The next day...
White Cloud City's Heaven's Pride Arena had already become extremely lively.
Everyone had heard the news, and everyone was looking forward to this moment that had drawn the attention of all. One was a true genius, while the other was a former genius of the Ye Household. What kind of sparks would fly when the two finally clashed?
Although it was not yet fully daylight, the place was already packed with people—nothing but people as far as the eye could see. Everyone was filled with anticipation.
"Little Brother, how about the two of us make a bet? I don't think that kid is anything special. This is nothing more than an act destined to end in humiliation. I really don't know what he's thinking."
Everyone had already put up a small stake. They wanted to see who was the true genius and who was the genuine mediocrity.
Hearing this, the man beside him furrowed his brows. He had a feeling that things were not so simple.
"Big Brother, do you think so too? Couldn't this all be some kind of scheme? Although I don't know how this happened or what the whole story is, I have a feeling that this matter isn't simple."
Unless they personally exchanged blows, of course they would not know the other party's strength, much less how capable he truly was. But they were not fools, and they understood this principle perfectly well.
Since they were waiting anyway, they could place a small stake and liven up the atmosphere.
"Perhaps. Perhaps you're absolutely right, and perhaps your guess is correct. But what use is that now? Since you're willing to bet with me, I'll satisfy your request."
Just moments ago, someone had obtained inside information, saying that he would not come. This was merely a show for appearances.
"What do you make of this? Are we just going to let it go? Could it really be that simple? Is there some other idea behind all this?"
Someone immediately opened the betting pool. The odds on Ye Yang winning his battle against Number One Heaven's Chosen of Zhongzhou were one to a thousand!
By contrast, Ye Yang's odds of winning were only ten to one. The difference was like heaven and earth.
"Count me in. How could I waste such an easy chance to make money? Of course I'm in."
One of them immediately stepped forward. He thought he had made a mistake, that he had misread the odds. Only after seeing the result did he realize that the other party had not deceived him. This was indeed the truth.
The atmosphere instantly grew lively. The elder responsible for maintaining order said nothing, because he shared the same opinion and was also secretly sending other disciples to place their bets.
"Just as I thought. The weak are the weak. Without any strength, the weak have no right to negotiate. Even the current situation is exactly the same."
Naturally, they saw all of this. They had thought the matter would reach its conclusion and force the other party to back down. They had never expected him to remain so clueless at the crucial moment, coming over to cause trouble. If he did not come looking for trouble with him, then whose trouble would he pick?
While everyone was immersed in the lively atmosphere, a mysterious man slipped into view before them.
"I'm betting one hundred taels of gold on Ye Yang's victory. Hurry up and place your bets."
Ye Yang had disguised himself. In fact, he had arrived long ago and had merely been observing from the shadows. Since the odds were so high, why not? Why not make a steady fortune?
He had made a huge move right from the start, radiating an imposing air that startled everyone else. They thought some fool had come from nowhere, and one of them even confirmed it.
"Young brother, are you sure you want to go through with this? You should know that your bet will be like a meat bun thrown at a dog—gone without a trace. You'd better think it over carefully."
"Seriously, have you even considered who the other party is? And who are you? What kind of strength does he possess? Aren't you going to think this through? You're deciding this far too hastily."
The two sang in harmony, putting on a polished double act. Ye Yang had already seen through their tricks, but he placed his bet without the slightest hesitation. He was decisive enough to bet on himself.
"Stop trying to persuade me. I'm betting on him. You don't need to worry about my money. If you win, it's yours. If you can't win, then don't stand in the way of my fortune."
Ye Yang had disguised himself thoroughly. Even his aura had become completely unrelated to what it had been before.
He understood all too clearly what this matter represented, and he did not want to become entangled with the other party.
"All right, no problem. Since you've made up your mind, I won't force you."
They stamped, signed, and sealed the wager. After putting away the receipt, the bookmaker could not help sighing as Ye Yang left.
"Another fool, just as expected. Looks like this hundred taels of gold belongs to me."
He accepted every wager without discrimination. He had the strength and ability to do so; it was merely that no one knew it.
After some careful discussion and preparation, the matter officially entered the agenda.
"How is it? What's the situation? Has that kid still not arrived? Could it be that he doesn't want to come?"
As the one who had been challenged and the arena champion, Qin Hao did not want the other party to come either. He had dealt with him before and spoken with him at length, but he had never expected the other party to truly possess the strength—or the courage—to do this.
"Rest assured, there's no problem. It's settled, then."
Some had come to watch the show, some had come to enjoy the spectacle, and some were secretly worried. Everyone had different motives and different thoughts, throwing the scene into a dazzlingly varied state.
"Big Brother Qin, your bearing is truly extraordinary."
At that moment, the sun genuinely rose. As the blazing sunlight poured down, everyone's blood began to race.
They shouted one after another, and some even acted as the research committee. This was their perfect chance to put on a good performance, and they could not waste it.
"Oh heavens, it really is Senior Brother Qin Hao! He's so handsome, and he's so powerful!"
He had both strength and looks, naturally becoming the focus of everyone's attention. The instant he appeared, the entire crowd erupted.
As time passed second by second, everyone's expressions grew increasingly vivid. They did not want things to end up in this state either, but once it had happened, restoring everything perfectly was a massive problem.
The crowd grew anxious. They had come hoping to enjoy a brilliant show—a one-sided slaughter—but the other protagonist had not appeared or taken the stage, leaving them bitterly disappointed.
"Sorry, everyone. Something delayed me just now. I'm here now, so we can begin."
Just as everyone thought he would not come, that he had been frightened away, Ye Yang suddenly appeared before them. He deliberately acted as though he were panting for breath, as if he had hurried over from a great distance.
He greeted everyone warmly. After all, they would still have to see one another every day, so it was best to give him some face.
"Heh, interesting. I didn't expect that kid to finally make it here. I wonder if he's seen the light or if he has some other plan."
Under the eyes of the entire crowd, who would be the victor, and who would be the most detestable clown? The answer would be revealed at once.
Before you continue