The Unparalleled Sword Emperor Chapter 2708 - 2683: Xu Guang!

Lin Bai, viewing Tang Yuezhi with a sigh, stated, "If cultivating the Qingmu Divine Thunder is what you desire, I can impart the technique to you. However, you must pledge not to disclose it to any other individual!"

"Yet, I cannot impart the method for controlling the Divine Thunder itself!"

Lin Bai declared with unwavering calm.

Tang Yuezhi questioned, "Why? If you don't teach me how to control the Divine Thunder, what purpose does teaching me the technique serve?"

Lin Bai countered with a shake of his head, "It's not that I refuse to teach you, but rather the method to control the Divine Thunder would prove utterly useless for you. Do you comprehend?"

"Why is that!" Tang Yuezhi inquired, her curiosity piqued.

Lin Bai simply shook his head again, stating, "Cease your inquiries; I shall not elaborate further!"

"Miss, please depart now!"

With those words, Lin Bai entered his secret chamber, sealed the door, and commenced his cultivation!

Tang Yuezhi lingered outside Lin Bai's door for an extended period before reluctantly turning away, uncertain of her next destination.

Meanwhile, as Lin Bai returned to his quarters to cultivate.

Within the Elegant Pavilion located in the Fighting Arena, Madam Yang and four distinguished gentlemen were consumed by anxiety regarding Lin Bai's upcoming final martial arts competition!

"Who shall we select as an opponent for Sword Demon's concluding martial bout?" All four gentlemen furrowed their brows and posed the question, suggesting, "What about the Qian Family's Great General, Night Crow?"

"Night Crow also boasts a commendable victory rate within the Fighting Arena and enjoys a favorable reputation!"

One of the gentlemen elaborated.

Madam Yang, however, shook her head, replying, "Night Crow is unsuitable. Even the Blade Emperor succumbed to Sword Demon; Night Crow was never a match for the Blade Emperor. If Night Crow were to ascend the stage, the betting odds would be exceedingly low!"

Another gentleman pondered for a moment before proposing, "How about the Wu Family's Great General, the Nine-headed Hydra?"

Madam Yang let out a light chuckle, retorting, "Even with eighteen heads, Sword Demon could sever them one by one. That individual is even less fitting!"

The gentlemen nodded in agreement, stating, "Sword Demon has vanquished the Beast, defeated the Moon God, and overthrown the Blade Emperor. Now, within the Fighting Arena, a mere handful of Great Generals remain capable of challenging Sword Demon!"

"Furthermore, to elevate the betting odds substantially and ensure a significant final profit presents a considerable challenge."

Madam Yang expressed her concern with a sigh, adding, "Indeed, this marks Sword Demon's final engagement in the Fighting Arena. If the odds for this particular match aren't sufficiently high, then our entire endeavor has been in vain!"

"Therefore, the selection of his opponent must be executed with utmost discretion!"

Madam Yang's voice dropped to a low, serious tone.

While Madam Yang and her four companions deliberated within the Elegant Pavilion.

Abruptly, a knock echoed from the door, accompanied by a voice inquiring, "Madam Yang, are you present?"

One of the gentlemen promptly approached and opened the door.

Upon seeing the individual at the threshold, Madam Yang greeted him with a smile, "Manager Tai Yi, to what do we owe the pleasure?"

The person standing there was none other than Tai Yi!

Tai Yi chuckled and replied, "Madam Yang, I have no personal business with you. Rather, someone has expressed a desire to meet with you!"

Madam Yang regarded Tai Yi with a peculiar expression, inquiring, "And who might that be?"

Tai Yi responded with a mysterious smile.

At that precise moment, a raspy voice emanated from beyond the door: "It is this old man. Little girl, it has been quite some time. I trust you are in good health!"

As he spoke, an elderly man with snow-white hair entered, a smile gracing his lips as he looked towards Madam Yang.

Upon recognizing the visitor, Madam Yang's countenance contorted into one of pure terror, and she exclaimed, "Senior Xu Guang!"

The four gentlemen present visibly trembled upon beholding the elder.

The old man strolled in, his smile unwavering, and stated, "My reason for visiting today is simple. I learned from Tai Yi that the Sword Demon is an undefeated general under your Zhao Family's banner!"

"Consequently, I have come to petition the Zhao Family for a singular favor: to permit me a battle against Sword Demon!"

"I wonder if this request presents any inconvenience?"

