Returning to the Mysterious Era-Chapter 368 - Good Friend, Let Me Borrow Your Head

Cassius and Amos appeared at the Black Pupil Tower, not in their previous identities as members of the Golem Sect, but as friends of wealthy merchants and officials. Evil Eye Fist sent out three types of invitations: the first was naturally to the major sects of the Six Eastern Counties; the second was invitations with specified names; the third was similar to the second but allowed an additional person to accompany.

In fact, the second and third types of invitations were for ordinary people to watch the competition. However, these ordinary people held considerable power and wealth in the real world.

This is how Cassius and Amos were smuggled in. The Black Ops Agency casually found two officials to cooperate, and they got in.

The first, second, and third floors of the Black Pupil Tower had interconnected ceilings, forming a three-tiered spectator area resembling a circular atrium. The first floor was mostly for the disciples participating in the competition and their accompanying instructors. The second and third floors were for the elders of various sects and influential merchants and officials from nearby counties.

At this moment, Hugo, the sect master of Evil Eye Fist, was on the second floor of the building, chatting with familiar sect elders around him. He held a glass wine cup brought by a waiter, taking a sip now and then.

His face was full of smiles and glowing, appearing spirited and full of vigour. Indeed, this Eastern Martial Arts Exchange Tournament hosted by Evil Eye Fist was arguably the most grandiose in the past twenty years, with attentive service and a warm atmosphere. Whether it was the brand-new combat venues, comfortable accommodations, or thoughtful and meticulous service—all were highlights of this tournament.

Hugo's efforts and contributions over the past half-year had not been in vain. Judging from the past two days, the Eastern Exchange Tournament hosted by Evil Eye Fist was doing very well.

That day, as the competition officially began, something unexpected happened—Thunder Dog Simone took on five opponents alone and won! His opponents were from the Crescent Moon Martial Arts Hall, one of the Eastern Nine Sects, not some pushovers. After today, Simone's name and battle achievements would probably spread widely, which would, in turn, benefit the Eastern Exchange Tournament, making it even more effective.

Of course, the various conditions and basic elements of the Eastern Exchange Tournament were important, but what's more important are the stories that happen during the tournament. Just like sixteen years ago, when Star Ring Fist hosted the Eastern Exchange Tournament, a young member directly broke through to combat artist during the event, and the story spread widely.

Whenever people thought of the event, they associated it with the magnificent Eastern Martial Arts Exchange Tournament hosted by the Star Ring Fist sixteen years ago.

"A great start indeed..." Hugo walked to the metal railing, looked at the spirited Simone, and suddenly smiled as he took a sip of wine. He wanted this Eastern Martial Arts Exchange Tournament hosted by Evil Eye Fist to become a topic of enthusiastic discussion in the Eastern Covert Martial Arts community for the next decade or so.

His vision was challenging and required a huge showstopper. Thunder Dog Simone accomplishing a one-versus-five was impressive but not enough. Unless... Unless he could achieve a one-versus-five against top-tier sects like Soul-Breaking Sword Path and Star Ring Fist! Or break through to combat artist during this tournament!

If Simone could really do that, even though he belonged to the Cloud Dog Fist, Hugo would invest a lot of manpower, resources, and funds to publicize this event, making this Eastern Martial Arts Exchange Tournament hosted by Evil Eye Fist even more grand.

"The former might be possible, but the latter is probably unattainable..." Hugo shook his head; he had heard some rumors. Thunder Dog Simone had attempted to break through to combat artist a few years ago but failed and took a long time to recover from his injuries. In this case, trying to make a second attempt would only be more difficult for Simone.

To overcome this hurdle, he might need several more years of honing.

"It's a pity. If a participant could break through to the level of combat artist during the tournament, that would be the biggest showstopper! It would be even more legendary if they broke through during a battle. Of course, a storyline where the disciple challenges the sect elders after breaking through is also good..." Hugo couldn't help but daydream, but eventually realized he was being fanciful and shook his head with a wry smile. He raised his wine glass and suddenly noticed a gaze from upstairs.

He looked over and saw a blond man in a black trench coat. His features were exceptionally handsome, with a unique and attractive demeanor. He was holding a glass of red wine in his right hand, covered by velvet gloves, smiling and gesturing toward Hugo.

Hugo managed to put on a professional smile. He raised his wine glass, and the two of them clinked glasses in the air.

