Chapter 185 - 137 Playing Tricks, Acting Ghostly

"Any struggle, the exchange of words is an important part."

"Pugilistic world duels play by the rules of the pugilistic world..."

"Mystical Sect duels discuss the great way of the Magic Artifacts..."

"Even national wars require the declaration of a manifesto and a session of mutual insults."

"In China and abroad, in ancient and modern times, this has always been the case."

"Youngsters new to the pugilistic world may not understand why the old-timers are all so long-winded?"

"Why not get straight to the fight!"

"The white knife goes in, the red knife comes out, wouldn’t that be exhilarating?"

"The reason is simple, there are benefits to this approach."

"Like this remark from Tie Shigu, it seems like mockery, but in fact, it’s forcing the Fire Bear Gang to concede."

"Firstly, he’s not sure if the Fire Bear Gang still has a hidden card; after all, a disciple of the Shang Mountain Magic Veins has appeared. If it’s possible to advance by retreating and to reduce risks, that’s the best approach."

"Secondly, conceding and being defeated are two different things."

"If you are defeated, you can always find a way to retrieve some honor."

"But to concede is to be looked down upon in all future encounters."

"If you don’t understand this principle, you will suffer in the future."

"Xiong Baodong is notoriously cunning and naturally wouldn’t fall for this. He sneered contemptuously, ’You old mud-leg, I think it’s just that you’ve gotten older and have nothing left but a tough mouth!’"

"’With such harsh words, why don’t we two have a practice bout?’"

"Chang’an City is a place of mixed repute, and Xiong Baodong’s ability to establish himself there relies not only on his scheming."

"He first reached the level of Force Transformation years ago, possessing not only brute strength but also his family’s Eight Extremes, which was incredibly ferocious."

"Countless people in the pugilistic world had died at his hands."

"If it weren’t for his bad reputation, he would have had a chance to compete for the leadership of the Divine Fist Association."

"Tie Shigu was also an adept at finger-striking, equally at the level of Force Transformation. However, with age, his strength was no longer what it once was."

"If the two were to fight, he would surely perish."

"Of course, Xiong Baodong’s words were also said in anger."

"Although Tie Shigu, the old man, had a foul mouth, he was the head of the Legs Association, and if really pushed into a corner, getting killed by him would be a significant event."

"Keep in mind, among the Five Elements, there were many who had not participated in this matter, such as several shop names in Shoptown, and the Cao Gang he most feared."

"If Tie Shigu were to die, the Five Elements would certainly unite in hatred."

"The key is the person behind them!"

"This trouble, he did not wish to provoke."

"Thus, without waiting for Tie Shigu to speak, Xiong Baodong immediately shifted the topic, saying gravely, ’We’ve all agreed to a duel; let’s not keep people waiting.’"

"’You all may want to wait, but I don’t have the time!’"

"’Either you send someone up immediately, or I’ll just leave, calling off today’s fight, and we can reschedule for another day!’"

"He was using his words to play hooky."

"The events of today were undoubtedly a setback; he didn’t expect Li Yan could invite two such formidable figures to assist."

"Conceding was impossible; he could not afford to lose face."

"According to reports from his subordinates, an even more ferocious figure was on his way, though for some reason, he had yet to arrive."

"That was his opportunity."

"Either to go up and win a round, which could recover some face."

"Or to leave immediately and fight another day."

"A disciple of the Shang Mountain Magic Veins was already injured; he could exaggerate the incident, and next time, Yue Fazhong might even take action."

"By then, it was even possible to turn defeat into victory!"

"Tie Shigu laughed in amusement, ’Xiong, your calculations are clear as day to everyone, do you really think we’re all fools?’"

"Xiong Baodong feigned impatience, waving his hand, ’Enough with the nonsense; are you going up or not? If not, I’m leaving right now!’"

"When the Crimson Yaksha heard this, she turned directly to Liu Wenchen, speaking gravely, ’Liu, there’s something else I need to make clear to you.’"

"’Some things, no matter how valuable, once you’ve taken them, they are yours, even if stolen, I don’t care.’"

"’But when it comes to the inheritance of the incense, whether you picked it up, took it, or bought it... unless my lineage is utterly extinct, this matter will not end!’"

"’Our issue, let’s not bother others with it.’"

"’To the platform!’"

"She was seething with anger, and her intent to kill was undisguised."

"Liu Wenchen, seeing this, immediately felt some regret."

"As the Crimson Yaksha said, the Demon-slaying Sword was a good Magic Artifact, but more importantly, it contained a transmission of the Magic Veins, which was not insignificant in power."

"It seemed like a refusal to return it, but in reality, it was an attempt to usurp the other’s inheritance."

"Just as the Crimson Yaksha said, no matter how he acquired the item, unless the other party recognized and ceded it, he could not comfortably own it."

"That’s why he seized the name of the duel to force the Crimson Yaksha to admit defeat and to solidify his claim."

"It seemed now he had set out to steal a chicken only to lose his rice."

"To tell the truth, at this point, Liu Wenchen had the intention to return the sword, but he knew that the decision was no longer his to make."

"As for taking the stage, naturally, he dared not and so turned his head away, pretending not to hear the Crimson Yaksha’s words."

"’I’ll go,’ said Li Yan, stopping the Crimson Yaksha. He smiled and said, ’Why the hurry, Red Sister? You hold the line; let your little brother have a try.’"

"Then he turned his head, ’Gang Leader Xiong, stop playing games, send someone up quickly. It’s late into the night, let’s finish this matter!’"

"After that, he didn’t wait for Xiong Baodong’s response and walked towards the ruins on his own."

"Xiong Baodong frowned, looking to the side, ’Is that the leader of those people?’"

"Liu Wenchen hurriedly nodded, ’Exactly, I’ve gathered some intel. This young man was a martial artist, known in Xianyang for defeating disciples of the Zhou Pan clan to make a name for himself.’"

"’Just recently, he built a pavilion on Taibai Mountain, marking his entry into the Mystical Sect, easy to handle.’"

"’Easy to handle my ass!’"

"Xiong Baodong cursed, ’At such a young age, if he wasn’t capable, how could he earn the allegiance of so many? You’re really going backwards in your thinking!’"

"Liu Wenchen’s face turned embarrassed, and he didn’t dare to speak further."

"’Hmph!’"

"With a cold snort, Xiong Baodong turned his head to the surrounding crowd, ’Everyone, it seems we have taken a fall today, but while we may lose the battle, we don’t lose spirit. Whoever goes up and wins a round, Xiong will surely reward generously.’"

"But the others were not fools either."

"Tonight’s competitors were all experts, but with one dead and one injured, they were also somewhat alarmed."