Chapter 1017: Chapter 1017

The others each had their own thoughts about their results, but Tang Ming and his group didn’t have any feelings of frustration. The Dark Group’s goal was very clear — as long as one of them could rank among the top, it was enough.

The Ming Group was different. Aside from Fu Renjie, the other three initially all wanted to come in first, but given the circumstances, Zhao Tianba and Qian Bujun had come to their senses.

This tournament was destined to be the realm of Wan Yong and Tang Xin, with everyone else merely playing supporting roles.

After the burst force competition ended, the contestants returned to the rest area to eat and rest.

Long Ao, Lin Canghai, and Wu Xiaoyu were very diligent in preparing food for Tang Ming, while Tang Ming buried his head in his food, too lazy to even speak — he had expended a lot of energy and was now starving.

Unlike before, the four members of the Ming Group faction did not disperse to eat. Instead, they sat at one table, apparently strategizing about something.

"Don’t worry about what they’re discussing; just get me more food. I’m starving."

Seeing that Long Ao and the others were distracted, Tang Ming hurriedly urged them.

"Alright, you really can eat."

Long Ao retrieved his gaze and continued preparing food for Tang Ming.

Seeing the elite disciples from the three major families of the Imperial City serve him food, Tang Ming was in high spirits.

Especially Wu Xiaoyu, who used to always cause him trouble; now, she was subdued by him. She probably wouldn’t provoke him again in the future.

After a hearty meal, Tang Ming returned to his room to sleep. After days of consecutive competitions, he was severely sleep-deprived.

Seeing that Tang Ming wasn’t engaging with them at all, Long Ao and the others felt a little helpless, but given Tang Ming’s strength, they were left with no choice and gathered together to strategize.

After two o’clock, Qin Fang gathered the nine contestants on a spacious field to prepare for the afternoon competition.

Fu Tianyou sat in his office, with a grim expression as he stared at the computer monitor.

Although he didn’t plan any assassination in the morning competition, he thought there was nothing to be mad about. However, he didn’t expect that Fu Renjie would be humiliated so terribly — that was his son, after all.

Fu Renjie was the representative of the Fu Family, and with his submission, the family’s honor was thrown out the window.

This decision came from above, and while he was angry and unwilling, it wasn’t a personal blow. However, at the end of the competition, Tang Ming and Wan Yong each destroyed an explosion testing instrument worth 120 million, to be paid by the Ming Group.

For the Ming Group, which had been extorted for several billion by Tang Ming, this 120 million was a huge loss.

After the Ming Group’s rise, Fu Tianyou was the only one responsible for making the group sustain such a big loss. If the head of the Ming Group came out from seclusion, Fu Tianyou expected he would be the first to be dismissed.

And all this was that bastard’s fault; if he could, Fu Tianyou truly had the urge to tear Tang Ming apart.

"Deputy Director, don’t be angry, I’ve arranged everything. Our people will surely take down Tang Xin."

Seeing Fu Tianyou staying silent, Lengzhan reassured confidently.

"Hmph, those idiots gave ridiculous commands and missed a great opportunity to end Tang Ming once and for all."

Fu Tianyou snorted coldly, recalling with irritation how they missed the perfect chance during the hidden weapon challenge.

"Don’t worry, Master. This round is also an excellent opportunity. As long as Tang Ming steps up, he will have no escape."

Lengzhan pledged convincingly.

"Let’s watch the competition."

Fu Tianyou nodded coldly. After the repeated setbacks, his nerves weren’t as sensitive.

After bringing everyone to the field, Qin Fang smiled and introduced:

"The content of today’s second match is to assess your striking resistance capabilities. Simply put, contestants can only use cultivation for defense against designated individuals’ attacks. Contestants must strive to stand their ground without retreating. Finally, your scores will be calculated based on the number of steps taken back within a certain time frame."

"Striking resistance? Isn’t this just getting beaten up?"

Lin Canghai stared speechlessly at Qin Fang and asked, puzzled, "Forcing us to retreat seems like a simple task. If we’re up against a same-level expert and only defending, we could very well be beaten to death."

"The organizers naturally won’t put the contestants’ lives in danger. Following the previous model, attackers will be provided by the Dark Group and the Ming Group. This time there’s a clear rule; the attackers must be one rank lower than the contestants. So if a contestant is a Six-star Martial Master in cultivation, the attacker can only be a Five-star Martial Master."

Qin Fang looked at Lin Canghai, smiling as she explained, "The strength difference between martial masters of different levels is significant. I believe the contestants should handle opponents one level beneath them?"

"Even if they’re one level lower, if the attacker is a Cross Training Martial Master, they could still harm the contestants. Or if they target vital areas, there could still be a life risk. This competition is too dangerous."

Wu Xiaoyu shook her head in worry. It was manageable for the men, but being a woman, she feared a hit to the chest would be disastrous.

Actually, Fu Renjie also wanted to ask what if they focused on certain sensitive areas?

At this moment, Tang Ming suddenly spoke up, smiling, "For this round, don’t participate. Just forfeit."

Long Ao and the others looked at Tang Ming in surprise, confused.

"Why are you looking? Our lineup is set, and the upcoming matches hinge on whether I can clinch first place. Unless it’s a team scenario, you can all just watch the show."

Tang Ming smiled, whispering, "Standing there without moving and taking hits, even if they’re one level lower, it’ll cause some harm. You shouldn’t waste your energy. It’s not worth the risk of injury."

"But if we forfeit , won’t our scores allow them to catch up?"

Long Ao looked reluctantly at the Ming Group faction contestants.

"In the tournament, only the champion decides the future resource allocation rights. For the rest, are the rankings really different?"

Tang Ming rolled his eyes, reminding them speechlessly.

"That does make some sense."

Long Ao paused, nodding in understanding.

"So, for this round, you all just take a good rest."

Tang Ming instructed with a smile, "When you have events that require sacrifices to give away points, then you step in."

"We are also forfeiting."

As Tang Ming’s side reached their decision, Fu Renjie, Qian Bujun, and Zhao Tianba also raised their hands to announce their decisions.