"Cannot stay here anymore?" Huang Xiaolong repeated with a slight furrow on his forehead.
The inn owner's head cast down in a flustered manner, then he abruptly knelt down before Huang Xiaolong, "Young Noble Huang, I'm very sorry! I really cannot let you stay in my inn anymore, I—!"
"Because of Heartless Young Noble?" Huang Xiaolong interjected as he looked at the inn owner, voicing a question in an icy tone.
The inn owner stiffened when hearing the name but he neither confirmed nor denied. Yet, silence meant acquiescence.
"You're afraid of Heartless Young Noble, but you are not afraid of us?" Fei Hou's eyes narrowed coldly with menace as a fleeting murderous intent flickered passed, "Then, I shall end your life now!" Fei Hou stated and readied to keep his word.
Both Zhao Shu and Yu Ming also wore a cold expression on their faces.
But Huang Xiaolong raised his hand to stop Fei Hou.
The inn owner kowtowed as he begged Huang Xiaolong, "Young Noble Huang, please spare me, I have no other choice, I'm forced to do this!"
Watching the inn owner knock his head onto the ground repeatedly, Huang Xiaolong said to Zhao Shu, Yu Ming, and Fei Hou, "We'll leave."
He knew the inn owner was not the one at fault in this matter. Anyone faced with pressure from someone like Heartless Young Noble would have chosen the same path.
Before leaving, Huang Xiaolong told Fei Hou to settle the money for the past ten days' accommodation.
Seeing that Huang Xiaolong was willing to leave, the inn owner kowtowed again gratefully as he watched the four figures walk away.
Outside the inn.
Huang Xiaolong looked at the prosperous bustling streets. Pedestrians shuttled back and forth while carriages moved in a long single file line which appeared reminiscent of a dragon. He looked back towards the three people behind him with a faint smile and said, "Looks like we will need to sleep in the streets tonight!"
Huang Xiaolong assumed the result would be the same in other inns or restaurants, no place would dare do business with him.
This Heartless Young Noble truly acted fast!
A sharp light glinted in Huang Xiaolong's eyes.
"Young Lord, how about I make a trip to the Yao Manor?" Zhao Shu inquired.
Huang Xiaolong shook his head, "Not now."
Since that Heartless Young Noble made his move, then Huang Xiaolong would play a little game with him. If he squashed him to death immediately, where's the fun in that? Moreover, the Yao Family had more than two thousand years of foundation, its roots ran deep. It was highly likely they had a Saint realm expert guarding the Yao Manor, and perhaps even more than one Saint realm expert at that!
For the time being, Huang Xiaolong did not want to expose Zhao Shu's strength.
I should arrange for Mom, Dad and everyone else to travel here earlier than planned. Huang Xiaolong thought.
To prevent any mishaps, it would be best to bring the Huang Family over to the Imperial City. With Zhao Shu and Yu Ming's protection, their safety was not an issue.
In conclusion, Huang Xiaolong decided that once the Imperial City Battle ended, he would purchase a place in the Imperial City and arrange to move his family from the Luo Tong Kingdom.
Leaving the inn, Huang Xiaolong's group of four strolled along the streets, enjoying the night scene of Duanren Empire's Imperial City.
An hour or so passed and the four of them came back around to Duanren Square. Finding a spot, all four sat in a meditative position, adjusting their breathing as they waited for morning to come.
Time passed and night gave way to the morning light.
The amount of people arriving at Duanren Square increased slowly as time passed. It seemed as though the crowd had grown even bigger compared to the second day. Practically every Patriarch from small and large Imperial City families attended, and nearby kingdoms had rushed over to watch the final day's battle.
Every square inch of ground outside the battle arena was littered with people.
By the time the imperial guards were in position guarding the battle arena perimeter, Huang Xiaolong arrived and became the first person to enter. He walked towards the same seat he sat on for the last two days whereas Zhao Shu, Yu Ming, and Fei Hou waited outside with the rest of the crowd.
Today, there were only ten people battling, and Huang Xiaolong arrived earlier than any of the other nine participants.
The battle arena area was totally empty. Neither Duan Wuhen, the ministers, or any participants arrived as early as Huang Xiaolong. Thus Huang Xiaolong became the center of attention because he was the only one inside.
