Bale smiled faintly and, after watching Jalone and the March family leave the arena, announced, "Now that the March family participants have forfeited, I dere that due to the special circumstances, we will proceed straight to the Middle Guard Challenge."


    After the March family left, eight contestants remained in the arena. Following Bale''smand, eight Middle Guards took turns facing off against the eight contestants. This time, four of the contestants were defeated, leaving only four to advance. Two of them chose to take the title of Middle Guard. In the end, only Wilbur and Locke were left to challenge for the title of Senior Guard.


    The rules for challenging the Senior Guard were that Wilbur and Locke would each face the current Senior Guard. The one who won would be the Senior Guard, and if both were victorious, they would both be granted the title. At this point, the tournament could conclude. However, if Wilbur and Locke wished topete against each other to determine the superior fighter, they could have an additional match.


    Wilbur and Locke each faced a Senior Guard on separate stages. The Senior Guard who fought Wilbur was not as strong as Horst and was quickly defeated by Wilbur. After stepping down from the stage, Wilbur watched Locke''s battle with the other Senior Guard. This was the first time Wilbur had seen Locke using his energy to form powerful fists inbat. Locke''s entire body emitted a faint green glow, with each punch brimming with strength.


    Locke''s movements were fluid, embodying the essence of Tiger Fist. His relentless attacks quickly forced the Senior Guard to the edge of the stage, and with a final punch, he sent the Senior Guard flying off the stage, crashing heavily to the ground.


    Bale apuded and said, "Congrattions to both of you. You''ve both


    sessfully be Senior Guards. From now on, you can use the teleportation array free of charge to travel anywhere you wish."


    "Thank you, Mister Bale."


    "Thank you, Mister Bale."


    "Heh, no need to thank me," Bale replied with a smile. "Now, Wilbur, Locke, do either of you wish to have an additional match to determine the winner?"


    Wilbur turned to Locke and asked, "Shall we have another match?"


    Locke took a deep breath and said, "I don''t think it''s necessary. This time, my master sent me here only to obtain the title of Senior Guard, not to fight others. Now that we''ve both earned the title, I''ve achieved my goal."


    George frowned and asked, "Who is your master?"


    Earlier, George had watched Locke''s battle with the Senior Guard and was impressed by Locke''s immense strength. It puzzled him that someone with such power had gone unnoticed before. George also hoped to keep Locke in his service, as it was rare for a Senior Guard to emerge from the tournament, making those who achieved this title highly valued by the City Lord.


    Locke replied, "Forgive me, sir, but I cannot reveal that information. I bid you farewell."


    With those words, Locke turned and left.


    George and Bale watched Locke''s departing figure and sighed in unison. George remarked, "What a pity."


    Bale nodded and added, "Indeed, such an outstanding individual having a master of his own and being unable to serve the City Lord is truly unfortunate."


    In truth, Wilbur knew well that Locke''s strength was far greater than what he had shown in the battle with the Senior Guard. Locke had deliberately held back, seemingly unwilling to reveal his true power. However, recalling the Tiger Fist technique Locke had used, Wilbur could not help but be impressed. Locke had truly mastered the essence of Tiger Fist.