Hugo's glass was almost empty, and with this sip, he finished it off. As for the blond man on the third floor, he had a full glass but drank it all in one go. They exchanged smiles again. Hugo felt respected by the other's action, and his mood, already good due to the successful opening ceremony, became even more cheerful.

"Sect Master, Sect Master! Elder Aro of Star Ring Fist is looking for you. There might be something up," a disciple of Evil Eye Fist approached.

Hugo nodded and gave the young man on the third floor an apologetic smile, then turned and hurried away.

On the third floor metal railing of Black Pupil Tower, Amos, who had witnessed everything, gave Cassius a sneer and rolled his eyes. "You really have some nerve, eyeing someone's head while smiling and greeting them. After the tournament is over, are you going to take Hugo's head, look at his unclosed eyes, pat his face, and say 'Good friend, let me borrow your head...'"

Cassius snapped his fingers, "That's a great idea! How didn't I think of that? When it comes to killing and crushing spirits, you're the expert..."

"Tsk, tsk, tsk..." Amos made an ambiguous sound, seeming to disdain Cassius's hidden darkness. No, it wasn't even hidden. It was shining brilliantly outward. Just his outward behavior was already bad enough but who knew he was even more black-hearted inside—pitch black, black as coal!

"Although I was the one who first proposed the specific plan against Evil Eye Fist, now I'm starting to feel a bit sorry for them..." Amos sighed.

On the first day of the Eastern Martial Arts Exchange Tournament, the morning matches were from 9 AM to 11:30 AM, and the afternoon matches were from 1 PM to 5 PM.

The morning had only two and a half hours, so not many matches were held. There were four arenas in total, and at every moment, young disciples were sparring and fighting. They wore their sects' distinctive combat attire, performing combat techniques and Covert Martial Arts with different characteristics. The fights were intense, with fists meeting flesh and figures intertwining.

Whether in terms of spectacle or professionalism, they far surpassed the so-called Federal Combat Championships or underground boxing leagues. Since they were going all out, bleeding and injuries were inevitable. Each arena had mottled bloodstains, dents from the battles, and so on.

At noon, there would be dedicated personnel to clean up.

Evil Eye Fist also kept a professional medical team in the Black Pupil Tower. However, in reality, the truly effective healers were those brought by each sect themselves. They were proficient in acupressure, bone alignment, promoting blood circulation to remove stasis, acupuncture, and so on. They also had various precious medicinal plasters and pills as aids. This was all considered the basic foundation of a truly powerful sect.

Those who needed the Evil Eye Fist's medical team were insignificant minor sects. Regardless, it was better than nothing. In past Eastern Martial Arts Exchange Tournaments, unless it was limb damage or severe injuries, injured participants could recover their condition through one or two days of treatment and return to the arena with eighty to ninety percent of their peak strength.

In the blink of an eye, the first day of the Martial Arts Exchange Tournament passed. Throughout the day's matches, what people talked about most was Thunder Dog Simone facing the Crescent Moon Martial Arts Hall and accomplishing a one-versus-five feat. Whether during lunch or dinner, many disciples in the Covert Martial Arts community were discussing it.

Later at night, on the third floor of Star Ring Fist's residential area in Golden Leaf Hall, on a balcony facing a distant artificial lake...

"Compared to two years ago, he's become stronger..." The tall young man with a red headband on his forehead gazed deeply at the shimmering artificial lake under the moonlight in the distance.

"But compared to two years ago, you've also become stronger, haven't you, Shaq?" The elder beside him with his hands behind his back, slowly spoke. "As a Covert Martial Arts Practitioner, you can't lack confidence in yourself. Just give your all in battle, and that's enough..."

The wind rustled the leaves.

"Thunder Dog Simone..." the young Shaq murmured. Without a real fight, he didn't know what level Simone's strength had reached now. However, it was certain that being able to accomplish a one-versus-five, Simone must have made significant improvements.

The first three days of the exchange were relay battles; the middle three days were individual battles, followed by performances by ordinary disciples. The last day was friendly sparring between the elders of various sects. If he wanted to defeat Simone head-on, it would be during the individual battles.

One-on-one to see who is stronger. Who has the right to become the most shining star among the Eastern Three Stars? He was looking forward to it!

On the other side of the Golden Leaf Hall, in the residential area of Soul-Breaking Sword Path...

