"Old man Xu, saying I'm dead isn't a very kind thing, especially to a friend—am I right?"
Xie Qing's sinister smile sent a chill through the air.
Xu's eyes widened.
"Don't tell me… you had the Rebirth Gem of Millennia."
Xie Qing chuckled darkly.
"The Rebirth Gem of Millennia—once infused with your blood—activates after death.
"It creates a new body, ten times stronger than before and grants an extra thousand years of life.
"But…" Xie Qing's tone turned icy,
"after using it, you lose all chances of ascension.
"If I ever step foot into God's Abode, I'll simply cease to exist."
Xu's expression hardened.
"The risk of success is only 5%…"
Xie Qing's eyes burned with conviction.
"But it was worth it."
Xu clenched his fists.
"You know very well this is forbidden. If the King finds out, you'll be executed."
Xie Qing's gaze darkened.
"I know… but before I die, I have unfinished business."
A flame of vengeance burned within his eyes.
He was going to kill Cheng.
"But first," he said, his voice dripping with greed,
"I'll claim the treasure on this island.
"Who knows? Maybe it holds the key to escaping my punishment.
"I expect you to cooperate, Dragon Slayer Xu."
Five Hours Later – The Final Bout
The last wave of creatures had been slain.
Now, the three groups gathered for the final event.
"We all know the rules."
Since the first discovery of Treasure Island, a system had been developed to prevent war—
A contest.
Each party selects one to two of their strongest warriors to fight for the treasure.
To determine the match-ups, they use the Stone Count Machine—a pillar-like device that measures force.
The two highest numbers face off first,
The victor then fights the lowest score.
It was a system designed to ensure fairness—the strongest warrior would never get an easy final match.
The Strength Trials Begin
Luo Qing stepped forward.
Her gaze was calm, her movements precise.
She struck the pillar with all her might—or at least, that's what she wanted them to think.
WENG!
100kg!
A number displayed on the small screen.
The crowd wasn't fooled—they knew she held back intentionally.
As a Fighter 5-dan Primary Cultivator, her true strength should be at least 1000kg or 1 ding.
By lowering her score, she ensured she would go last in the battle.
While some saw it as dishonorable, it required absolute control over one's physical body—something ordinary cultivators couldn't achieve.
- - -
An old man, looking like he was in his final days, stepped forward.
He raised his fist—then stopped just short of the pillar.
The force alone was enough to register a score.
WENG!
500kg!
Exactly five times of Luo Qing's true strength.
The crowd was stunned.
To measure and execute an exact half-power strike was beyond formidable.
Even Luo Qing looked slightly pale.
The technique was so precise, it required unparalleled mastery of the physical body.
- - -
The third contender stepped forward—the girl's father.
Unlike the others, he had no intention of controlling his strength.
He struck with full force.
WENG!
4 ding!
First Round – Dragon Slayer Xu vs. The Father
The first battle had been set.
Dragon Slayer Xu would face off against the father.
The crowd watched with anticipation.
Who would claim the treasure?
And more importantly—who would survive?