Chapter 129: Showdown
After hearing what Hao Yongtai had to say, Hao Xiangtong realized that the martial arts world wasn't the pure and sacred place it was often made out to be. Most of the time, the outcomes of battles weren't important at all. Instead, conflicts of interest often carried more weight than clashes of fists and weapons.
"Doesn't that mean Chu Qiguang is going to keep being slandered no matter how many times he wins?" Hao Xiangtong grumbled in frustration. "In fact, won't they slander him even more the more he wins?"
"Of course," Hao Yongtai replied with a shrug, a rather bleak look on his face. "This is the true nature of the world that we live in. Unless the Vast Heavens Faction suffers a fall from grace someday, and another faction rises up to take its place, its power and influence will continue to work against Chu Qiguang and all of its other enemies."
Hao Xiangtong felt very frustrated and deflated by this sobering reality. The Vast Heavens Faction was a dominant force at the height of its power in the northern martial arts world, and she couldn't imagine a future in which another faction could replace it.
However, her eyes suddenly lit up as a thought occurred to her. "What if Chu Qiguang beats Jiang Longyu? Surely they won't be able to come up with any excuses then!"
Hao Yongtai was very amused by his sister's naivety. How could Jiang Longyu possibly lose? The day before, he had pawned his jade pendant at a pawnshop to place another bet on Jiang Longyu, hoping to recoup some of his losses. He had absolutely no doubt that the bet would pay off.
It's just unfortunate that too many people are betting on Jiang Longyu, so the odds are terrible. Even if I win, I won't be making much money. Chu Qiguang has been very impressive so far, but Jiang Longyu is one of the Eight Han Resurgence Generals chosen by His Majesty and the Ministry of Divination. He's simply on another level.
***
While accompanying Chu Qiguang to the venue, Chen Gang said, "Brother Chu, I heard that there are many gambling stations around here..."
"You haven't placed any bets, have you?" Chu Qiguang interjected with a stern expression.
"No," Chen Gang hurriedly replied. "You told me not to do anything that you haven't instructed me to do, so I didn't dare to place any bets."
Chu Qiguang was naturally also aware of the gambling stations around the venue, but as an examinee, betting on oneself was a rather sensitive matter, and there had been an unfortunate precedent in the past.
There was once a martial arts prodigy who bet ten thousand taels of silver on himself to claim the top spot in the local test, and he really did manage to do so. However, he was immediately impeached by imperial censors, who accused him of cheating. Their reasoning was simple. If he hadn't cheated, how could he have been confident enough to bet ten thousand taels of silver on himself?
Even though no concrete evidence of cheating was found, public opinion weighed too heavily against him. In the end, the prodigy was disqualified and received a lifetime ban from taking part in future martial examinations. From that point onward, examinees were strictly forbidden from betting on themselves or other examinees.
Chu Qiguang was already widely resented, so he had to be extra careful. Even if he secretly instructed someone else to bet on him in secret, his ploy could easily be uncovered by the local prominent clans.
After warning Chen Gang against placing bets at the gambling stations, Chu Qiguang made his way into the venue.
As Chen Gang trailed along behind Chu Qiguang, a puzzled look appeared on his face. Why does Brother Chu look so strange today? He's walking very differently from usual. Did he get injured yesterday?
To the shock and excitement of all the spectators, the highly-anticipated battle between Chu Qiguang and Jiang Longyu was announced to be the first match-up of the day.
"What a way to kick things off!" a spectator chortled in excitement. "I can't wait to see Jiang Longyu beat that bastard into a cripple!"
"I bet Chu Qiguang will only be able to last five exchanges! Who wants to bet against me?" someone else yelled.
Everyone was fully convinced that Jiang Longyu had the victory in the bag. He was a world-renowned martial arts prodigy, someone destined to extend the fortunes of the Great Han Empire. There was no way he would lose to anyone here.
***
On the raised stage, Xue Chengdao listened expressionlessly as a servant delivered a report. He was informed that Chu Qiguang hadn't bet on himself, nor was he displaying any signs of having taken banned pills. Whenever he wasn't at the examination venue, he spent all his time in his rented room.
Xue Chengdao was a little disappointed to hear this. He was hoping that Chu Qiguang would slip up somewhere, even if only a little. That alone would have been enough grounds to disqualify him.
Seems like he's being very cautious, but it doesn't matter. Jiang Longyu has already agreed to cripple him during their battle.
Before long, the battle between Chu Qiguang and Jiang Longyu was about to begin. Of course, Xue Chengdao had arranged all of this. He had deliberately scheduled this battle as the first match of the day so Chu Qiguang wouldn't be able to rack up any more victories against the other examinees.
***
Meanwhile, as Chu Qiguang made his way toward the platform, he was experiencing an unprecedented sensation. He could still control his own body just fine, but he could also feel another consciousness connected to him, one that was capable of controlling his body as well.
In essence, Qiao Zhi could now control his body remotely. However, every instruction that Qiao Zhi's consciousness sent to his body had to be approved by him before it could be carried out.
Just relax and trust me, Qiao Zhi reassured telepathically. I'll make sure you come out on top with flying colors!
At this moment, Qiao Zhi was lying on a nearby rooftop, curled up into his ball, with his entire consciousness focused on Chu Qiguang's body.
Why do I feel like you can't control my body as well as I can? Chu Qiguang asked.
Right as he raised that question, Qiao Zhi almost made him trip over his own feet. Chu Qiguang hurriedly seized back control of his body to steady himself.
Are you sure this is going to work?
We only just mastered the complementary technique this morning, so I'm still getting used to things, Qiao Zhi replied sheepishly. I'm used to having a cat's body, so yours feels a little strange to control. I have plenty of experience, so you don't have to worry. I'll get the hang of it very soon.
Alright, I'm counting on you then, Chu Qiguang said. But if it doesn't work out, I'm taking back control and surrendering.
Don't worry, Qiao Zhi reassured. With your body and my battle experience, we can crush Jiang Longyu like an ant!
Jiang Longyu watched as Chu Qiguang swaggered onto the platform, looking as if he owned the entire Northern Mountain Manor, and he sneered, "You're looking really cocky today, Chu Qiguang. But that's good; I like a cocky opponent. The cockier they are, the better it feels when I crush them underfoot."
