At the Life-and-Death Arena, Zhao Mei and the other disciples, 312 in all, had arrived early and sat meditating as they waited.
But almost two hours had passed, and their backsides were beginning to ache. Ming Hao and his companions still had not appeared!
Zhao Yuan, Su Mei, and the others were growing anxious too. They had gone to so much trouble-what if Ming Hao and his companions suddenly lost their nerve and refused to come?!
The agreement only took effect once both sides entered the Life-and-Death Arena. If either side stayed out, it was invalid. If Ming Hao and his companions really did lose their nerve and refuse to come...
There was nothing they could do to him beyond condemning him on moral grounds. But what good would that do?!
Suddenly, the outermost crowd began parting to either side, opening a broad path that extended steadily forward!
Everyone stood on tiptoe to look. Ming Hao was leading the way in jet-black armor, with Fatty Zhang, Lin Zihan, and the others following behind, fully armored!
They exuded an imposing, oppressive presence. Realizing that Ming Hao and his companions had come to honor the challenge, everyone ahead hurried aside, afraid of getting in their way!
The entire Life-and-Death Arena fell silent. Only the scraping of their armor could be heard!
Yet just as Ming Hao was about to pass the betting stalls, he suddenly stopped and turned toward them!
Once they drew near and saw the outrageous odds, Ming Hao and his companions all gave self-mocking chuckles!
Ming Hao immediately stepped forward, slammed his hand hard on the table, and demanded fiercely,
"Did you write all these odds? Can we bet on ourselves?"
The disciples there were so frightened that they collapsed to the ground. Then several stunning