Chapter Forty-One: An Inauspicious Start

The saying goes: “He who wins the hearts of the people, wins the world.” Now, most have chosen to stand with Chen Yu. Some have admired him from the beginning; others are compelled by the Zhao family's intimidating power. In truth, aside from the Liu family, nearly everyone present speaks up for Chen Yu. Many haven't forgotten how many girls he harmed, but before absolute strength, all words are futile. Simply put, they dare not oppose Chen Yu.

The final showdown, unsurprisingly, is Jiang Xiaotian facing Chen Yu. Now that the match is over, Jiang Xiaotian leaves to rest. Ling'er has been waiting for him, even buying him water. Amidst this cold contest, only she can bring Jiang Xiaotian a trace of warmth.

As for Dragon Brother, he doesn't dare show his face anymore—not that anyone blames him. Even Jiang Xiaotian feels that if Chen Yu found him, he would never let him leave alive.

No matter the situation, Ling'er always appears unhurried. If not for her need to conceal her identity, she would have signed up herself to deal with Chen Yu. When she mentions this, Jiang Xiaotian shakes his head. "No, it must be me. I've realized Chen Yu aims not only to kill, but to ruin reputations. He wants to step on my head to earn glory for himself. Dream on!"

The more he interacts with Chen Yu, the more he despises him—false and vile. If he doesn't kill Chen Yu himself, he may never sleep peacefully.

"But you may not be his match," Ling'er says bluntly.

If it were the old Jiang Xiaotian, hearing Ling'er say this, he would have backed down—he was used to cowardice. But this time, he doesn't flinch. "How will I know if I don't try? Even if I lose, I have to fight!"

Having walked through the gates of hell, his mindset has shifted. He understands now: the weaker you are, the more you are bullied. Once you are strong enough, you can even change the rules of the world.

Ling'er looks at him, a bit surprised, then smiles gently. "You look like a man now."

Jiang Xiaotian nods. "Do I? I think so too. But you have to promise me one thing."

Seeing his solemn, earnest expression, Ling'er wonders what he will say. Unexpectedly, Jiang Xiaotian scratches his head, embarrassed. "Um... If I'm about to get beaten to death, remember to save me... okay?" It's awkward.

Ling'er is stunned for a moment, then bursts out laughing. This guy always manages to surprise.

Neither notices Zhao Zheng and Chen Yu watching from afar.

"Not bad, truly a rare gem," Zhao Zheng remarks about Ling'er, an ambiguous smile on his lips.

Chen Yu bows. "Young Master Zhao, believe me—mastering my martial arts, and if you can win that girl, you'll break into the inner force realm in no time. I wouldn't lie to you!"

Zhao Zheng is tempted—not only has he been stuck at the peak of outer force for ages, but the girl beside Jiang Xiaotian is so exceptional, he wants her, wants to possess her. He closes his eyes, taking a deep breath, as if he can still smell her delicate fragrance.

Chen Yu's gaze flickers, but he says nothing, calculating his own plans. As for Jiang Xiaotian, he is doomed today, no doubt. Chen Yu has no worries about Ling'er; whoever she is, the Zhao family's power is deeper than it appears. That's why Chen Yu dares to act so openly.

A few hours later, the break ends, and people return to their seats. In past years, eliminated martial artists would leave in disappointment, but this time, the seats are full. Everyone stays, eager to witness the event. Even knowing the outcome, none want to miss it.

After today, the entire martial artist landscape of Linhai City will be transformed.

Chen Yu stands early at the center of the stage, eyes closed, basking in the crowd’s reverence.

But as the start approaches, Jiang Xiaotian is nowhere to be seen. The crowd stirs restlessly.

"Did Jiang Xiaotian run away?"

"Damn, wasn't he supposed to be tough? I stayed just to watch him get beaten, and he ran?"

"Yeah, why else isn't he here yet? Must know he can't beat Chen Yu and chickened out!"

"Tsk, trash is trash!"

Zhao Zheng hears all these remarks clearly. He puts down his tablet and quiets the crowd. "Rest assured, everyone. I, Zhao Zheng, live up to my name. I won't let such sinister characters roam free. Since Jiang Xiaotian accepted the life-and-death challenge, he must face it. If he doesn't show, my Zhao family will spare no effort to hunt him down. Otherwise, what use are these rules?"

"Who said I ran away?" Just as Zhao Zheng is about to speak further, Jiang Xiaotian’s voice rings out. He strides onto the stage, facing Chen Yu.

"I just went to take a dump, and you all say I ran? Young Master Zhao, are you forbidding us from taking a dump now?" Jiang Xiaotian is baffled.

Zhao Zheng’s face flushes red and white, everyone can hear Jiang Xiaotian’s retort. But he keeps his composure, snorts, and sits down. "Since you’re here, good. Otherwise, this would end poorly."

Jiang Xiaotian ignores him, turning his gaze to Chen Yu.

He completely suppresses his aura, appearing no different from an ordinary old man.

"I must admit, your little girlfriend surprised me. Alas, fate toys with us all," Chen Yu opens his eyes, arrogant.

Jiang Xiaotian rolls up his sleeves. "I won’t waste words with you. Your life isn’t even worthy of compensating Ye Wan’er. Go join your senior brother."

Chen Yu is not angry, seeming to enjoy it.

"Besides a sharp tongue, what else do you have? I’m curious, how did you recover so quickly?"

"Are you asking your mother? Why are you rambling on? Are we fighting or not?" Jiang Xiaotian is genuinely annoyed. Why does this old dog act like a villain, so verbose and so sure of victory?

Chen Yu’s smile disappears, replaced by murderous intent.

Once he kills Jiang Xiaotian, he will establish his authority, even clear his name. As for Ling'er—no matter how strong she is, she is just a lamb before the mighty Zhao family.

Jiang Xiaotian can’t be as casual as he was with Fang Ye.

One is only at the early stage of outer force; the other, an inner force master.

He readies himself, spiritual energy coursing through his body, waiting for the host to announce the start.

But Chen Yu remains motionless.

Suddenly, Jiang Xiaotian darts to the left. No one understands what’s happening—his legs buckle, he half-kneels, clutching his chest and coughing, blood spilling from his mouth.

Chen Yu stands there, eyes closed, as if he never moved.

The match has not even begun, and Jiang Xiaotian is already wounded.