Several dark horses have emerged in this competition, self-taught and independent, with no sect affiliations or mentors.

They all share one thing in common: a lack of experience in the wild.

Among them is Li Yanqing. His progress in internal strength is swift. Relying on his exceptional aptitude, he advanced to the rank of Martial Artist. His good fortune during the competition earned him a spot, although most regard him as the weakest link.

Hiding behind a large tree, a sharp pain pierced through his chest, likely from a fractured rib. But now wasn't the time to dwell on it.

The mutated leopard had gone berserk. Its claws, tail, and fangs served as deadly weapons. The damage from cannon fire barely fazed it. Instead, its agility caused significant losses to the team, including some elite fighters.

"Damn! We can't continue like this. Even if we take it down, the loss would be too great." Their team originally consisted of a hundred participants. The association's chairman had the foresight to select an additional twenty as backups, anticipating losses along the way.

Zhao Jinghao gripped his weapon and shouted, "Everyone, fall back! Clear out!" Facing a swift mutant like the leopard, having numerical advantage didn’t really help. So he took the initiative to fight it one-on-one, with the others providing cover fire.

Zhao Jinghao's martial arts skills were not top-tier, but he was nimble. He and the leopard engaged in a game of cat and mouse for quite some time.

It wasn't until an arrow struck the sprinting leopard that everyone noticed a large group approaching from behind.

"It's the people from Yang City base!"

"That arrow... it was shot by Captain Long!" Those from Jiangnan base recognized him and still referred to Long Gan as Captain.

Long Gan, who had been stationed in Yang City, had traveled north with his team. Unexpectedly, they ran into some familiar faces.

Together, they swiftly defeated the mutated leopard. Zhao Jinghao, now sporting two fresh wounds, glanced at Long Gan and remarked, "Last I recall, you were no match for me."

"True."

"What's your current rank?"

"Intermediate Martial General."

"Damn it!" A twinge of jealousy crossed Zhao Jinghao's face, wondering how others progressed so rapidly.

Long Gan's decision to leave with Zhou You was to train under skilled martial artists. It proved fruitful as the guidance of experts, coupled with extensive combat experiences, facilitated his rapid advancement.

Chapter 235: Gathering in Dawn City

"The Grand Martial Arts Tournament is about to begin. Dawn City has been bustling recently!"

"Indeed. Almost every nearby base has sent representatives. Only the Southwest base and a few smaller ones are yet to arrive. They should be here soon."

"This is a major event. I'm eager to see just how skilled these finalists really are."

"Of course, all the famed young talents of the moment are participating. And they've been directly seeded into the finals. The Martial Arts Association's official website even started a betting section. Currently, Gu Zhuo and Han Xi are the favorites to win the championship."

"Had Marshal Shao not been injured, wouldn't he be the clear frontrunner for the title?"

"Not necessarily. He might not even consider participating in such a competition. Just look at the leaders of the major sects; they didn't compete and only sent their disciples."

"Isn't it because they are too old?"

"That... could be a possibility."

"Look, the betting list has changed today. Yesterday there were only twenty names, but today there are twenty-one."

"Who was added? Is there an unexpected dark horse that we missed?"

"Let's see... someone named Zhou Shan. What's his background?"

"Zhou Shan? I haven't heard of him. Probably another unknown."

"If the martial arts association sees him as a contender, he must be good. But aiming for the top spot? I'll place another hundred points on Lady Han Xi!"

At the Shao residence, Old Master Shao has already moved back. Today marks the first formal meeting between the parents of both families.

"I should start calling you my in-law now. When we used to sit and drink tea together, I never imagined we'd become related." The old man seemed to have aged backwards recently, appearing years younger.

Zhou Hua Jin felt the same way. Knowing that Shao Qi had returned alive, he was truly grateful to the heavens.

"Indeed, who would've thought our two families would be so connected?" The Shao and Zhou families used to live in the capital, one in the military and the other in politics; they knew each other well.

"You must stay for a few more days this time. I'll show you around; the city of Shuguang has changed a lot."

"Certainly, we plan to return only after the martial arts competition ends."

Zhou Yi Chen is definitely going to watch the competition. He's too young to compete now, but in the next edition, or the one after, he might be on the stage.

He sat quietly on the sofa, like a well-behaved student, but his eyes uncontrollably scanned the room.

"Ahem, Yi Chen, what are you looking for?" Madam Zhou gently inquired.

Madam Zhou initially didn't like interacting with Zhou You, her stepson, but as time passed, she realized his presence was beneficial to both her and her son.

Besides, she couldn't possibly look down upon the prestigious Shao family. It's just unfortunate that Shao Qi has lost his martial arts abilities.

"I... I'm not looking for anything," Zhou Yi Chen replied, lowering his head.

Seeing his flushed face, the old man chuckled, "Are you looking for Zhou You and the others? Shao Qi has surgery today, and if all goes well, he'll be back this afternoon."

Zhou Hua Jin didn't inform Zhou You prior to their visit. Only after entering the city with his family did he call Zhou You, but no one answered. Hence, he decided to visit the Shao family directly.

"Don't worry, it's just a minor cosmetic surgery. I'm also curious to see how he will look afterward," the old man joked with a touch of sadness.

News about Shao Qi's facial injury had spread, evoking sympathy from many. His original fans were heartbroken.