Returning to the Mysterious Era-Chapter 358 - Golem Sect

A week before the tournament begins, Mia City’s police department would dispatch a large number of police officers and vehicles to maintain local order and security. Additionally, certain areas would be cordoned off.

Next, Hugo tapped into his business connections to find a reliable and efficient construction company. He renovated a building owned by Evil Eye Fist in Mia City into a large comprehensive combat arena resembling a martial arts tower. He even rented a high-end venue near the building as accommodation for the various participating sects. The venue had training rooms, medical facilities, large restaurants, bathing areas, leisure halls, and numerous sports facilities—perfect for an exchange setting.

Additionally, Hugo sent private invitations to prominent figures in Wenxia County and neighboring counties to attend the event. He also contacted print media and spokespeople to ensure proper coverage.

Finally, the tournament's rewards were exceedingly generous. Besides monetary and material prizes, there were precious medicinal herbs and even some rare and powerful Secret Technique as accolades.

For core disciples of first and second-rate sects, this might not be much, but for disciples of third-rate or even unranked sects, it was quite appealing, effectively increasing participation.

With more people, the event would naturally become more lively and grand.

It was noteworthy that after over fifty years of development, the Eastern Martial Arts Exchange Tournament was no longer just a competition among core disciples of various sects. It had become a grand event encompassing ordinary disciples, core disciples, elders, and sect masters.

Among them, elders and sect masters participated more for exhibition matches. Willing elders would invite like-minded opponents for a bout, sometimes without determining a winner; they only stopped when they felt it was appropriate.

The events for ordinary disciples were the most numerous and complex, aiming to discover blooming talent. This also extended the duration of the tournament, maximizing benefits on all fronts.

Finally, the core disciples' competitions remained the highlight. This was where true geniuses from various sects vied against each other, honing their will through blood and fists to determine the victor.

Throughout the Six Eastern Counties, many "Little Fist Kings" and "Swordsmanship Prodigies" who had gained fame during the four-year interval were eager and ready, waiting for their moment to make a stunning debut.

They aimed to solidify their titles and nicknames in this exchange tournament.

On September 23 in Mia City, in a private room at the Evil Eye Fist headquarters which was exclusive to the sect master, Hugo stood by the window, gazing at the city's skyline of towering buildings and bustling streets. He couldn't calm himself, feeling inexplicably restless.

He had been extremely anxious like this for days. Perhaps because the tournament was approaching, the closer the event, the more nervous he became. He couldn't help but worry about potential mishaps or accidents during the tournament, even though he believed his preparations were thorough.

He glanced at the somewhat overcast sky outside.

Hugo reviewed the detailed procedures in his mind again, ensuring every aspect was flawless. Many stages had contingency measures and backup plans; even if unexpected events occurred, they could quickly respond.

"The third inspection of the tournament venue is completed and approved."

"The accommodation venues for the various sects are ready."

"Communications with the government and media are ongoing..."

"I didn’t miss out anyone on my personal invitation list..."

"The major sects have also sent out invitations..."

He nodded silently, feeling much more relaxed. He sat back on the sofa and brewed himself a small pot of hot tea.

Just as he was about to take a sip from his white porcelain cup, Hugo recalled something from a few days ago. It was said that a mysterious Covert Martial Arts sect had suddenly appeared in Beiliu County and wanted to participate in the Eastern Martial Arts Exchange Tournament. However, everything about this sect was unknown; it had emerged too recently, and much information was lacking. Other Covert Martial Arts sects in Beiliu County hadn't interacted with it.

Moreover, the sect's notice came too close to the deadline. If they included it, seating areas and accommodation rooms would need adjustments. Invitations and related materials would have to be redone.

Therefore, Hugo ultimately did not agree to their request. Instead, he told the sect to wait for the next exchange tournament.

After sending the message, there was no response. It seemed like an implicit acceptance so Hugo didn't pay further attention.

"By the way, what was the name of that sect?" He took a sip of tea, pondering as he touched his chin.

"Oh, Golem Sect." Hugo muttered to himself, placing the teacup back on the table. "The name sounds grand, but I've never heard of it. Probably some unranked sect from a remote corner..."

He shook his head, crossed his arms, and leaned back. He closed his eyes, planning to take an afternoon nap.

He went over everything in his mind again, unable to think of any potential issues. Even if unexpected events occurred, there were backup plans. This reassured him greatly. He planned to sleep for the afternoon to recharge, then stay awake for the next two days until the tournament began on September 25.

At the same time, at Star Ring Fist, one of the Eastern Nine Sects...

On a spacious combat arena, pale yellow square tiles formed a grid, mirroring the clouds in the sky. In the center, an old man and a young man in black combat uniforms moved swiftly, exchanging rapid blows. Fists and kicks flew with explosive force. When their limbs collided, loud bangs echoed, sending up clouds of dust.

Their feet stomped the ground and energy burst forth. Each quick turn caused thick tiles to crack, emitting sounds like muffled thunder. If anyone were watching, they might feel their legs tremble, as if experiencing an earthquake.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

The tall youth with a red headband moved with broad, sweeping motions. His fists emitted dazzling brilliance. He bent his body, and his arm shot out like an arrow. His fist whistled through the air, forming a deadly crescent.

It was extremely fast, like some kind of Secret Technique. An ordinary pugilist might be defeated instantly by this move.