"Little girl!"

Elder Xu Guang inquired with a jovial tone.

Madam Yang, her voice laced with apprehension, stammered repeatedly, "Senior Xu Guang, you wish to contend against Sword Demon?"

Xu Guang grinned, replying, "Indeed. His ability to defeat the Blade Emperor proves his martial prowess is extraordinary, a fact that piques the interest of an old man like myself, long retired from the fray. My hands itch for combat, and I wished to ascertain your Zhao Family's disposition in the matter!"

Madam Yang responded, "Given it is Senior Xu Guang's request, this humble junior cannot possibly refuse. May I inquire as to when Senior Xu Guang intends for this battle to take place?"

Xu Guang declared, "Since you harbor no objections, let the Fighting Arena make the arrangements. Seven days hence, then!"

Madam Yang nodded in agreement, stating, "Very well, in seven days!"

Xu Guang gave a slight nod, turned, and departed the Elegant Pavilion!

Tai Yi followed close behind.

Following the departure of Xu Guang and Tai Yi, a flicker of delight surfaced on Madam Yang's countenance.

The four distinguished gentlemen addressed Madam Yang with grave concern, stating, "Madam, why did you so readily consent? This is Sword Demon's final contest!"

"We must select his opponent with utmost care!"

"Madam, if Sword Demon is to contend with Senior Xu Guang, wouldn't that be akin to sending him to his demise?"

"Even if he survives, defeating Senior Xu Guang is simply beyond Sword Demon's capabilities!"

"Then all our prior efforts would be in vain!"

The four gentlemen voiced their apprehension.

Madam Yang let out a delicate chuckle, remarking, "You are unaware. Just as we were fretting over the lack of a suitable challenger, who would have imagined Senior Xu Guang himself desiring a match? Naturally, this presents the optimal scenario!"

"Announce the news immediately: in seven days, Senior Xu Guang shall face Sword Demon in combat!"

"Disseminate this news at once, extending to all neighboring cities!"

"I wish for every city surrounding Black Water City to be aware of this event, drawing them here to place their wagers!"

"Furthermore, I must return to the Zhao Family to marshal their resources. This bout, I intend to wager several billion merits!"

Madam Yang declared this with evident excitement.

The four gentlemen were taken aback, gazing at Madam Yang and inquiring, "Madam, several billion merits, and all staked on Sword Demon?"

Madam Yang responded with a hint of irritation, "How could that be! Naturally, the wager will be placed on Senior Xu Guang. How could Sword Demon possibly triumph over Senior Xu Guang?"

"Hmph!"

"Swimming against the current, this is the perfect opportunity to amass considerable winnings!"

Madam Yang proclaimed with a proud smile.

Only then did the four gentlemen comprehend her strategy, and simultaneously, a smile of understanding dawned on their faces: "Madam, your brilliance is unmatched!"

...

Deep within the night.

In Lin Bai's courtyard, he was sharing drinks with Ban Ye and Uncle Fatty.

At this precise moment, Lin Bai received a voice transmission from Madam Yang, relaying the details of his next martial arts competition – the date and his formidable opponent!

Upon hearing the information, Lin Bai didn't hesitate, assenting immediately.

Returning to their humble courtyard, Lin Bai mused with a grin, "Xu Guang..."

Thunk!

The instant Lin Bai uttered these two syllables, Uncle Fatty and Ban Ye's expressions shifted drastically. Even the cups in their hands slipped and tumbled to the floor unnoticed.

Noticing the bewildered looks on their faces, Lin Bai inquired with a smile, "What troubles you both?"

Uncle Fatty trembled, swallowed hard, and stammered, "Brother Lin Bai, why did you suddenly bring up that name?"

Lin Bai, curious, asked, "Why? Is he someone of great renown?"

Ban Ye, at this juncture, contemplated a startling possibility. He quickly questioned, "Could it be that the Fighting Arena intends for Sword Demon to face Xu Guang?"

Lin Bai offered a subtle smile, meeting Ban Ye's gaze.

Seeing the knowing smile on Lin Bai's lips, Ban Ye realized his suspicion was correct.

The Fighting Arena was indeed planning to pit Sword Demon against Xu Guang!

Lin Bai, still perplexed, probed further, "Just who is this individual? Why do you both react so intensely upon merely hearing his name?"

Ban Ye took a large swig of potent wine, his eyes wide with trepidation, and began, "He is..."