The Unparalleled Sword Emperor Chapter 2709 - 2684: Undefeated General

Within the confines of the modest courtyard, Lin Bai observed a subtle shift in the demeanor of Ban Ye and Fatty upon uttering the name Xu Guang. A palpable air of unease and apprehension clouded their expressions, tinged with a distinct hint of fear.

Ban Ye, in particular, betrayed a visible tremor of anxiety when he surmised that the Sword Demon intended to confront Xu Guang, necessitating a hasty gulp of wine to steady his nerves.

"Uncle Ban Ye, Uncle Fatty, who precisely is this Xu Guang? Why does his name evoke such a profound reaction from you both?" Lin Bai inquired, his curiosity piqued as he regarded the two men.

"He is..." Ban Ye paused, taking another swig of the potent liquor, his words faltering as if hesitant to articulate further.

Fatty, meanwhile, seemed disinclined to even contemplate the individual, his head shaking in a persistent negative motion.

This reticence only served to ignite Lin Bai's curiosity about Xu Guang. Who was this person that commanded such a fearsome reputation throughout Black Water City?

Following a brief period of silence, Ban Ye finally spoke, "Brother Lin Bai, are you aware of the 'Undefeated General' who presides over the Fighting Arena?"

"Xu Guang IS the Undefeated General of Black Water City's Fighting Arena!"

Ban Ye fixed Lin Bai with a serious gaze as he delivered this declaration.

"What!" Lin Bai's exclamation was one of sheer astonishment, his eyes widening considerably.

While Lin Bai had initially surmised Xu Guang might be a distinguished General, the revelation that he was, in fact, the Undefeated General of Black Water City was entirely unexpected.

Ban Ye elaborated, "Within the Fighting Arena of Black Water City, the ranks of ordinary warriors are countless!"

"There are well over a thousand Little Generals!"

"More than a hundred Undefeated Generals!"

"And more than twenty Great Generals!"

"However, there stands only one Undefeated General!"

"That singular title belongs to Xu Guang, the Undefeated General of Black Water City’s Fighting Arena!"

Ban Ye’s voice dropped to a low, resonant tone.

Fatty interjected at this juncture, "Furthermore, Xu Guang has maintained his position in the Fighting Arena for an extensive duration. He has been engaged in combat there for no less than fifty years!"

"Across these protracted fifty-plus years, he has participated in over two thousand martial arts competitions, and within that entire span, he has not suffered a single defeat!"

"What an astounding record! More than two thousand completed victories without a single loss!"

The mere recollection of Xu Guang caused Fatty's entire frame to shudder.

Lin Bai, ever inquisitive, posed a question, "How is this possible? Has Xu Guang already achieved a breakthrough to the Wending Realm?"

Ban Ye countered with a shake of his head, explaining, "No, Senior Xu Guang remains at the Great Perfection stage of the Death Reversal Realm. It is highly probable that he could have ascended to the Wending Realm long ago, yet he has refrained!"

"Nevertheless, his prowess is likely unrivaled by anyone below the Wending Realm!"

Ban Ye stated with a placid demeanor.

Upon absorbing this information, a notable gravity settled upon Lin Bai's expression.

Ban Ye continued, "On the Northern Continent, within the Lounan Dynasty, there exists a saying of ten thousand cities. Each of these cities boasts a Fighting Arena, and every single arena is overseen by an Undefeated General!"

"The standing of these Undefeated Generals within the Fighting Arena is exceptionally elevated; they are regarded as integral figures among the elite echelons of the arena!"

"In essence, their status transcends mere warriors; they are to be classified as prominent figures within the arena's hierarchy!"

"And Senior Xu Guang, who has remained inactive for the past seven to eight years, is now set to engage in a battle against the Sword Demon!"

"This impending confrontation is guaranteed to send colossal shockwaves throughout Black Water City. Warriors from neighboring cities will undoubtedly flock here upon hearing the news. At that juncture, the betting odds within the Fighting Arena will undoubtedly skyrocket to unprecedented heights!"

Ban Ye remarked with a gentle tone.

Lin Bai became lost in contemplation, taking a slow sip of his wine, his gaze cast downwards as he mulled over something unspoken.

Fatty voiced his hopes, "One can only wish that the Sword Demon does not suffer an excessively humiliating defeat at the hands of Senior Xu Guang!"

