The instant the system prompt sounded, every player except for Brother Jue reflexively opened their game menus.

…

"The first to die… is actually Bei Ling…" Qi Sha thought to himself. "Among the shooting-type players I know, she's definitely in the top three, and she's incredibly intelligent. Just who killed her… an NPC… or…"

…

"No way?" Hua Jian was also deeply surprised. "Little Ling actually went down so early… what did she encounter?"

…

"Phew…" Xiao Tan, on the other hand, breathed a sigh of relief, his heart blossoming with joy. "Great… I don't have to fight Little Ling head-on, la la la~"

…

"Hmm…" Ruo Yu's face was ashen as she thought to herself, "Little Ling is definitely not the type to provoke an NPC and get killed out of the script. To be able to kill her so quickly… could it really be Bu Jue…"

In truth, her reasoning was a bit extreme; after all, there were many strong players in this script. If a player wasn't careful, they could be instantly killed. But… her conclusion just so happened to coincide with the truth.

…

On the other hand…

"Ah… I finally recovered." When Feng Bujue stood up from the ground, his hands had already healed. "Thankfully, *Qi Xu Ru Lin* was with me; otherwise, I'd be in trouble…"

In the past few minutes, he first endured the excruciating pain, reaching into his inventory with his festering, wounded arm. With great difficulty, he retrieved a bottle of Survival Value Replenisher and drank it. Then, with a certain amount of health recovered, he did it again… at the cost of scraping off a layer of flesh, he spent over ten seconds retrieving the "Lin" pearl from the five pearls in his inventory and activated the item's special effect.

After Zhuan Jiezun and Dian Huwang's advice, Brother Jue already knew… that the "unknown" special effect of this pearl "containing the power of rhythm" was actually [Instantly heals injuries on the target (cooldown of twenty-four hours; limited to healing external wounds and repairing limbs; cannot remove debuffs such as diseases, curses, or poisoning)].

Overall, this was a reusable, enhanced version of a hemostatic agent. In terms of removing debuffs, it was inferior to [***-500]. In terms of healing ability, it was inferior to [Senzu Beans], but at least it was a reliable support item, which was better than nothing.

For example, in the current situation, *Qi Xu Ru Lin* had truly saved Brother Jue's life. If he didn't have this item, he would have had to continue the game with two wounded arms, constantly losing Survival Value…

"Phew… that little brat is indeed difficult to deal with…" At this point, Feng Bujue finally had the leisure to lament the earlier battle with Little Ling. "If she had been around during the Peak Brawl S1, Lu Te's level three or four subordinates would probably all have fallen at her hands…"

His sentiments weren't without reason. In the Peak Brawl S1, the number of shooting-type players who made it to the finals was pitifully small. There wasn't a single "pure shooting-type" player. Because in the later stages, with experts everywhere, using a pure shooting-type build, which was helpless once someone got close, was difficult to advance with. Even [Honghu], a dual-cultivator of shooting and spirit arts, barely managed to kill his way into the finals.

"Oh well… it's worth paying some price to get rid of this formidable enemy who can kill people from a thousand meters away." Feng Bujue mused. "But… I always feel like… apart from Hua Jian, every opponent in this script is hard to provoke… Ruo Yu, Xiao Tan, Qi Sha… each of them could potentially beat me. Not to mention the strength of the NPCs… if both sides don't go all out, even a generic face like Jiao can fight Jian Jun Shi Er Hen to a draw, or even slightly win… then Ping Qing Sheng and Da Ji, these peerless demon generals, must be at least at the level of the 'Three Purities'…"

Thinking of this, Feng Bujue felt the situation become even more serious. While continuing on his way, he couldn't help but start planning some insidious strategies in his mind…

…

Let's split the story and look at the other side.

Miss An, also known as [Shi Shang Hua Jian], the chief medical specialization player of Hell Frontline who had just reached level forty, had also arrived at a suspension bridge.

The three guards on this bridge were [Itsumade], [Jiangshi], and [Nightblade God].

Again, a trio of short and fat, thin and tall, and gigantic.

"Ah… it's you three." Itsumade lazily said after seeing who it was.

