31. The Elevator / Showdown

As promised, the Tiger King dispatched far more of her trusted subordinates than usual that evening to spread the news of the trial across all six levels. Disregarding the opinions of the other rulers, she firmly set the date for the very next day.

On the following afternoon, the Tiger King led a dozen warriors to accompany Ma En to their destination. They wandered through the corridors of the third level, stopping several times to verify their direction.

"Some of these corridors look almost identical, so we have left special marks on them," the Tiger King explained to Ma En and Ning Changkong as she paused. "Apart from the rulers, only specialized messengers can recognize certain routes, and they always travel in groups of three when crossing between levels."

However, neither Ma En nor Ning Changkong saw any of the marks she mentioned; clearly, they were not things one could spot with a casual glance.

"Can the other rulers arrive in such a short time?" Ning Changkong asked curiously.

The Tiger King replied casually, "Of course. Although doing so costs me prestige and may stir dissatisfaction among the rulers of other levels, since I have firmly demanded it, they will certainly arrive on time."

"If you want to leave this place safely, the sooner, the better. And since this is a transaction, I must take responsibility for the compensation I provide."

Turning a corner, a "lift door" about seven meters high appeared on the left side of the corridor.

"We have arrived," the Tiger King said. "Let's go."

A warrior in her retinue walked to the side of the lift and pressed the only button on the wall. The heavy metal doors silently slid open to both sides.

The scene inside was not a cramped lift compartment, but a spacious, giant square plaza. On each of the four walls, there were two "lift doors" separated by a certain distance. It appeared that all eight levels could access this plaza.

By the time they arrived, the other rulers and their entourages were already gathered in the center, and not far from the crowd stood a slender figure.

After taking only a few steps, Ma En felt the young woman behind him quicken her pace slightly. Ning Changkong walked to his side and whispered with a composed expression:

"She is standing behind the fat man."

Ma En looked toward the rulers. The ruler of the fourth level, the General, was an imposing man whose body resembled tempered steel; the leader of the ascetics, draped in robes, stood silent surrounded by his colleagues; and the leader of the wanderers had a physique as robust as an ape.

Finally, there was the Cannibal King, who stood like a mountain of flesh. Behind him stood a young woman whose appearance was foreign to Ma En; her limbs appeared to be a fusion of a powerful beast and a bird, possessing thick muscles and talons like those of a raptor.

Li Fen also saw Ma En. What was going on? Could he be the one facing the trial?

"He is the enemy I told you about," she whispered to the Cannibal King. "The young man following the Tiger King. But why does he show no signs of bestial transformation?"

"What a small world," the Cannibal King smiled. "Look at him. Perhaps he has already captured the Tiger King’s heart, though he likely hasn't realized how fickle she is. As for his condition..."

He paused, then continued, "Perhaps it is just luck. And he still harbors the fantasy of leaving this place. Given the Tiger King’s temperament toward her consorts, she might just be trying to make him give up hope."

"But it works out perfectly; you can take his life in the duel. Remember the method I taught you."

Li Fen nodded heavily. That Ma En still thought about leaving this place was nothing short of delusional, but it gave her the chance for revenge. If not for him, she never would have ended up in this state.

The General took the lead, speaking to the Tiger King with dissatisfaction, "You summoned us here, yet you are the last to arrive?"

She yawned nonchalantly, "I needed my afternoon nap, and besides, who told you to arrive so early?"

He let out a cold snort, "Who is the challenger?"

Ma En stepped forward. The General scrutinized him from head to toe before speaking in a frigid tone, "I hope our wait is worth it."

Just then, the slender figure lingering outside the crowd approached. This messenger from the second level glanced at Ma En, a look of skepticism crossing his face, "You actually want to leave this place?"

Ma En asked curiously, "Is that thought so strange?"

He had not expected Ma En to counter-question him. After his surprise faded, the messenger looked at Ma En with pity, "Of course. Since I became a witness to the trials, quite a few newcomers who thought themselves strong have believed they could leave, but they usually lose that opportunity the moment they accept the trial."

"And even if someone is lucky enough to reach the second level..."

"Well, let’s put it this way: five years ago, a fool came along who ignored our well-intentioned advice, and he never got the chance to beg for mercy."

"I hope you don't end up like him."

The messenger could not be bothered to say more. This arrogant young man would surely exhibit signs of bestial transformation during the coming fight, and then he would realize the cruelty of reality.

Ma En silently withdrew his gaze. This messenger from the second level did not recognize him at all, which vaguely hinted at a possibility—that the residents of the second level might not be able to identify him either. Perhaps he looked completely different when he entered compared to now, or perhaps he had not alarmed any of the members here at all.

"If you have no other messy questions," the Tiger King said impatiently to the other rulers, "can we begin the trial?"

Silence ensued.

The General said, "We originally intended to give this challenger more time to prepare, but if you are in such a hurry, then let us begin. Is there any warrior who wishes to duel him?"

Ma En walked to the center. Li Fen emerged from behind the Cannibal King and, under the gaze of everyone present, stepped before him. The others retreated to the sides, leaving enough space for the two strangers.

The King of the Wanderers walked to the Cannibal King’s side and asked, "How is it that you have recruited a new warrior?"

The Cannibal King replied, "Would you have me risk my own trusted subordinates? This could be a beautiful revenge, or it could be the pathetic defeat of a weakling. But regardless of the outcome, you and I both know the ending will not change."

"Let us enjoy watching these creatures who cannot control their own fates slaughter one another."

Li Fen, standing before Ma En, rolled her neck and nimbly twitched her blue fingers, which ended in claws, "Look at yourself. Didn't you think you could escape the hospital alone not long ago? You crushed your own chance of leaving in the cradle. Look at my face..."

But before she could alter her appearance, Ma En spoke in a calm tone:

"Li Fen, I have been looking for you. It seems... my luck is quite good."