The Unparalleled Sword Emperor Chapter 2683 - 2658: Mrs. Yang of the Zhao Family!
Previously on The Unparalleled Sword Emperor...
Ning Zheng opened his mouth to commend Lin Bai.
In the spectator areas above, a multitude of martial arts connoisseurs expressed their approval of the Sword Demon’s formidable prowess.
This left the other combatants bewildered.
It had clearly been a contest between Lin Bai and the Ghost Messenger, with both demonstrating exceptional strength. While the Ghost Messenger unfortunately met defeat, was he truly inferior to Lin Bai?
A seasoned cultivator, strong in the Wending Realm, overheard the murmurs of doubt from the crowd and declared with a cold snort, "Hmph, what could you commoners at the bottom of a well possibly comprehend about that maneuver? It appeared to be a straightforward clash of techniques!"
"But in truth, it was fraught with lethal peril!"
"When the Sword Demon delivered his punch towards the Ghost Messenger, he deliberately exposed a vulnerability in his midsection. This was the sole opening the Sword Demon had revealed after exchanging hundreds, perhaps thousands, of moves with the Ghost Messenger."
"It was also the only chance the Ghost Messenger had to land his fatal sword strike!"
"And the Ghost Messenger understood that even if that sword found its mark on the Sword Demon, Lin Bai would not perish from the blow. Instead, he himself would be slain by the Sword Demon!"
"Yet, the Ghost Messenger also knew, after engaging the Sword Demon for so long, that if he let this particular opening pass, he might never find another!"
"Thus, the two engaged in a perilous gamble!"
"The Sword Demon wagered on whether the Ghost Messenger would seize the opportunity presented."
"Ultimately, the Sword Demon emerged victorious in this gamble. The Ghost Messenger, driven by his desperate desire to fell the Sword Demon with that single strike, missed his mark by ahair's breadth, only to be struck down by a fatal blow that shattered his heart vein!"
"Do you grasp that the exchange you witnessed was a life-or-death gamble between these two titans? A single misstep by either combatant could have resulted in instant annihilation by the other!"
"This is precisely why we perceive the Sword Demon's martial arts cultivation to be vastly superior to that of the Ghost Messenger!"
"This is also the reason Judge Ning Zheng lauded the Sword Demon so effusively following the martial arts competition!"
The esteemed expert from the Wending Realm elaborated, unveiling the intricate details of the encounter.
At this juncture, the entire assembly of combatants finally comprehended the profound complexity concealed within that fleeting, lightning-fast exchange.
Now, as they reconsidered Lin Bai, a flicker of awe registered in their gazes!
"Following this momentous battle, the Sword Demon has undeniably cemented his formidable reputation within the Fighting Arena!"
The expert from the Wending Realm stated with calm assurance.
Judge Ning Zheng gracefully descended from the heavens, his eyes fixed on Lin Bai with unequivocal approval. He declared, "Excellent, truly excellent, Sword Demon! You have successfully navigated three trials!"
"For every subsequent duel you emerge victorious from, you shall be awarded one thousand merits!"
"Given your current injuries, you need not contend further today. Return tomorrow for your next challenge."
Lin Bai offered a slight nod, turned, and departed the Fighting Arena.
"Sword Demon!"
"Sword Demon!"
"Sword Demon!"
As Lin Bai turned to leave, the assembled spectators erupted in a chorus of his name.
Lin Bai glanced back, a faint smile playing on his lips as he observed the adoring crowd. He then continued his exit from the Fighting Arena, murmuring softly, "Tomorrow marks the beginning of my prosperous harvest of merits!"
Tai Yi stood awaiting him at the exit, a smile gracing his features. "Congratulations, Sword Demon!"
As he spoke, Tai Yi retrieved a Sound Transmission Token from his storage pouch and presented it to Lin Bai. "Should you wish to engage in further duels at the Fighting Arena, you may contact me using this token, and I shall make the necessary arrangements for you."
Lin Bai gratefully accepted the Sound Transmission Token, offering a nod of thanks. "Thank you!"
With the token secured, Lin Bai left the Fighting Arena, his attention no longer on the ongoing martial arts competitions.
