Chapter 248: Chapter 149: One Strike
Li Xuance truly did want to defeat Chen Sheng fair and square, but he also understood that he could not get involved in today’s affairs. If the Iron Sword Sect were to be implicated, the fault would be his, and it would be immense.
Furthermore, it was clear at a glance that this was a fight to the death. While he was confident he could win, if he were to lose, he could not afford the consequences.
And so, this was a fight he absolutely could not accept.
Lu Maozhi’s expression turned anxious. He was about to speak again but was cut off by Lu Canghai, whose face was grim.
"Silence."
’I haven’t even decided whether to compromise, and this defiant son of mine has already spoken up, putting Luoyun Manor at a disadvantage!’ The thought infuriated him.
’More of a hindrance than a help, truly.’
"Donor Lu, do you find this arrangement acceptable?"
Monk Xuanbei chimed in at just the right moment.
Lu Canghai snorted. He could hardly fail to see Golden Spring Temple’s true intentions.
These monks were up to no good.
On the surface, they appeared to be on Luoyun Manor’s side. But no matter who won or lost this fight, Golden Spring Temple would suffer no loss. In fact, if one were to be cynical, this might even be their deliberate attempt to suppress Luoyun Manor’s growing power.
"I hear that Monk Fazang of Golden Spring Temple possesses extraordinary skills. Since you’ve spoken up, Master, why not have Fazang step forward?"
Lu Canghai said coolly.
Xuanbei’s smile stiffened, and he quickly explained,
"Fazang has already entered the Profound Gang realm. For him to act would smack of using his superior station to bully another."
"Shanming would also be acceptable."
Lu Canghai added, changing tactics.
"Shanming... is in the midst of secluded cultivation. He has not yet emerged."
Xuanbei’s expression grew grim as he slowly shook his head.
"Then who, Master, do you think can fight on behalf of my Luoyun Manor?"
Lu Canghai’s tone was frosty.
Xuanbei frowned, a look of disappointment on his face.
He hadn’t expected Lu Canghai to see through his scheme. He could only force a wry smile.
"Forget it. Consider my previous words misspoken."
Lu Canghai snorted, his gaze sweeping over to Nie Xuanfeng.
"Governor Nie, must you really throw your weight around like this?"
"This isn’t about bullying. This is the duty of the Government Office. In any case, I will not abandon Deputy Captain Chen today. Manor Master Lu, feel free to use whatever tricks you have up your sleeve."
Nie Xuanfeng slowly shook his head.
"Give us ten percent of the shares from the Wushan Mountain conflict, and we will let this matter drop."
Lu Canghai said in a cold voice.
"Lu, let’s not waste our breath on such unrealistic propositions."
Nie Xuanfeng chuckled and slowly shook his head.
Ten percent of the shares from the Wushan Mountain conflict was an immense fortune. There was no way he would hand that over to Luoyun Manor.
Besides, he wasn’t afraid of things escalating.
It would be tricky, but not more than he could handle. He certainly wasn’t going to tolerate Luoyun Manor making demands. In fact, by arranging things as he had today, he’d already prepared for a direct confrontation.
"Then let Chen Sheng take one blow from me. Whether he lives or dies, Luoyun Manor will not pursue this matter further."
Lu Canghai said in a cold voice.
"Manor Master Lu, perhaps you misunderstand the situation. The Jingwu Bureau is not the party at fault here. So, let’s have no more of these unreasonable demands. You have two choices. Either you, Manor Master Lu, fight today.
Or, you can do as Xuanbei just suggested: have Luoyun Manor send out a young disciple of the same cultivation level to fight Chen Sheng and settle this. There are no other options."
The smile on Nie Xuanfeng’s face slowly faded.
"You’ve gone too far!"
Lu Canghai’s eyes narrowed, the killing intent within them becoming difficult to suppress.
"Manor Master Lu, if I may have a word."
Just as the pressure between Lu Canghai and Nie Xuanfeng reached its peak, Chen Sheng seized the moment and spoke up.
"What do you have to say?"
Lu Canghai’s sharp gaze fell upon Chen Sheng.
Chen Sheng paused in thought for a moment before speaking.
"Let’s set aside the question of right and wrong for a moment. How about this? I’ve heard that Luoyun Manor possesses several Jiao Blood Treasure Pills, a gift from your Upper Sect. Let’s make those the stakes for a wager today.
I will deliver only three strikes. Manor Master Lu can send out any Martial Master of the same cultivation level—it doesn’t even have to be someone from Luoyun Manor. If they can take my three strikes and survive, then I will give Luoyun Manor the satisfaction it seeks.
If they cannot, Manor Master Lu will give me three Jiao Blood Treasure Pills. What do you say?"
The moment Chen Sheng finished speaking, the crowd erupted into an uproar. All eyes fell upon him, clearly stunned by his audacity.
After all, it was only three strikes. Even Lu Maozhi, a man he had defeated before, could likely withstand them.
What the crowd didn’t know, however, was that from refining the Profound Yin Qi, Chen Sheng was already struggling to contain the energy raging within him. He urgently needed to unleash this tyrannical power.
Otherwise, if he didn’t fight soon, his Meridians were going to burst!
"Arrogant!"
Lu Canghai’s eyes narrowed dangerously.
"Fine! I’ll take that bet! If you lose, you will sever your own arms to atone for this!" Lu Maozhi whirled to face Chen Sheng, his expression venomous.
’It’s only three strikes,’ he thought. ’I can take that.’
"Agreed."
Chen Sheng gave a slight, expressionless nod.
Beside him, Wang Zilan’s expression tightened. She wanted to talk him out of it, but didn’t know what to say.
Sun Yuzhi shot Chen Sheng a cold look.
"What nonsense are you spouting?"
Even Nie Xuanfeng shot Chen Sheng a surprised look. However, he seemed to have a suspicion about what was going on and did not stop him.
’Because regardless of whether Chen Sheng wins or loses, the Government Office has no intention of honoring that promise.’
"Stand down."
Lu Canghai glanced at Lu Maozhi and barked the order.
Lu Maozhi was resentful but didn’t dare talk back. He lowered his head, seething in silence.
"Do you really dare to make this wager?"
Lu Canghai stared directly at Chen Sheng, his tone heavy.
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