Someone else raised new doubts, but what he said wasn’t without reason, leading to several people agreeing.

But Ye Luo just smiled and said, "That’s right, the Commerce Alliance is indeed incredibly powerful, even in the Eighth Region, they have influence. But so what? Do we give up resisting simply because the enemy is powerful?

If anyone thinks that way, it’s best to leave early. This prince here doesn’t keep such cowards!

Of course, you really don’t need to worry so much. You must understand that since the enemy hasn’t used their strength from the Eighth Region until now, there must be some restriction preventing them from mobilizing. Otherwise, the enemy could easily deploy a single army from the Eighth Region to sweep through our entire Da Yue Empire. Why waste time dragging things out?"

Ye Luo spoke very clearly, if these people don’t understand, they aren’t fit to sit here.

At this moment, everyone nodded in agreement. If the Commerce Alliance could freely deploy troops from the Eighth and Ninth Regions, there would be no need to waste this time here.

If the army from the Eighth Region descended, who would dare resist?

Seeing that everyone stopped talking, Ye Luo continued, "Alright, that’s settled. Since the other side wants us to build an arena, hurry up and get it done. Also, I’m giving you three days to find the strongest five hundred people for me, whether from within the country or elsewhere, regardless of their status. What I want is the strongest five hundred!"

With the orders given, soon the entire battlefield temporarily calmed down, as people awaited the start of this arena battle.

Meanwhile, within the Commerce Alliance’s combined forces, there was a group of exceptionally special young people. These individuals were very young, with an average age not even reaching thirty, and in front of them stood a young man about their age.

This young man was known as Young Master Ling, and of course, some called him Dean Ling!

Because all the young individuals before him belonged to a sect.

And this sect was founded by Young Master Ling himself!

It turns out Young Master Ling coming to the Ninth Region, involvement in the war was secondary; the primary mission was to establish a new academy. Using this academy as a base, select talents from the Ninth Region, and then send them to the Eighth Region.

In other words, Young Master Ling’s mission here was mainly for talent selection.

What force is backing him remains unknown for now, but clearly, the entire Commerce Alliance is very wary of his backing. Otherwise, they wouldn’t allow him to establish an academy or select disciples at will.

In the Ninth Region, the Commerce Alliance has occupied dozens of countries, yet there’s only one academy, and only the most talented individuals catch the eye of Young Master Ling to be selected into the academy!

If Ye Luo knew all this, he could immediately see that this is essentially talent acquisition!

No matter where, talent is the most important. If the Ninth Region wants to gain strength, to one day become stronger than the Eighth Region, the only hope lies in these talents. Unfortunately, the Ninth Region is in disarray, and such obvious talent acquisition is at no one’s concern.

Tongtian Academy, founded by Young Master Ling, currently has just over a thousand students. But this time, five hundred were chosen to prepare for an arena competition with the Da Yue Empire.

Young Master Ling is delivering a pre-battle speech, though his words are rather harsh.

"Alright, this Dean has secured the opportunity for you. Tomorrow will be the arena competition with the Da Yue Empire. This time, it’s a battle concerning their national fate, so they’ll surely select their strongest five hundred and will go all out to win. So you’d better be mentally prepared. I’ve said this before: even if you die in the arena, blame it on your poor learning, for this Dean won’t intervene to save you. Go prepare yourselves, I hope you all make a good showing in this actual combat opportunity!"

Actual combat opportunity? It seems the real reason for the arena competition is to hone these people’s combat abilities!

In their eyes, the fate of the Da Yue Empire isn’t as important as training a few qualified students!

Such is the sorrow of the weak!

The preparations proceed methodically, with an area left between both armies, and arenas being constructed. Here, a contest concerning the Da Yue Empire’s national fate is about to take place!

...

Finally, the day arrived!

Ye Luo looked at these people standing before him, feeling quite helpless. They are the strongest selected from almost the entire Da Yue Empire. Some are Sect Masters, some are Clan Leaders, and some are Generals leading troops; their races are diverse. A common point?

Perhaps, it’s just that their ages are relatively old!

As for the Commerce Alliance side, the disciples from Tongtian Academy seem very young. Around the arena, there’s not a single soldier stationed, nor any sort of referee inside, because this battle’s victory determination lies in which side survives.

As for the rules, they are extremely simple: live, and victory is assured!

Beside Ye Luo stand Feng Ling and Ao Long, for their abilities are sufficient to participate, and this is Ye Luo’s contingent plan. If these people aren’t dependable, then Ye Luo would have to step in himself.

Both sides reach the arena area without verbal exchanges, as there’s no need.

Young Master Ling steps forward, looking with some disdain at the people behind Ye Luo, then casually says, "Since everyone is here, let’s start directly. Don’t waste time. Tell me, do you choose to fight one-on-one or in coordinated group warfare?"

The disdainful tone caused those behind Ye Luo to glare angrily.

But Ye Luo knows they have the right to speak this way.

Look at our side, utterly undisciplined. Though the battle is about to begin, Ye Luo can still hear some people blaming each other.

After all, these are prominent figures within the Da Yue Empire, and Ye Luo knows expecting them to be strictly disciplined is unrealistic.

But look at the other side?

No whispers, neat ranks, and everyone brimming with confidence!

Forget it, do your best and leave the rest to fate. If things don’t work out, Ye Luo will step in sooner, as Ye Luo’s intervention would essentially break the rules.

This is not some friendly competition; it’s purely a deadly melee. Though called an arena battle, everyone knows it’s truly a life-and-death matter.