The Rise of a Master: It Starts With Rejection

"I'm sorry! I didn't know who I was dealing with. Please forgive me," the man begged.

Though his mind was swirling with a thousand questions, the burly man apologized immediately. What choice did he have? If it came down to a match on the arena stage, was he really willing to risk getting beaten to death?

"Thank you, all three of you," Felix said, nodding in gratitude.

Of course, he recognized them. They were the people he had saved during the banquet incident. "Dr. Zeller, you're being too polite."

"This is the least we could do."

"Without you, I wouldn't even be standing here today. Please, don't thank us."

The three of them knew they had no hope of winning the competition. They were simply here for the experience. Even if they walked away empty-handed, building a good relationship with someone like Felix was well worth the trip.

The contestants in the Stage One rest area were visibly stunned. Most of them were strangers to one another, and there had been virtually no interaction up to this point.

Suddenly, seeing Felix, a seemingly ordinary competitor, being openly defended by three powerful experts naturally drew more than a few curious glances.

or grand opening ceremonies. The battles started immediately, with a level of simplicity that was almost jarring. They

the rest area and glanced down at the

21, please proceed to the

generated instantly. There was no need for contestants to waste time drawing lots or picking numbers. Everything was designed with speed and efficiency in mind, a

I get to

didn't even glance back and made no effort to guide anyone. With only

That will reveal the path to the arena. If you can't even manage that, consider

to the massive stone. "Let me make this clear. The boulder has been tested, and it cannot be moved by anyone below Innate Realm. Of course, if you don't believe me,

insulted Felix earlier, was a Martial Saint and had not yet reached innate Realm. Hearing this, he

after several attempts, the boulder didn't budge an inch.

13, had just recently reached Innate Realm

Contestant 13 advances, and Contestant 21 is eliminated.

and

chamber within the mountain, the audience members who had earned the privilege to watch were already seated

center, four massive dueling platforms stood prominently, allowing