The Arena Matches, Part Two

"Tell me what you have to say." After hearing what the head of the Huo Household said, Commander Tie still smiled and didn't take it seriously.

"In this round, the Huo Household is betting eighty acres of First-Tier Superior-Grade spirit fields. If the Kuai Household wins, they will also hand over the blue silver mine; if the Huo Household, the Huo Household will only want 50% of the blue silver mine."

"Interesting." Tie Liuyun's eyes flickered, somewhat tempted. Eighty acres of First-Tier Superior-Grade spirit fields, in terms of value, are actually not much less valuable than a blue silver mine.

Both are industries that can be passed down to future generations through a steady, long-term approach.

Over the years, Huo Bing took advantage of his status to curry favor with Kuang Liuting and acquire the family treasures of the Dingnan Niu Household in Dingnan, causing the wealth of the Huo Household in Tanggu to grow exponentially.

The Lineage members seemed to be blinded by this wealth, and their spending began to increase dramatically. It was only the head of such Lineage, which had suddenly become rich from poverty, who was willing to risk his centuries-old farmland to save face.

Tie Liuyun isn't in a hurry to take over the Huo Household's assets right now. He'll have plenty of opportunities once Huo Bing is dead. However, he's quite interested in giving Huo Bing Commander Tie good slap in the face while he's still alive.

Commander Tie, who was known for his "dominance" among his peers, was about to agree when he suddenly paused and turned to look at the Daoist Black Shoes beside him.

After all, he hadn't brought anyone with him this time, so even if he agreed, it wouldn't matter.

The Daoist Black Shoes didn't think for long before nodding to the head of the Huo Household.

Upon seeing the fierce-looking man's gaze, the latter immediately suppressed the arrogance on his face, thinking to himself, "This person is no ordinary Foundation Establishment."

The head of the Huo Household bowed and said, "Thank you, senior. Your kindness has allowed the Huo Household disciples to have the honor of learning from your disciples' skills again today. We are deeply grateful."

The atmosphere in the arena became lively again when the Foundation Establishment saw that there was a monkey show to watch.

Sect Leader Kang Da sighed inwardly and called Jiang Qing over to give him some advice, "Don't be reckless. The opponents are, after all, disciples of Foundation Establishment clan. They won't all be useless Second like the Second Master."

Jiang Qing glanced at all the Qi Refinement cultivators from the Huo Household, curled his lip, and said dismissively, "Senior Brother, that good-for-nothing who just fought against Second Senior Brother is actually one of the better ones among that group."

Pei Yi, who was standing to the side, smiled. Seeing Kang Dabao's displeasure, he stepped in to smooth things over, saying, "Sect Leader, Junior Brother Jiang's words are not without merit. However, Junior Brother, you should also keep the Sect Leader's words in mind. No matter what, it's always better to be cautious."

Pei Yi was an elder, and Jiang Qing's relationship with him was not as intimate as her relationship with Kang Dabao. She dared not say anything to refute him and lowered her head to obediently accept his instruction.

Just as Kang Dabao was about to say something more upon seeing Jiang Qing's appearance, the Daoist Black Shoes beckoned him over. The Sect Leader Kang Da then abandoned his junior brothers and ran to the Daoist Black Shoes.

"This third match will be yours." The words of the Daoist Black Shoes puzzled Sect Leader Kang Da, who hesitated before saying, "Uncle-Master, if we let Little Sanzi go, our chances of winning will be much greater."

"None of the Huo Household's cronies can withstand three of his sword strikes. It would be a pointless fight. You can go and test the mettle of these rich kids in the Huo Household," the Daoist Black Shoes explained softly.

Kang Dabao was surprised to hear this. This was a competition involving tens of thousands of Spirit Stones, and his martial uncle actually wanted him to participate?

Sect Leader Kang Da felt a pang of unease. This matter was far too serious, and he certainly didn't want to go. If they lost, the Daoist Black Shoes might not hold it against them, but it was hard to say whether Tie Liuyun would turn on them.

"Just go ahead, do you think I can't afford to lose?" the Daoist Black Shoes said calmly, and then, without waiting for Kang Dabao's reaction, he decided on the next person to go with the Foundation Establishment referee.

The Foundation Establishment referee was startled. Although he had never heard of Jiang Qing's reputation, he could tell with his keen eyesight that the sword-wielding youth was undoubtedly much stronger than the fat man.