Dead Soul Sword Sid was meditating as usual in a private room. He sat cross-legged, a sharp unsheathed longsword lying across his knees. Moonlight spilled in through the window onto his front.

The young man remained motionless, like a wooden figure. His eyes were closed, unable to see anything around him. His breathing gradually adjusted to a calm, and his heartbeat stabilized. Sid suddenly stood up, holding the longsword, and walked step by step towards the distant sword practice stake.

It was a special tool similar to a wooden stake. Once activated, the blades and spikes bound by chains on it would spin and fly out, continuously attacking the area within five meters around it.

Shing, shing, shing...

The sword practice stake spun at high speed!

The blades and sword edges on it lashed out like whips. Densely packed, they completely enveloped the young man.

Clang, clang, clang, clang, clang!

The cross-shaped sword in the young man's hand blurred instantly, turning into gliding black lights in the air, so fast that afterimages appeared. The blade was precise and powerful, clashing with every incoming attack.

Immediately, a series of metallic clashing sounds erupted. A trail of golden-red sparks burst out in the air.

The young man was enveloped by the sparks, walking and stopping within the five-meter attack range of the sword practice stake. The longsword in his hand danced, turning into an absolute barrier of sword light. With his final slash, the immense force directly halted the sword practice stake.

Sid exhaled slowly, his eyes still closed.

From the beginning until now, he had actually blocked his vision entirely. Using other methods, he perceived the dazzling blade attacks, then precisely intercepted and neutralized them with his longsword.

With such advanced skill and sword training methods, Sid had in fact surpassed many elders in the Soul-Breaking Sword Path.

In the private room, he slowly opened his eyes and suddenly extended his right index and middle fingers, gently touching his heart.

"Heart Eye... I have already achieved minor culmination. There's still Sword Eye... Eye Devil said he would contact me during this Martial Arts Exchange Tournament to teach me. Why is there no news until now?" Sid showed a hint of confusion and concern on his face.

He had joined the Gate organization two years ago. Eye Devil invited him to become a prospective core member and taught him the Heart Eye Secret Technique. This Secret Technique was not simple; Sid had been unable to comprehend it for a long time until a few months ago when he finally reached the level of minor culmination. It was both a Secret Technique and a state of mind. With the help of the Heart Eye Secret Technique, he comprehended the Violent Maple Sword a few days ago.

His overall strength had soared compared to six months ago.

This time, he came to the Eastern Martial Arts Exchange Tournament aiming for the individual championship. Though he wasn't taking his former rivals, Thunder Dog Simone and Moon Fist Shaq, seriously, Simone suddenly showed even more formidable strength, giving Sid a sense of crisis. He wanted to cultivate the Sword Eye Secret Technique. With minor culmination in the Heart Eye Secret Technique, the Sword Eye Secret Technique could be quickly initiated through resonance. This was what Eye Devil had personally told Sid.

"As long as you can cultivate the Heart Eye Secret Technique to minor culmination, you can come to me to learn the Sword Eye Secret Technique. It will take half a month at most, or as quick as two or three days. You will soon be able to cultivate your second eye to entry-level..." This was what Eye Devil said, and Sid wanted to do so. However, strangely after arriving in Mia City, he couldn't find him.

The original special contact channels also had no response.

"No matter. With this minor culmination in Heart Eye Secret Technique and the newly comprehended Violent Maple Sword, Simone may not be my match!" Sid gripped his sword hilt tightly, his eyes sharp. He was anticipating, looking forward to the individual battles in three days.

Time flew by, and the Martial Arts Exchange Tournament reached the second day. It was still in full swing; the battles between various sects entered a hot phase. Fist clashed quite spectacularly. There were also some sudden dark horses or unexpected upsets. Overall, the matches on the four arenas maintained a high level intensity of clashes.

On the third day, the exchange tournament's relay battles entered the final stage.

Fighting from morning until evening, it finally ended at 6:30 PM. The disciples of various sects, exhausted after a day, returned to the hall to wash up. On the Cloud Dog Fist side, Simone suddenly wanted to stroll around Mia City. He informed the leading elder that he'd return the next morning, and then disappeared.

Late at night, in a standalone villa in the city, the missing Simone appeared, standing in a corner of a specially designed sealed operating room, taking a deep breath.

Slowly but firmly, he took off all his clothes, revealing a muscular and powerful body.