The gathering crowd grew bigger and noisier, talking and staring intently at Huang Xiaolong.
Of course, all of their discussions mainly shifted back and forth around who would win first place this year!
But then again, this topic was constantly discussed for the last several days in a row, yet the excited fervor only burned with increasing intensity.
A short while after Huang Xiaolong took his seat, Cui Li arrived and walked into the arena area.
Seeing Huang Xiaolong, Cui Li hesitated briefly, but this time, she no longer took the seat beside Huang Xiaolong. Instead, she chose a different empty seat about thirty meters away from Huang Xiaolong and sat down.
Watching this, Huang Xiaolong smiled wryly in his heart.
Obviously, due to the pressure from Heartless Young Noble, this woman needed to maintain a certain distance from him. Despite that, Huang Xiaolong did not mind.
Then, the next one to arrive was Yanggang.
And the first thing Yanggang noticed was Cui Li's distance from Huang Xiaolong. Watching this scene, Yanggang gloated complacently to himself as he made his way to the empty seat next to Cui Li. Deliberately shielding Huang Xiaolong's face from Cui Li's view, he leaned in close to Cui Li saying, "Li'er, you look beautiful today!"
Cui Li wore a long violet dress, emphasizing her innocent beauty and underlying charm. The hint of worry in her eyes only added to her charm. She indeed looked beautiful.
Cui Li shot Yanggang an icy glare, stood up from her seat and walked away to another empty seat a dozen meters away.
Being treated this way, Yanggang stood there looking embarrassed, flames of anger flickered deeply in his eyes.
This cheap slut, a day will come when he would make her kneel in front of him, begging him to take and enslave her!
In that short moment, Xie Puti, Pang Yu, Dai Shanni, and the rest arrived one after another.
With that, all top ten were present!
All ten of them arrived but the main platform was still empty. It was some time later when Duan Wuhen and a group of ministers appeared, after which each took their places.
Cheng Jian stood at the front of the main platform, stating rules that each participant needed to be mindful of before finally announcing the day's competition start.
In the group of ten people, five walked up to draw lots.
The first opponent Huang Xiaolong drew was… Yanggang!
Yanggang!
When Huang Xiaolong read the name written on the stick, he was stunned for a moment. And then, a faint smile tilted up the corner of his lips.
Even Yanggang was surprised to see his first opponent for the day was Huang Xiaolong. In the next moment, a ruthless light gleamed in his eyes; he had been waiting for this battle for two days, it was finally here.
Still, Huang Xiaolong and Yanggang would need to wait, for they were in group three.
The first battle was between Cui Li and Jin Desheng, the second was Xie Puti versus Han Dong.
The fourth group was Pang Yu against Jiang Damin, and the last group was Dai Shanni versus Hu Zhi.
When the list came out, everyone outside the battle arena broke out in a commotion. Discussions sounded everywhere in an attempt to predict the outcome of each group.
The most talked about was none other than Huang Xiaolong versus Yanggang, and it was also the most debated with half supporting Huang Xiaolong while the half thinking Yanggang would be the victor.
On the main platform, Duan Wuhen lightly tapped the armrest as he spoke with Cheng Jian, "Cheng Jian, what do you think about Huang Xiaolong and Yanggang's battle?" Duanren Empire did not interfere with the line-up of today's battle, thus when Huang Xiaolong drew Yanggang's name, he was genuinely surprised.
Cheng Jian hesitated, "This one doesn't know how to judge."
If this was before, he would surely pick Yanggang as the winner between the two, but now, it was hard for him to judge which one of them was stronger.
At this time, a general beside Duan Wuhen spoke, "Whoever His Imperial Highness Second Prince says will win, then that person will win!"
Duan Wuhen exposed a slight smile at those words.
While the crowd was still immersed in their excited discussions, the first competitors, Cui Li and Jin Desheng, made their way onto the stage.
The crowd quieted abruptly as both of them stood face to face on the battle stage. Anticipative silence filled the air.
In a split second action, blinding lights engulfed their silhouettes, each summoning their martial spirits.
On the last day of battle, neither kept their true strength hidden.
Cui Li had an average grade eleven martial spirit, the Lightning Devouring Beast. The space immediately surrounding her body was instantly filled with flashing bolts of lightning the moment it emerged. An atmosphere of terrifying destruction permeated the area.
