Chapter 190: Chapter 190: Veridia vs. Cang
Despite the mounting opposition from the Ghost Race members below the stage, the Great Elder had no choice but to grit his teeth and fulfill his promise.
As the current apparent leader of the Ghost Race, his credibility would be utterly destroyed if he broke his word publicly.
"Silence!"
A sharp voice reverberated through the venue.
"The tournament begins immediately! Veridia and Scarlett will officially participate!"
After announcing, he left the scene with a few elders with a gloomy face.
The urgent matter now is to discuss how to eliminate those Onyx-Horned Ghost sisters in the competition.
According to the tradition of the Ghost Race, the winner of the tournament will earn the right to acknowledge the Divine Pattern as their master.
This rule cannot be altered by him!
If the winner is a member of his own clan, his power could coerce them into voluntarily giving up.
But in case...
Thinking of the possibility of those sisters winning and successfully acknowledging the Divine Pattern, the Great Elder’s face twisted horrifically.
"We cannot let this happen..."
His clenched fist bulged with veins. He had spent countless efforts to forcibly claim the Divine Pattern, and now it was at a critical point.
If someone snatched it away at this juncture...
Absolutely not!
"Call Shane to me immediately!"
Before long, Shane entered through the door looking absent-minded.
Ever since the Divine Realm incident, his confidence had been irreparably shattered.
The so-called "waste Onyx-Horned Ghost," who had been expelled from the Ghost Race, had crushed him with overwhelming strength.
This had cast a shadow over his heart!
However, the disgrace was too humiliating. After returning to the clan, he and his Ghost Race companions agreed on a unified story:
They were defeated by a powerful member of the Blood Clan.
The Great Elder was even more furious seeing his son’s dejected state:
"Shane! Look at yourself, you barely resemble a Ghost Race member!"
Under his father’s stern rebuke, Shane finally forced himself to pay attention:
"Fa...father, you called for me?"
"Hmph!"
The Great Elder gave a heavy harrumph and said solemnly:
"I ask you, during your trip to the Divine Realm, did you hear any news about the Onyx-Horned Ghosts? What is their strength?"
At the mention of "Onyx-Horned Ghosts," Shane trembled all over.
During this time, he had been staying secluded with his fellow travelers from the Sanctum, completely unaware that humans had arrived at the Ghost Race’s territory.
He gingerly looked up at his father, his voice trembling:
"Fa...father, in the Divine Realm, I heard nothing of any Onyx-Horned Ghosts."
"Moreover, the Onyx-Horned Ghosts you mentioned are said to have innate defects, aren’t they?"
He forced himself to stand tall: "If I were to encounter them, I’m sure I could easily resolve them!"
The Great Elder, hearing this, scrutinized his son seriously.
This statement indeed held some truth...
The innate defects are irreparable.
In the Ghost Race, those who specialize in the Path of Strength are often not adept with Void Power, and vice versa.
Such ghosts usually end up at the bottom.
Only those who dual cultivate both can aspire to reach the peak.
Since the Onyx-Horned Ghosts have innate defects, even if they possess some strength, it must be limited.
"Shane, I’m giving you a chance."
The Great Elder said solemnly:
"Participate in this Ghost Race tournament. Even though you are only at Commander Tier Three now, I believe you can achieve a decent result."
Upon hearing this, Shane was initially stunned, then overjoyed.
In the past, whenever he expressed a desire to participate in the Ghost Race tournament, his father would outright deny him.
Every champion in the past has been at least Commander Peak, with his mere Tier Three strength, he couldn’t even cause a ripple in the tournament.
Therefore, to avoid embarrassment, his father directly forbade him from participating.
But now...
Father actually relented and allowed him to participate!
Although his cultivation is not top-tier in the Ghost Race, his talent definitely ranks in the top five.
As long as he performs well, he may be able to shine in front of everyone.
"I obey!"
Shane restrained his excitement, his voice trembling slightly, "I will go prepare now!"
He turned and left eagerly.
The Great Elder watched his son’s departing figure, stroking his chin thoughtfully.
Allowing Shane to participate was merely to test...
If those Onyx-Horned Ghosts were mediocre, there would be no need for further plans.
But if they were truly extraordinary...
A cold light flashed in his eyes.
No unforeseen events must jeopardize his painstakingly laid plans.
...
At the same time.
Central Plaza.
The tournament had commenced.
As the Transcendent Level matches were not yet relevant to them, Aster Grant had brought Veridia and Scarlett to the spectators’ area where Lilith was present.
Finding no space next to Lilith, Aster Grant frowned.
He shot an eye signal to Lilith:
Do something about it!
Lilith helplessly shrugged, and with a gentle wave of her slender hand, a crimson light flicked away the Monarch Level ghost sitting beside her.
Though both were Monarch Level, Lilith’s strength evidently far exceeded that of the Monarch Level ghosts around her.
Aster Grant unceremoniously pulled over the newly vacated seat and sat beside Lilith.
"You!"
The ghost who had been flicked away was furious, but upon catching Lilith’s crimson gaze, he froze instantly.
He had a premonition...
If he dared speak out,
That Blood Clan member would surely kill him.
After a long struggle standing still, he finally turned and left, tail between his legs.
Elara Silverwood watched this scene with shock.
This human...
truly showed no respect for the Ghost Race.
Wasn’t he afraid the Ghost Race would retaliate against him?
While wondering this, she found Aster Grant’s gaze had become locked on her at some unknown moment.
Before she could react, a large hand suddenly stretched out.
"Hello, Princess of Azurefox!"
At the same time.
As if displeased by Lilith sitting in the middle...
He actually picked her up like a child, placing her on his lap, and moved to where Lilith was sitting.
With his full attention on the Princess of Azurefox, Aster Grant completely overlooked what he had just done.
Meanwhile, Lilith, being casually placed on his lap like a child, utterly froze.
She, the majestic Blood Progenitor...
was actually being held like a doll upon his lap?!
This human...
Lilith was about to erupt, but was caught in a spontaneous embrace by Aster Grant.
This completely mirrored his habit when holding Vera.
But for Lilith, suddenly enveloped in his human presence...
She immediately forgot to lose her temper, her mind blanking out.
Elara Silverwood witnessed everything, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes.
Though not recognizing Lilith’s true identity, the pure Blood Clan pressure and noble lineage couldn’t deceive anyone.
This powerful Blood Clan...
was surprisingly so docile in this human’s arms?
She looked at Aster Grant with increased seriousness.
"Elara Silverwood, It’s a pleasure to meet you."
"Lilith has mentioned you, and indeed, the Azurefox Clan is interested in collaborating with the Human Race."
Lilith had mentioned alliance talks with the Human Race several times before, so Elara Silverwood naturally understood this was likely Aster Grant’s intention.
Thus, she straightforwardly stated it.
Before Aster Grant could respond, Elara Silverwood’s six fox tails swayed gently, changing the subject:
"However, before any discussion, let me first see your Beastbond skills."
If she were to risk backing this human,
She had to first evaluate this human’s Beastbond capabilities.
"Of course." Aster Grant agreed cheerfully.
At that moment, amidst the arena, a loud announcement was made:
"The Transcendent Level contest has concluded! Now begins the first match of the Commander Level—"
"Veridia, against Shane—"
"""