Heavens' Laughter

"The first round shall begin!" The Tournament Overseer announced, his voice echoing throughout as he materialized in a swirl of smoke atop the platform.

His sudden appearance captivated the crowd and students, every gaze fixated on him.

Suddenly, a massive white portal materialized, its edges crackling with energy.

As the portal shimmered, a view of a vast, dungeon-like chamber was revealed beyond it.

The floor appeared ancient and worn, its stone surfaces covered in moss and shadow, stretching out into the unknown.

Pointing toward the portal, the Tournament Overseer continued, his voice sharp and clear:

"It's quite simple. Each academy will choose one student to ascend the tower—one hundred floors, each more treacherous than the last. Inside, you'll face deadly traps, fierce monsters, and countless challenges. It's a race to the top, so stay alert!"

The Tournament Overseer smiled even wider:

"The academy whose contestant finishes last will be eliminated, with no chance of redemption!"

The moment the Tournament Overseer's words faded into the air, the entire crowd erupted into deafening cheers.

Holograms flickered to life all around them, displaying live feeds of the tower's interior—its dark, foreboding halls, the shifting traps, and the monstrous creatures lurking within.

The excitement was palpable as the audience eagerly leaned forward.

Nearby, a massive, elongated hologram materialized, showcasing the competing academies, each one represented by a bold emblem.

The Tournament Overseer clapped his hands together, the sound echoing. "Without further ado, may each academy choose their student!"

Immediately, a flurry of chatter erupted across the platform as students from each academy began to debate and decide who would represent them."

Whispers of strategy filled the air—some arguing for their strongest, others for the most cunning, each vying for the honor of starting the deadly ascent.

"So… what's the plan?" Cai Xiu asked, her voice calm yet firm, as she turned toward her team. She crossed her arms, her sharp gaze scanning each of them:

"We need to make sure everything goes smoothly."

Lin Ming raised his hand. "I'll be the first one! I'll start us off strong! I'll shut these brats up!" He declared, his voice brimming with fiery determination.

His eyes burned with fierce passion, a fire that seemed to ignite the air around him.

"I won't lose!" Clenching his fists tightly, Lin Ming stretched his body. Every muscle in his frame seemed charged with energy, his confidence radiating as he stepped forward:

"I'll show the entire Upper Realm I am fated for greatness!"

However…

Feng Shen placed a firm hand on student Lin Ming's shoulder, his grip unyielding. "No. I will be the one to go first," he said, his voice as cold as ice.

He wanted to test out his new physique. Continue your adventure at My Virtual Library Empire

Looking back over his shoulder, Lin Ming opened his mouth to argue, but the moment his eyes met student Feng Shen's small, unsettling smile—a smile that seemed to carry an icy promise—he froze.

A chill ran down his spine, and with a reluctant gulp, he nodded in quiet obedience.@@novelbin@@

"By all means…" Lin Ming muttered, stepping aside.

His fiery spirit faltered.

Yùn Yì was buzzing with excitement, her hands clapping together in rapid rhythm as her face lit up with a wide grin.

"That's great! The Second Young Master is starting us off!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with enthusiasm.

Yùn Yì was practically bouncing on her heels.

Feng Shen stood motionless for a moment, his eyes narrowing as he noticed something that hadn't registered before.

With a heavy sigh, he facepalmed in disbelief. "Why are the both of you here? Shouldn't you be in the stands?" he asked, his voice laced with frustration.

Feng Shen glanced at his personal servant and little maid. He couldn't help but wonder how this had slipped his mind until now.

"Shit…" Both Yùn Yì and Cai Xiu muttered in unison, their faces flushing with embarrassment.

In an instant, they vanished from the platform, reappearing in the stands as quickly as they had disappeared.

Their cheeks were a deep shade of red, the realization hitting them like a wave.

They were so accustomed to being around the Second Young Master that they hadn't even thought about how out of place they seemed.

Now, with their mistake glaringly obvious, they both tried to shrink into their seats.

"So idiotic…" Feng Shen muttered, rubbing the bridge of his nose in exasperation. He let out another frustrated sigh before turning his gaze toward the Ninth Princess, his eyes narrowing.

"And you, why are you so far away? Get your ass over here!" he called out, his voice sharp with irritation.

"Eh!? Yes! Right away!" Hè Jun exclaimed, her eyes widening in surprise. In an instant, she shot to her feet, as if electricity had jolted through her body.

Her movements were swift and eager as she hurried over, her posture rigid with obedience.

Hè Jun practically darted across, a sense of urgency in every step, like a loyal dog responding to its master's command.

"I swear, others' stupidity will be the death of me…" Feng Shen muttered under his breath, shaking his head in disbelief.

His patience was clearly running thin as he began stepping forward, eager to distance himself from the mess surrounding him.

Though, to Feng Shen, they were nothing more than dead men walking, and he was simply biding his time, deciding what to do with them.

He couldn't afford to let their incompetence slow him down.

As the chosen students from each team lined up, ready, the Tournament Overseer gave a single approving nod. His eyes scanned the lineup.

Then he opened his mouth, his voice booming across:

"Now that you have selected who will go in… It's time to start!"

The moment the words left the Tournament Overseer's lips, a wave of energy surged through the arena.

In an instant, the holograms flickered and began to countdown.

10

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

BEEEEEPPPPP!!!!

At that sound, the students surged forward in unison, their bodies propelled.

Without a second thought, they bolted toward the massive portal.

The crowd erupted in deafening cheers, their excitement filling the air as the students charged into the unknown.

However, Feng Shen yawned lazily as he walked, his hands clasped behind his back, completely unhurried.

As he strolled forward, his lack of urgency caught the attention of the crowd.

Slowly, murmurs turned into boos, and soon, the entire arena erupted in disapproving shouts:

"Lazy!"

"You think this is a joke?!"

"Get moving!"

"Trash!"