Chapter 4: The Sky Has Traps, the Earth Has Pits—The Unwary Shall Fall

The arena was located in the eastern region, divided into six sections, each named after one of the six sovereigns. The area governed by the Butterfly Queen was crowned with her symbol—thus, the Butterfly Arena, the Butterfly Division.

Within the Combat Alliance, there were indeed stronger warriors, but none of the sovereigns would allow an uncontrollable force to rise under their very noses. Thus, each division was led by a ruler—a figure such as the Tiger King.

The Tiger King served as the Chief Inspector; although he often wandered far and wide, there were times when he had no choice but to remain at the division. After all, as the overseer of the Butterfly Division, countless trivial matters demanded his attention, and his subordinates constantly sought his guidance.

After accepting Du Gu, the Tiger King returned to the division in high spirits and proactively contacted the Butterfly Academy, paving the way for him, hoping that Du Gu would be able to break through and grow strong in a favorable environment. Unfortunately, the Tiger King, ever careless and rough in his ways, failed to consider whether Du Gu Bei Li had come alone or with a group. He neglected to arrange accommodations, meals, clothing, and all other necessities.

So, at the gates of the academy, a martial spectacle unfolded. Though the kind-hearted Dean of Patrol managed to quell the disturbance, Du Gu Bei Li was nonetheless forced to find his own way to pay the tuition.

How could one possibly gather enough funds for the academy in just a couple of hours?

The fastest way, naturally, was to the arena.

He was confident: with ten consecutive victories and staking all his resources, doubling them, he ought to amass enough for the tuition.

...

The fact that Du Gu, merely at the Brave level, had been promoted by the Tiger King to Deputy Chief Inspector once caused a stir within the Combat Alliance. Du Gu Bei Li himself was unaware that he had already become the target of certain ambitions; wherever people gathered, intrigue followed, and the struggle for power never ceased.

The chief supervisor of the division’s arena was one such figure. Though compelled to obey the Tiger King, he was deeply dissatisfied that a minor Brave like Du Gu could nominally stand above him. He had long plotted to embarrass Du Gu at the first opportunity.

That day, returning from outside, he saw two men and two women registering to participate in combat. At first, he paid them no mind, but as he turned, he heard a staff member utter a low exclamation: "Du Gu..."

"Hmm?" The chief’s ears pricked up; he strode back swiftly, snatched the registration form, and saw written: Du Gu, Brave, ten consecutive battles.

He chuckled, his smile unusually gentle. "Which of you is Deputy Chief Inspector Du Gu?"

"I am," Du Gu Bei Li replied.

Sizing him up, seeing his youthful face, no more than twenty years old, the chief’s eyes flickered as he probed, "May I ask you to show your token for confirmation? You know, we must..."

"No need. I urgently require resources and wish to obtain them through combat." The token had been left with the Du Gu Corps for monthly allowances, not on his person; Du Gu Bei Li had to refuse.

"Just as I hoped. Well, then you cannot blame me," the chief rejoiced inwardly but maintained a respectful face. "Since you need resources so urgently, I have a suggestion that may help you earn far richer rewards..."

"Speak."

"I’ve heard of your record—combat power not inferior to a Commander. That means you can challenge across ranks. And cross-rank victories yield rewards ten times greater than same-level combat. If you’re in need, why not..."

"That... Hmm, not bad. Let’s do a cross-rank challenge," Du Gu Bei Li considered his true strength and felt reasonably confident, agreeing at once.

"Very well, please come in. I’ll arrange it immediately," the chief said with enthusiasm, watching the four enter the Commanders’ arena, then smirked wickedly, muttering, "Youth is inexperienced; let me teach you a lesson..." On the registration form, the chief added the words: Cross-rank Challenge—Commander.

Du Gu Bei Li did not realize that with this addition, the meaning had changed entirely. It was not simply a single cross-rank battle, but ten consecutive cross-rank battles!

He would need to win ten cross-rank matches in succession to claim the final reward. Even nine victories, if the last was lost, would mean all his efforts had been in vain.

His opponents would be ten Commanders.

Ten Commanders, all regular arena participants, experienced in combat, each with tenfold combat power.

...

The chief entered briskly, handed the registration to the arena steward, and whispered a few words in his ear. The steward, surprised, glanced at Du Gu Bei Li already on stage, nodded repeatedly, and carefully selected ten numbers from among many, until the lineup was complete...

"This round: cross-rank challenge. Challenger: Brave Du Gu."

"His record: flawless victory."

"What’s going on?" The arena, filled only with Commanders, erupted in discussion at the steward’s announcement. "Who is this Brave Du Gu, with such a record?"

"How else would he dare a cross-rank challenge?"

"Indeed, he must have some special technique that instantly boosts his power—must be from a distinguished family..."

"Look at his expression—so confident. I bet he could actually win at least one round."

"If you believe in him, place your bet on him."

