Another Match

The entire venue fell silent, all eyes fixed on Su Ti.

Demon Mountain's corpse lay on the ground. Though no one had announced it, the outcome was beyond doubt.

Li Zong looked at the beads of blood on his shoes, his expression shifting unpredictably.

Long Yuanzheng, however, beamed with delight. He rose from his chair with a hearty laugh.

"Chairman Li, the winner has been decided. Aren't you going to announce it?"

Hearing that, Li Zong looked up at Demon Mountain's mangled corpse, then at Su Ti standing beside it.

Emotions surged through Li Zong's heart—anger, unwillingness, confusion—but he forcibly suppressed them.

He took a deep breath and said,

"I declare the winner of this martial duel to be Su Ti of Dragon Gate Martial Hall."

The moment those words were spoken, the silent venue erupted into uproar.

Some were astonished by the result despite the vast difference in size. Some had been awestruck by the clash of Ancient Martial Arts. Others marveled at Dragon Gate Martial Hall's strength and wanted to befriend them.

In any case, the victor ruled and the loser was disgraced. Since Dragon Gate Martial Hall had won this match, its standing in the eyes of the spectators now surpassed that of the Death Fist Society.

"Su Ti, well done!"

With the match over, Long Yuanzheng brought his three disciples over to Su Ti. Smiling, he ignored the blood all over Su Ti and heavily patted his shoulder.

"You really gave your master a fright today. Without saying a word, you actually entered the Inner Refinement Stage—"

As if he had come close enough to sense something, Long Yuanzheng's eyelids twitched. Deep shock appeared in his eyes.

He's actually... at the second layer already.

He did not say those final words aloud, swallowing them instead.

Seeing his expression, Su Ti knew that he had noticed. Long Yuanzheng had previously seen through Demon Mountain's cultivation, so Su Ti had not intended to hide it from him. He gave Long Yuanzheng a slight nod.

Unconcealed astonishment flickered in Long Yuanzheng's eyes.

"This really is... Let's talk after we get back."

At first, he had only thought that Su Ti had just entered the Inner Refinement Stage. He had never expected him to already be at the Inner Refinement Second Layer. Long Yuanzheng was no longer merely surprised—he was terrified.

But this was not the place to talk. Instinctively, Long Yuanzheng wanted to take Su Ti away.

Just then—

"Master Long, a fine master truly produces fine disciples."

Li Zong approached from afar with his two sons, cupping his fists in congratulations. Yet there was not a trace of congratulation in his eyes, only coldness.

Seeing his expression, Long Yuanzheng sensed that something was wrong and snorted coldly.

"Li Zong, what more do you want? Things have already come to this. Don't tell me you're still unconvinced?"

"Master Long, you jest. Whether it is your strength or your disciple's strength, I, Li Zong, am thoroughly convinced."

Li Zong forced out a smile.

Convinced, my ass!

Not only had he failed to kill Su Ti in public and avenge his son, but Demon Mountain had been beaten into pulp, humiliating the Death Fist Society before everyone. How could he possibly accept that?!

Not only did he refuse to accept it, the killing intent in his heart toward Su Ti had grown even stronger! He wished he could kill him right then and there!

This was no longer just about avenging his son. It concerned the honor of the Death Fist Society!

For those in the underworld, face was everything. If you had face, everyone respected and feared you. He had lost face before so many people today. If he did not reclaim it, how could he continue to stand tall?!

As for Long Yuanzheng...

Heh.

If Long Yuanzheng had truly been some overwhelmingly powerful figure, Li Zong would have endured it the first time, let alone provoke him a second time!

After so many years in the underworld, what did one young son's death matter? Didn't he still have two elder sons? There was no need to fight to mutual destruction.

But although Long Yuanzheng was stronger than him, he was only slightly stronger. Moreover, his influence was weaker than Li Zong's in every respect. Li Zong simply could not swallow this insult!

Thus, after Demon Mountain's death, Li Zong was not only unconvinced; his desire for revenge had intensified. He was determined to reclaim every bit of face he had lost!

Though he smiled, his eyes were filled with icy severity as he spoke.

