System upgrade?
This is quite interesting.
A glint of something unreadable flashed in Qin Luo's eyes.
So far, the system had mostly rewarded him with attribute points.
But a system upgrade? That had never happened before.
Could it mean something significant was about to unfold?
Qin Luo couldn't tell, because... it was time to appease the young lady.
"Young lady, have some snacks to calm down."
"Hmph! You feed me!"
"Of course, young lady."
...
...
Unlike Su Muwan's reaction, most people were more focused on the prize money of the National Martial Arts Tournament and the... talent breakthrough technology that came with it!
In a remote valley, a bare-chested young man sat cross-legged on a mountain peak, meditating with his eyes closed.
Suddenly.
A low, hoarse voice echoed from the valley: "Disciple, you've been training here for ten years."
"It's time for you to go out into the world."
"I've signed you up for this year's National Martial Arts Tournament. Back in my day, I won the championship. This year... it's your turn to fight in my stead."
As the voice faded.
The young man opened his eyes, a sharp light gleaming within: "The National Martial Arts Tournament?"
He stood up, took a deep breath, and shouted into the valley: "Master! Are there many strong opponents this year?"
"Heh, this year there are more than usual..."
"After all, the rewards are substantial."
"Got it, Master. I won't let you down!"
In a bustling underground fighting arena in the city, a handsome young man stood in the center of the ring, arms crossed, a disdainful smirk on his face.
On the ground lay a lifeless body, battered and bloodied.
Clearly, this man had been beaten to death by the young man.
He exhaled, not even sparing a glance at the corpse, shaking his head in disappointment: "Ugh... boring, so boring."
"Dead in one punch. With that kind of strength, why even bother joining an underground fight?"
At that moment.
An assistant walked up, handing him a towel, and said indifferently: "The National Martial Arts Tournament has started. The boss signed you up. The prize money is yours, but the other reward... the boss wants it."
The underground fighter took the towel, his lips curling in disinterest, his eyes filled with arrogance: "What kind of trash reward? I don't need it."
"I only want to challenge the best!"
"Tell that old man on his deathbed that I'll personally deliver the reward to him!"
His name was Caesar, known as the uncrowned king of the underground fighting scene.
For him, the tournament's prize money was just a bonus. What he truly craved was a thrilling battle against the strongest!
He licked his lips, turned to leave, but before he did, he called out: "Arrange my next match."
"..."
The assistant watched his retreating figure, then glanced at the corpse in the ring.
He took a deep breath.
A monster...
In a dilapidated dojo.
Swish! Swish!
A young man relentlessly swung a wooden sword, sweat dripping from his forehead onto the worn-out floor.
This was a dojo on the verge of being shut down. The paintings on the walls had yellowed, and the weapon racks were covered in dust.
But every swing of the young man's sword carried a faint but powerful sword intent!
Sword intent! At such a young age, he had already grasped it.
If the legendary swordsman Li Xuanfeng were still alive, he would have undoubtedly taken this young man as his disciple!
"Brother, it's late. You should rest."
At that moment.
A young girl rubbed her eyes as she walked over, her heart aching as she watched her brother still training so hard.
Her brother was diligent, but unfortunately.
He couldn't cultivate internal energy.
He was one of the rare few who were incompatible with martial arts.
Yet, his swordsmanship was exceptional. After their parents passed away, they had left behind this dojo.
But... the place was on the verge of being shut down due to years of financial losses.
The young man sheathed his sword, first coaxing his concerned sister to go back to sleep.
Then, he clenched his teeth, his eyes blazing with determination.
20 billion...
If he could win the championship, no...
Even making it to the top 16 would earn him 2 million.
That's right!
With unwavering resolve, the young man gripped his wooden sword and swung it again. I must sign up for the tournament!!
In a brightly lit, lavishly decorated backstage room of an entertainment venue.
A man in an extravagant performance outfit sat in front of a makeup mirror, receiving the final touches from his stylist.
His name was Mei Ziang. He had a bit of martial arts talent, and with his handsome looks, he had quickly risen to become a hot new star in the entertainment industry.
His manager, standing beside him, said with excitement: "Mei, you're trending! Your announcement about signing up for the tournament has hit number one on the hot search list!"
Hearing this.
Mei Ziang's eyes gleamed with pride: "Heh, of course. I just stirred up some dating rumors with Yan Qiuyue, and the heat is still on."
"Now, with the martial arts tournament coming up, I immediately seized the opportunity to sign up. With these two waves of hype, as long as I don't lose too badly, I'm bound to skyrocket in popularity!"
The manager nodded, his eyes filled with admiration.
Mei Ziang was one of the few celebrities in the entertainment industry who had some martial arts talent.
And it was this "martial artist" image that had earned him a lot of fans.
Just as Mei Ziang had said, he wasn't expecting to win the tournament. But as long as he made an appearance and rode the wave of popularity...
He could bribe a couple of contestants to let him win, and then arrange for him to lose to an unbeatable opponent.
As long as Mei Ziang put on a show of fighting valiantly, even if he lost, the audience would still love him.
Truly, he was the hottest young star right now. His strategy was flawless!
But...
"Hey, Mei, do you know who Su Muwan is?"
"Su Muwan?"
Mei Ziang frowned: "Isn't she that young lady who hired actors to stage that 'one glance defeats a master' stunt?"
"Exactly. During a street interview for the tournament, the host interviewed one of our planted bystanders."
"The host mentioned Su Muwan, and the bystander took the chance to trash-talk her on your behalf."
Hearing this.
Mei Ziang's expression turned disdainful.
Heh, ridiculous.
When it came to playing roles and scripting dramas, who could outdo him?
Su Muwan was just another clown trying to ride the wave of popularity with her scripted antics. The internet was full of such scripts.
He waved his hand, his face brimming with confidence: "This is perfect timing. Once the tournament starts, as long as I crush Su Muwan, I'll definitely gain a massive boost in popularity!"
"We can't let this opportunity slip!"
"You're truly the best!"
...
...
The Su Residence.
12:05 AM.
"Goodnight, Qin Luo~"
Su Muwan, full and drowsy, yawned and lazily waved at Qin Luo before flopping onto her large bed.
"Young lady, cover yourself with a blanket."
Qin Luo tenderly tucked her in.
Then, he quietly left the room.
He exhaled.
His mind wandered back to the memory of the young lady's angry face earlier.
Her cheeks had puffed up like two roasted rice cakes.
Hmm, adorable.
Qin Luo nodded to himself, then... a faint glint flickered in his eyes.
It was time to get to work.
A few pests seemed to have crept around the house.
Thinking this.
Qin Luo lightly tapped the floor.
He murmured softly: "Come out."
As soon as the words left his mouth.
Whoosh—!
A dark mist surged, and several familiar figures emerged.
"Bring them to me."
"Yes!"
Meanwhile.
Swish!
Several figures dressed in black appeared in the courtyard of the Su residence.
They looked around.
Their eyes eventually settled on one person.
That person's gaze was filled with hatred, his fists clenched tightly.
Su Muwan!!
You venomous woman!!
Did you ever think this day would come when you and your lackey humiliated me?!
Heh! How pathetic!
Didn't expect to see your name on the dark web, did you?!
I, Ling Ya, the strongest assassin of the Death God Organization, have returned for revenge!!