In the Black Miao Village camp, there was complete silence. Beckett’s face was twisted with rage, his eyes bloodshot. No one dared to approach him; all he wanted was to strangle Quentin.
“Young Master, the Chieftain asked me to deliver a message to you,” an elder from the Black Miao Village said as he approached Beckett.
“Speak,” Beckett replied coldly.
“The Chieftain said that if you lose the next match, he will punish you by making you eat vegetarian for a month,” the elder said, trembling, fearing Beckett’s wrath.
“Hah, go back and tell that old man not to worry. This time, I, Beckett, will take first place in the Big Game!” Beckett slammed the table as he spoke.
“Yes,” the elder quickly exited the Black Miao Village, thinking to himself that Beckett was indeed a filial son.
Ascending the Mountain of Blades and descending into the Sea of Fire were considered the ultimate challenges by the Miao people, only attempted by the bravest men of the Miao Family.
“The second event of the Big Game: Ascend the Mountain of Blades and descend into the Sea of Fire! All contestants from the Miao Villages, please gather and prepare.”
After the referee’s announcement, ladders made of sharp steel blades were erected in the arena. Each ladder was formed by thirty-six blades fixed between two wooden poles, with their edges facing upward.
The ladders stood eighteen meters high. The blades were arranged in two ways: some were laid flat, while others were crossed with a wooden plank tied at the top.
Not far away, a flat area was covered with burning charcoal, about twenty meters long and two to three meters wide. The intense heat made the surrounding air scorching.
Contestants had to climb to the top of the Mountain of Blades barefoot and then walk across the Sea of Fire as quickly as possible to win first place.
As contestants from various Miao Villages entered the arena, the crowd became restless. Both contestants and spectators no longer underestimated Quentin, wondering if he would amaze them again in this challenge.
“Ascending the Mountain of Blades is Beckett’s specialty. He can climb thirty-six Mountains of Blades without stopping, and his speed is astonishing. He’s revered by many.”
“He’s also skilled at crossing the Sea of Fire. He walks through it as if on water, and his feet remain unscathed afterward.”
“Although Webb’s Riding the Horse was impressive, I think Beckett will win this time. This challenge requires experience and skill!”
The audience began to analyze.
“Quentin is the best! He will win this time too!” Quentin’s fans from the Miao Family shouted.
“Go, Quentin!” The White Miao Village was also excited, especially Cerys’s family.
Quentin remained calm, not taking the competition seriously, just wanting it to end quickly.
Seeing Quentin so composed made Beckett grit his teeth in anger. He shouted at him, “Webb, you were lucky in Riding the Horse. This time, you’ll lose in Ascending the Mountain of Blades and Descending into the Sea of Fire!”
Quentin sneered and said indifferently, “You failed to gain an advantage and still remain so confident. Are you not convinced?”
Beckett, humiliated by Quentin’s words, retorted angrily, “That was just a mistake. This is my specialty; everyone in Miao Territory knows it.”
“With my years of experience and skill, I only need half my effort to beat you.”
Quentin remained silent. He was used to dealing with clowns like Beckett and didn’t bother to respond.
Seeing Quentin ignore him made Beckett even more furious. He was determined to win this time and crush Quentin underfoot to prove he was the strongest in Miao Territory.
“Everyone get ready!” The referee’s command signaled the start of the competition. Contestants positioned themselves at the base of each blade ladder.
“Ascending the Mountain of Blades and Descending into the Sea of Fire begins now!”
At the signal, contestants started climbing. The sharp blades could easily cut their feet if they were not careful, making spectators anxious.
Beckett led the pack with his skilled and precise movements. He climbed as if on a rope ladder, quickly surpassing ten blades and leaving others behind.
He paused midway up a blade ladder and looked at Quentin on the other side. To everyone’s surprise, Quentin hadn’t moved yet.
“Hah, are you scared? It seems you’re not as capable as you thought!” Beckett mocked disdainfully, standing on one leg on a blade.
“Look! Golden Rooster Stands on One Leg!” Beckett’s impressive skill drew applause and cheers from the crowd.
“Reverse Hook! That’s incredible!”
Beckett balanced on a blade with his foot while hanging upside down steadily. His showmanship amazed everyone.
Basking in the crowd’s praise, Beckett felt confident that winning first place was within his grasp.
Khan and the other contestants continued climbing step by step. Due to their lack of skill, Khan’s feet started bleeding slightly. Less skilled contestants were injured quickly and either fell or gave up.
“Look! Webb is starting to climb the Mountain of Blades!” At this moment, spectators exclaimed as Quentin began his ascent. Beckett looked over in confusion.
Quentin moved gracefully up the ladder like walking on water. His internal energy made his body as hard as steel, seemingly impervious to blades. His speed increased rapidly.
Quentin remained calm as he climbed, stepping over ten blades effortlessly and soon surpassing Beckett.
Beckett was stunned and immediately resumed climbing, thinking Quentin must be a monster. He showed no climbing technique but moved incredibly fast.
“Quentin is amazing! Is an outsider moving so quickly without injury? He’s faster than Beckett!”
The White Miao Village people were anxious for Quentin but also impressed by his unexpected performance.
Soon, Quentin easily overtook Beckett and reached twenty layers high.
Beckett and Black Miao Village members’ faces darkened. Wesley was almost too anxious to sit still.
Beckett used all his strength to catch up; he couldn’t afford to lose or face a month of vegetarian meals.
The crowd’s excitement grew as they eagerly awaited the outcome.
Quentin maintained a steady pace, moving lightly upward. Even as Beckett closed in, he remained unflustered.
Beckett ignored climbing techniques and pushed through pain to catch up, his feet starting to bleed slightly.
Quentin reached thirty layers; only six more remained to reach the top.
Beckett caught up, just two layers behind Quentin.
The entire crowd held their breath. Who would win between Quentin and Beckett?
Would Beckett defend his title, or would Quentin create another miracle?