"However, speaking of which, the betting houses within the Fighting Arena should be open for business by now!"

"Ban Ye, why don't we seize this opportunity to try and accumulate a bit more?"

"Let us place all our stakes on Senior Xu Guang. Surely, he is incapable of losing."

Fatty turned to Ban Ye, proposing this course of action.

Ban Ye hesitated for a fleeting moment, then cast a subtle glance at Lin Bai, his expression weighted with thought, immersed in an unrevealed contemplation!

At this precise instant, Lin Bai's gaze lifted to meet Ban Ye's, and he inquired, "Uncle Ban Ye, did you already suspect?"

Fatty, his curiosity piqued, looked towards Lin Bai, questioning, "Brother Lin Bai, what are you referring to? What is it that Ban Ye already knows?"

Catching the implication of Lin Bai's inquiry, Ban Ye let out a soft chuckle and responded, "Do not forget, it was I who facilitated your entry into the Fighting Arena. And on that particular day, only a handful of newcomers truly distinguished themselves!"

"There is no need for further speculation; I had already deduced that it was you!"

Lin Bai offered a light chuckle in return, draining the wine from his cup and stating with a smile, "Uncle Ban Ye, if your belief remains steadfast, then wager all your merits upon me!"

"I shall not taste defeat!"

"And furthermore, this particular bout possesses the potential to yield the most substantial odds seen in Black Water City for many years. Should your bet prove fortunate, you could experience an immediate turnaround in your fortunes within Black Water City!"

Lin Bai offered a gentle smile before turning back towards his own courtyard.

Ban Ye observed Lin Bai's retreating figure, his expression unreadable.

Fatty, his brow furrowed, directed his question towards Ban Ye. "Ban Ye, what exactly were you discussing with Lin Bai? I couldn't grasp a single word!"

"What did Brother Lin Bai mean when he said he wouldn't lose?"

Ban Ye drew a deep breath and replied with utmost seriousness, "Because he is the Sword Demon!"

Thump!

Upon hearing Ban Ye's declaration, Fatty, who was on the verge of taking a sip of wine, faltered. His hand involuntarily slipped, sending the wine cup crashing to the floor.

Fatty's eyes widened in disbelief, fixed on Lin Bai's retreating back.

"What!"

"Ban Ye, are you saying Brother Lin Bai is the Sword Demon? The very individual causing such a stir in the Fighting Arena?"

"He's the Sword Demon?"

Fatty's voice cracked with astonishment.

Ban Ye gave a slight nod.

"My heavens, he truly is the Sword Demon!" Fatty exclaimed, his disbelief palpable.

Ban Ye then added, "Just now, Brother Lin Bai instructed me to place all my bets on him, assuring me that he would not be defeated!"

Fatty appeared uncertain, pondering for a moment before hesitantly asking, "So, Ban Ye, what's your plan? Are you really going to wager on Brother Lin Bai? Can he possibly defeat Senior Xu Guang?"

Ban Ye let out a laugh. "Of course, I'll bet on Brother Lin Bai. After all, it was entirely thanks to him that I've accumulated so many merits!"

"Not only will I bet on him, but I'm going to wager every single one of my merits!"

"I've already managed to exchange for the complete Darkwater Divine Thunder Technique. I still have a million merits remaining!"

"This time, every last bit will be placed on Brother Lin Bai!"

"These merits were originally earned through his efforts. Even if I were to lose them all, it wouldn't truly matter."

Ban Ye flashed a light smile, exuding an air of carefree indifference.

Fatty shook his head. "Brother, I fear I cannot join you on this particular bet. His opponent is, after all, Senior Xu Guang. I cannot afford to be so reckless; I need to give this more careful consideration."

Ban Ye chuckled. "I understand!"

With that, Ban Ye briskly made his way towards the Fighting Arena.

Upon reaching the Fighting Arena, Ban Ye did not immediately place his bet. Instead, he waited patiently until the odds reached their absolute peak before making his wager.

Ever since the news of the impending battle between Xu Guang and the Sword Demon broke, it had sent ripples of excitement throughout Black Water City.

In a single night, the odds had already shifted drastically, with Xu Guang leading the Sword Demon at a ten-to-one ratio!

And with six more days until the martial arts competition commences, no one could even fathoms the terrifying heights these odds might reach!