Chapter 437

Chapter 437: Battling Risen

Amidst various surrounding gazes filled with jealousy, envy, and hostility, Midi’s expression stayed calm as always.

After learning about the relationship between Death Scorpion and the Death Scorpion family, coupled with his own confidence in his abilities, he’d already predicted this situation might arise.

This outcome suited Midi perfectly.

Being part of Mososbury City’s first family meant better resources and environment, shortening his distance to the Black Dragon Conference while improving his odds against Death’s Pursuit Order.

The martial arts master’s dignified invitation during this critical moment also proved Death Scorpion’s methods surpassed those of the Death Scorpion family, which tolerated spoiled heirs causing trouble.

Regardless of truth, Death Scorpion clearly maintained proper appearances. For Midi, this made an ideal foothold.

Facing such a humble invitation, he accepted instantly.

“Gaining the first family’s recognition is my greatest honor,” Midi declared solemnly, straightening after a deep bow. “Since Death Scorpion invites me, I’ll dedicate all my power to serve!”

“Good.” Though expected, the martial arts master felt pleased seeing the previously stubborn Midi cooperate so readily.

From the stands, Simon glared at their harmonious exchange, teeth grinding in silent fury.

He had no arguments left.

Midi had obliterated Ulhan completely, leaving nothing to reclaim. Threatening Midi or Wolfspider tribe now held no weight. Mockery? None dared ridicule someone who’d slain Ulhan—not even Death Scorpion family’s eldest son.

It resembled chess: Simon once controlled the board as sole player, with Midi and Ulhan as clashing pawns while the martial arts master—a piece-less audience—rooted for Simon’s downfall.

But Midi the pawn destroyed Simon’s piece, then challenged the player himself. The spectator seized this opportunity to ally with Midi against Simon.

The situation reversed entirely—or worsened. Previously, the martial arts master lacked pieces; now Simon had lost his, becoming the defeated.

With two final rounds remaining, Simon could only endure watching their camaraderie while stewing helplessly.

Noticing Simon’s pale, fury-stricken face—as if nursing internal injuries—the martial arts master hid his delight. Publicly and privately, this was a major victory. Recruiting Midi would earn greater favor from the family’s higher-ups.

Yet he maintained composure. Unlike arrogant Simon, years of experience taught him restraint. With matches ongoing, he’d leave room for retreat.

Besides, he needed deeper assessment: Now that Midi joined Death Scorpion, how would he handle the bonfire gathering?

The martial arts master eagerly awaited the answer.

Soon, the third round of the semifinals finally commenced.

In the second round of quarterfinals, aside from the nail-biting clash between Midi and Ulhan, the other battles—though thrilling—held no real surprises.

Risen and Alexis unquestionably dominated their matches, securing decisive promotions.

Thus, as anticipated, Midi’s semifinal opponent was the Great Warrior from the Fire Lizard Tribe.

Risen, the Black Dragonkin whose veins pulsed with the bloodline of the Black Dragon!

"Such potent bloodline power!" Midi’s brow tightened as he stepped onto the obsidian arena.

While others might only perceive magic and pressure, Midi—bearing Dragon’s Blood himself—felt an oppressive weight akin to a mortal facing a dragon’s might. His blood simmered as if heated by unseen flames, and even his Horn King Greatsword hummed faintly.

This confirmed Risen’s Black Dragon lineage ran thicker than Midi’s own recently awakened bloodline.

Though Midi had a strategy in mind, he dared not lower his guard. After all, his plan hinged on Risen’s cooperation—far from guaranteed given the warrior’s fiery temperament. If Risen chose to fight to the death, Midi would have no choice but to retaliate in kind.

Before Midi could speak, Risen boomed, "Never thought a surface-dwelling human would share this trait."

Midi blinked, then realized: if he could sense Risen’s Dragon’s Blood, the higher-level warrior surely detected his too. Risen’s cryptic phrasing avoided openly revealing this before the major families’ spectators.

"I still fall short of you," Midi replied frankly. Their bloodlines’ thickness was evident through aura alone, and since Risen initiated dialogue, Midi saw no harm in conversing. This was a showcase for the clans, not a life-or-death struggle like against Ulhan.

Risen gave him an odd look. "You don’t know? It’s purity that matters, not thickness."

"Purity?" Midi frowned. Despite Risen’s implication that Midi’s bloodline held superiority, the oppressive force suggested otherwise. Was there another metric?

When Midi opened his mouth to inquire, Risen grinned. "I’ll share the secrets—after you prove your power!"

"Was defeating Ulhan insufficient?" Midi sighed.

"Hardly! True strength is measured through flesh and steel!" Risen’s eyes blazed as he unleashed a Dragon Roar, hefting a colossal double-bladed axe from his weapon cache. The blade’s cold glow electrified the arena, making Midi’s greatsword vibrate in response.

"Then let’s clash properly!" Midi’s starry black eyes ignited with fighting spirit. He surged forward like a meteor, greatsword blazing.

Thunderous collisions echoed as their weapons met. Lightning-like sparks flew while frenzied sword energy scarred the obsidian floor. The combatants—one hulking, one lean—darted across the arena like dueling comets, each impact spawning shockwaves.

This was raw direct combat: no tactics, just power, speed, and reflexes. A single misstep meant gruesome dismemberment, yet both warriors bantered mid-fight, sensing mutual restraint. Their weapons’ silent dialogue revealed hidden accord—this was but sparring, not true battle.

After thirty furious exchanges, they disengaged, breathing heavily.

"Impressive," Risen rumbled. "Few humans master greatswords so well. Seek me after the bonfire gathering."

"Appreciated." Midi nodded. While Eighth Apostle Rot likely knew more about bloodlines, Risen’s strength and character made him worth humoring.

"Now shall we get serious?" Risen licked his lips eagerly.

Midi shook his head. "Unnecessary. I concede."