Therefore, the choice made by the Daoist Black Shoes was quite unexpected for him.

Tie Liuyun also heard the news and wanted to discuss it with the Daoist Black Shoes for a while longer.

After all, if he loses this battle, the ownership of the Blue Silver Mine and the eighty acres of high-grade spirit fields is secondary. If that old bastard Huo Bing manages to save face, then all his previous hard work will have been in vain.

Unexpectedly, the Daoist Black Shoes did not give him face this time and did not adopt Tie Liuyun's suggestion to replace him.

The latter had no other choice; his usual methods of intimidation were not suitable for the Daoist Black Shoes, so he could only stare at Sect Leader Kang Da and give him a meaningful look.

"Kid, if you don't win this match, you're in for a beating."

Kang Dabao felt helpless, while Jiang Qing on the other end was greatly disappointed. He hadn't left the house for quite some time and was looking forward to this arena competition to have some fun.

Tie Xishan had previously won against Yuan Jin, and while he was happy, he was also quite disappointed. He never expected that the Huo Household's leader would dare to add an extra match.

Just when things seemed to be looking up, he finally managed to endure his senior brother's rambling and was eager to try his luck. But then, his uncle, Black Shoes, abandoned him and told his senior brother to go fight in the arena!

"So you're the only one who can play by yourself, huh!" Jiang Qing was slightly angry. She glanced around at herself and saw that everyone around her was either an elder or a senior brother. Not knowing who to vent her anger on, she could only look at the Huo Household opposite her with cold eyes.

Upon seeing Jiang Qing's appearance, the head of the Huo Household felt a pang of regret. "Damn it, this sword cultivator's aura is astonishing; even the Foundation Establishment seedlings in our family are far inferior. Could it be that we've made a mistake in this tiebreaker?"

With his turn to go on stage approaching, Yuan Jin leaned close to Sect Leader Kang Da and said, "Senior brother, once you're up there, prioritize your own safety. Don't be reckless; if you lose, you lose."

Sect Leader Kang Da nodded in agreement. Although he was intimidated by Tie Liuyun's glare, he had no intention of fighting to the death on this arena.

"Hey, wait a minute, you're using my words to act out my story, aren't you!" Kang Dabao thought for a moment, then flew into a rage. Before he could catch up with Yuan Jin, the golden bell on the stage rang out.

He stopped and was about to turn back towards the arena when he felt his body lighten and his feet leave the ground; he had been lifted up.

"It's time to go on stage, don't embarrass yourself." The Daoist Black Shoes grabbed Kang Dabao and threw him onto the stage. Sect Leader Kang Da guard and stumbled upon landing, almost falling to the ground.

The Huo Household on the opposite side leaped onto the stage first with a graceful movement, looking quite impressive.

Upon seeing that the person taking the stage was a large, stout man, rather than the sword-wielding youth with sharp eyes from before, the Huo Household' previously furrowed brows immediately relaxed, and the corners of their mouths slightly lifted, giving them a somewhat dignified appearance.

"Huo Household Qu He, please enlighten me."

"Chongming Sect, Kang Dabao."

Unexpectedly, when Qu He first announced her name, the stage was completely silent. But as soon as Sect Leader Kang Da appeared and announced his name, the Foundation Establishment below the stage immediately began to discuss among themselves.

"This is the son-in-law Fei Nanying chose for the Fei Household? He doesn't look very good at all; his appearance and cultivation are not as good as my son's."

"Haha, Old Xu, he's the head of a sect, can your son compare?"

"Pah! I wonder if his sect leader even manages fifty cultivators. How can he compare to my son? My son takes after me; he sleeps with dozens of women every night."

"Ten women a night? You think you can do that? Old Jia, we've been brothers for so many years, so I'll be frank. Why don't you borrow a Law Artifact to test it out? I think your son is most likely a philanderer."

"Bullshit, you surnamed Xin, I only met you last month, your son is the real deal."

The conversation about Foundation Establishment below the stage was quite frank, and when it reached Qu He's ears, her expression changed several times, and she looked at Kang Dabao with increasing resentment.

Both men sold themselves into servitude to become sons-in-law, so why is it that he didn't even reach the Foundation Establishment stage, while the Huo Household girl he married acted like a tigress?

