The Unparalleled Sword Emperor Chapter 2695 - 2670: The Victor, Sword Demon!
Previously on The Unparalleled Sword Emperor...
"We were victorious, Madam, we emerged triumphant!"
"Madam, our side has won!"
Within the prestigious Yellow Character Number One Pavilion, four remarkably handsome young men joyfully proclaimed their win to Madam Yang.
Madam Yang herself was struck with profound astonishment, her gaze fixed on Lin Bai, still struggling to grasp how he had achieved such an instantaneous victory.
Over in a separate pavilion, Qian Youcai’s enraged bellow erupted: "Wretch, get up! Rise, you utterly useless scoundrel, stand up!"
Qian Youcai’s voice was a torrent of unwilling fury at this moment.
Yet, the Beast remained prone on the ground, his life hanging by a thread, utterly incapable of rising. Even with Qian Youcai’s continuous commands, the Beast offered no response.
Under the collective gaze of every Warrior present, Lin Bai approached the fallen Beast.
Lin Bai observed that half of the mask adorning the Beast’s face had been obliterated by the fearsome Black Water Divine Thunder, exposing a countenance that was far from appealing.
The Beast’s visage was not merely unattractive; it was hideously ugly, the kind of sight that would instill terror in children, prompting nightmares from a single glance!
Despite his precarious state, the Beast’s eyes remained open. His blood-red irises were fixed upon Lin Bai, devoid of any hint of fear or apprehension, merely holding his gaze.
This unyielding look brought to Lin Bai's mind the primal ferocity of beasts in the Mortal World, locked in brutal combat for dominance.
The victor claims all, the vanquished becomes nothing more than a forgotten cur, no words needed!
Having been defeated by Lin Bai today, the Beast understood that even if Lin Bai were to end his life in this moment, he would not falter.
Lin Bai stood before the defeated opponent for a considerable duration, ultimately choosing restraint. With a calm voice, he addressed them, "Judge Ning Zheng, is it not now time to formally declare my victory?"
Lin Bai withheld the killing blow, instead turning his attention to Ning Zheng.
Ning Zheng gracefully descended from the heavens, positioning himself behind Lin Bai, a smile gracing his lips. "The grand confrontations between Undefeated Generals historically conclude with the demise of one combatant!"
"I had anticipated that you would deliver the final blow to the Beast, and therefore, I delayed announcing the official outcome of the Martial Arts Competition!"
Lin Bai responded, "This was merely a contest of martial prowess; I harbor no profound enmity towards him, so why should I take his life? In the Fighting Arena previously, my actions were a direct consequence of their own provocations and death wish!"
"Announce the result without further delay."
Lin Bai stood tall within the Fighting Arena, his posture resolute, his voice clear as he issued his command.
Ning Zheng inhaled deeply, then proclaimed with booming resonance, "In today's fierce engagement, pitting Sword Demon against the Beast, the victor is unequivocally Sword Demon!"
"The victor is Sword Demon!"
"The victor is Sword Demon!"
"..."
The declaration of "the victor is Sword Demon," reverberated from Judge Ning Zheng’s lips across the very heavens and earth of the Fighting Arena, piercing the ears of every assembled Warrior and lodging itself deep within their hearts.
With Judge Ning Zheng’s pronouncement, the casino’s mechanisms for settling the substantial gambling stakes would commence, guided by his final judgment.
The victor is Sword Demon.
Upon hearing these fateful words, an overwhelming majority of the Warriors present turned ashen-faced, their vision darkening, teetering on the brink of collapse!
"By the heavens, I am utterly ruined!"
"My fortune is gone!"
"Three thousand merit points; that was the culmination of years of diligent savings, all wagered on the Beast!"
"My hard-earned merits!"
Each Warrior cried out in absolute despair, their voices choked with lamentation.
The entire Fighting Arena was enveloped in a symphony of sorrowful wails.
Uncle Fatty lamented in a hollow, spiritless tone, "Everything is forfeited now, even my personal funds. Ban Ye, make a solemn vow: should I ever contemplate gambling again, sever my hand!"
