38: The Battle for the Arena 38: The Battle for the Arena After waiting for about fifteen minutes, everyone finally arrived.
Besides the people from Qingye City, there were also bigwigs and their one or two students from other Second Stage cities under Shuzhou City.
However, the last person to enter, a middle-aged man with a round face, seemed to be at odds with Wang Haiping.
“Yo, isn’t this Director Wang?
Long time no see.
I wonder how you’re doing in Guangchuan City?”
As soon as the man came in, his gaze fell on Wang Haiping, and a hint of surprise flashed across his face.
He then briskly walked over with his student.
“So, it’s Director Hu…” Wang Haiping’s smile immediately faded when he saw this man.
This man was the Deputy Mayor of Zigui City, Hu Tao.
Speaking of which, there was indeed some past between Wang Haiping and Hu Tao.
Back then, Wang Haiping was young and promising with outstanding work abilities and had a chance to be promoted directly to Deputy Director.
However, Hu Tao, due to some reasons, squeezed out Wang Haiping from the position, blocking his promotion path.
Until today, no new promotion opportunity had appeared.
So, the grudge between the two was quite significant.
Hu Tao’s gaze fell on Su Yuan behind Wang Haiping.
“Is this the student you’re bringing to participate in the Divine Tree’s blooming, Director Wang?
The Star Power fluctuation seems a bit weak, only at the Eighth Stage?
Indeed, Director Wang, you’re always so unique in your actions!”
Hu Tao laughed and pushed forward a young man behind him.
“Come, Director Wang, let me introduce this Qingye City’s talent, this year’s special admission student of Hengzhou Academy, Liu Rulong.”
Hengzhou’s special admission student?
Both Su Yuan and Wang Haiping couldn’t help but take another look at the young man behind Hu Tao.
With short light purple hair, thick eyebrows, large eyes, and a burly figure, Liu Rulong grinned and provocatively lifted his chin slightly when Su Yuan looked over.
“So, it’s Hengzhou Academy’s special admission student.
Impressive, impressive,” Wang Haiping responded perfunctorily with an expressionless face.
Hengzhou Academy was ranked eleventh, higher than the academies in Shuzhou and Wanzhou, indeed a reason for boasting.
Seeing Wang Haiping’s attitude, Hu Tao’s smile didn’t reach his eyes.
“I hope your Eighth Stage student can enter the Divine Tree Secret Realm, Director Wang.
I’ll be cheering for you.”
Wang Haiping said indifferently, “Entering the Secret Realm is certain, so there’s no need for you to worry.”
Hu Tao let out a snort and then walked past Su Yuan and Wang Haiping with Liu Rulong.
…
Ji Qinghe, President of Qingye City’s Star Card Master Association, was a thin and spirited old man.
However, his realm was the highest in the whole venue.
He had been at the high stage of the Shining Star Level for many years, and it was said that he was only a step away from the Radiant Moon Level, ready to break through at any time.
Even Director Yan Chenfei of Qingye Education Bureau had to be courteous in front of him.
At this moment, Ji Qinghe slowly walked to the center of the hall.
Seeing this, everyone stopped their discussions and looked up.
Ji Qinghe cleared his throat and said, “Since everyone is here, let’s start competing for the spots to enter the Divine Tree.
To save time, the rules are the same as before: arena format, defending and attacking.
Each person has only one chance.
Fail, and you’re eliminated.
Until no one challenges the defender on the arena, the defender wins and gains the qualification to enter the Divine Tree Secret Realm.
Does anyone have any objections?”
“No.”
“We’ll follow your instructions, Elder Ji.”
These rules had been in place for many years, always the same.
To have two or three rounds of competition to determine the top four participants was impractical.
Firstly, the number of participants was uncertain, making it hard to organize.