Kang Dabao, sitting opposite Qu He, could tell something was wrong from her face. It seemed all the Huo Household's sons-in-law were seriously ill. None of the people below the stage had said anything good about Master Dao. Was she jealous of him too?!

Seeing the opponent attack in anger, two fiery palm prints flew through the air. Although this Fire Element Daoist technique was not as exquisite as the one used by Xu Yingshi, it was still not to be underestimated.

Sect Leader Kang Da dared not be negligent and summoned a mid-grade shield magic Law Artifact as tall as himself to protect himself.

This is the first time Yuan Jin has crafted the Garrison Earth Azure Origin Shield. It is also the first time that Sect Leader Kang Da Law Artifact against an enemy. He can only hope that this shield can last longer than the previous two.

The Garrison Earth Azure Origin Shield Guardian completely protected Kang Dabao. Its surface was blackened by the two fiery palm strikes, but this did not affect its use against enemies.

The first move was merely a probe, and Qu He didn't care that it failed. She then produced a foot-long red banner, threw it into the air, and the banner grew larger in the wind, stirring up rolling waves of fire as it rushed towards Kang Dabao from the sky.

Seeing the situation, Kang Dabao reacted as if facing a formidable enemy. He reached into his Storage Bag and swiftly unleashed several talismans, forming several water shields around him. Qu He's small banner was quite powerful; the oncoming waves of fire quickly scorched and vaporized the water shields floating beside Kang Dabao.

The earthen-yellow light on the outer side of the Garrison Earth Azure Origin Shield was also forced back step by step by the waves of fire, and in the blink of an eye, only a thin layer remained.

"This young son-in-law of the Huo Household is quite capable. He has refined this small banner properly, and his Fire Element Technique Method have also reached a certain level. This Fire Wave Technique should be nearing completion. With the blessing of this small banner, he should be able to defeat even ordinary Late Qi Refinement cultivators."

"Not only that, their cultivation levels have also improved significantly. Qu He is already at the Qi Refinement Ninth Layer, while that little sect leader is only at the Qi Refining Seventh Layer. It seems he has only broken through to the seventh level not many years ago. I wonder why Fellow Daoist Black Shoes chose him to appear."

The young swordsman beside him, though small in age, possessed an astonishingly sharp aura that made me tremble. Qu He, though somewhat skilled, was far inferior to him and likely wouldn't withstand many blows. If that swordsman were to appear, his chances of victory would be far greater than this young sect leader's.

"Yes, perhaps the Daoist Black Shoes took pity on the Huo Household. Haha, after raising a son-in-law for so many years, they've finally produced one who's even remotely decent."

"This fat man is a bit dangerous. I wonder what benefits the Fei Household has given him. Hmm?"

The last person to speak, a Foundation Establishment in colorful robes, glanced in the direction of the Daoist Black Shoes. The Qi Refining Realm juniors beside him showed no sign of worry upon seeing the situation on the stage.

"There might be a backup plan."

With a clang, the short blade that Kang Dabao shot from his sleeve was deflected by Qu He with a green blade flying sword. The latter let out a cold shout, and the small banner spun half a circle in the air. The Fire Wave Technique became even more powerful, and the scorching air made several Kuai Household cultivators below the stage feel somewhat uncomfortable.

The situation suddenly turned ugly, and Kang Dabao seemed to have fallen into a disadvantageous position, only able to rely on the Garrison Earth Azure Origin Shield to desperately keep out the waves of fire outside.

Aside from the short blade that shot out from his sleeve during the failed sneak attack, he didn't even make a move to counterattack with Daoist magic or talismans.

The little beast in his sleeve seized the opportunity to unleash a water arrow Law Technique. The little beast was clearly only a few years old, which explained the limited power of its Water Arrow Technique.

The water arrows were instantly burned away by the flames upon impact, offering no benefit whatsoever to the battle.

Qu He couldn't help but reveal a hint of smugness on her face, but this smugness was fleeting.

As the first son-in-law of the Huo Household, he wouldn't make any low-level mistakes, nor would he underestimate any opponent.

With a flick of his fingers, the green blade flying sword that had just knocked away the short blade changed direction and pierced straight into the shield along with the wave of fire, intending to knock back Kang Dabao's defensive Law Artifact in one blow.