However, the neatly dressed elder merely lifted his palm upward. Without a hint of strain, he absorbed the powerful punch entirely. He didn't move an inch; the tiles beneath remained intact. He showcased a high level of force absorption, exuding a certain grace.

Bam!

The elder suddenly punched, hitting the youth's abdomen, sending him flying across most of the arena. As he was about to crash, the youth barely regained control. Landing awkwardly on all fours, he quickly sprang up and staggered back to the elder.

"Shaq, your mind is unsettled," the elder said.

The elder's eyelids drooped, his face full of weathered wrinkles. He looked seventy or eighty years old and his figure was slightly hunched.

"Sorry, Elder Aro, I just really want to beat Simone. Thinking about heading to the Eastern Martial Arts Exchange Tournament today, I get so excited. The Eastern Three Stars—Thunder Dog Simone, Moon Fist Shaq, and Death Soul Sword Sid. I can only rank second, always a step behind that guy Simone. Clearly, in all our public and private sparring, we've each won half. He's not stronger than me!" Shaq showed a look of unwillingness, obviously quite dissatisfied.

"This time at the Eastern Martial Arts Exchange Tournament, I want to defeat him in front of everyone! Let the entire Eastern Covert Martial Arts community know who is the strongest among the Eastern Three Stars!" He took a deep breath.

"Don't get excited, don't lose your calm, and don't be impatient. You're the only one of the younger generation who has mastered all three Secret Techniques of Sun, Moon, and Stars even younger than I was back then. Simone won't be your match. Let this old man accompany you on this trip..." the elder said with a comforting smile, his eyes slightly squinted.

"Second Elder, you're going? Then the sect master..." Shaq began.

"I'll talk to him. As people age, a little movement after long stillness isn't bad," the elder said slowly, patting Shaq's shoulder. "I'm looking forward to the day you win the Eastern Exchange Tournament..." He gazed at Shaq with cloudy eyes, his vision slightly blurred, as if looking through the young man to his own spirited self fifty years ago. Back then, he was also called one of the Eastern Three Stars.

Right, there was a nickname, what was it again?

Glory... Glory Fist.

Elsewhere, atop a high mountain, maple leaves swayed. The forest stretched for dozens of miles, filled with vibrant red as if ablaze. When the wind blew, the flames seemed to roll. It produced a sound like ocean waves crashing.

Under the tallest and largest tree in the maple forest, a man in a plain trench coat sat cross-legged with closed eyes, his back straight as a pine. Across his knees lay an unsheathed long sword.

Fiery red maple leaves occasionally fell on his head, shoulders, and legs. The man seemed to become a red maple tree, lush with foliage. His brows were lowered and his aura extremely cold. Like a killing machine trained from childhood—silent and ruthless.

Whoosh... whoosh...

The autumn wind blew, causing waves of red across the mountains.

Zinggg...

The slender cross-shaped sword on the young man's knees suddenly began to vibrate, emitting a series of crisp sounds. Suddenly, a jade-like white hand grasped the black cord-wrapped hilt. The man vanished instantly.

A resounding slash echoed through the air. It briefly overwhelmed the rustling of the leaves.

A stunning sword light burst from the maple forest, tracing a fiery arc in the sky and carrying an air current full of red leaves. Like a pillar of blazing flame, it shot straight into the sky.

Ding!

The sword returned to its sheath and the young man began descending the mountain.

This chapter is updat𝙚d by freeweɓnovel.cøm.

"Hundred days of arduous training, finally mastered the Violent Maple Sword."

"Thunder Dog Simone, Moon Fist Shaq... It's time to rearrange the rankings. I'll use you to nourish my Death Soul Sword willpower..." The youth's figure disappeared amidst the falling maple leaves like a rain of fire.

A series of thunderous sounds suddenly came from behind. It turned out that a dozen surrounding trees had broken smoothly at the trunks. As the trees collapsed, a flock of birds was startled into flight.

In East Sea County, East Sea City, at Cloud Dog Fist.

At the train station platform, a group of vibrant young girls surrounded a young man, chattering away.

"Senior Brother, make sure to bring back a first-place trophy..."

"Senior Brother, I believe in you. Do your best!"

"Senior Brother, Sister Beni and I are sure there will be no surprises in this Eastern Exchange Tournament. You're definitely the strongest! You must help us teach that expressionless Sid a lesson! Last time during sparring, he almost ruined Sister Beni's face! So infuriating..."

"Senior Brother..."

Passengers nearby cast curious glances because the group of girls were remarkably beautiful, with graceful figures and unique temperaments. Their words exuded youthful vitality.

Huu~

White steam hissed from the train car's gaps.

"Alright, alright, I know what you want to say. I'll give it my all in this Eastern Martial Arts Exchange Tournament. The train is departing, the junior brothers and elders are waiting for me. Goodbye." The young man squeezed out from a flock of chattering women and hurriedly boarded the train car.

Sunlight streamed in through the window, illuminating the handsome side of his face. His deep-set features were sharp and stern, as if chiseled by a knife. It was an exceedingly aggressive visage.

He crossed several carriages and sat down beside an old man.

"You're here?" The old man scooted over slightly.

"Yes." The young man nodded, a slight smile tugging at his lips.

Suddenly thinking of something interesting, he said, "Uncle Fes, do you think I should use eighty percent of my strength this time or ninety percent? Maybe I should just go all out. After all, these past few years, I've been fooling those two with only seventy percent of my power." The young man shook his head, his tone carrying a hint of mockery.

"Eastern Three Stars? Heh..."