"Master Long, your disciple killed Demon Mountain this time. My second son and I accept it, but my eldest son does not."

At his father's signal, Li Mingsheng stepped forward from behind Li Zong and cupped his fists.

"Master Long, I'll say what I said last time. I wish to challenge your disciple!"

Without waiting for Long Yuanzheng's response, Li Mingsheng turned toward the guests and loudly declared,

"Dragon Gate Martial Hall is immensely strong. In a fair duel, they killed Demon Mountain, the A-Class Boxer under our Death Fist Society. Their skill is extraordinary and truly inspiring!"

"I, Li Mingsheng, am the son of the Death Fist Society's chairman. Though I am weaker than Demon Mountain, I still wish to challenge Brother Su Ti once more—not for any other reason, but simply so everyone can once again witness the splendor of Ancient Martial Arts!"

Li Mingsheng was blatantly lying. If he were weaker than Demon Mountain, not only would the people of Dragon Gate Martial Hall refuse to believe it, but neither would the vast majority of spectators who knew his background.

But the audience did not care about any of that.

They might have been powerful and wealthy figures, but anyone sitting here to watch a death match was, at heart, a thrill-seeker hungry for blood and slaughter. Who cared about the grudge between Dragon Gate Martial Hall and the Death Fist Society?

They had bought tickets to watch a show. Hearing that there would be another fight, they immediately grew excited and pumped their fists.

"Fight! Fight! Fight!"

"Dragon Gate Martial Hall has such a prestigious name. Don't tell me they're too scared to accept?!"

"Fight again!"

Hearing the crowd's discussion and jeers, Long Yuanzheng's face completely darkened.

"Li Zong, are you trying to tear all ties with me?"

Li Zong met his gaze without fear.

"Master Long, those in the martial world cannot always act as they please. Your disciple and my son must settle who is superior."

"Heh. Since you insist, then I'll settle who's superior with you first!"

Long Yuanzheng's body shook. His muscles faintly swelled, and an invisible blast of air exploded outward, blowing the dust within two meters into a circle.

He slightly raised both hands, assuming an inhaling stance!

Li Zong's pupils contracted and his expression changed.

"The Golden Python Transformation Dragon Technique! Long Yuanzheng, are you really going to fight me for a disciple who only joined you a few days ago?!"

"Li Zong, stop talking nonsense. Let me see the power of your Black Death Fist!"

As he spoke, streams of visible white air flowed into Long Yuanzheng's mouth and nostrils. His voice became deep and heavy, filled with pressure. His body continuously expanded, even stretching his loose Martial Arts uniform taut.

Li Zong's expression changed rapidly at the sight. The Golden Python Transformation Dragon Technique was no ordinary martial art—it was Long Yuanzheng's signature skill. Was he insane to use it before so many people?!

"Long Yuanzheng, do you not know the Martial Arts Committee's rules?!"

"Stop talking nonsense. Make your move."

Long Yuanzheng spoke flatly. A faint golden hue had appeared in his eyes, carrying a cold and indifferent air.

Seeing Long Yuanzheng still growing larger, Li Zong's expression hardened. There would be no peaceful resolution today.

Long Yuanzheng was clearly trying to force him, before all these witnesses, to take back what he had said.

But who was Li Zong? He was the chairman of the Death Fist Society, the biggest underworld boss across several cities. He had risen through sheer ferocity and ruthlessness. If Long Yuanzheng wanted to act tough with him, he was not made of clay either!

If Long Yuanzheng could disregard the Martial Arts Committee's rules and forcibly use martial arts of this level in public, then they would see who was more ruthless!

Boom!

Li Zong fiercely slapped his chest. Black streaks of blood rapidly spread up his neck, covering his entire face.

When Li Zong raised his head again, even the whites of his eyes were filled with black blood streaks. Thick, twisting black veins bulged across his face and neck, making him look as vicious as a demon.

A Limit Breaking Martial Art—the Black Death Fist!

Seeing Li Zong use this move, Long Yuanzheng threw back his head and laughed. His muscles bulged, and his clothes suddenly exploded apart!