The "you three" he spoke of naturally wasn't Hua Jian, but the three people accompanying her.

Those three were all peerless warriors, and… all young, upright, handsome, powerful, and somewhat "simple-minded" warriors.

The first, "Righteous Stubborn" – Ma Chao.

He wore a Frost Deer Antler Helmet, with a white tassel at the back; he wore a suit of Iron Leaf Armor, tied with a White Brocade Armor Belt; he wore a White Silk Robe, with a green velvet flying belt; he wore a pair of Thin Bronze Boots, and held a Dragon Rider Spear.

As for his appearance… his face was like powdered jade, his eyes like shooting stars, a tiger's torso and an ape's arms, a leopard's belly and a wolf's waist.

One of the Five Tiger Generals, his name was well-deserved.

The second, "Idiotic with Loyalty" – Naoe Kanetsugu.

He wore a white Onmyoji robe, with a Sengoku samurai armor underneath, and a custom-made horned helmet. On the front of the helmet, a large "Love" character was crafted from metal. In his right hand was the Spirit Straight Confrontation Sword, and in his left was a stack of talismans.

As for his appearance, it was said that… his eyes shone like cold stars, and his eyebrows were as thick as ink.

Skilled in both martial and literary arts, both intelligent and brave.

The third, "Trusty Pretty Boy" – Azai Nagamasa.

He wore a pointed, refined steel golden horn helmet; he wore a blue-and-white patterned war robe, and his limbs were covered in dark armor; he wore a purple and white belt; he wore a pair of metal boots, and held the Japanese King Eight Thousand Halberd.

He was born with a fair and beardless face, white teeth and red lips, a sturdy body, and long, flowing hair.

A winner in life, with many children and grandchildren.

The above three were the famous "Love and Justice Trio" from the *Musou Orochi* series, gathered under the banner of "Justice," idol-like righteous men who punished evil, helped the weak, and respected the old.

Of course… their strength was also not bad. Just take Ma Mengqi, the upright young man who dared to challenge Xu Chu and Zhang Fei, he was definitely a top-tier powerhouse among the peerless warriors.

"Orochi's lackeys, quickly make way!" Facing Itsumade, Naoe Kanetsugu took the lead and loudly said.

"Letting you three pass is no problem…" Itsumade said, turning his gaze to Hua Jian. "Who is this guy? I don't recognize her, and her outfit is so strange…"

Indeed, the "Jackal Doctor's" black suit and long coat were quite rare in this world. Feng Bujue's long suit and Little Ling's special forces uniform were similar, both being too "modern." In comparison, Ruo Yu and Xiao Tan's clothes weren't as out of place, because there were many characters in the Musou warriors who wore that kind of ancient Western-style strange clothing.

"This esteemed person is also going to participate in the Martial Arts Tournament." Before Hua Jian could reply, Ma Chao spoke first.

Azai Nagamasa also said, "Lord Hua Jian is an incredibly powerful warrior, and with just a wave of her hand, she healed Brother Ma Chao's foot injury. She's much more skilled than the magic of you demons."

"Uh… even if you tell me all this…" Itsumade squinted, responding weakly. "I haven't seen it with my own eyes… Besides, those guys who use healing magic probably don't have much fighting ability…"

Although Itsumade, Jiao, and Tesso all looked and sounded the same, their personalities were different. It was clear that Itsumade was a demon general with a better temper. He didn't have Jiao's domineering aura or Tesso's sinister nature; he was just a lazy fat guy.

"Impudence!" Ma Chao stepped forward with his spear, glaring with his thick eyebrows and large eyes, "Do you intend to turn your blades against my benefactor? Then you'll have to get past me first!"

"No need, Mengqi." Azai Nagamasa also took a stance. "I'll defeat this kind of guy!"

"Ah! This… this is 'Justice'! I'm burning up too!" Naoe Kanetsugu also perked up. "Let this one join the battle with you, my lords!"

"I say…" At this moment, Jiangshi (the thin, agile type) flashed next to Itsumade and whispered in his ear, "Let's just let them pass…" He raised his head and glanced at the group with his single eye, "...those three justice idiots are quite strong… and… fighting them… feels embarrassing…"

"Hmm… that's true…" Itsumade replied softly, then raised his head and looked at the four in front of him. "Sigh… alright, since you've all said so, please proceed…"

…

At the same time, on the other side of Musou Plain, by the River of Fire.

