Elba is an island in the Tyrrhenian Sea, west of central Italy. Despite being the third-largest island in Italy, its area of just over two hundred square kilometers is not particularly vast. In China, some first-tier cities encompass a similar or even larger area than Elba.
Because Napoleon Bonaparte, the great Emperor of France, was once exiled here, Elba is also known as the Island of Exile.
With its beautiful scenery and pleasant climate, Elba has become a famous tourist island in Italy, attracting a steady stream of visitors.
Recently, due to the World Gang Competition being held here, the influx of people from all over the world has made Elba even more popular. Even roadside inns are in short supply, and prices have been steadily rising. Fortunately, Hong Tiancheng had prepared for this more than a month in advance, arranging for his subordinates to book several suites at the Capri Hotel on Elba, saving Zhang Fan and the others considerable effort.
After nearly ten hours of flight, the plane finally landed on the sea surface about a kilometer off the west coast of Elba. By the time Zhang Fan and his companions disembarked, the sky had completely darkened.
The wide beach was still dotted with tourists enjoying themselves even at night. Zhang Fan and the others descended from the plane and walked towards the island, stepping on the rippling water. The beachgoers didn't seem particularly surprised to see people walking on water, but their gazes toward Zhang Fan's group were filled with envy.
"These foreigners don't seem too surprised. Have they often seen people walk on water?" Yi Feicheng said, arm in arm with Ye Jing, as they strolled effortlessly across the water. He was somewhat astonished by the nonchalant reactions of the tourists. He knew that in China, seeing someone walk on water would undoubtedly draw a large crowd. This was not only because Chinese people enjoy a good spectacle but also because the number of Innate Grandmasters in China is extremely small. Even though there are hundreds of Innate Grandmasters in China, this is very few compared to its massive population.
"Perhaps they're used to it," Aile Beila said. Clearly, with the World Gang Competition approaching, participants from major gangs worldwide were arriving. These individuals were at least Innate Grandmasters, usually considered big shots in their own territories. Even abroad, they hadn't restrained themselves, openly displaying various abilities that the tourists on Elba had witnessed before. Therefore, seeing it again wasn't that astonishing.
After landing on the island, the group didn't arrange for transportation and instead walked leisurely, admiring the foreign scenery. Although it was Zhang Fan's first time on Elba, he wasn't particularly curious. He had seen too many bizarre sights in the universe and starry sky in his past life, so no matter how beautiful or charming Elba's scenery was, it was difficult to arouse his interest.
However, Yi Feicheng and Guangtou Qiang, among others, were incredibly curious, even gazing admiringly at a passing foreign uncle. Yi Feicheng was genuinely interested in Elba's exotic scenery, while Yan Qianghu, standing beside him, focused more on the hot and shapely women, his eyes burning with excitement.
The Capri Hotel is the only six-star hotel on Elba, located at the southern tip of the island, by the sea. A skyscraper nearly two hundred and fifty meters tall rose from the soft sandy terrain. The Capri Hotel is the tallest building on Elba and was built by the sea, its construction presenting immense challenges, making it a landmark of the island.
Led by Poyang, they checked into the hotel that Hong Tiancheng had booked in advance. After the rooms were assigned, Ye Jing couldn't wait any longer and wanted to go out for a stroll. Zhang Fan stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, his broad view encompassing almost the entire island of Elba.
"There are still nearly ten days until the competition begins. What are some fun places on the island? Let's take them out to relax for a few days," Zhang Fan asked Aile Beila. Hearing this, Ye Jing and Yan Qianghu, along with others, also turned their expectant gazes to Aile Beila.
"The liveliest place on Elba at night is naturally the bars in the Pudo District," Aile Beila said. Seeing their somewhat subdued reactions, she understood. Guangtou Qiang and Yi Feicheng, after all, owned several bars themselves, so the concept of a bar wouldn't be novel to them. She paused, then continued before anyone could speak, "What makes the bars in the Pudo District so lively is that besides the usual offerings, each bar features a death match arena. Violence mixed with alcohol creates a particularly frenzied atmosphere in the Pudo District's bars, far surpassing those you own." She directed the last sentence at Guangtou Qiang.
"Oh?" Hearing this, Yi Feicheng and Guangtou Qiang showed a flicker of interest, eager to witness it. Although their bars had underground fighting rings, these were kept secret, and entry was restricted. While their Black Tiger Gang currently had Brother Fan's backing, and even some special departments relaxed their supervision, they dared not be too overt and expose too many ordinary people to the dark side of the underworld, as the impact would be too severe. However, based on Aile Beila's description, the fighting arenas in the Pudo District's bars were public. In comparison, they were indeed unlike the bars they owned.
"I wonder about the strength of those gladiators?" Yi Feicheng asked, eager to try.
"The gladiators are hired fighters that bar owners recruit from all over the world. Among them are not a few supernaturals, or martial arts grandmasters like those from your China. While their strength might not be exceptionally formidable, the training in these death match arenas makes them fearless. Once they engage, they fight with all their might. Even some powerful supernaturals who challenge them on stage have been defeated by opponents who were weaker, and have died in the ring," Aile Beila said casually, subtly warning Yi Feicheng that even with his peerless grandmaster strength, he could still end up dead in the ring if he wasn't careful.
Yi Feicheng understood the implication in Aile Beila's words. He waved his hand and said, "Let's go and see just how formidable these so-called death match arenas are."
"Let's go," Zhang Fan also smiled and nodded. He wasn't particularly interested in such matters, but since it was a rare opportunity to go out and have fun with his brothers, he naturally wouldn't dampen their spirits. With Zhang Fan's agreement, everyone concurred. Thus, led by Aile Beila, they boarded a stretched Lincoln and headed towards the Pudo District.
...
ps: Apologies, this chapter is to make up for yesterday.