Zhang Yang's words stunned everyone.
They all understood the meaning behind Zhang Yang's words, but after a brief consideration, they all shook their heads.
"Defeating a Hunyuan realm cultivator while in the Zhenyuan realm is simply impossible, it's practically seeking death."
"Young people are prone to breaking when they are new. He doesn't know when to quit. This is probably going to end badly."
"Alas, the top eleven spots are already quite good. If it were me, I would have conceded long ago."
Yun Ying and the others also looked tense.
In fact, Zhang Yang's performance in the martial arts tournament over the past two days had already earned the approval of those in higher positions.
He could have given up, there was no need to take such a risk to secure a spot in the top ten.
After all, someone from above had already come to inquire about Zhang Yang.
Yun Ying and the others had told them everything as Zhang Yang had instructed beforehand.
Since those in higher positions had such intentions, it meant they were definitely very satisfied with Zhang Yang.
Therefore, Zhang Yang had no need to take risks now; he could choose to withdraw.
After all, that was a Hunyuan realm cultivator! Even if both were injured, they were still Hunyuan realm cultivators!
At this moment.
From the seats of the martial arts tournament organizers, Zhu Tai and others also spoke.
"Old Zhu, do you think we should stop them? If this young man gets injured in a conflict with the Zhao family, his value will diminish."
"Yes, we just went to the Skyhawk Martial Arts School to inquire. This Zhang Tang doesn't seem to be someone sent by the Imperial City. I think we should protect him."
"Exactly. Zhang Tang is working so hard to climb the ranks, essentially to get our attention. I feel he really doesn't need to push himself this hard."
Everyone was trying to persuade Zhu Tai. Since Zhu Tai was the host this year, they couldn't interfere too much.
"Let's wait a bit longer," Zhu Tai said, looking at everyone and then deliberating before refusing.
"I feel this kid named Zhang Tang probably has some hidden trump cards, otherwise he wouldn't dare to act like this."
This...
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone's eyes widened, filled with curiosity.
They all knew that Zhu Tai had always been very accurate in his judgment of people.
Could it be...
Boom!
Suddenly.
A sonic boom echoed from the screen, immediately drawing everyone's attention.
They all focused on the large screen and then exclaimed.
"My heavens, this kid is actually going head-to-head with two Hunyuan realm cultivators! He's truly audacious!"
"Isn't this suicidal? Even if a Hunyuan realm cultivator is severely injured, they are still not something a Zhenyuan realm cultivator can contend with."
"No! You're judging too soon. Look, these two Hunyuan realm cultivators from the Zhao family are actually at a disadvantage and have been forced back by this kid!"
Instantly.
All the initial pity turned into shock.
On the deserted island, Zhang Yang's True Dragon Qi surged.
With a powerful punch, he forced back the two Hunyuan realm experts from the Zhao family.
Then!
Amidst their shock, Zhang Yang closed in again.
"Are even the camels that have starved to death still as strong as horses? Haha, I don't believe it!"
Boom!
As his words fell,
Zhang Yang unleashed another palm strike, hitting them both again.
Pfft~
The two Hunyuan realm cultivators from the Zhao family spat out blood and were sent flying back again.
This!
What had just happened occurred in the blink of an eye. Not only the audience on the ship, but even the Zhao family experts on the deserted island hadn't reacted.
They fell to the ground, clutching their chests, and looked at Zhang Yang with great shock.
"You... How can you be so strong! Are you also in the Hunyuan realm?" the Zhao family leader asked.
"Heh, surprised? I'm not telling you." Zhang Yang smiled mysteriously and suddenly stepped forward.
"How about it? Do you want to concede? If you don't, I'll kill someone!"
The faces of the two Zhao family members turned grim as they looked at Zhang Yang, who was right in front of them, filled with fear.
Too terrifying.
Even though Zhang Yang didn't say it, from his performance, they knew he must be in the Hunyuan realm!
But!
How old was he?
To have reached this point was simply unheard of!
"We... we concede." The two Zhao family members said unwillingly.
At this point, they were no match for Zhang Yang.
If they had known he was this strong, they shouldn't have provoked him last night!
But... there was no turning back in the world.
With the Zhao family's concession, only ten teams remained on the deserted island!
The top ten teams for this year's martial arts tournament had been decided!
Whoosh~
The audience erupted in another uproar.
Everyone was stunned!
"This kid is actually a Hunyuan realm powerhouse! Good heavens, the Zhao family has been thoroughly tricked by him this time."
"The Lin Hai Martial Arts Tournament finally has new top ten contenders. This Skyhawk Martial Arts School is likely to rise!"
"It's hard to say. Look at the Zhao family members who didn't go ashore; their faces are as dark as black cloth. The Skyhawk Martial Arts School is probably in for trouble."
At this moment.
The emergence of the top ten also signaled the end of the deserted island competition.
The nine martial arts families who were suddenly announced as qualifiers were a bit dazed.
If it weren't for the announcement from the drones, they wouldn't have known the competition had ended.
With the top ten decided, everyone gradually left the deserted island.
