The Peerless Emperor (TPE)

As the red glow settled on the names, the matchup list updated, revealing Lin Qian and Zhang Li's portraits. Their cultivation levels were displayed as well.

Lin Qian: Void-Fragmentation Realm, sixth stage.

Zhang Li: Void-Fragmentation Realm, floating stage.

Seeing the displayed cultivation levels, many spectators shook their heads with amusement, confident that this match would be a foregone conclusion.

Some even took delight in the misfortune of the Eastern Branch, thinking that not only did they find a human ally with a low cultivation level, but they were also unlucky to be matched against a more formidable opponent from a smaller tribe. If they had faced someone from a minor tribe, they might have lasted a few rounds and saved some face.

"It's my turn!" Seeing his name called, Lin Qian stood up, leaving the observation platform and swimming toward the arena.

From the previous match, Lin Qian had already figured out the procedure. The token provided earlier, when worn at the waist, would automatically identify the competitor upon touching the arena's formation.

As he approached the formation, the token at Lin Qian's waist emitted a soft glow, enveloping him.

When he touched the edge of the formation, it assimilated him, allowing him to enter the arena's watery space.

Upon reaching his side of the arena, Lin Qian stopped and waited.

At the same time, he saw Zhang Li, the Eight-Armed Sea Tribe member, already positioned on the opposite side, waiting calmly.

"Ahem," the female host in the center of the arena cleared her throat and then announced, "Now that both participants are ready, let the match begin!"

After announcing the start of the match, the host swiftly swam upward, but not before casting a sympathetic glance at Lin Qian.

It was clear that she didn't think highly of Lin Qian's chances and assumed that he would be eliminated in the first round.

"Sigh, the Eastern Branch is in for a rough time this year," the host murmured to herself as she watched Lin Qian from above, her voice barely audible. "The performance of the human allies in this competition will heavily influence their chances in the ancient human ruins."

"Even if the Eastern Branch's members perform well, this Lin Qian might still cause them to miss out on the ruins."

Many others shared the host's sentiments, doubting Lin Qian's abilities.

"To be fair, reaching the sixth stage of the Void-Fragmentation Realm at around twenty years old is impressive," commented a young Eight-Armed Sea Tribe member sitting next to the clan leader, Zhang Tianxin. "But he's too young. If he had two or three more years to grow, he might not be underestimated like this."

This young Eight-Armed Sea Tribe member, sitting next to the clan leader, clearly held a significant position.

"That's not right," Zhang Tianxin suddenly shook his head after observing Lin Qian closely for a while.

"Grandfather, what's wrong?" the young Eight-Armed Sea Tribe member asked curiously.

Grandfather!

Indeed, this young Eight-Armed Sea Tribe member was none other than Zhang Tianxin's grandson, Zhang Zide, known as the number one genius of the Eight-Armed Sea Tribe.

Zhang Zide was not only extraordinarily talented but also exceptionally handsome, at least by Eight-Armed Sea Tribe standards. His soft pink skin, perfectly proportioned eight arms, and striking features had earned him the title of the most handsome young man in the tribe.

"This young human is not simple. If we're only talking about physical strength, Zide, you're no match for him," Zhang Tianxin said after a moment of reflection.

"What!" Zhang Zide exclaimed in disbelief, staring at Lin Qian in the arena. From his vantage point, he could only see Lin Qian's back.

Meanwhile, the surrounding whispers and discussions were filled with comments about how unfortunate this human was and how Zhang Li would easily overpower him.

After a brief moment of surprise, Zhang Zide chuckled. "This just got interesting."

Zhang Tianxin was one of the top powerhouses in the Eight-Armed Sea Tribe, so if he said it, it was likely true. This meant that Lin Qian was far more formidable than he appeared on the surface.

After the match began, Lin Qian didn't immediately make a move. On the opposite side, Zhang Li also remained still, not launching an attack. Instead, he stood there with a playful expression, watching Lin Qian.

"To be honest, I didn't expect to get so lucky, drawing such an easy opponent," Zhang Li suddenly spoke, his voice dripping with amusement.

Raising an eyebrow, Lin Qian exhaled a stream of bubbles from his water-breathing soul artifact as he listened to Zhang Li's words.

"I was thrilled when I saw the matchups earlier because this means I have two points in the bag," Zhang Li continued, speaking as if Lin Qian wasn't even there.

"Two points..." Lin Qian shook his head slightly, understanding Zhang Li's confidence.

In the clan assembly, just participating in a match earned one point, which could be exchanged for items from the Eight-Armed Sea Tribe's treasure vault. Even one point could be exchanged for an Upper Grade B pill worth ten thousand mid-grade soul crystals.

If someone lost in their first match, they would still receive one point as a consolation prize.

Winning a match, however, would grant two points. Zhang Li was confident that he would easily defeat Lin Qian and secure those two points, equivalent to twenty thousand mid-grade soul crystals.

"Hey, human, I suggest you surrender now to avoid unnecessary pain," Zhang Li taunted as he summoned four standard long spears into his hands, water-attributed soul power swirling around them, distorting the surrounding water.

At the same time, the dominant aura of the floating stage in the Void-Fragmentation Realm surged from Zhang Li's body as he looked down on Lin Qian.

"Now that you've seen my power, you should know what to do," Zhang Li laughed loudly, even spitting out two streams of ink for emphasis.

"What an idiot. He really thinks Lin Qian is someone to be trifled with?" Zhang Qi and the other four Eastern Branch participants couldn't help but laugh from their observation platform.

"Oh? Zhang Qi, do you really think your ally can defeat Zhang Li despite the four-stage difference?" A young Eight-Armed Sea Tribe woman from the Western Branch asked with a light laugh.

Seeing the young woman, Zhang Qi's eyes showed a hint of respect, but his tone was filled with confidence. "Of course. His Majesty Lin's strength cannot be judged by appearances because..."

"He's a monster!"