The conclusion of the duel between Lin Bai and the Ghost Messenger served as a powerful climax that reverberated throughout the entire arena...
Among the cohort of new contenders debuting today, only Lin Bai and one other warrior achieved success, while the rest ultimately faced failure!
...
Within a private chamber.
Madam Yang stared at the deceased Ghost Messenger, a mixture of shock and bewilderment evident on her face.
Beside Madam Yang, several comely young men, despite their inner elation, feigned sorrow. "Ah, what a tragic loss! The Ghost Messenger was but a hair's breadth away from vanquishing the Sword Demon!"
"Such a misfortune, truly."
Though these young men spoke words of regret, their hearts rejoiced at Lin Bai's intervention, which had eliminated the Ghost Messenger for them!
"Madam Yang, now that the Ghost Messenger is no more, what are our next steps?"
"Perhaps we could escort Madam away from Black Water City and seek out other powerful figures?"
"Indeed, along our journey, we could luxuriate in the splendor of the mountains and rivers, absorbing the magnificence of the Northern Lands' scenery. Is that not a life as blissful as that of an immortal?"
"Excellent, excellent, Madam, we shall accompany you to seek out other formidable individuals!"
The handsome men declared with wide smiles.
At this moment, Madam Yang's expression turned somewhat grave, and she softly mused with her ruby lips, "The Ghost Messenger actually met defeat!"
"Madam, Madam..." the handsome men called out gently.
Madam Yang regained her senses and stated nonchalantly, "Why search for powerhouses elsewhere? Is there not a powerful figure right here? Since he could vanquish the Ghost Messenger, it is proof that he is superior to the Ghost Messenger!"
"Go, summon the manager of the Fighting Arena!"
Madam Yang commanded lightly.
"Yes, I shall invite Manager Tai Yi of the Fighting Arena immediately!" one of the handsome men beamed and swiftly departed.
This attendant quickly located Tai Yi and announced, "Manager Tai Yi, Mrs. Yang of the Zhao family requests your presence!"
"Mrs. Yang!" Tai Yi exclaimed in surprise, then commanded, "Show me the way!"
Without delay, the attendant guided Tai Yi toward the Elegant Pavilion.
Upon entering the Elegant Pavilion, Tai Yi lowered his head, clasped his fist in greeting, and declared, "Manager Tai Yi of the Fighting Arena pays his respects to Madam Yang!"
Madam Yang offered a faint smile and inquired, "Manager Tai Yi, is this Sword Demon a solitary fighter, or is he an undefeated champion secretly arranged by someone else?"
Tai Yi responded, "To the best of my knowledge, this individual appears to be a lone warrior!"
"Regarding this affair, our Fighting Arena ought to extend an apology to Madam. We did not anticipate the Sword Demon defeating the Ghost Messenger, whom you had arranged..."
"This oversight rests with the Fighting Arena!"
"Initially, I had the Ghost Messenger compete because the Sword Demon had achieved multiple victories, amassing considerable acclaim. Should the Ghost Messenger have emerged victorious, he would have quickly solidified his standing within the Fighting Arena, consequently elevating his value!"
"However, the outcome was unexpected..."
Tai Yi explained cautiously.
Madam Yang chuckled lightly, "No inconvenience caused. I comprehend that this is merely a facet of the Fighting Arena's operational strategies!"
"Since the Fighting Arena wishes to offer an apology, I have a singular request. I wonder if Manager Tai Yi might be amenable to it."
Tai Yi asked, "What is this request?"
Madam Yang stated, "I desire for the Fighting Arena to facilitate a meeting between myself and the Sword Demon; I wish to converse with him privately."
Tai Yi agreed with a smile, "That presents no difficulty whatsoever. I can certainly inform the Sword Demon. However, whether he consents to meet you is... a matter beyond my guarantee!"
Madam Yang chuckled again, "Then I thank you kindly!"
Tai Yi smiled and said, "If there is nothing further, I shall take my leave!"
With that said, Tai Yi departed from the Elegant Pavilion.
Upon exiting the Elegant Pavilion, Tai Yi retrieved his Sound Transmission Token to contact Lin Bai...