"Who are you?" [Shu Tu] (yet another guy who looked like Jiao) sized up Qi Sha and asked.

Wearing the "Blade" uniform, Qi Sha looked like a nobody. Their guild's uniforms were very plain, a set of dark clothes of moderate thickness. The material of the clothes was very tough and easy to move in. In short… everything was for the sake of being low-key and practical.

"I told you, my name is Qi Sha." Qi Sha looked at the other party calmly and replied without being arrogant or humble.

His mentality was good – if he could avoid a fight, he would. But if he really had to fight, he wouldn't be afraid.

"So I'm asking you… who are you?" Shu Tu asked again. "I've never heard of you." He looked back at the other two demon generals behind him. "Do you guys know this guy called 'Qi Sha'?"

A second later, both of them shook their heads to indicate they didn't.

"See, no one knows you." Shu Tu shrugged and looked at Qi Sha. "Looking at your getup… you're probably just a minion…" His logic wasn't wrong, but as a generic face, he didn't seem qualified to call others that. "I'll give you a piece of advice, if you can't even beat a Base Commander, you should just go back."

"Heh…" Qi Sha smiled slightly. "I think I can beat a Base Commander."

"Is that so…" Shu Tu continued. "Then how about this, let's exchange a few blows. If you're lucky enough not to die, I'll let you pass."

"Sure." Qi Sha said. "You attack first."

"What did you say?" Shu Tu was stunned for a moment, then laughed. "Ha… hahaha… are you stupid? You use gauntlets as a weapon, and you want me, who uses a spear, to 'attack first'?" He shook his head and said, "An inch longer, an inch stronger, have you heard of that? My *Maai* (referring to the effective attacking distance between the two sides) is much longer than yours. Attacking first isn't just bullying you?"

"You seem to be quite righteous." Qi Sha also smiled.

"Hehe… that's right~" Shu Tu said smugly. "Who do you think this great one is? Who in Orochi's army doesn't know that I, Shu Tu, am a true man."

"Then I won't stand on ceremony and fulfill your wish." Qi Sha replied.

As he said these words… his tone gradually turned cold, and his eyes had changed.

Shu Tu also keenly noticed this and immediately took a defensive stance. "Oh? You've got quite the attitude…"

In an instant, the atmosphere around them… changed dramatically!

Even the demon soldiers and generals behind Shu Tu felt this change.

On the desolate plains, along the River of Fire, evil clouds surged, and battle intent soared.

Qi Sha's eyes burned with focus, and his fighting spirit burst forth as he launched a rapid attack with a fierce boxing technique.

Shu Tu held his breath and concentrated his senses, his demonic energy burning high as he parried with his spear to meet the fierce boxing wind.

"One Hundred and Fourteen Styles. Wild Bite!"

"Serious Block!"

Instantly, the fist and spear crossed, emitting strange lights of dual energies…

[Name: One Hundred and Fourteen Styles. Wild Bite]

[Skill Card Attribute: Active Skill, Permanently Mastered]

[Skill Category: Combat]

[Effect: Bend the left leg outwards, rotate the upper body, and deliver a side hook punch forward (cooldown of thirty seconds)]

[Consumption: Stamina Value 100]

[Learning Requirements: Combat Specialization B]

[Remarks: A basic style of the Kusanagi Ancient Dance, which can be connected to One Hundred and Twenty-Five Styles. Nana Se, One Hundred and Twenty-Seven Styles. Eight Rims, One Hundred and Twenty-Eight Styles. Nine Injuries, and Outer Style. Tearing Piercing.]

This was a very simple move. In terms of power, it wasn't even as good as the [Nanto Flying Dragon Fist], which could be learned with Combat Specialization C (of course… the stamina consumption of the Flying Dragon Fist was eight times that of this). In terms of speed, it was only moderate.

