The Coliseum, located slightly north of the center of Flame City, was a place with quite high popularity. With an enormous population and countless large and small factions, violent clashes were almost commonplace. This situation posed a headache for the city's official governing body, the City Lord’s Mansion. To address these issues, the Coliseum came into existence. Here, one could fight to their heart's content without interference—meaning that even killing was legal within its confines.
Though this measure didn't completely bring peace and tranquility to Flame City, it did have a significant effect. Over time, the Coliseum evolved into one of the most popular places in Flame City, where many grudges were settled.
When Lin Dong's group arrived at the destination, they were momentarily stunned by the colossal structure, which was dozens of times larger than the Beast Arena in Qingyang Town. After a while, they regained their composure, silently marveling at how Flame City truly lived up to its reputation, surpassing Qingyang Town in every aspect.
The Coliseum had a massive circular shape, with numerous entry and exit channels. Despite this, Lin Dong and his companions still saw extremely long queues, a level of popularity that even the largest event in Qingyang Town, the Hunting Competition, couldn’t match.
"Ho ho, Little Brother Lin Dong, you've arrived rather early," said a melodious and teasing female voice from behind them. Turning around, Lin Dong and his group saw a large crowd approaching quickly. Leading them were Xuan Su and Xia Wanjin from the Ten Thousand Gold Merchant Guild, and beside them was the Master Yan whom Lin Dong hadn't seen for some time.
"Meeting you, President Xia and Master Yan," Lin Dong greeted respectfully, somewhat surprised that even Xia Wanjin had come personally. The others, like Lin Zhen Tian, were clearly aware of their reputations and thus showed due respect.
"Little Friend Lin Dong, you are now one of our contributors to the Ten Thousand Gold Merchant Guild. Of course, I must come to witness this grand spectacle. Although I can't interfere in your life-and-death duel, if anyone else causes trouble, the Ten Thousand Gold Merchant Guild won't stand for it," Xia Wanjin said with a smile.
While speaking, Xia Wanjin scrutinized Lin Dong carefully, especially when he sensed the faint fluctuations of Yuan Qi emanating from Lin Dong's body. His eyes twitched involuntarily.
"It seems that indeed, as Xuan Su said, Lin Dong has successfully entered the Yuan Dan realm," Xia Wanjin thought, amazed by Lin Dong's talent despite his young age. Even someone who had met countless people like him couldn't help but be impressed. Xia Wanjin's smile grew warmer, not out of pretense, but because he fully understood that this favor would certainly pay off.
If there was no mistake, then they should invest all their efforts. After all, who could predict whether the youth before them might one day reach the three realms of enlightenment that he had sought for decades—or even higher?
At that time, any amount of investment would be worth it.
Lin Dong also smiled faintly, then turned to introduce the group to Lin Zhen Tian: "Grandfather, Father, this is President Xia of the Ten Thousand Gold Merchant Guild, and this Master Yan, a Four-Seal Fu Master, is the one who introduced me to the path of spirit energy."
"Hehe, little guy, don't belittle old man like me," Master Yan laughed. Though he had given Lin Dong the cultivation methods for the first three levels of the "Shen Dong Chapter," those only allowed Lin Dong to become a Fu Master. Everything else was achieved through Lin Dong's own efforts.
Upon hearing about these two figures whose mere footsteps could make Flame City tremble, Lin Zhen Tian and the others were filled with shock. They hadn't expected that after just two months in Flame City, Lin Dong had already formed connections with such powerful individuals.
"This kid is extraordinary!" Lin Zhen Tian and Lin Xiao exchanged glances, feeling both pride and melancholy. Lin Dong was gradually surpassing them entirely...
"The time is about right; let's go in," Xuan Su said with a bright smile after seeing the introductions complete.
Agreeing, Lin Dong and Xia Wanjin followed as Xuan Su led the way, bypassing the crowded public entrances and entering through a special channel instead. As one of the three top forces in Flame City, the Ten Thousand Gold Merchant Guild enjoyed many privileges.
Walking along a spacious corridor for several minutes, the view ahead opened up. Sunlight poured down, and the thunderous roar of the crowd reached their ears.
"Wow..." Seeing the giant arena before them, Lin Dong couldn't help but exhale softly, trying to expel the awe from his chest.
Their location provided an excellent view of the arena. There were already some people seated on the stands, none of whom seemed ordinary. Clearly, this area was reserved for influential figures in Flame City.
