by Translator: BornToBe; Author: Ordinary Magician (平凡魔术师); Licensed From: 17k
“Isn’t this Shi Feng too arrogant?”
Just as people thought Shi Feng had a huge ego, that person suddenly sent out a second punch towards his lower abdomen; the first one had actually just been a feint.
A large palm met that punch. Shi Feng grabbed onto that person’s fist and started to apply some force.
“Time for you to go.”
That person let out a startled cry as his body flew a dozen meters through the air. Eventually, he fell flat on his face.
After landing, he spat out some dirt and cursed a couple of times. He turned to leave, deciding to not even look at the rest of the battles.
“Brother Shi is formidable!”
Fatty Yu and the others took advantage of this moment to shout out this slogan. Following their shout, the crowd loudly cheered.
These cheers contained countless young maidens’ cries as well. Long Chen smiled; no wonder so many people wanted to go up to fight. This was the best way for men to attract women.
Suddenly, Long Chen sensed a gaze coming at him from the seats above. Looking up, he saw that Chu Yao was staring at him.
He smiled and winked at her, causing her to immediately turn red and quickly lower her head. But joy filled her eyes.
However, neither Long Chen nor Chu Yao noticed that these small movements of theirs had been noticed by another person.
Xia Changfeng’s face was ashen, and he suddenly whispered to a person beside him, “How was your scouting? Did you find his limits?”
“Your servant tested him. His cultivation base is extremely strange, and his true level could not be found. However, in terms of combat ability, he does not surpass early Blood Condensation,” whispered that person.
If Long Chen were there, he would have immediately recognized this person’s voice as being the person who had fake attempted to assassinate him.
“Hmph, that’s good. Huang Chang, you must kill him today. Do your best not to disclose too much of your hidden strength,” ordered Xia Changfeng coldly.
This Huang Chang was one of his bodyguards, the man with the scar on his face. Huang Chang cruelly smiled, “Don’t worry master. He definitely won’t survive the night.”
Bang!
It went without saying that Shi Feng who had reached the Blood Condensation realm was unstoppable. He defeated eighteen people in a row, filling the crowd with excitement.
The last two people were also Blood Condensation experts, but in terms of combat strength, they were quite a bit weaker than him.
After all, Shi Feng had received Long Chen’s assistance when breaking through to Blood Condensation, so his foundation was much firmer than the others, giving him a great advantage.
After defeating the last Blood Condensation expert, Shi Feng called out three times, but no one else came up.
According to the rules of the competition, the title of the Phoenix Cry’s number one junior warrior had already landed within Shi Feng’s lap.
Under the enthusiastic cries of the entire crowd, Shi Feng walked over to the Empress Dowager and kneeled. The Empress Dowager bestowed upon him a jade medal and gave him a few encouraging words.
When he returned back down to the martial stage, the crowd became even more impassioned, and countless maidens surged over there, throwing flower loops over Shi Feng’s neck.
Each of those flower loops had been personally made by those maidens. It was a token for the man they admired. If that man picked it up, then it meant that the man accepted the maiden’s heart.
Each flower loop had the maiden’s name sewn onto it, so the man could easily figure out whose it was. The stronger a man was within the Phoenix Cry Empire, the more wives and concubines he would have. So rather than being the sole wife of a mediocre man, a great deal of maidens would prefer to marry a strong man who had many wives.
When Shi Feng returned, his body was covered with flower loops and only his head could be seen. He could barely see where he was going.
“Haha, congratulations Shi Feng!” Long Chen couldn’t help laughing at that comical sight.
“This time you’ve struck rich Shi Feng!” Shou Hou was filled with admiration.
“Hmph, what riches. Shi Feng isn’t some peddler. But brother Shi, make sure to get your affairs in order when you go back. No matter what, you have to pick a couple of good wives,” laughed fatty Yu.
By giving those flower loops to him, those maidens had all expressed their willingness to marry him. As long as he assented and gave them a betrothal gift, they could immediately proceed to the wedding. It was extremely convenient.
