"Let's go! We've seen enough tonight. No wonder China's Green Gang and Hongmen ranked lower in previous rankings; there's indeed a significant gap in strength."
Zhang Fan's divine sense enveloped the area, clearly sensing no less than three Saint level cultivators lurking. It was hard to imagine that a mere bar could attract so many powerhouses. In China, unless it was a grand gathering of the martial arts world, Saint domain experts rarely appeared.
"Mm."
"With the remaining ten-odd days, I'll try to break through to the Saint domain. Otherwise, it might be quite difficult in this Gang Competition," Yi Feicheng also said. Although he had smoothly defeated Cook in the recent fight, only he knew that after using that divine ability, his true qi was almost depleted, and his arm was nearly dislocated, leaving him with no power to fight further. If his opponent could withstand that move, then he would be the one in trouble.
According to Ailabela, Cook's strength was only considered first-rate in past Gang Competitions, not top-tier. There were some stronger than him. Therefore, after defeating Cook, Yi Feicheng felt no pride, only increased caution. After all, he was guided by a peak Divine realm expert and received cultivation resources far beyond those of ordinary people. If he couldn't rank highly in the Gang Competition even with these advantages, it would be quite embarrassing. He couldn't disgrace the Black Tiger Gang, nor could he disgrace Zhang Fan.
"Mm, your accumulation is sufficient. For the next ten-plus days, you will cultivate in seclusion, striving to enter the Saint domain before the Gang Competition."
"After all, the Green Gang and Hongmen have Saint domain experts participating this time," Zhang Fan nodded upon hearing Yi Feicheng's words.
"Green Gang?"
Yi Feicheng was confused. Hongmen, with Lin Haotian's participation this time, had one Saint domain expert. But when did the Green Gang produce such a young Saint domain expert?
"Si Youyou has successfully entered the Saint domain and will represent the Green Gang in this Gang Competition," Zhang Fan said with a smile, looking at Yi Feicheng. After gaining significant opportunities in the Half-Month Cave Mansion, Si Youyou had cultivated diligently for over half a year and had completely entered the Saint domain.
"Brother, the Black Tiger Gang is counting on you this time." Yan Qianghu could only place his hopes on Yi Feicheng. After witnessing the level of participants in this World Gang Competition, he knew he was just here to make up the numbers.
"Damn it!"
"It seems this is forcing me to break through."
Yi Feicheng felt immense pressure.
...
Upon returning to the hotel, Yi Feicheng immediately retreated to his room to prepare for his breakthrough. He had originally planned to accumulate for some time in the Innate Grandmaster realm, but the current situation forced his hand. He had sought Zhang Fan's opinion on this matter.
"In the path of cultivation, building a solid foundation is key, but the drive to advance is also indispensable. If you've made up your mind, you should bravely move forward. Indiscriminate settling is not always a good thing," Zhang Fan replied.
Having received the answer he desired, Yi Feicheng became even more resolute in his determination to break through. Ye Jing, however, was quite dejected. She had hoped that Yi Feicheng could accompany her on a tour during this opportunity, but it ended before it even began. Fortunately, with Ailabela's guidance, apart from Yi Feicheng, the rest of their group had visited most of the famous tourist attractions on Elba Island. Even if they returned now, it would not be a wasted trip.
Ten-odd days passed quickly amidst their travels, and Yi Feicheng successfully broke through after twelve days of seclusion, entering the Saint domain. However, after his breakthrough, he did not emerge immediately but continued to cultivate in seclusion, honing his abilities and consolidating his divine abilities and techniques. He only emerged from seclusion on the day the Gang Competition was scheduled to begin.
"This year's Gang Competition is hosted by the Mafia, and it will be held at Esbi Cape," Hong Binglan had already received the news and informed everyone.
"Esbi Cape? Didn't we just go there a few days ago?" Ye Jing asked from the side. "Except for a rocky area extending into the sea on the cape, the rest are mountains and sea. Why choose that location for the competition?"
Although Ye Jing had not cultivated martial arts, she had seen much. The battles between Innate Grandmasters or even Saint domain experts could potentially sink that entire cape once unleashed. Holding the Gang Competition there made her somewhat unable to comprehend it. Moreover, Esbi Cape was a very famous tourist spot on Elba Island, offering the most beautiful sea views of the island, and was extremely popular. Holding the competition there would likely cause quite a stir.
"Innate Grandmasters and Transcendent beings can all walk on water, and their battleground will be arranged on the sea surface below Esbi Cape, so there's no need to worry about destroying it," Ailabela explained to Ye Jing. "Furthermore, as of yesterday, Esbi Cape has been sealed off and cleared by the Mafia. Tourists cannot enter, so there's no need to worry about other impacts."
"Oh," Ye Jing nodded, finding the Mafia truly domineering. To seal off a tourist attraction that received hundreds of thousands of visitors daily, as if it were nothing, was indeed beyond ordinary comprehension.
"Let's go, it's about time we set off."
Zhang Fan said, seeing that everyone was almost ready. He himself didn't have much feeling about this Gang Competition, but Yi Feicheng and Hong Binglan were looking forward to it. Yi Feicheng purely wanted to showcase his abilities after breaking through his realm and, by the way, establish the Black Tiger Gang's prestige. Hong Binglan was excited because their Hongmen had not performed well in previous Gang Competitions, and with Lin Haotian this time, they could finally bring honor to the Hongmen.
After breakfast, they traveled by car for nearly an hour before reaching the vicinity of Esbi Cape. Esbi Cape is located at the southernmost tip of Elba Island. The climate is slightly hotter than in the north. The cape is surrounded by high mountains, with only one road leading to it. The usually bustling Esbi Cape appeared unusually desolate today, with only the sound of waves crashing against rocks and seabirds flying along the coast.
However, at the entrance to the small road outside Esbi Cape, it was packed with people. Countless tourists crowded the entrance. Although they couldn't get in, they were reluctant to leave. The entrance had already been blocked by Italian Mafia members. Apart from the factions participating in the World Gang Competition, everyone else was barred. Yet, even with the blocked entrance, many tourists had not given up. Some had come specifically for Esbi Cape, and thus were naturally unwilling to leave. Some had even set up tents nearby, planning to camp overnight and wait for the entrance to open.
...