After boarding the ship, these nine martial arts families learned the whole story from their clan members and all turned their attention to Zhang Yang of the Skyhawk Martial Arts School.
Everyone secretly became vigilant, realizing that if they encountered him in subsequent battles, they had to be extremely careful.
At this time.
The Zhao family members also arrived, filled with anger.
They glared at the people from the Skyhawk Martial Arts School, their leader's voice low.
"You don't need to open your martial arts school in Lin Hai City anymore! My Zhao family will not let you off!"
The speaker was an old man named Zhang Zhong, an elder of the Zhao family.
Due to his advanced age, he couldn't participate in the competition, but he had followed the Zhao family disciples as instructed by the family head.
Zhang Zhong had witnessed everything that happened on the deserted island.
He could not accept the final outcome of the competition.
Therefore, as soon as Zhang Yang boarded the ship, he immediately sought him out, intending to demand an explanation.
Zhang Zhong directly released his mid-stage Hunyuan realm aura, intending to suppress everyone!
"You insignificant martial arts school, you deserve to die! All of you, kneel down and repent!" the old man from the Zhao family said in a low voice.
The Skyhawk Martial Arts School was immediately enveloped by a powerful killing intent, and their legs trembled.
"What? You can't take the loss?" Zhang Yang frowned.
He immediately stepped to the front, blocking the opponent's released spiritual pressure, and then released his own spiritual pressure, forcefully counterattacking.
At this moment.
Zhang Yang's spiritual pressure exuded a hint of majesty, instantly shattering the old man Zhao's spiritual pressure.
"This!" Elder Zhao was startled, realizing he had been careless, and quickly mobilized his spiritual energy again, intending to force Zhang Yang back.
At this time.
Zhu Tai and the others had already arrived.
"Zhao Zhong, stop! This is a martial arts tournament! Does your Zhao family intend to rebel?" Zhu Tai said sternly.
Upon hearing Zhu Tai speak, Zhao Zhong quickly withdrew his hand.
However, Zhang Yang, seizing the opportunity, locked his spiritual energy onto Zhao Zhong and struck his chest.
Pfft~
Zhao Zhong, caught off guard, immediately spat out a mouthful of blood.
"Old man, is your Zhao family so unable to take a loss? Why don't you play fair?" Zhang Yang said angrily.
After speaking, he clenched his fist and charged forward, his posture indicating he intended to kill Zhao Zhong directly.
This fearless demeanor startled Zhu Tai and the others.
"Zhang Tang, stop quickly." Zhu Tai quickly stepped forward to restrain Zhang Yang.
"Let go! This old dog can't take the loss and intends to seek revenge on me. I'll kill him right now!" Zhang Yang said in a deep, angry voice.
"Don't make trouble. I will ensure justice for you," Zhu Tai replied with a wry smile.
He sighed at the young man's fiery temper, which ignited at the slightest provocation!
"You brat, how dare you ambush me! I'm not done with you!" Zhao Zhong was also enraged and cursed at Zhang Yang.
However, with Zhu Tai standing in front of Zhang Yang, he dared not make a move.
"This matter ends here. Don't always rely on the Zhao family's power to bully others. If that were the case, wouldn't your family always take the top ten spots in the martial arts tournament every year?"
"Then what's the point of this martial arts tournament? Why don't we just give you the rewards directly!" Zhu Tai said with a cold snort.
"I dare not, Lord Zhu. Our Zhao family has no such intention." Zhao Zhong quickly lowered his head, indicating he did not.
At the same time, he was inwardly shocked.
Zhu Tai's intention was clear: he was protecting the Skyhawk Martial Arts School.
This basically meant that the young man had already been noticed by those in higher positions.
Otherwise...
Zhu Tai and the others would have simply turned a blind eye and would not have openly defended Zhang Yang.
"Hmph, brat, I'll remember you. We have plenty of time later!" Zhao Zhong snorted coldly, forced to swallow his anger.
With the Zhao family retreating, everyone was stunned.
They all cast envious glances at Zhang Yang, knowing that the Skyhawk Martial Arts School had been noticed by those in higher positions and would surely prosper in the future.
Those with foresight were already preparing to befriend the Skyhawk Martial Arts School afterward.
"Thank you all for your assistance. My Skyhawk Martial Arts School is deeply grateful," Yun Ying said thankfully.
"It's nothing. Maintaining order in the martial arts tournament is our duty. Otherwise, it would be chaos," Zhu Tai replied with a shake of his head.
"Hmph, Master, why are you thanking them? If they hadn't interfered, I would have already killed that old dog from the Zhao family," Zhang Yang snorted coldly.
His attitude was extremely poor, and he even glared at Zhu Tai and the others after speaking.
This terrified Yun Ying. Before he could explain, someone beside Zhu Tai spoke first.
"Haha, this kid is interesting. His temper is like mine. Why don't you come with me from now on?" an old man with a red beard beside Zhu Tai said with a smile.
"With you? That won't do. I spotted this kid first," said a strong, robust man.
While some liked him, others were displeased with Zhang Yang's attitude and began to reprimand him.