On the other hand, Jin Desheng had a top grade ten martial spirit which was infinitely close to a superb talent martial spirit, and it's name was Giant Black Water Ape.
Judging from its outer appearance, the Giant Black Water Ape was five to six times larger than the Lightning Devouring Beast, but in actuality, the Giant Black Water Ape's strength was innately suppressed by Cui Li's martial spirit. Pressured by the surrounding lightning, the Giant Black Water Ape's bright water sphere's radius continuously shrunk in on itself.
Suddenly, Jin Desheng bellowed and his body dashed forward in a flash, winding up a fist to attack Cui Li. A light blue water vapor diffused around Jin Desheng like a barrier as he leaped out.
Because it was of a lower grade, his martial spirit was suppressed by Cui Li's martial spirit on an innate level. The longer the fight dragged on, the more he fell to a disadvantage. Therefore, he needed to seize the initiative.
Below the stage, Huang Xiaolong shook his head silently while watching the battle.
Without needing to watch further, he already knew Cui Li would come out on top in this match. Regardless of whether one was talking about Cui Li's martial spirit or her battle qi strength, both were more powerful and abundant than Jin Desheng's.
Sure enough, moments later Jin Desheng was knocked out of the battle stage by Cui Li.
After the first duo's match ended, the following match was between Xie Puti and Han Dong. The round ended quicker than the first round, very much lacking in suspense as Xie Puti defeated Han Dong effortlessly without summoning his martial spirit.
"Third group, Huang Xiaolong versus Yanggang!" After the result of Xie Puti and Han Dong's match was announced, Cheng Jian's voice sounded again.
The moment Cheng Jian's voice fell, Huang Xiaolong and Yanggang stood up simultaneously.
The two opponents exchanged glances. Yanggang sneered at Huang Xiaolong mockingly then stepped out ahead of him towards the battle stage.
Huang Xiaolong calmly followed behind him in an unhurried gait.
All eyes of the crowd focused on them in high anticipation as Huang Xiaolong and Yanggang stood face to face on the stage.
Cui Li sat below the stage and remained focused on the two figures the entire time.
Yanggang looked at Huang Xiaolong, smirking confidently, "How was the feeling of sleeping in the streets last night? Not bad right?" Pausing for effect, Yanggang continued, "Heartless Young Noble asked me to pass you a message: This, is only the beginning!"
Huang Xiaolong sneered, "Oh~, really?" followed by a shake of the head in a regretful way, "Unfortunately..."
"Unfortunately what?" Yanggang's face sank.
"Unfortunately those that become other people's dogs usually don't live long." came Huang Xiaolong's nonchalant reply.
"You!" Anger and killing intent exploded in Yanggang's eyes. Light rippled around his body as currents of gloomy black energy spread out at rapid speed with a tinge of ice blue frosty chilliness mixed in. It was a beast that looked like a cross between a lion and a tiger. It's body was pure black and it had a pair of icy blue eyes, hovering midair behind Yanggang.
This was Yanggang's martial spirit, a top grade twelve superb talent martial spirit, Celestial Yin Beast!
The Celestial Yin Beast of Martial Spirit World contained the darkest Yin energy and was most pliable amongst martial spirits.
The instant his Celestial Yin Beast appeared, Yanggang's momentum soared. He looked at Huang Xiaolong with a cold expression, shouting "I've said to you before, you'd better hope you don't come across me on the stage, otherwise, you won't be walking out of here on your own when you leave!"
"Summon your Divine Black Dragon martial spirit."
Huang Xiaolong shook his head, "To defeat you, there's no need for me to call upon my martial spirit."
"What?!" Below the stage, everyone who heard his words were flabbergasted and it caused someone to blurt out in surprise.
"Huang Xiaolong actually said he could defeat Yanggang without summoning his martial spirit?!"
Even Cui Li and Xie Puti were astounded when hearing Huang Xiaolong's claim.
On the guest platform where Duan Wuhen was sitting in a lazy demeanor, he was originally leaning back deeply into the chair, but even he could not help straighten his body a little when hearing what Huang Xiaolong said. A tiny spark of interest shone in his eyes. The same thing also happened with Cheng Jian and the other Duanren Empire ministers.
