“What’s going on? Isn’t that man supposed to be an ascetic priest? What is he doing at a Combat Tournament?”
“They say ascetic priests aren’t interested in power or wealth. Yet, here he is, stepping into the battle ring. It’s really strange.”
“Wait! I know him. He’s the renegade among the ascetic priests, Thaddeus Savier.”
“What? Father Savier? Are you talking about the same guy who slaughtered an entire family in a fit of rage eight years ago?”
The mention of Thaddeus’ name caused a stir in the crowd. There were only a few ascetic priests in the world, and he stood out distinctly among them.
No one knew what had happened. But rumors circulated that he had allegedly slain 17 members of the guildmaster’s family from the Sable Order in one night eight years ago.
Since then, Thaddeus had forsaken his vows entirely. He indulged in all sorts of vices-drinking, women, and money.
His temper was notoriously explosive. Plus, he was quick to resort to violence at the slightest provocation. Due to his background in asceticism and formidable strength, hardly anyone dared to confront him.
Thaddeus entered the battle ring to win the tournament and establish his reputation. Once inside, he paid no mind to appearances. He casually took a swig from the flask at his waist and savored every drop.
Soon after, a handsome, refined young man with a folding fan entered the battle ring. His movements were deliberate and composed, with the number 19 tag hanging from his waist.
As Dustin looked closely at the handsome young man, he raised an eyebrow with interest. He quickly recognized Dalen, who possessed a beauty that rivaled most women.
Dalen not only had very striking looks but also had a profound cultivation skill that kept everyone guessing.
As the successor of the Shadow Citadel, Dalen had been deliberately kept out of the public eye. Therefore, when he entered the battle ring at Sacred Wyrm Summit, he intended to seize the opportunity to make a memorable impression.
“Wow, Number 19 is such a hottie! I’m totally crushing on him.”
“He’s definitely handsome. It would be amazing to marry someone like him.”
“Oh no! I think I’m in love.”
Dalen’s presence caused a stir among the female spectators in the stands. Their eyes seemed to sparkle as they couldn’t tear themselves away from him.
Some daring ones even edged closer to the battle ring to express their admiration. At that instant, any sense of restraint or decorum was thrown out the window.
When a man was exceptionally handsome, he didn’t need to make much effort. A smile or a glance could easily captivate numerous women. That was the allure of good looks.
“Hmph! What’s the point of being handsome? He’s just a pretty boy toy. A real man speaks with strength.”
“You’re right. Look at his skinny arms and legs. Where’s the strength in that? If there’s a fight, he’ll probably end up with a black eye.”
“Fuck! How dare he flirt with my girlfriend! He’s probably not even good in bed!”
Dalen’s good looks attracted countless women and aroused plenty of jealousy among men. It was a mixed blessing for him.
“Alicia, do you know who contestant number 19 is?” Aurora asked excitedly. “He’s really handsome.”
As a woman, she couldn’t help but appreciate his good looks. She wasn’t infatuated with Dalen, but she just admired his allure.
“He doesn’t look familiar. I’ve never seen him before.” Alicia shook her head.
Like Aurora, she was also mesmerized by his beauty. Alicia knew that if Dalen were a woman, her fifth place on the Beauty Ranking list would likely drop a few spots.
“He is Dalen Shade, the successor of Shadow Citadel,” Grace interjected. Her intelligence network was extensive, including anyone with strength and potential.
“The successor of Shadow Citadel?” Alicia and Aurora exchanged glances.
Their curiosity was piqued.
The Shadow Citadel was a mysterious guild that straddled the moral divide between good and evil. While not as influential as the Celestial Alliance, they wield significant power in their domain.
However, their reputation leaves much to be desired. They were primarily involved in shady dealings, with many members working as assassins. Their experts could also be hired as bodyguards at the right price.
Despite their tarnished image, no one doubted their strength. They thrive in a ruthless world where only the most skilled survive.
“Here we have the successor of Shadow Citadel up against a powerful ascetic priest. Who do you think we should bet on?” Aurora couldn’t help but ask. Since winning her bet on Miles, she started to enjoy the thrill of gambling.
“The successor of Shadow Citadel sure is handsome. But looks don’t win battles. You need real strength. My bet’s on the ascetic priest, Number 5,” Alicia replied thoughtfully.
In a beauty contest, Dalen might outshine Thaddeus easily. But in the ring, Thaddeus was the more formidable one.
“I think Number 19 has better odds of winning,” Dustin suddenly said.
His words instantly grabbed everyone’s attention.
