Zhao Xun was in an exceptionally good mood, and the surrounding nobles were also very happy, all trying to cozy up to him. With such a successful four-nation tournament, the Zhao Family was secure, even if Matthew got promoted to Archbishop, he couldn't shake their position. The future of the Celestial Capital would still be dominated by two powers.

Looking at those who lowered their heads while speaking and the well-dressed noblewomen trying to please him, Zhao Xun felt an incomparable delight deep inside. No matter how long such a life lasted, it would never be enough. He had already chosen a few ladies, and once today's affairs were settled, he would relax at their homes, perhaps even in front of their husbands. With some luck, he might even cultivate a few new successors, as Zhao Qing was only useful until today.

Matthew's face revealed no emotion as he sensed the atmosphere of the entire arena, which was highly effective. This batch would not fall short of expectations. The Night Patrol team had also proceeded to the designated location, encountering various issues along the way, ensuring they wouldn't return in time.

While Matthew could give orders directly, the Celestial Capital likely had spies from the Church Court, and strict investigations were bound to follow. Everything needed to be flawless; without evidence, no one could touch him.

The competition began with the usual introductions of both sides. Each name uttered brought the audience to their feet in cheers, with some frantic women even tearing at their clothes, displaying their sensuality. The occasion where men fought with their lives was a day of indulgence, giving both commoners and nobles a channel for release.

In contrast to the composure of the iron-blooded, there was some nervousness on the Black Rose side.

"I'll take the lead in the first battle!" Luo Xue suddenly said.

Zhao Qing frowned, "I remember our strategy yesterday was for me to fight the vanguard battle?"

"Adapt to the situation. The opponent will most likely send Kazi." Luo Xue said calmly; she was still the captain.

"Luo Xue, shouldn't you consider this more carefully?" Zhao Qing said, with a half-smile.

"I've thought it through seriously." Luo Xue replied.

Zhao Qing nodded, "If President Luo Xue wants to alter the agreed plan, that's not impossible. But you are the captain now, and you must bear the responsibility. If you lose this crucial vanguard battle, what then?"

Luo Xue was already in a difficult position but her eyes were resolute, "You will get what you want."

"Haha, great! Looking forward to seeing President Luo Xue's victorious start!" Zhao Qing stared at Luo Xue, unconcerned if she would regret it, because it didn't matter. Once lost, stepping down was inevitable.

Fei Ruolin and others also watched her. The rivalry for the presidency between her and Zhao Qing had reached a fever pitch in this crucial final. Zhao Qing employed transparent strategies; only someone with both strength and leadership could be captain.

Luo Xue took the stage but had guessed wrong. The opponent brought out Vice Captain Rastan, not Kazi. The bad news was a slight miscalculation, but the good news was that she was sure to win this round. If the Celestial Capital triumphed, even if Zhao Qing shone a bit brighter, it wouldn't be so easy for him to take the Black Rose presidency.

As both took the stage, Luo Xue wielded a sword while Rastan held a scimitar. The Luo Family had risen during Luthor's era, enjoying a high reputation in the Celestial Capital. The audience immediately responded with enthusiastic cheers, and Luo Xue quickly regained her composure, focusing on winning the match first.

Rastan looked at Luo Xue, half smiling, licking his scimitar, "Remember to scream if it hurts later."

Luo Xue coldly stared back, channeling her spiritual ability, her longsword radiating a sharp glow.

Swish, swish...

Step by step, both launched at almost the same time, moving towards each other with high-frequency steps. Rastan used twin scimitars in a mad, fierce style, fighting as if with no regard for his life. Luo Xue's solid foundation and the traditional style of the Rilong helped her steadily parry and break down his frenzied attacks, waiting to counterattack after exhausting his offensive.

The surroundings were filled with cheers. Hosting the match came with an undeniable morale advantage, but the Black Andean people weren't fazed. Rilongians were combative and warlike, yet seemed more civilized and gentlemanly compared to the Black Andeans, who never showed stage fright and seemed more energized by the louder the chants.

Zhao Qing was also waiting; this was a setup he and Kazi planned. To be safe, he had even suggested Kazi take part personally, though Kazi refused, saying it wasn't necessary. Despite Zhao Qing fearing Kazi's overconfidence, Black Andeans were like that, never listening to others. Pushing further might provoke unreasonable demands, like asking for another Hex Airship.

Judging from the engagement now, this dual-blade fighter showed promise.

Li Xin sat at the back, not overly focused on the battlefield. Zhao Xun was still in the VIP seats, but Matthew was gone.

Li Xin's pupils slightly contracted. Where did he go at this moment?

Without Matthew, Zhao Xun exuded an unparalleled aura, glancing at Locknan, thinking once this batch was done, it'd be time to curtail that old man.

The situation in Dragon Capital was also changing. After Luthor's death, the Hex faction had indeed lasted decades but was now in decline. The old nobility was rising, and the Hundred Martial Hall was already counterbalancing the Moon God Church.

It was a good era for change, though the roles of attack and defense had simply switched.

Locknan intently watched the fielded Luo Xue. Since yesterday, the situation had been unfavorable to them. When the Archbishop decided to host this four-nation tournament, Locknan had been somewhat concerned, but Luo Xue's dominance in Black Rose reassured him, especially since she returned from that place, giving him great confidence.

But things were currently feeling off.

Boom...

Luo Xue was sent flying, Rastan laughing wildly in pursuit, his twin scimitars dancing like spinning flames, while Luo Xue's longsword defended, clinking repeatedly...

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.