Hell Arena

Hell Arena...

The Hell Arena was an impressive spectacle located in the eastern region of the Moon Continent, perched on an island nestled in the middle of a picturesque lake.

The place buzzed with activity as hordes of people strolled leisurely toward the island's heart. Before them lay a vast open space flanked by grandiose spectator stands, accessible only via a series of imposing staircases.

Qin Wentian couldn't help but marvel at the bustling crowd. "This place is unbelievably crowded," he remarked.

Bailu Yi offered a gentle smile and an explanation. "The Hell Arena is one of the most renowned landmarks in the Moon Continent. Let's head up." They ascended the staircase, eventually reaching a curved-shaped spectator stand. In front of these stands stood three towering battle arenas, supported by colossal stone pillars that exuded an air of sheer grandeur.

"This is the Hell Arena. The central arena is reserved for battles among Heavenly Dipper Sovereigns. The one on the left is for Yuanfu Combatants, and the arena on the right is designated for special battles, such as contests between Divine Inscriptionists or duels between Puppets," Bailu Yi elucidated.

Qin Wentian's eyes widened in astonishment. On their way here, Bailu Yi had provided a brief overview of the Hell Arena. This place was notorious as the cruelest arena in the entire Moon Continent, as well as the most opulent betting center. For the participants, the cost of defeat was death, and there was no room for concessions. Life and death hinged solely on one's power.

Even those who came to watch had to pay a hefty sum in Yuan Meteor Stones for admission. Given the size of the audience, one could only imagine the staggering daily profits raked in by the Hell Arena's management.

Qin Wentian nodded, absorbing Bailu Yi's information. Here, contestants wore masks and went by code names to prevent any post-match vendettas, such as reprisals by the defeated's family and friends.

This arrangement allowed contestants to fight without worry, strictly adhering to the Hell Arena's rules. Even if the losers' families and friends sought to cause trouble, no other factions within the Moon Continent would dare to intervene.

Amidst ear-splitting applause and uproarious cheers, Qin Wentian shifted his gaze to the left arena. A masked combatant swiftly dispatched his opponent with a single strike. Both combatants were at the peak level of Yuanfu cultivation.

"Behold, Asura! With his 138th consecutive victory, he sets a new record!" The left arena's judge trumpeted Asura's remarkable streak, igniting a deafening wave of cheers.

Fanatical devotion radiated from the spectators, leaving Qin Wentian awestruck. This mysterious fighter, known as 'Asura,' had triumphed in 138 consecutive battles. His unmatched strength was evident.

"Poor soul. He had the misfortune of facing Asura in combat. No one else will dare to challenge him now," someone in the crowd remarked. Indeed, no one stepped up to face Asura after he dispatched his opponent with a single ruthless blow. Asura remained in the arena, casting disdainful glances over the audience, awaiting fresh challengers. However, the other combatants weren't foolish. They all understood that challenging Asura was a one-way ticket to death.

After a few moments of tense silence, it became apparent that no one possessed the courage to challenge him. Finally, Asura exited the arena through a tunnel, his true identity concealed from all.

Once Asura emerged from the tunnel, he removed his mask, revealing an emotionless face. It seemed that even the brutal battles of the Hell Arena no longer had any impact on him. There was no longer any need for his presence here. As for the compensation earned from these matches, it was mere trifles to him, no longer capable of stirring his emotions.

Had Qin Wentian seen Asura unmasked, he would have instantly recognized him. Asura was none other than Hua Taixu, the top-ranked Heavenly Fate on the rankings!

"Asura, who is he?" Bailu Yi pondered aloud. She couldn't hide her fascination with this powerful and enigmatic figure. Asura had already become a legendary figure in the Hell Arena, achieving 138 consecutive victories. What's more, after his initial scheduled match on that day, he had boldly accepted all challengers. Within the Yuanfu Realm, he was unrivaled—a true legend.

Meanwhile, in the right arena, a match was about to commence. Hades, a third-level Puppet Master renowned for his formidable combat prowess, was set to face another combatant. Bailu Yi explained her reason for bringing the group to witness this battle: "We're here to see a showdown between Divine Inscriptionists."

The learners followed her to one of the spectator stands overlooking the right arena, looking for available seats. Bailu Yi chose to sit beside Qin Wentian, further fueling the rumors about their supposed connection.

"This will be a thrilling spectacle. Someone dares to challenge Hades," one onlooker commented excitedly. Some even rushed to the betting counters, eager to place their wagers. Although Hades didn't offer high odds, many in the crowd still bet on his victory.

"Heh heh." A sinister laugh emanated from Hades. Moments later, a figure materialized beside him, floating in the air.

"What? A human?" Qin Wentian squinted, but it couldn't possibly be human since it emerged from an interspatial ring.

"Human-type Puppets. Hades has quite a twisted preference, using humans as the foundation for his Puppets," Bailu Yi whispered. But then, a metallic silhouette materialized beside Hades's opponent. This Puppet, however, was unusually large. Astonishingly, Hades's opponent seemed to 'merge' with the Puppet, granting him control over its movements.

"Perish!" Hades hissed coldly. The human-shaped Puppet moved gracefully, like a leaf carried by the wind, hurtling toward the metallic counterpart. Terrifyingly sharp blades sliced through the air at the metallic Puppet, but it effortlessly deflected them with a lift of its massive arms. Despite its seemingly awkward movements and sluggish reactions, the metallic Puppet exuded immense strength with each gesture.