But the reason why it was defined as a B-level skill was because of its rich follow-up variations…

People who were proficient in fighting games understood that if you wanted to look good, you would use a Super Special Move. If you wanted to win… you still had to rely on the "combos" composed of many ordinary moves. For a character who still had a lot of health, being hit by a Super Special Move wasn't scary, but being hit by Wild Bite… you had to sweat a little, because by the time you could move again, you might only have a sliver of health left.

Boom—

A burst of sound erupted, and the two figures paused.

Qi Sha's right fist struck the spear. His right hand trembled slightly, and Shu Tu's hands, which were holding the spear, trembled as well.

"Can I cross the bridge now?" Qi Sha asked in a deep voice.

"Hmm…" Shu Tu groaned, extending his arm to push the spear away and leaping back. "Please…"

"Thank you." Qi Sha was still polite to the other party, then shook his hands and strode past with his head held high.

The demon soldiers at the front of the bridge also retreated, making way for him.

"He's a good man…" Shu Tu muttered a line filled with homoeroticism as he watched Qi Sha's back.

The exchange just now, which seemed to have no beginning or end, had actually already determined who was superior.

At the moment when the fist of the Wild Bite struck the spear, if Shu Tu hadn't gained more than 30% of the advantage in strength, then he would have lost. Because… next, as long as Qi Sha was willing, he could use his left fist to connect with another move at any time, and then another move… and another move… within five moves, Shu Tu's posture would be undone, his physical stance would be destroyed, and finally, he would take a real blow.

Although taking this blow didn't represent the loss of the entire battle (Shu Tu could still use means such as Musou Awakening to turn the tide), he had undoubtedly suffered a loss in this first round.

Of course… the actual situation was that Qi Sha didn't complete this round of combos.

In a situation where both sides knew what was going on, there was no need to leave no room for retreat. After one punch, ask a question… "Can I cross the bridge now?" This way, you can step down, I can achieve my goal, and I can also save some stamina… a win-win situation.

"Phew… another powerful guy has come…" As Qi Sha's figure gradually faded away, Shu Tu muttered thoughtfully again. "This Martial Arts Tournament… will be a good show."

…

On the other side, Wang Tanzhi, Jian Jun Shi Er Hen, and Zhao Yun finally arrived at a suspension bridge.

Whether it was lucky or unfortunate, this suspension bridge was special. Because it was the entrance facing the main gate of Gu Zhi Castle, Da Ji (Orochi didn't participate in trivial matters like this) arranged for a peerless demon general to guard this place.

This person wore a full set of black, full-coverage Sengoku samurai armor, with a huge golden crescent horn embedded in the front of his helmet. He wore a strange Western-style long sword, similar to both a sword and a katana, and hidden under the cloak behind him was a pair of pistols.

But perhaps the most prominent feature of his appearance was—he wore an eyepatch embroidered with a crest over his right eye.

"What a joke!" When Date saw Xiao Tan, he shouted in a tone and voice that was very close to "yelling." "Who is this guy? This young master won't let some unknown fish disturb Orochi!"

"Ah… he said 'fish' right in front of me…" Xiao Tan had a good temper and wasn't very angry, just complaining there. "Although I want to retort, I don't think I have much chance of winning if we fight…"

"One-eyed dragon willing to be the demon king's lackey… has your only remaining eye been blinded by the demon lord's power?" Jian Jun Shi Er Hen said in a questioning tone.

"Shut up!" Date said. "You outsiders don't understand Orochi at all. Don't make wild judgments!"

"Hmph…" Jian Jun snorted coldly. "Alright… I won't argue with you about that." He pointed at Xiao Tan. "I'm asking you, can't you see… that this little brother's foundation is extraordinary?"

"Huh?" Date was stunned for a moment. "He… what?"

In fact, Jian Jun couldn't see anything "extraordinary" about Xiao Tan's "foundation" either. He was just relying on being more cultured and pretending to be profound. "It doesn't matter if you can't see it… just let us pass."

"Huh?" Date belonged to the kind of person who… might not be very smart, but was difficult to fool, and his temper was very fiery. "What are you saying? This young master doesn't understand!" As he spoke, he drew his sword. "You." He pointed the sword at Xiao Tan. "You want to participate in the Martial Arts Tournament, right? You can… but let this young master test your mettle first!"