Chapter 33: First Battle in the Grand Arena, Breaking the Deadlock with Counter-Strategy

The trio arrived at the brightly lit arena, where the roar of the crowd was so intense it felt as though the atmosphere might burst.

All manner of superpowered individuals were present: some crackled with visible electricity, others radiated a bone-chilling cold, while some simply drifted through the air, showing off their abilities like performers. Standing in their midst, Mao Yu felt like a Muggle who had stumbled into a magical world.

The pressure was immense! He couldn't help but swallow hard. The surrounding contestants all exuded an aura of "I am strong, don't mess with me," making Mao Yu's palms sweat. Being stared at by so many eyes made him feel like a monkey in a zoo.

"Brother, go for it! I believe in you!" Mao Ling waved her small fists, cheering him on with great enthusiasm. Though Feng Yao remained silent, her eyes conveyed a sense of encouragement.

Well, having the support of the ladies definitely makes a difference! Mao Yu felt instantly energized.

The drawing results were released quickly. Mao Yu's first opponent turned out to be a foreigner named Tom. Tom stood two meters tall with bulging muscles, looking like a walking tank. As soon as he stepped onto the stage, he launched a barrage of broken Chinese at Mao Yu: "You, are Mao Yu? Heh, you don't look like much to me. You definitely won't be a match for me!"

Good grief, trash-talking before the match even started? Mao Yu cursed him as an "idiot" under his breath, but kept his expression indifferent. Since courtesy demands reciprocity, he curled his lip and retorted, "My good man, the match hasn't even begun, so how do you know I'm not a match for you? What if I'm just playing the pig to eat the tiger?"

Upon hearing this, Tom grew even more aggressive and let out a boisterous laugh: "Playing the pig to eat the tiger? You? Hahaha, you're killing me! Today, I'll show you what real power is!" His arrogant attitude immediately ignited the anger of the audience, who responded with a chorus of boos.

Mao Yu took a deep breath, trying to calm his restless heart. He knew full well that Tom’s provocations were meant to rattle him, and he could not afford to fall for it. He stared at Tom with burning intensity and said slowly, "Enough talk. Bring it on!"

Tom sneered, a flash of contempt in his eyes: "Hmph, you ignorant fool! Since you're so eager to die, I'll grant your wish!"

Referee Wang stood on the podium, cast a furtive glance toward a corner of the arena, gave an imperceptible nod, and then announced loudly, "The match... begins!"

Mao Yu’s eyes narrowed as a powerful aura erupted from his body...

"Wait!" A voice suddenly rang out.

The match began!

Tom let out a savage grin, clenched his fists, and his muscles surged, charging at Mao Yu like a rampaging bull. This guy’s power was strength enhancement; one punch could pierce a steel plate, and Mao Yu dared not take it head-on.

"Whoosh!" Mao Yu’s figure vanished from the spot. Tom threw a punch, but it hit nothing but air. A loud "bang" echoed as his fist smashed a large crater into the solid floor of the arena.

"Where is he?" Tom looked around, bewildered, only to find that Mao Yu had hidden behind a large obstacle at the edge of the ring.

A commotion broke out in the stands. This move was too shameless! He was actually using the "cowardly" tactic!

"This kid is quite the weasel!" Tom gritted his teeth, having never expected Mao Yu to use such a "wretched" strategy. Tom changed his tactics; instead of charging recklessly, he began using long-range energy attacks, trying to force Mao Yu out. Various energy blasts struck the obstacle as if they cost nothing, filling the arena with dust.

"Come out, you turtle!" Tom roared, his face twisted with malice.

Behind the obstacle, Mao Yu’s lips curled into a slight smile. *Little man, trying to play mind games with me? You're still too green!* While dodging the attacks, he observed Tom for any openings.

Suddenly, Mao Yu moved! Spotting a gap in Tom’s rhythm, he darted out from the side like an arrow released from a bow, a ball of dazzling light coalescing in his hand.

"Flash!" Mao Yu let out a sharp cry, and the light in his hand exploded, illuminating the entire stadium with a blinding glare.

Caught off guard, Tom was blinded by the light and instinctively raised his hands to shield his eyes.

*Now is the time!* Mao Yu seized the opportunity, channeled all his power into a single point, and struck!

A dull "thud" echoed as Tom was hit in the chest, stumbling back several steps with a look of disbelief on his face.

"Th-this is impossible!" Tom clutched his chest, feeling the blood churning within him.

Thunderous cheers erupted from the stands, applauding Mao Yu’s brilliant counterattack. Mao Yu brushed off his hands and said calmly, "Sorry to disappoint you, but I’m not just a turtle who only knows how to hide."

Tom’s face turned livid. He had never expected to be struck by this seemingly weak opponent. He took a deep breath, a ruthless light flashing in his eyes: "Fine, very good! From here on out, I won't hold back!"

Referee Wang’s face looked grim. He hadn't expected Mao Yu to be able to suppress Tom; this was completely different from what he had anticipated. He secretly glanced toward that same corner again, his eyes filled with anxiety.

"The match continues!" he announced loudly, though his voice trembled slightly.

Mao Yu curled his lips into a playful smile: "Just what I wanted..."

Seeing her brother succeed, Mao Ling jumped up like a little rabbit, waving her fists and shouting, "Brother! Well done! I knew you were the best!" The look of adoration in her eyes was enough to melt Mao Yu. Although Feng Yao maintained her cold, goddess-like demeanor, her clenched hands and slightly tense expression betrayed the turmoil within her.

Receiving this "loving support" from the two beauties, Mao Yu felt instantly invigorated, his combat power hitting the ceiling!

As the match continued, Tom grew humiliated and enraged, his attacks becoming increasingly vicious. He even began using foul play, such as tripping and firing hidden shots. However, Referee Wang "chose to be blind" to all of it.

*Good grief, this referee is way too biased!* Mao Yu finally understood—Referee Wang must have taken a bribe from Tom and was intentionally favoring him.

*Enough is enough!* Mao Yu was not one to be trifled with.

Taking advantage of a lull in the action, he pointed directly at Referee Wang’s nose and shouted, "Referee, is something wrong with your eyes? Can you not see those dirty tricks Tom is pulling? Or have you taken his money and are just pretending to be blind?"

When these words were spoken, the entire arena went into an uproar. The audience began to boo Referee Wang, and the scene became incredibly awkward. Referee Wang’s face cycled between green and white; he wished he could crawl into a hole. He hadn't expected Mao Yu to call him out in front of everyone, causing him to lose all face.

"You... you are slandering me!" Referee Wang pointed at Mao Yu, flustered, unable to form a coherent sentence.

Mao Yu sneered, "Whether I'm slandering you or not, everyone here knows the truth. I suggest you officiate fairly and justly; otherwise, don't blame me for being impolite!"

Mao Yu’s brave actions won the admiration of the entire audience, and applause thundered through the arena. Now, Referee Wang didn't dare to favor Tom so openly.

The match continued, and without the referee's "help," Tom’s effectiveness plummeted. Mao Yu seized the opportunity, using his agile footwork and powerful abilities to launch a fierce assault on Tom. In the end, Tom was left with no strength to fight back and slunk away from the arena in defeat.

Mao Yu stood in the center of the arena, savoring the joy of victory and basking in the cheers of the crowd.

The preliminaries were a success, but this was only the beginning! He knew the challenges ahead would be even more arduous. His gaze swept across the stands and landed on a figure in a corner—the low-key and mysterious dark horse, Li Ming.

"Li Ming..." Mao Yu muttered the name under his breath, a flicker of vigilance in his eyes.