Shi Feng turned red and said, “I was only able to do this because of Long Chen’s assistance. How about we split these flower loops between us?”
Everyone choked when they heard that. Only Shi Feng would think of trying to divvy up such a thing.
Seeing everyone laugh, Shi Feng also realized what he had said. He played dumb, causing people to laugh even harder.
Normally, this would signify the end of the lantern festival. But just as people were preparing to leave, Xia Changfeng suddenly laughed:
“That battle just now truly was marvelous. But I still feel as if we haven’t had our fill yet. I have a suggestion, but I don’t know whether it’s appropriate.”
The Empress Dowager frowned slightly. Too many things had occurred today, and she didn’t want to deal with anything else. But Xia Changfeng was a guest, so the Empress Dowager could not easily contradict him. “You can say what you want prince Xia.”
“In order to add more fun, I’ll also send a youngster from my side to exchange blows with your Phoenix Cry’s top talent. Let’s compare and see which one is stronger,” laughed Xia Changfeng.
Before the Empress Dowager could say anything, Wei Cang interrupted, “The Grand Xia and the Phoenix Cry Empire are like a family, and it’s just a friendly competition. I doubt the Empress Dowager would refuse.”
The Empress Dowager only sighed in anger. They were clearly using their words to trap her. If she didn’t agree, that would offend Wei Cang.
“Then, we’ll listen to grandmaster, so we can see the grace of the Grand Xia’s men. But I still don’t know who is going on to the stage?”
“Huang Chang, you go. Remember to go easy and not ruin our friendship.” Xia Changfeng waved his hand.
“Yes.”
Huang Chang stepped lightly on the ground, and he shot through the air like a huge bird, gently landing on the stage.
“Grand Xia’s Huang Chang inviting any Phoenix Cry geniuses to exchange pointers.” Huang Chang cupped his hands.
“Is this a mistake? You already look so old, yet you act like a youth? Isn’t your skin a bit too thick?” Long Chen fed some words to Shou Hou who shouted them out.
Huang Chang smiled. “I’m only nineteen this year. I have official documents that confirm this, and everyone from the Grand Xia knows this.”
The crowd relaxed at his words. Some people simply did age a bit faster.
“Young master Long, I’ve heard rumors of your strength since arriving at the capital. I truly admire you. Do I have the qualifications to swap pointers with the young master?” Huang Chang cupped his hands towards Long Chen.
Everyone’s gaze lit up at his words, and the crowd immediately began to cheer.
“Long Chen!”
“Long Chen!”
“Long Chen!”
Their shouts were surging waves that completely impassioned everyone’s blood, and countless fervent glances landed on Long Chen.
Chapter 41 Long Chen's Fury
“Long Chen!”
“Long Chen!”
“Long Chen!”
Long Chen glanced at Huang Chang and then at the distant Xia Changfeng. How could he not understand what was going on? With a cold laugh, he beckoned with a hand.
Long Chen’s hand motion immediately made the crowd silent as they waited to hear what he would say. But Long Chen only threw out a single sentence. “I have no interest in bat
tling with a declining dog who has aged prematurely.”
The entire crowd was completely stunned; Long Chen had actually declined.
“This is Phoenix Cry’s number one junior generation? What a worthless person. I’m really disappointed.” Huang Chang shook his head.
Long Chen coldly smiled. He had already jumped into one trap today, so did they expect him to jump into a second one? There wasn’t even any bait this time. Did they think he was stupid?
“Let’s leave now. Don’t bother with that dog.”
Following his shout to the crowd, Long Chen walked away. He urgently wished to refine the beast flame and didn’t have time to waste on this.
“You actually want to obtain the third princess with such conduct? I’d advise you about the toad who wanted to try eating the swan’s meat. Or should I call you trash?” Huang Chang coldly laughed when he saw Long Chen wanted to leave.
Long Chen suddenly turned stiff. This Huang Chang had truly infuriated him now. He didn’t know when it had happened, but at some point, Chu Yao had already become an extremely important part of his heart which he absolutely could not let other people trample on.