As the blades struck the metallic Puppet, fiery sparks trailed behind each impact, yet it remained unscathed. The metallic Puppet was a defensive-type Divine Weapon, requiring an astronomical cost to craft. It was renowned for its formidable offense and defense, a true killing machine. Its only weakness lay in its lack of agility and slow movement.

"You foolhardy imbecile," Hades sneered coldly. He transformed into a blur, darting across the ground with incredible speed. His movements triggered numerous Divine Inscriptions to manifest, intertwining in a dazzling display as they wrapped around the metallic Puppet. These inscriptions continuously formed, harnessing the energy of Heaven and Earth before exploding toward his adversary.

The metallic Puppet attempted to evade Hades's bindings, charging directly at him. However, Hades merely grinned, increasing his speed even further. The Divine Inscriptions formed beneath his feet intensified in brilliance. Roaring like a demonic dragon, a torrent of blades descended abruptly, targeting his opponent.

"So this is a battle of Divine Inscriptionists?" Qin Wentian marveled at Hades in the arena, effortlessly manipulating the energies of Heaven and Earth to wage war.

ROARRR~ A thunderous roar echoed as Hades advanced step by step. An ancient, colossal dragon materialized beside him, mirroring his movements. His aura grew more potent with each stride.

The controller of the metallic Puppet roared in fury, launching menacing fist shadows towards Hades. The colossal dragon rumbled, effortlessly subduing the fist shadows. Simultaneously, the human-shaped Puppet descended from the skies, wrapping its legs around the metallic Puppet's neck and thrusting its two sword fingers into its eyes.

"ARGHHHH…" A spine-tingling scream echoed as fresh blood gushed from the metallic Puppet's eyes. Despite its renowned defenses, it still needed its vision, rendering its eyes a critical vulnerability.

As expected, Hades concluded the battle by yanking his opponent out of the metallic Puppet and ruthlessly slaughtering him, claiming the metallic Puppet as his prize. Many spectators shuddered, as Hades's methods were undeniably brutal, marking him as a ruthless combatant.

"Doesn't this Arena impose restrictions based on the combatants' cultivation levels?" Qin Wentian inquired of Bailu Yi.

"No, there are no restrictions. This Arena is designed for unique battles. If a Divine Inscriptionist engages, anything goes as long as their opponent is of the same level and uses only Divine Inscriptions or Puppets for combat. If they lack confidence in their abilities, they wouldn't choose to participate," Bailu Yi explained in hushed tones. Then, to everyone's surprise, she stood up and made her way toward the entrance tunnel where potential combatants gathered.

Bailu Yi intended to join a Divine Inscription battle.

"Fascinating," Qin Wentian chuckled. In the subsequent rounds, Hades vanquished two more challengers and showed no intention of stopping.

"Hades versus Flaming Rose," the judge announced, sparking excitement among the audience.

Flaming Rose. She was entering the battle, challenging none other than Hades himself!

The Hell Arena boasted numerous renowned figures, and both Hades and Flaming Rose were among them due to their impressive battle records.

"Hades, a third-ranked Divine Inscriptionist, with a record of sixty-eight victories and five defeats. Flaming Rose, also a third-ranked Divine Inscriptionist, has seventy-six victories and three defeats," the judge declared, igniting the crowd's fervor.

Flaming Rose ascended the arena, donning a fiery-red cape that exuded an aura of strength. Her form-fitting attire emphasized her figure, while a rose-patterned mask concealed her hair and features.

"Wait, is that her?" Qin Wentian's forehead wrinkled. Could it be that the icy Bailu Yi had the code name 'Flaming Rose'?

"Heh heh, I'm curious to see if Flaming Rose is as beautiful as her reputation," Hades's raspy voice resounded as his Puppet charged toward Flaming Rose.

Simultaneously, Flaming Rose summoned her own Puppet, a female one with an uncanny resemblance to a human. It raised its arms, conjuring a colossal shield in its defense.

Flaming Rose gracefully sidestepped, unleashing a cascade of runic Divine Inscriptions. Qin Wentian observed with intensity. Whether it was Hades or Flaming Rose, their inscriptions appeared instantaneously. In terms of speed, neither combatant lagged behind him in the slightest. Furthermore, the successive Divine Inscriptions they linked together created a formidable synergy.

"Sword Rain," Qin Wentian murmured, noting the Divine Inscription beneath Flaming Rose's feet. A deluge of swords burst forth, rending space as they surged toward Hades. Her Puppet, focused on defense, proved strong enough to impede Hades's Puppet.

"Great Roc, Ancient Sword, Giant Axe, Thunderbolt..." Qin Wentian whispered as he witnessed Flaming Rose's intricate inscriptions. It was profound, her attacks flowing in an unending cycle, an awe-inspiring display. His eyes gleamed with fascination as he studied both Hades and Flaming Rose. Their battle had reached such a frenetic pace that a maelstrom of Divine Inscriptions encircled them, with the sheer power of the Earth and Heaven's energy consuming the surrounding space.

RUUMMMBLEEEE! Finally, the Great Roc Inscription dealt a blow to Hades. He swiftly deployed a defensive Puppet, sacrificing it as he made a hasty retreat.

"A battle between Divine Inscriptionists reaching such heights," Qin Wentian mused, still entranced by the spectacle. The Grand Xia Empire was an enigma wrapped in intrigue!