*The Rise of the God of Death*
*Chapter 27: Quarter Finale*
As the two-day break ended, all remaining participants had recovered, cultivated, and prepared themselves—today marked the beginning of the *second round*.
The opening match featured *Daren*, facing off against a formidable *Vice General-ranked* warrior. The duel was intense, both fighters trading blow for blow. Daren was pushed to the edge, nearly defeated, until a fire ignited within him—the reminder of why he was here: to reach the *third quarter*. That conviction pushed him beyond his limits, breaking through to the *pinnacle of the Vice General rank*, overwhelming his opponent and earning a hard-fought victory.
The next two matches lacked excitement—one ended in surrender, and the other in disqualification after a fighter fell off the stage.
Then came the *Lord-ranked Swordmaster*, who finished his opponent in moments, his blade moving like poetry in motion. The *mysterious cloaked participant* followed, claiming another effortless win, his technique precise and unreadable.
Another bout ended with a *General-ranked* warrior moving forward, leaving only one match remaining—*Daimon's*.
Knowing the level of strength required just to make it this far, Daimon chose not to restrain himself. He dashed forward, his power unleashed in a single devastating blow, nearly killing a Vice General clad in *excellent-grade gear*. The crowd was left speechless. Eight participants now remained.
To everyone's surprise, there would be *no break*. The *Quarter Finale* would begin in just *two hours*.
Once time passed, the first match of the quarterfinal began—*the cloaked assassin versus a General-ranked warrior*. Many expected a fierce battle, but three individuals—*Daimon*, the *Swordmaster*, and *Daren*—knew the truth: the mysterious man wouldn't struggle.
The General launched himself forward at blinding speed, shaking the very arena. His fist, glowing with concentrated power, rocketed toward the cloaked figure—yet, at the last instant, his target *vanished*.
He hadn't dodged—he had used something far more advanced: *an Ancient Art—Double Body*.
The real body appeared instantly in front of the General, catching him off guard, and with a single, focused punch to the chest, knocked him out cold.
The arena fell silent. The mysterious man walked away without a word.