But despite his fury, Long Chen still didn’t want to fight with this Huang Chang. He didn’t have enough assurance, so he continued to walk away.
“I’ll accompany you.” Suddenly, Shi Feng shouted and jumped atop the martial arena.
Long Chen was greatly alarmed and quickly went to grab Shi Feng. But Shi Feng had gone too fast and Long Chen wasn’t able to stop him before he had already jumped atop the stage.
“Huang Chang, clean your mouth. Long Chen isn’t someone you can disgrace.” Shi Feng coldly pointed at Huang Chang.
Seeing Shi Feng come onto the stage, Huang Chang’s eyes brightened. He cruelly smiled, “Although you might be the number one junior warrior, you won’t last ten exchanges with me. You should go down and try not to lose face.”
“Too arrogant!”
“Disgusting!”
“Wreck him, Shi Feng!”
Shi Feng had just obtained the title of number one junior warrior. His strength just now was admired by countless people. For this person from the Grand Xia to insult Shi Feng was insulting the entire younger generation of the Phoenix Cry Empire.
“Shi Feng, get down!” Long Chen had already rushed over beside the stage and sternly ordered him.
“See, he told you to get down. He’s afraid you’ll get hurt. You should go down.” Huang Chang also indifferently persuaded him. But his words were even more infuriating than if he had cursed him.
“Long Chen, I want to test him,” said Shi Feng.
“This is a trap! If you fight with him, you won’t be my brother anymore!” Long Chen angrily roared.
“He can insult me, but he cannot insult you. No matter what, I have to fight him. I can’t listen to you today.” Shi Feng glared at Huang Chang. “Come.”
Huang Chang glanced at him and nodded. “I hadn’t noticed that you are more mature than him. Due to your courage, I will concede if you can receive ten of my blows.”
“Arrogance!” Shi Feng roared and all of his body’s energy erupted. Stamping on the stage, he rushed at Huang Chang with a punch.
This punch contained all of Shi Feng’s power. The wind whistled and even space was torn open. Even people dozens of meters away could clearly feel it.
“Good!”
Seeing Shi Feng’s imposing punch, everyone let out a burst of cheering. But Long Chen was extremely anxious.
BANG!
Shi Feng’s fist which had seemed completely unstoppable was stiffly blocked. Huang Chang used merely a single hand to stop it. In fact, Shi Feng’s entire body’s momentum had disappeared the moment he had collided with that hand.
“What?!”
Everyone was shocked; Shi Feng’s punch was extremely powerful, but it was unable to shake Huang Chang at all. Their hearts jumped wildly.
“Just this little power?” Huang Chang shook his head disdainfully.
Shi Feng’s astonishment immediately became a raging fury. He sent a kick viciously towards Huang Chang’s stomach, and at the same time, used his right hand to lock onto Huang Chang’s throat.
This was a double attack; the kick was sent first so Huang Chang would try to avoid it while his other hand could lock onto his throat. It was a very clever move.
But what Shi Feng hadn’t expected was that Huang Chang didn’t even avoid it. He actually sent out another kick in response, and his speed was shocking; despite being the second to move, his kick landed first.
BANG!
Huang Chang’s kick landed on Shi Feng’s knee. Shi Feng felt the burst of pain there, before suddenly also feeling a punch land on his stomach.
He was sent back three steps and found his right knee was broken. But before he could recover, Huang Chang had already pressed his advantage.
“He really is strong. If Shi Feng can’t continue, then he should concede.”
Huang Chang’s movement was not slow at all. A hand shot out directly for Shi Feng’s throat.
Shi Feng quickly sent out a punch to block that claw.
Bang!
Shi Feng’s punch was only just sent out before it was latched onto by Huang Chang’s hand, and suddenly, a powerful force came from it.
Crack!
One of Shi Feng’s arms broke.
“Ah, my bad. It seems I used a bit too much strength.”
Huang Chang smiled apologetically, but his hands didn’t stop and another one came at him.