Visible white vapor rushed into his nostrils as though a dragon were inhaling. Long Yuanzheng's muscles swelled as if inflated, and his joints began cracking loudly. He actually started growing taller. Combined with his expanding muscles, he rapidly enlarged as if the Hulk were transforming!

A Limit Breaking Martial Art—the Golden Python Transformation Dragon Technique!

The overwhelmingly visual scene swept forth with an incomparably terrifying aura!

Seeing this, Li Mingsheng, Li Minggui, Yao Juan, Wang Gengyuan, Yan Jun, and the others felt their mouths go dry, their feet unconsciously retreating.

Li Minggui's eyes were filled with terror. He was well-informed. Though his martial arts realm was not as high as Li Mingsheng's, he knew more than anyone else present, which also made him the most frightened.

They had gone mad. Completely mad.

They were actually using martial arts of this level in public!

Whatever happened next was already beyond his control. If he had known Long Yuanzheng was this insane, he should have tried to stop Li Zong. But it was too late for regrets now.

Just when he thought the situation had become irreparable—

"Master, I accept his challenge."

The instant those words were spoken, Long Yuanzheng's aura loosened. Everyone, including Li Zong, showed expressions of relief. But then—

Crack, crack.

Long Yuanzheng's body began expanding even faster!

"Su Ti, don't worry about your master. If I, Long Yuanzheng, cannot protect you today, then I am unworthy of being your master!"

Long Yuanzheng's words were filled with fury, but Su Ti did not stop trying to persuade him.

"It's fine, Master. Everyone needs an opponent to push them toward growth. If Li Mingsheng wants to fight me, then I'll fight him. Besides, I may not have absolutely no chance of winning."

The moment those words were spoken, Long Yuanzheng abruptly stopped growing.

He suddenly recalled that Su Ti was already at the Inner Refinement Second Layer. From the Tongli Stage straight to the Inner Refinement Second Layer in a single week—one possibility was ready to emerge in his mind.

If it was that possibility, then although Su Ti could not win, his confidence was understandable.

With that thought, Long Yuanzheng's eyes flickered. He withdrew his aura and exhaled a mouthful of white vapor. His joints crackled back into place, and he returned to his normal size.

Seeing this, Li Zong also breathed a sigh of relief and withdrew his stance. The black veins receded, and he returned to normal as well.

"Master Long, your disciple said himself that he would accept. I didn't force him."

"Shut up!" Long Yuanzheng snapped, then looked at Su Ti.

"Su Ti, how do you want to accept?"

Li Zong was not angered by the rebuke. Now that Su Ti had accepted, he did not want to provoke Long Yuanzheng too much.

Su Ti looked at Li Zong and said,

"Two conditions. First, the appearance fee is still ten million."

"I agree."

Li Zong agreed to the first condition without even thinking.

"Second, we fight a month from now, and surrender is allowed."

"This—"

"What, do you want Li Mingsheng to beat me to death in the ring that badly? Do you think I'd accept another death match?"

Su Ti looked at Li Zong with a cold smile. He had a modifier, but he was not blindly arrogant. He had no confidence in this second match. He only did not want Long Yuanzheng to make the situation impossible to resolve for his sake.

At those words, Long Yuanzheng also cast a threatening gaze at Li Zong.

Li Zong frowned deeply. Long Yuanzheng had already made his position clear. Li Mingsheng challenging Su Ti was completely a case of the strong bullying the weak. Su Ti had no chance of winning at all.

If it became another death match, it would be obvious that Li Zong intended to kill Su Ti right in front of Long Yuanzheng. Considering Long Yuanzheng had just been willing to use the Golden Python Transformation Dragon Technique, he would never tolerate such a thing. At that point, he might even unleash his full strength and fight Li Zong in public. Then... things would become troublesome.

Li Zong's expression shifted. After clenching his fists for a while, he finally loosened them.

Even if it isn't a death match, winning one round back and taking some face from Dragon Gate Martial Hall will do.

Su Ti accepting the match was already a concession.

Li Zong truly did not want to accept these conditions, but he had no better option. Though unwilling, unless he wanted to fight to mutual destruction, he could only take a step back.

"Fine. I agree."