"Young people don't know the immensity of heaven and earth. Zhao Zhong is a mid-stage Hunyuan realm cultivator. If you hadn't ambushed him just now, how could you have injured him?"
"Don't be too arrogant. Such people often die quickly."
In response.
Zhu Tai smiled and remained silent, intending to observe Zhang Yang's reaction.
Zhang Yang, however, responded with disdainful laughter, completely unfazed.
"A mere mid-stage Hunyuan realm cultivator, I've fought them before. If you hadn't stopped me, I would have already killed him!"
Of course, the other party didn't believe him and retorted directly.
"Witty kid, even if you are in the Hunyuan realm, you can't possibly defeat a mid-stage Hunyuan realm cultivator! Don't overestimate yourself!"
"Then what if I can defeat him? What will you do then?" Zhang Yang retorted.
"If you can defeat him, I, Hu Han Tian, will swim back to Lin Hai City from here!" a thin old man in a long robe said dismissively.
"Alright, it's a deal. Let Zhao Zhong come to me, and see if I can kill him!" Zhang Yang said with a smile, showing no fear.
"Why would we need Zhao Zhong to come? Among the top ten in this Lin Hai Martial Arts Tournament, someone has already reached the mid-stage Hunyuan realm. If you can defeat that person, I will keep my word!" Hu Han Tian said sternly.
"Good, it's a deal!" Zhang Yang grinned, showing no pressure.
"Heh, don't get happy too soon. If you lose, you'll have to swim back to Lin Hai City!" Hu Han Tian said with a cold laugh.
In response.
Zhang Yang shrugged noncommittally, and the others did not interject.
Instead, they were somewhat expectant, wondering who would win this bet between the two parties.
At this moment.
Zhu Tai waved his hand, signaling his companions to leave.
He then walked towards Zhang Yang and asked, "Your name is Zhang Tang, right? Shall we talk privately?"
"Okay." Zhang Yang narrowed his eyes slightly.
Zhang Tang was a name Zhang Yang had adopted temporarily.
He knew that once he made a name for himself in the martial arts tournament, Yun Ying and the others would definitely be questioned, so he had already made all the arrangements.
Soon.
Zhu Tai and Zhang Yang walked aside to talk privately.
"You say you are from Qingcheng Mountain? According to the intelligence we have, we haven't found any prodigy like you from Qingcheng Mountain."
"Of course, you wouldn't know, because I'm an undercover agent," Zhang Yang replied.
Undercover agent?
Zhu Tai's eyes flashed with a cold glint, and he asked, "What kind of undercover agent?"
"I am a successor of King Mo. Have you heard of him?" Zhang Yang said.
Zhu Tai's expression turned shocked upon hearing this.
"You're from King Mo's faction? Then why did you come to my Lin Hai City?"
Zhang Yang, having prepared his words, calmly narrated the story without any panic.
"You must have heard about the destruction of Qingcheng Mountain. In fact, I was the one who leaked the information back, otherwise, how could they have destroyed Qingcheng Mountain so coincidentally."
"However, when Qingcheng Mountain was destroyed, I secretly took something, which made it impossible for me to return."
"What did you take?" Zhu Tai asked.
Zhang Yang fumbled in his pocket and then put it back.
"I can't tell you. It's my secret. Besides, don't you people here, the Wa... no, your people, not ask about origins?"
"Why are you investigating me now? If you don't trust me, I can leave right now. I won't participate in this martial arts tournament."
After speaking, Zhang Yang took a few cautious steps back, wary of Zhu Tai.
Zhu Tai's eyes flickered with a different light, and he suddenly smiled.
"Heh, don't be nervous. I'm just curious."
"You're right. In the eyes of outsiders, we are indeed called Wa寇 (Japanese pirates), but we are not robbers or bandits. We don't take things that don't belong to us."
"Because we have our own dignity! After all, we are descendants of the former dynasty's Ming King! So you can rest assured!"
"As for asking you so many questions, it's because we want to invite you to join us, so we need to inquire thoroughly."
Zhang Yang fell into contemplation.
His face was filled with hesitation, and he didn't give Zhu Tai an answer immediately.
"I know about you being descendants of King Ming, but I'm not familiar with you. I only heard that you are widely recruiting talented individuals, so I wanted to try."
"If you want to pry into my secrets, then I'd rather not join. If it doesn't work out, I'll just continue to blend in at the Skyhawk Martial Arts School. I just want to find a place to continue cultivating."
Zhang Yang refused.
"Heh, it seems you still don't trust us," Zhu Tai said with a smile and a shake of his head.
"You're underestimating us. What kind of treasures haven't we seen in this world? We will never covet yours."
"Moreover, looking at you, it seems you have only a vague understanding of what you've taken, right?"
"If you are willing to share, and your background is worth investigating, perhaps we can help you unravel the secret you hold?"
This...
To be honest.
Zhu Tai's words moved Zhang Yang.
Moreover, what Zhang Yang had said earlier was just a tactic of retreat to advance; he didn't want the other party to think he was desperate to join.
Instantly.
Zhang Yang reached into his chest and slowly took out something.