One of Shi Feng’s knees was unable to move anymore, so there was no way for him to retreat. This time, Huang Chang’s palm landed on his shoulder.
A bizarre force came from it, and Shi Feng felt his stomach become suppressed as if it were being crushed by a huge boulder. It became difficult to breathe.
Now, he finally realized the power difference between them was too great. He wanted to open his mouth, but he found that he was unable to speak.
“Shi Feng, if you can’t continue, then you can concede at any time.” Huang Chang smiled slightly, but his eyes were extremely sinister. Another palm was sent towards Shi Feng’s stomach.
BANG!
Shi Feng was sent flying and spat out a mouthful of blood. The force was so great that he was sent flying off the stage.
Long Chen lightly jumped and caught Shi Feng. Long Chen examined him and found Shi Feng’s knee was broken, his arm was broken, and the last blow had split his meridians, almost turning him into a cripple.
The entire plaza was deathly silent. No one had thought that the bold and powerful Shi Feng, who was unequaled just a short moment ago, would be defeated so quickly and miserably.
“Brother Shi Feng really is too stubborn. He actually decided to take that palm without conceding… My apologies.” Huang Chang was helplessly looking at Long Chen and the others from atop the stage.
But Long Chen could see his ridicule and contempt deep within his gaze.
“Fists have no eyes. If you have to blame someone, you can only blame him for trying to show off without any ability. Not killing him is already not bad.” Wei Cang shook his head.
“Shut the hell up you old stick!”
Long Chen’s sudden furious shout rang out, and a powerful killing intent soared, causing everyone to tremble.
Even those noblemen, who saw battle all year round, felt their hearts’ jump and were shocked.
Long Chen fed Shi Feng a healing pill and slowly walked up the martial stage. Looking at Huang Chang, his words were like ice shards.
“You’re trying to force me to fight you right? I guess you’re satisfied now.”
The current Long Chen was releasing a surging killing intent. What he didn’t know was that while he was consumed by his fury, the FengFu Star at the bottom of his foot had begun to quickly circulate.
Before it was just a primal ball of energy, but now, it was gradually becoming clear. However, with the passing of time, it seemed as if it w
ere lacking some kind of energy and slowly dimmed back down to its original state.
Long Chen turned to Xia Changfeng and pointed at his nose. “Xia Changfeng, you cuckold bastard, just wait for me!”
He then continued, “Empress Dowager, I demand a life and death battle with Huang Chang.”
That final sentence of his was said to the Empress Dowager. For a moment, the entire plaza became still.
“Long Chen…” Chu Yao was panicked as she looked at the infuriated Long Chen. She had never seen him so angry before, and her heart couldn’t help being pained for him.
“Empress Dowager, life and death battles are grand and heroic. It’s the very essence of what it means to be a man. I feel that the only right choice is to support it.” Seeing Long Chen furiously demand a life and death battle with Huang Chang, Wei Cang became joyous. He would be able to take back his beast flame if this continued.
That was because the loser would have his spoils taken away by the victor in a life and death battle.
The Empress Dowager was in a difficult position. She looked at grandmaster Yun Qi who was also gravely looking at Long Chen.
“Please help me, grandmaster.” Long Chen nodded to him.
Yun Qi sighed, “Empress Dowager can decide this. Since this is Long Chen’s challenge, the guild has no right to interfere.”
“Then, I permit it.”
Following her proclamation, no one cheered in the slightest. This was already not a martial competition, but a bloody battle to the death.
Xia Changfeng had just been cursed by Long Chen, but he wasn’t the slightest bit angry now. It was not worthwhile to get angry at a dead man.
Their trap was going great; originally, they were planning on Huang Chang accidentally making a mistake and killing Long Chen, but now, they could kill him openly and resolve all their hatred.
Chu Yao, on the other hand, was extremely worried. Huang Chang had defeated Shi Feng as if he were playing with a child and was obviously an extremely powerful and frightening opponent.
The people below the stage who had wanted Long Chen to accept the fight at the beginning all despaired now. They were astonished that Long Chen would now propose a life and death battle.