."

With those words, he stepped off the Debate Platform.

On either side of the massive stone platform, two figures slowly emerged as a spirit energy-filled barrier, resembling an overturned bowl, sealed the platform.

Only the victor would be allowed to leave the Debate Platform.

In the stands, the members of both gangs threw caution aside and cheered loudly for their representatives.

The Poshan Gang, especially familiar with Han Dang, shouted so loudly it shook the air.

"Hall Master Han, kill him!"

"Kill him! The Devouring Heart Tiger is invincible!"

The external noise had no effect on those inside the barrier. Inside the barrier, the two combatants wasted no time. Spells ignited, enchanted artifacts clashed, and the battle began in earnest. Han Dang, a renowned late-stage Qi-Refining cultivator, wielded a top-grade flying sword and defensive artifact with immense power.

In the stands, Luo Chen stared intently at the battlefield, curious about how late-stage Qi-Refining cultivators would confront each other. He had specifically researched the name of the Devouring Heart Tiger, Han Dang.

The Poshan Gang's seven halls were each presided over by a late-stage Qi-Refining cultivator. Over the years, the cultivators of Dahe Market had formed many opinions about these seven.

Among them, Han Dang was the highest-ranked and most ruthless of the seven tigers. He was chosen for the first match and showed how much Mi Shuhua trusted him.

However, the battle unfolded in a way that no one expected.

The mysterious Min Longyu turned out to be an array master. He first calmly activated a defensive talisman, then tossed formation flags in all directions.

Han Dang relentlessly attacked the defensive talisman, causing the barrier to tremble, yet he couldn’t harm his opponent. He then turned to destroy the formation flags, and with his skills, dozens of flags were reduced to fragments in moments.

Just as he believed victory was in sight and turned to break the "turtle shell" barrier, an unexpected turn of events occurred. The shattered flags emitted golden light, and hundreds of golden blades crisscrossed, relentlessly attacking him.

Han Dang deployed his defensive artifact, but under the onslaught of golden blades, he was merely struggling to survive.

Everyone could see that he wouldn’t hold out for much longer.

Mi Shuhua’s kind smile vanished, replaced by a dark expression as he looked toward the Dajiang Gang.

Coincidentally, Wang Haichao was looking back at him.

"Is this person from your Dajiang Gang as well?"

"Brother Mi, didn’t you already know? Why are you acting like a sore loser?"

"Hmph, the outcome isn’t decided yet!"

Despite his words, Han Dang’s heart-wrenching screams from the Debate Platform made his eyelids twitch uncontrollably. His body was torn apart, blood and flesh flying everywhere. Such was the fate of the once-renowned Devouring Heart Tiger.

The hundreds of Poshan Gang members fell into complete silence.

In stark contrast, the rest of the audience erupted in a sea of excited cheers. The joys and sorrows of people are never the same.

Luo Chen sat there, feeling a chill run down his spine.

Han Dang’s peak Qi-Refining Realm was undeniable, with a top-grade flying sword, high-grade defensive artifact, and immense enchanting power—a solid foundation. His combat techniques were flawless. Yet, in this strange battle, he was almost powerless after his initial advantage.

Is this the power of an array master?

As he pondered, he noticed Murong Qinglian beside him, her fingers tightly clenched.