The Wager

Yu Xiaogang was dumbfounded. Was the Eighth Worshipper an idiot? Why wouldn't he let this go?

No! Once this is over, I'll make sure the Eighth Worshipper pays! He needs to learn there are people he can't afford to offend! Being a Titled Douluo doesn't mean he can do whatever he wants!

But Yu Xiaogang dared not answer. He looked hopefully at Bibi Dong, wishing she would put a stop to this farce, but she gave no reaction.

Yu Xiaogang's heart sank.

Dong'er, what is this supposed to mean? You invited me here yourself, and now you're leaving me to be humiliated. Why? Oh! I understand! You're still angry with me over what happened back then! And what happened today made you look bad, so of course you're acting this way. I understand!

But how do I get out of this now?

Yu Yuanzhen had also been waiting for Bibi Dong to rescue Xiao Gang. When she did nothing, he steeled himself and stepped forward.

It's one thing for my son to lose a little face, but I can't let him bark like a dog in front of so many powerful figures from across the continent. They don't know he's my son now, but who's to say they won't find out later?

If word gets out, how will the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan ever hold its head high again?

The clan leader's own son barking like a dog in public?

"Ahem. Your Holiness, Eighth Worshipper. I don't believe this man meant to cause trouble. He was probably confused for a moment. He isn't worth delaying us over. We should proceed with the title-conferral ceremony."

"I must disagree, Clan Leader Yu. This man provoked Spirit Hall in front of all these people, right here on our grounds. How can we simply let him go? If we do, others may think Spirit Hall is easy to bully. We might even see another disaster like the one Tang Hao caused."

Beside Yu Yuanzhen, Ning Fengzhi watched the exchange with amusement. He was among the very few present who knew Yu Xiaogang was Yu Yuanzhen's biological son.

He wondered why the Eighth Worshipper was targeting this good-for-nothing. Was he using the opportunity to suppress the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan?

In the past, Ning Fengzhi would certainly have spoken up for Yu Xiaogang. But now the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was a partner of Spirit Hall. The fewer other partners Spirit Hall had, the more important his own sect would become.

So...

Sorry, Clan Leader Yu. You'll have to get through this yourselves.

Seeing his father step in, Yu Xiaogang quickly followed his lead and offered to apologize to the guards.

"Eighth Worshipper, I truly was confused for a moment. I meant no offense, and I really was invited here. I'm willing to apologize to these gentlemen."

At the same time, he cursed inwardly:

Damn those bastards! They'd better pray Dong'er doesn't fall in love with me again. Otherwise, they'll pay for this! I'll remember every one of them!

Though of course Dong'er will fall in love with me again.

Qian Xunji ignored his excuses and pressed on. "Stop dodging the question. I'm asking whether what he said just now was true!"

Unable to evade it, Yu Xiaogang gritted his teeth and admitted it.

"Yes, I did make a wager with these gentlemen, but it was only a joke. It shouldn't be taken seriously."

"I don't care whether you were joking. You made the wager, and there are plenty of witnesses. You should honor it!"

"But..."

Yu Xiaogang looked to Bibi Dong again, hoping she would help him. After all, if he was humiliated, she would lose face too! He was her lover!

But Bibi Dong did not even look at him.

Yu Xiaogang was disappointed. He sighed inwardly. Dong'er, are you still angry with me?

Yu Yuanzhen could not hold back any longer.

"Ahem. Eighth Worshipper, why don't we go to Douluo Palace and proceed with the title-conferral ceremony? The guards can handle this man themselves. There's no need for us to stand here watching over such a trivial matter."

It was a compromise. Even if Xiao Gang had to honor the wager, at least he would not have to do it in front of everyone!

"I must disagree, Clan Leader Yu. He made this wager at Spirit Hall on such an important occasion. How could it be a trivial matter? Besides, even small matters must be handled properly. That is how Spirit Hall demonstrates its fairness."

"Well..." Yu Yuanzhen had no answer.

Seeing that even his father's words had failed, Yu Xiaogang was disheartened. Then an idea struck him, and he tried a different approach.

"Eighth Worshipper, Your Holiness, I'm willing to settle this privately with these gentlemen. There's no need to trouble yourselves."

He was sure Dong'er would help him this time. She might even be impressed by his quick thinking, and this could be the beginning of their rekindled romance.

Qian Xunji first closed his eyes and said evenly, "Spirit Hall has always respected individual wishes."

Then he looked at the guards. "Are you willing to settle this privately?"

Yu Xiaogang looked at them too, hoping those damned guards would know what was good for them.

"Well..." The guards were at a loss. Why was this being thrown back to them? What were they supposed to do?

In the end, the captain stepped forward again.

"Eighth Worshipper! This man was outrageously arrogant and showed no respect for Spirit Hall! I won't stand by and watch him walk away! He must face the consequences!"

Qian Xunji nodded. This guard captain was sharp. He had understood what to do without even needing a voice transmission.

Then Qian Xunji turned back to Yu Xiaogang, though he did not press him further.

Yu Xiaogang could hardly believe it. His legs would not stop trembling. Was that guard insane? What did he stand to gain from this?!

"Well..." Yu Xiaogang fell silent too, his expression as foul as if he had swallowed something vile.

The entire scene fell quiet.

Yu Yuanzhen kept signaling to Ning Fengzhi with his eyes, hoping the man everyone recognized as a crafty old fox would say something to help. Ning Fengzhi pretended not to notice.

Out of options, Yu Yuanzhen even looked toward Tang Xiao, who had only one arm left.

Tang Xiao's face nearly turned black. You think far too highly of me! They'll probably put me on trial next. I can't afford to lose face already!

Yu Yuanzhen looked helplessly at Dai Tianfeng and Xue Xing.

Neither offered any help.

Yu Yuanzhen cursed inwardly:

Those bastards! Are they really going to sit and watch Spirit Hall assert its authority? The others are one thing, but Ning Fengzhi, you know he's my son! And you still won't help me! What happened to the Upper Three Sects standing together?

Yu Yuanzhen knew he could not let things continue like this, so he spoke up.

"Eighth Worshipper, this man is my son. He suffered some setbacks in recent years and lost his senses. He isn't quite right in the head. I don't know when he slipped out. Please don't pay him any mind."

Yu Yuanzhen even pointed to his own head.

Even if I admit he's my son, it won't be too humiliating as long as Xiao Gang doesn't have to bark like a dog. Besides, I've said his mind isn't right. They shouldn't hold him to it.

Hearing his father's words, Yu Xiaogang gave an awkward laugh and added another grievance to his tally against Yu Yuanzhen. His father had made Dong'er think there was something wrong with his head. Once he achieved fame and success, he would make his father apologize!

He was the pride of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan! A master! The future Pope's husband! A man who would soon be renowned throughout the world!

He was not some fool!

But he had no better way out, so he did not object. His silence amounted to accepting Yu Yuanzhen's claim.

He laughed vacantly, making himself look even more foolish.

When the onlookers heard the leader of the mighty Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan say this fool was his son, they cried out in disbelief.

Even Ning Fengzhi put on a look of astonishment, making Yu Yuanzhen grind his teeth.

"Oh? This man is your beloved son, Clan Leader Yu? My apologies!"

Qian Xunji feigned ignorance and put on an astonished expression.