The others wore strange expressions. They had heard about Xia Ping before—he was supposedly an absolute piece of work—but seeing him in person really was something else. He was even more infuriating than they had imagined.
"Since you want to talk to me, then let's talk here."
Huo Gang looked at Xia Ping indifferently, then turned to the others and said, "Clear the place. Make everyone else leave now. Don't let them get in the way."
"Yes, big brother."
The people around him nodded. They immediately moved to drive out all the students who were eating nearby, taking over the area and clearing it completely.
At the same time, they joined forces and circulated their qi, forming a massive true essence barrier. It seemed to create an absolute domain, preventing any sound from escaping.
"Fine. What do you want to talk to me about?" Xia Ping raised an eyebrow and looked at Core Student Huo Gang. Huo Gang had made such a big show of things and was even lowering himself to approach him. Whatever he wanted must be important.
"Junior Xia certainly doesn't beat around the bush. Then I'll get straight to the point. I want you to withdraw from this Genius Tournament," Huo Gang said bluntly.
"Withdraw from the tournament?" Xia Ping looked at Huo Gang with an amused smile.
Huo Gang smiled faintly. "Of course, we won't leave you empty-handed. If you're willing to withdraw, we can compensate you for some of your losses. Money, pills, martial arts manuals—you name it."
He looked like he had money to burn.
"Why do you want me to withdraw? What does my entering the tournament have to do with you, a Core Student?" Xia Ping narrowed his eyes and stared at Huo Gang.
"You don't need to know why. Just