"Fellow Daoist, this junior is quite cunning." In return, Tie Liuyun praised the Daoist Black Shoes. "The Huo Household had no chance of winning anyway." The Daoist Black Shoes didn't even raise an eyelid, his face expressionless as he spoke.

As soon as the two finished speaking, Jiang Qing's face lit up with joy. "Senior Brother is going to win!"

Then, the earthen-yellow light on the outer side of the Garrison Earth Azure Origin Shield was shattered by Qu He's flying sword, and a surging wave of fire swept in, about to annihilate Kang Dabao.

Just as the joy on Qu He's face began to show, she saw the Foundation Establishment on the stage, who had just reached out to help Kang Dabao, pause slightly, his eyes showing surprise, and turn to look at her.

Before Qu He could understand what was going on, she saw two Golden Light break through the waves of fire and strike the flying sword.

The Law Artifact that had been with him for many years was instantly blasted to the ground. He felt as soon as his connection with the flying sword was severed, two more Golden Light attacked from the opposite side.

Qu He hurriedly threw out a bunch of protective talismans, but the spiritual energy shield of the talismans was just about to form when it was instantly shattered by the unstoppable Golden Light, and two Golden Light beams were about to hit her!

I wonder if this top-grade magic Law Artifact, the Flowing Cloud Robe, can withstand it!

Qu He had no time to react. He panicked, his hand gestures became chaotic, and he couldn't move his feet. He then saw two imposing Golden Light shooting towards him.

"Go!" The Foundation Establishment referees pointed, and a silver mirror blocked Qu He's path. Two beams of Golden Light were projected onto the bright silver mirror, but they disappeared without a trace, like mud sinking into the sea. After the waves subsided, there was no sound.

Qu He was filled with fear and dread. Since the Foundation Establishment True Cultivator on the stage had made a move, it meant that he believed Qu He would be killed on the stage by Sect Leader Kang Da if he took this hit.

"I lost!" Qu He closed his eyes unwillingly, picked up his flying sword, and jumped off the stage. After returning home, his situation would be difficult; those pampered sons of the Huo Household might very well vent their resentment on him.

"Match 3, Kuai Household!" The familiar shout rang out again.

"Luckily, no betting was offered." A Foundation Establishment clapped softly in the audience, and several Foundation Establishment whispered among themselves.

Feigning weakness and taking advantage of the enemy's unpreparedness is a simple tactic of combat, but Kang Dabao did it well. Not only did Qu He not see through it, but only a few Foundation Establishment below the stage could see it at a glance.

The Foundation Establishment referee on the platform glanced at the unremarkable Kang Dabao with slight surprise.

To be fair, his silver mirror Law Artifact was actually under considerable pressure, not as easily as it appeared on the surface.

Judging solely from the force he felt, Kang Dabao's two Golden Light were almost comparable to the full-force attack of some Foundation Establishment cultivators of lower rank.

If they were to encounter Lineage of even lower social standing, like the Huo Household, his family's Foundation Establishment seed might not even be able to defeat this young sect leader.

Before arriving, the head of the Huo Household never imagined that they would be wiped out in three battles. His face was frighteningly dark, but no one paid any attention to it.

"How are we going to explain this to the patriarch when we get home! Damn it, if it weren't for the fact that the direct descendants of the family are all in seclusion in the clan's spiritual land, waiting to Foundation Establishment, how could you be so arrogant!"

As the saying goes, the more you bet, the worse you lose.

The gambling enthusiast in charge of the Huo Household immediately became ambitious. He presumptuously walked up to Tie Liuyun, looked directly at him with his bloodshot eyes, and said, "Commander Tie, let's have another match. This time, I'll use one of the Huo Household's shops in Xuanwei City."

Before he could finish speaking, Tie Liuyun raised his hand to interrupt, and the commander said mockingly, "You've already fought in the Early Qi Refining Stage and Middle Qi Refinement, and you lost both times. You wanted a rematch in the Late Qi Refinement, and you did, and you lost that too. Another match? And the next one will be at the Foundation Establishment, right? Fine, go back and ask your old man if he dares to come!"

In stark contrast to the livid-faced, fist-clenched Huo Household head Sect Leader Kang Da.

He couldn't contain his joy at this moment, and a slight smile crept onto his lips, "Eighty acres of First-Tier Superior-Grade spirit fields! I wonder how much of them I'll get."

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