"…"

"Why so quiet? Don’t trust your own judgment?"

"My eye for talent has never failed," said Liu Si.

"Then place your bet."

"I will." Provoked, Commander Liu Si agreed, though his emotions wavered. Yet, seeing the wolfish grins of those around him, he could only grumble, "I said I’d bet, so why glare at me? Attendant, come over, I’m betting on Du Gu to win, one bag."

Liu Si withdrew a standard spatial pouch and handed it over. If he lost, he wouldn’t grieve.

Several Commanders eyed him fiercely. You always win, and then flaunt it everywhere, humiliating us all. Well, now’s the chance—let you lose everything and go cry in solitude.

"Fine, fine." Sensing danger, the prudent Liu Si, bleeding inside, produced seventeen spatial pouches, eight of them premium, two advanced.

All in—his entire fortune.

Liu Si reached out in silent agony as the attendant carried away what once belonged to him. "What sin did I commit? Who did I offend? Was it just a few sarcastic words…"

"Challenger: Commander Han Bing..." The steward’s subsequent introduction was drowned by the clamor. Commander Han Bing was a legend in the arena—a renowned undefeated commander with two hundred and seven matches, seventeen losses.

"Quite unlucky—of all opponents, he’s matched against Commander Han Bing."

"Good thing this isn’t a life-or-death battle, or he’d surely perish. You know, Han Bing has fought in several life-or-death matches, and each time he tore his opponent apart... infamous for his ferocity..."

As the crowd murmured, a burly man ascended the stage.

His exposed muscles bulged in blocks, rippling rhythmically with each step, as if every muscle had gained sentience and was singing, dancing.

Standing nearly two meters thirty, weighing hundreds of pounds, he moved without a sound. Each step matched his breathing, a rhythmic harmony—one breath for two steps.

"Impressive strength, formidable power, explosive force not to be underestimated," Du Gu Bei Li drew a deep breath, exhaled, adjusting his body for optimal performance, analyzing as he went. "His steps and breathing are coordinated—clearly a technique. His breath is long and steady, suggesting endurance. He walks smoothly, so his legs likely hold secrets. Calluses on his knuckles indicate a tough, hardened body..."

"Combat, begin!"

All bets tallied, only one on Du Gu’s side, the steward announced with a sly smile, thinking, "One fool betting on him—just wait and watch him cry."

Dong dong dong dong dong~

At the signal, Han Bing’s body erupted as the power of five Force Springs surged, producing varied, rhythmic sounds.

The General’s Command.

A Commander’s distinct sign.

Commanders, after fully opening five Force Springs as Braves, through enlightenment, could fuse the power of each spring. The Force Springs, created within the body, formed spaces that generated power; as it circulated, it struck the membrane of each space, creating sound. With their ordered positions and coordination with blood and qi, it sounded like a symphony.

"You have courage, boldness. Honestly, I admire you. When I was a Brave, I never dared attempt a cross-rank challenge as you do," Han Bing’s deep voice intoned. "But I will not hold back—my dignity and honor as a Commander must be upheld."

"Come, show the technique you rely upon. Once I attack, even I cannot restrain myself—you may not have another chance."

"..."

"I can now deliver perfect tenfold strength, easily defeating Braves. But now, facing a Commander, who also has tenfold strength, I hold no advantage. Strike first—let’s test who’s more skilled," Du Gu Bei Li’s power surged beneath his feet as he charged forward. His fists struck at Han Bing’s chest and abdomen, his leg kicked at the left knee.

"Good speed," Han Bing let his right arm drop before him, elbow as pivot, forearm tracing a circle, left leg lifted, knee braced.

Bang bang!

A brief exchange.

"Your power rivals mine—clearly you have some secret technique," Han Bing’s eyes gleamed with excitement. He licked his lips, feeling his fighting spirit ignite, swelling in his chest, desperate for release.

Roar~

With a shout, Han Bing advanced, swinging an arm toward Du Gu Bei Li’s head.

Du Gu Bei Li ducked low.

The swing missed.

Han Bing twisted, spun his leg, and whipped his waist.

His leg snapped like a whip—a spinning side kick.

Du Gu Bei Li reacted even faster, leaping two meters into the air, both feet darting toward Han Bing’s eye sockets. Attacking the eyes—feinting, yet real—forcing a defense.

Han Bing raised his head, blocking with an arm.

Dong dong dong~

Power surged joyfully from Han Bing’s body; his other hand clawed at Du Gu Bei Li’s chest. Du Gu Bei Li twisted in midair, swapped positions, and slapped Han Bing’s hand, borrowing force to tumble away.

From the onset, the battle was fierce.

Their momentum matched.

Below the stage, Du Gu’s sisters were gripped with anxiety, their palms slick with sweat.

[Editor’s collective recommendation: The complete collection of hot books on Zhu Lang Net is now live—click to add to favorites.]