As one of the top three powers in Flame City, and with Xia Wanjin and Master Yan present today, many people approached with smiles to greet them. Xia Wanjin handled the greetings with ease, while Master Yan remained calm, yet no one dared to show any dissatisfaction towards him.
"There are many zones within the Coliseum, but the one where your life-and-death duel with Wei Tong will take place today is obviously the most crowded," Xuan Su explained as Lin Dong kept observing the arena.
Looking at the sea of heads on the stands around him, Lin Dong bitterly nodded. Thanks to the Blood Wolf Gang, what was originally a secret life-and-death duel had been turned into a public spectacle.
"President Xia, you've arrived rather early," said a familiar voice from behind. Hearing it, Lin Dong frowned and turned around to see a large group entering. At the forefront was Yue Shan, the leader of the Blood Wolf Gang, and beside him was Wei Tong, the head of the Blood Robe Sect.
When Wei Tong noticed Lin Dong looking at him, he too recognized Lin Dong and smirked cruelly, making a cutting motion in front of him—a clear indication that he intended to kill Lin Dong today.
Lin Dong stared coldly at him. This opponent who once gave him headaches two months ago no longer posed extreme difficulty for him. Unfortunately, Wei Tong, as the main character, seemed unaware that the balance between them was tilting.
"Today's life-and-death duel will be interesting, though blood will definitely be spilled," Yue Shan walked up to Lin Dong with a laugh, though Lin Dong found the smile particularly chilling.
"I didn't expect you to have killed Gu Ying from the Blood Robe Sect. After all, the Blood Robe Sect is part of our Blood Wolf Gang's influence..."
"Yue Shan, Gu Ying went meddling in other people's affairs on his own. If he died, it was his fault," Xia Wanjin replied indifferently.
"Each grievance has its source, talking won't resolve anything. Today's life-and-death duel will settle things," Yue Shan mocked, then patted Lin Dong's shoulder. "Young man, I hope you survive today. Yue Shan appreciates talent, and if you're interested later, you can join my Blood Wolf Gang."
After laughing, Yue Shan turned and walked away without saying more.
"Boy, this time, I'll see where you can escape to!" Wei Tong glared fiercely at Lin Dong, his grin exceptionally vicious.
Lin Dong glanced at Wei Tong, then turned away, ignoring him completely, which made Wei Tong so furious that veins popped on his forehead.
"Just wait until later, I'll make you beg for death!" Wei Tong sneered angrily, then swept his sleeve and followed Yue Shan.
Watching Yue Shan and the others' backs, Lin Dong's eyes flashed with coldness. Yue Shan, though seemingly rough, held grudges and was ruthless in his methods. Such a person would consider even slight offenses as personal vendettas. However, Yue Shan's plan to use Wei Tong's blade to vent his anger wouldn't come true today.
"Be careful later," Xuan Su warned seriously, her face grave. Even though Lin Dong had successfully entered the Yuan Dan realm, a single misstep could still result in his death at Wei Tong's hands. Regardless, Wei Tong was genuinely a strong Yuan Dan realm practitioner who had reached the Small Full stage.
Lin Dong smiled faintly and nodded. Even a lion hunting a rabbit uses full force, let alone Wei Tong being a venomous dog with fangs. This life-and-death duel carried the weight of the entire Lin family. If he lost, the Lin family would be finished. Therefore, no matter what, he had to win!
Soon after the arrival of the Blood Wolf Gang and the Blood Robe Sect, the sun reached its zenith, and the noise in the Coliseum grew louder.
There were professional referees in the Coliseum. When the time came, a figure appeared in the wide arena below.
"A life-and-death duel, risking one's life. Live or die, accept your fate, do not blame others!"
Following the rules, the referee shouted loudly, then directed his gaze toward the stands where Lin Dong and the others were seated. He announced solemnly, "This life-and-death duel is between Wei Tong, head of the Blood Robe Sect, and Lin Dong of the Lin Family. Please step onto the stage immediately!"
"Tao!"
As soon as the referee's shout ended, Wei Tong darted down like an eagle, landing on the stage. His slightly bloodshot eyes glared ferociously at Lin Dong as he sneered, "Youngster of the Lin family, come down! I'll make you pay for your crimes in blood today!"
Facing Wei Tong's sneer, Lin Dong lightly tapped the ground and leaped gracefully from the high platform, landing steadily in the arena. His piercing gaze locked onto Wei Tong as he spoke calmly, causing Wei Tong's forehead veins to bulge in anger.
"You useless talk too much!"