Disbelief swept over the crowd when they heard Huang Xiaolong actually dare to utter such an arrogant claim. Defeat Yanggang without relying on his martial spirit? After all, the public was of the opinion that Huang Xiaolong's strength was about the same as Yanggang.
Recovering from their shock, everyone secretly shook their head with a similar thought flickering in their minds: This Huang Xiaolong's arrogance has gone overboard.
Listening to the gasps of shock and awe coming from the crowd, anger shot right to Yanggang's head, thickening the killing intent in his eyes.
"Fine, fine!" Yanggang's voice was extremely cold, "Since this is how you want it, I also won't use my martial spirit." In a flash, the Celestial Yin Beast once again returned to Yanggang's body.
With Yanggang's martial spirit gone, the black vapors around the stage vanished.
Watching this series of actions, Huang Xiaolong only shrugged his shoulders. To him, the result was the same whether Yanggang used his martial spirit or not!
"I'll let you make the first move!" Yanggang pushed his battle qi to the extreme as he spoke to Huang Xiaolong.
Huang Xiaolong's silhouette suddenly blurred just as Yanggang's voice ended, leaving an afterimage behind on the stage where he previously stood. Before one could blink, he was already right in front of Yanggang. Well, he offered, therefore, Huang Xiaolong needn't be polite!
Huang Xiaolong's eyes had a coldness in them. Punching out using his Collapse Fist, he hit Yanggang's body without obstruction.
Boom! A deafening collision rang in the air, followed by Yanggang's miserable scream. He slid across the stage floor right to the edge.
Everyone watching held their breath, forgetting to breathe, as they stared dumbly at Yanggang's figure nearly spilling out of the battle stage.
In the next second, Duanren Square exploded with astonishment.
"What?! What was that blurry image?!"
"How did Huang Xiaolong achieve such speed!"
"So fast, it was too fast! Was it Huang Xiaolong's martial spirit ability?!"
Many were filled with doubt and disbelief. Shocked and thrilled expressions came from the crowd as they stared fixedly at the battle stage.
Xie Puti who had been watching from below the stage suddenly jumped to his feet, feeling genuine shock. Cui Li, Pang Yu, Dai Shanni, and the rest also jumped up from their seats like Xie Puti.
One punch from Huang Xiaolong sent Yanggang flying! Yanggang did not even have time to react!
Before Huang Xiaolong's battle qi broke into the Xiantian realm, his martial spirit ability, Phantom Shadow already achieved a speed comparable to Fei Hou's, and after stepping into the Xiantian realm, his martial skill ability's effectiveness had more than doubled. When also adding Yanggang's arrogance and carelessness on top of that, it was no surprise he was knocked to the edge by Huang Xiaolong.
Up on the main platform, Duan Wuhen looked on interestedly, sitting straighter than before as he spoke to Cheng Jian, "Looks like all of us underestimated Huang Xiaolong."
The shocked Cheng Jian only recovered some clarity when Duan Wuhen spoke, and nodded dumbly.
Not only the two of them, but even their Duanren Emperor had underestimated Huang Xiaolong!
Previously, Duanren Emperor surmised Huang Xiaolong had the strength to compete for a spot among the top ten, but now...! Cheng Jian smiled bitterly inside. The truth, it seemed, was that Huang Xiaolong did not only have the capability to wrestle for a spot in the top ten. Judging from his speed just now, Huang Xiaolong had the strength to contend with Xie Puti for first place!
When Huang Xiaolong said he could defeat Yanggang without summoning his martial spirit, many had thought Huang Xiaolong was insufferably arrogant. At this very moment, no one doubted Huang Xiaolong's strength.
Noises from the crowd rose and fell. On the stage, Huang Xiaolong slowly strode in Yanggang's direction with a cold expression on his face, advising: "It's better if you summon your martial spirit. If not, you won't even have the chance to counter."
Yanggang got up from his position, wiping away the blood flowing down from his mouth as he fixed a deadly glare on Huang Xiaolong. There was wrath, humiliation, and intense murder, but at the same time he understood that what Huang Xiaolong stated was fact. If he did not summon his martial spirit, he truly would not have the capability to counter Huang Xiaolong's attack. When Huang Xiaolong displayed his martial spirit ability it was simply too fast for him!
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