Uncle Fatty declared with grim finality to Ban Ye.
Ban Ye offered a wry, bitter chuckle, nodding in agreement, yet a profound sense of elation bloomed within his heart as he glanced towards Sword Demon.
Within the bustling Fighting Arena, the stark contrast of triumph and devastation played out simultaneously.
At this juncture, Lin Bai exited the confines of the Fighting Arena, collected his hard-earned battle merits, and proceeded directly towards the Yellow Character Number One Pavilion to reunite with Madam Yang!
Upon entering the opulent pavilion, the four dashing young men greeted Lin Bai with palpable excitement radiating from their expressions.
Even Madam Yang’s countenance was tinged with a subtle flush, betraying her evident elation.
This victory, secured by Lin Bai, represented the most significant triumph Madam Yang had ever experienced within the tumultuous arena.
"I have vanquished the Beast; now, surely you will honor your pledge," Lin Bai stated evenly, his gaze locked onto Madam Yang, as he sought the coveted Darkwater Divine Thunder Technique.
Madam Yang responded with a gentle smile, "Naturally!"
"However, I propose a slight alteration to our original arrangement!"
Lin Bai’s brow furrowed slightly, inquiring, "Are you attempting to renege on our agreement?"
Madam Yang clarified, "Not at all. My intention is to bestow upon you the entirety of the Darkwater Divine Thunder Techniques at once!"
A flicker of pleased anticipation ignited within Lin Bai’s eyes upon hearing her words.
It had previously been established between Lin Bai and Madam Yang that he would accumulate ten million merits for her to obtain the second volume of the Black Water Divine Thunder. Furthermore, upon accumulating fifty million merits for Madam Yang, he would then receive the third volume of the Darkwater Divine Thunder Technique!
However, Madam Yang had now unexpectedly declared her intention to alter the terms.
Lin Bai inquired, "Are you intending to grant me all three volumes of the Darkwater Divine Thunder? Do you have additional conditions? Please state them all at once!"
Madam Yang chuckled, her voice laced with amusement. "Since you, Brother Sword Demon, are so forthright, I shall be equally direct!"
"I can bestow upon you all three volumes of the Darkwater Divine Thunder Techniques right now, provided you pledge to participate in three more matches for me within the Fighting Arena!"
"The selection of your opponents will be my responsibility!"
Madam Yang added softly.
The prospect of Lin Bai engaging in three additional bouts within the Fighting Arena seemed like a favorable arrangement for him; after these fights, he could depart from the arena and Madam Yang's service. However, a sharp awareness of the hidden agenda within Madam Yang's proposition struck Lin Bai, and he let out a chuckle. "No wonder people say there are no dealings without deceit!"
"That saying proves to be quite true indeed!"
"Having vanquished the Beast, I have propelled the odds within the Underground Casino to their absolute peak. This singular battle has already secured you nearly thirty million merits."
"Following our initial agreement, I was only required to confront one additional opponent in the Fighting Arena. With all your merits wagered on my success, my victory would have naturally brought the total earnings to the stipulated fifty million merits!"
"At that juncture, our contract would have been fully satisfied!"
"Yet, you now seek to revise the terms!"
"Originally, a single additional fight would have secured all the Darkwater Divine Thunder Techniques for me. Now, however, you demand three more!"
"A truly cunning merchant!"
Lin Bai commented, a cold sneer gracing his lips.
Madam Yang responded with a laugh, "Let's not frame it that way; I am merely endeavoring to amass a small fortune to ensure a comfortable existence for the remainder of my days!"
Lin Bai stated with a cool tone, "With the thirty million merits acquired today, a common Warrior within Black Water City could readily exchange it for an abundance of priceless treasures!"
"Is that not sufficient for the rest of your life?"
Madam Yang pouted slightly. "Whether you agree or refuse is the only question!"
Lin Bai drew a deep breath, his voice carrying a chilling edge. "Are you not concerned that I might abscond with the three volumes of the Darkwater Divine Thunder Techniques and simply depart from Black Water City? Do you place such immense trust in me?"