The atmosphere inside the City Combat Hall had become increasingly tense as the minutes passed. Thousands of spectators occupied every available seat while countless others stood upon surrounding rooftops just to secure a better view of the upcoming duel.

The excitement had long surpassed the level of an ordinary challenge between two young masters. Rumors, gossip, speculation, and countless theories had transformed the event into the most discussed topic throughout the city.

Then suddenly... The crowd stirred.

Dozens of heads turned simultaneously toward the main entrance.

A pathway naturally opened... The Clark Family had arrived.

At the front walked several family elders and branch leaders. Behind them came the old patriarch himself, moving with calm authority that immediately silenced many nearby discussions. His mere presence was enough to remind everyone why the Clark Family remained one of the city’s dominant powers.

Then Tony appeared.

The reaction was immediate... Whispers spread through the audience like wildfire.

"That’s him."

"Young Master Tony."

"The groom."

"The troublemaker."

"The fellow who brought another woman home a day after marriage."

Many spectators looked excited, Others looked amused, Several looked jealous.

Yet the most interesting part wasn’t Tony himself. It was the two women accompanying him.

Skylar walked on one side wearing elegant blue robes while maintaining a cold expression. Lily walked on the other side while openly observing the arena with curiosity.

The sight caused another explosion of discussion.

"A wife and a lover?"

"He’s brave."

"No, he’s suicidal."

"How is he still alive?"

Even several elders struggled to suppress their laughter.

Tony naturally heard everything. Unfortunately... He appeared completely proud.

The Clark Family Patriarch immediately felt a headache.

Meanwhile, across the arena, another group entered.

The Magistrate, His officials, His guards, And finally... Peter Jaint’s lover, Doja!

The crowd immediately shifted attention. Many stared at Doja in awe and desire.

Both competitors now stood within sight of each other. The noise gradually disappeared.

Peter’s eyes locked onto Tony. Tony’s eyes locked onto Peter.

Neither spoke immediately. Neither moved. Yet something strange happened. Both suddenly felt a sense of familiarity.

Not because of appearance, Not because of identity... But because of attitude.

The way they stood, The way they observed, The way they looked at the world. For several seconds silence dominated the arena.

Then Tony smiled... A very specific villainous arrogant smile.

Mark froze.

Tony spoke first. "Interesting to see a loser again..."

The simple word ’loser’ carried a special meaning. Mark’s expression immediately changed.

That tone.. That irritating tone. That smug confidence. A memory surfaced instantly.

’Tony Clark...’

Meanwhile Tony also received confirmation. The moment Peter’s expression twisted, everything became obvious. Nobody else in existence reacted quite like Mark Smith when annoyed.

Tony laughed while staring directly into the opponent eyes.

Peter immediately understood. The fellow standing opposite him wasn’t merely a dummy Tony Clark.

It was Tony... The real Tony.

The realization caused excitement to appear in Mark’s eyes.

For the first time since entering the Dream Realm, he had found someone familiar.

Unfortunately... That familiar person happened to be Tony Clark.

"Well, well," Mark said loudly enough for nearby spectators to hear. "I didn’t expect the famous Young Master Tony to show up personally. I heard marriage has made you much busier recently."

The crowd laughed.

Tony grinned. "I didn’t expect the Magistrate’s son to be such a jealous person. I hope you find a girl at least half as beautiful as my wife."

Several spectators nearly spat out their drinks.

Everyone turned towards Doja for a second who is fuming with anger.

Mark’s eye twitched.

Same Tony... Absolutely the same Tony.

Lily stood behind Tony while staring at Peter. Then realization finally struck.

Her eyes widened. "Mark Smith..."

The words escaped almost unconsciously.

Tony nodded slightly. "Looks like fate isn’t finished entertaining us."

Peter smiled.

Inside, excitement surged through him. This wasn’t merely a duel anymore. This was an opportunity. An opportunity to eliminate Tony before the true World Tree competition even began.

If Tony died inside the Dream Realm, he would lose all opportunities hidden here. The thought alone made Mark happy.

Meanwhile, hidden among the spectators, Elsa’s eyes brightened.

Confirmation... Complete confirmation. Tony and Mark. Two real-world participants identified in a single morning.

The corners of her lips slowly rose. Beside her, several Demonic Sea Tribe warriors exchanged excited looks.

"Leader... It’s them."

Elsa nodded.

At the edge of the Arena, the bald monk had also reached the same conclusion.

The moment Tony opened his mouth, all doubt vanished. Nobody else could speak like that. Nobody else could provoke enemies so naturally.

The monk laughed loudly.

Several spectators glanced toward him strangely.

The monk ignored them. "Wonderful."

The word escaped naturally. The fellow really was Tony. The world suddenly became much more interesting.

Back at the arena center, the verbal exchange continued.

Peter folded his arms. "You seem very confident."

Tony nodded. "I am."

"Despite standing before me?"

Tony looked confused. "Should I be worried?"

The crowd laughed.

Peter’s smile became colder. "You’ve always relied on luck."

Tony immediately pointed toward Lily. "See? This imperial idiot still not accepting his defeat."

Lily nodded.

The crowd became increasingly confused.

What were they talking about? Neither side seemed interested in ordinary trash talk. Instead, they appeared to be having a conversation only they understood.

Peter eventually stopped smiling. His aura slowly emerged. The temperature inside the arena seemed to drop.

Several nearby spectators immediately became serious. Power... Real power.

Tony’s smile gradually disappeared as well. Not because he felt pressure. Because the duel was finally about to begin.

The arena master stepped forward. His voice echoed throughout the combat hall.

"Both participants have arrived."

Silence spread... Thousands of eyes focused upon the stage.

"Both participants have accepted the challenge."

The pressure intensified. "According to the rules, the duel shall continue until surrender or incapacity."

The crowd held its breath.

Peter stepped forward... Tony stepped forward. The distance between them gradually shortened.

Elsa, The monk, The Magistrate, The Clark Patriarch watched carefully.

Even Skylar forgot her irritation. For the first time that morning, genuine anticipation filled the arena.

The arena master raised his hand. Then finally... The signal descended. And the duel began!

"BooM!"