Chapter 102: The Big Shot's arrival
The 20th floor of Babel Tower held a unique position within the structure, serving as a critical gateway between the chaotic lower levels and the more refined upper tiers.
Unlike the floors beneath it, often regarded as a proving ground where warriors battled like monkeys and tigers for survival and status, the 20th floor marked the threshold of true recognition. It was a barrier that separated the ordinary from the exceptional, the place where the tower began to take notice of its inhabitants and where the real journey for power began.
To ascend beyond the 20th floor ; it required passing a promotion trial that evaluated a warrior's combat prowess but also their tactical acumen and potential for growth.
For many, this floor was the final stop on their journey, as the trial was notoriously difficult.
Challenging the rank 1 warrior on the 20th floor was more than just a bold move—it was a virtue signal that Yan Jin was ready to step into the realm of the truly powerful.
His enigmatic first fight had already turned heads, sparking curiosity and speculation about his true capabilities. Now, by setting his sights on the top warrior of the 20th floor, he was announcing to everyone watching that he was not just another climber—he was someone destined for greater challenges.
The 20th floor offered more than just prestige; it provided access to essential resources that could accelerate a warrior's growth exponentially.
It was the only floor in the lower levels that possessed a blood pool. Additionally, it housed a potion store stocked with rare and potent elixirs, as well as private training halls where warriors could hone their skills in solitude. These assets made the 20th floor a hub of activity, attracting those who were ready to prove themselves and move on to greater heights.
But the true allure of the 20th floor lay in what it represented: the promise of more.
The instant the screen displayed Yan Jin's match against the rank of the 20th floor, the spectators went crazy with frenzy.
"He is the most daring rookie the tower has seen for sure." Someone said.
"Does he think the strength increase per floor, is negligeable?" another one replied
" I know right , three Duan Da , will not be able to defeat, Li Jie."
"But he barely exerted himself against Duan Da so maybe he can give us a show."
"Li Jie, is a purified King, He cannot use tricks anymore we will see his real strength."
"Let's buy seats"
Scenes like this happened everywhere around the arena in the 20th floor, as people were excited for the confrontation
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The arena was a grand coliseum-like structure, carved deep within the heart of the 20th floor. Its towering walls were etched with ancient runes that glowed faintly, hinting at the immense power that had been channeled within these grounds for centuries.
The ceiling was a dome of translucent crystal, through which the artificial light of the tower filtered in, casting glow over the entire space. Massive banners depicting the emblems of various warrior divisions hung from the walls, fluttering slightly.
The seats were arranged in concentric circles around the central stage, descending like steps into the depths of the arena, ensuring that every spectator had a clear view of the battlefield below. The seats were packed, with no empty spots in sight. The atmosphere was electric as whispers and shouts mingled together.
High above, in the exclusive VIP boxes, the influential figures of Babel Tower observed with keen interest, their eyes locked on the stage where the night's drama would unfold.
"Look! It's Nie Yang from the Golden Warrior Division. They must be here to see the rookie!"
"I saw Zhang Chi from the Treasure Pavilion too. I thought he left the tower, but he's already back?"
"Luo Li from the Lotus Pavilion is here as well. The Imperial Guards, Faded Ashes... Even the three madmen of the Phantom Division are here!"
"I didn't think Huang would attract this many big shots."
"It makes sense, though. Li Jie is a veteran from the Golden Warriors. He's blocked the entrance to the 79th floor for five years—people call him the 'Rookie Crusher' for a reason. Huang is the first serious candidate since the Generation of Miracles."
"It's been five years since someone has had a chance to defeat the guardian of the 79th floor. And with Wei Xi and Zhang San making noise too, we might be witnessing the rise of a new succession to the Miracle Generation."
"I can't wait to see this!"
The murmurs of the crowd echoed as the announcer took center stage, his voice booming through the arena, amplified by the arcane runes embedded in the structure.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to our main event of the night!" The announcer's voice was rich and full of energy, crackling with the same excitement that filled the arena. "Tonight, we bear witness to a battle of monumental proportions—a clash between a seasoned warrior, the 'Rookie Crusher,' and a rising star who has taken the tower by storm!
In one corner, we have Li Jie, the unyielding sentinel of the 21st floor. And in the other corner, we have the mysterious newcomer, Huang!"
The crowd roared, a wave of sound that seemed to shake the very foundation of the arena.
"Will the Guardian of the 21st floor maintain his iron grip, or will the new blood ascend, marking the beginning of a new era? Prepare yourselves, for this is a fight that will go down in the annals of Babel Tower's history! Without further ado, let the battle begin!"
The giant screens above the arena displayed the stats of the two combatants, their information flashing vividly for all to see:
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Li Jie
Age: 25Bloodline: High Fire DragonBlood Type: BRank: 1 / 20th FloorWins: 880 / 900Particularities: Rookie Crusher, Veterann/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om
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Huang
Age: UnknownBloodline: UnknownBlood Type: UnknownRank: 1 / 10th FloorWins: 1 / 1Particularities: Blind, Archer, Trickster
--
Li Jie emerged first from the corridor, his presence commanding the attention of the entire arena. His chestnut hair was cut short, neatly combed, contrasting with his clean, well-groomed beard. Clad in the resplendent gold armor of the Golden Warriors, a symbol of his elite status, he exuded confidence and the experience of a seasoned fighter.
In his hands, he wielded two short axes, the metal gleaming ominously under the arena lights. The crowd erupted in cheers, the sound swelling as he acknowledged his fans with a nod, his every step exuding the assurance of a man who had seen countless battles.
Following him, Yan Jin made his entrance, entirely unfazed by the thunderous applause. He moved with an eerie calm, his long black robe with emerald patterns flowing around him like shadows dancing in the light. The wooden mask on his face added to his mystique, giving him an almost otherworldly appearance, like a forest spirit.
His long hair, untamed, draped over his shoulders, and on his back was his signature bow and quiver, while Scara perched elegantly on his shoulder.