The aura emanating from Arke was only at the Half-Step Qi Condensation stage, but it was already causing intense suffocation for the nearest onlookers. The Referee had no choice but to signal the Array Masters to conjure a One-Layer Array Inscriptions Barrier. The Referee deemed it sufficient to contain the participants' strength.
"Why do you look like that?" Arke asked, a smirk on his face as he stared at his opponent. He had his hands in the pockets of his black pants, while his upper uniform was unbuttoned at the top.
The uniform of the Great Serpent Cultivation School was a combination of Hanfu and Tang suit styles. Although simple, the colors and engravings on the clothing made it more appealing than normal attire.
Bel's face was serious, her eyes intently focused on Arke. She held a wooden broadsword she had chosen from the weapon racks. Being from the same Martial School, she wore the same uniform as her opponent—a black-and-white uniform with a serpent insignia on the right chest.
"What? Did you go deaf?" Arke asked mockingly, but Bel remained silent.
In reality, she was closely observing Arke. Although they were just standing, the aura they emitted suggested that a single move could ignite a fight.
Deep down, Bel couldn't help but recall her conversation with Mr. Can Deez. He hadn't come to her room just for a simple talk; Can Deez had warned her about her current opponent.
The subtle instinct she had been feeling grew stronger after their conversation. Now, standing in front of Arke, that feeling intensified even more.
What is he trying to tell me? A frown appeared on her face, but she decided to trust Mr. Can Deez and the instincts that had never failed her.
"I've heard you can enter the Void," Bel said, her tone cold as she raised her broadsword slightly.
Arke, who had been smiling mockingly, suddenly looked at his opponent with wide eyes. "Where did you hear that?"
"Was it supposed to be a secret?" Bel asked, an incredulous expression on her face. Why did he seem shocked? How did Mr. Can Deez hear about it if the news isn't out there? He still doesn't know? That's strange.
Arke was thinking the same thing. He hadn't told anyone that he could enter the Void, unless someone like Holst had figured it out on his own. But that Butler only discovered it because Arke had entered the Void while Holst was watching him from the shadows.
Did Holst spread the news? Arke frowned. But what benefit would they gain? Did the Headmasters find out about it? But I haven't even entered the Void since the Advancement Examination!
Arke had planned to reveal his ability when the time was right, to shock his opponents as he claimed first place. But now, Bel already knew about it!
Furthermore, when it's revealed that a cultivator can enter the Void, especially while still a Martial Student, it can be either a blessing or a curse that follows them for life—unless they have the strength and backing to protect themselves. He wasn't like Bel, who had the protection of a Core Creation Cultivator. He was a lone wolf in this world, relying on powerful people to survive.
What if the Noble Families found out? They would certainly want to recruit him! And if they couldn't, they might try to eliminate him.
Besides, if they investigated enough, they would find out that he was closely associated with Klown, having visited him several times.
And what if those Evil Cultivators got wind of this? They would undoubtedly come for him!
The limelight he'd been waiting for had suddenly disappeared, leaving a bad taste in his mouth. He wanted to curse the person who let the news out!
"Who did you hear that from?!" Arke repeated, his voice colder than before.
Seeing her opponent so agitated, Bel couldn't help but let out a small smile. Is this what my instinct was warning me about? Bel had a feeling she understood why he was reacting this way.
Being able to enter the Void meant the cultivator was among the talented few who had the potential to go beyond the 4th-Step Qi Condensation Stage. Only a handful had managed to do so, and each one was a recognized talent. It was crucial to keep it a secret unless, like her, they had the backing of a Core Creation cultivator, such as her father, or an organization of equivalent strength.
There were many talented individuals who could also enter the Void but had died because they couldn't protect themselves. Even if one couldn't enter the Void but possessed something that caught the wolves' eyes, they would either end up dead or have that something stolen from them.
If it were any other opponent, Bel might have sympathized, but with Arke, she felt a sense of satisfaction seeing his frustrated face.
"Does it even matter?" Bel asked in return. "Don't worry, if you become the first place, you won't have to worry about them."
Hearing this, Arke restrained his anger. Bel was right. There was no need to worry about people fighting over him if he became the first place. Besides, didn't he have the mayor on his side?
Arke glanced toward the floating platform in the distance. Despite the distance, he could still see the mayor clearly. Well, who couldn't?
"Yeah, I can enter it," Arke admitted, a confident smile returning to his face. "Haha, surprised? You're no longer number one."
"Do you think being number one is my goal?" Bel shook her head. "It's merely a stepping stone, and what I aim for is beyond that. You can have it if you want, but only if you can defeat me."
"Tsk! You're really a b*tch," Arke spat on the ground. "But it doesn't matter. Talk big all you want; in the end, you'll fall before my hands."
Arke scanned her from head to toe, licking his lips.
"Those filthy eyes of yours," Bel's expression turned to anger. What she hated most were men like him. And the person in front of her embodied everything she despised. There were many rumors about Arke, most of them true.
A murderer, someone who forced himself on women without their consent, and even made them suffer.
Bel hated this person the most.
"You should be grateful I'm still willing to give you this gaze, but alas, such a shame," Arke said with a sigh.
"We won't get anywhere talking ," Bel said. "Let's end this once and for all!"