The Martial Emperor with Dragon Blood

Chapter 852: Chapter 853: The Wager Battle Begins

"The competition hasn’t started yet, and you’re already speaking so definitively."

Du Feng coldly chuckled, staring directly at Liu Qingtai: "Qingtai, you haven’t forgotten our wager, have you?"

Liu Qingtai’s expression remained indifferent as she replied, "Du Feng, the position of Sect Leader isn’t something you can covet. My father will surely return."

"Qingtai, Master has died; he’s been dead for a long time. Deep down, you’ve gradually acknowledged this fact, haven’t you? Otherwise, you wouldn’t have accepted this wager battle."

Du Feng said calmly.

"Enough nonsense, let’s begin!"

As if touching a nerve within Liu Qingtai, her delicate body trembled slightly, though her gaze was fixed on the distant arena.

Du Feng’s heart was suddenly overwhelmed by a flood of ecstasy, suppressing his inner joy while internally boiling over: "Liu Qingtai, the position of Sect Leader is mine, and so are you. From now on, Heavenly Sword Society will change to Du."

For today’s wager, Du Feng spent unknown amounts of time, first getting through to Hsiao Hai, who was closest to Liu Qingtai, and then gradually instigating the disciples to spread rumors about Liu Xinghai’s death, breaking Liu Qingtai’s defenses, and ultimately luring her into this wager.

Du Feng took a deep breath, exchanged glances with Hsiao Hai, and then said, "Since that’s settled, let’s begin the competition."

Upon finishing, Zheng Hao and Wang Zhong flew down from the pagoda directly onto the arena.

In an instant, the entire square erupted into a frenzy.

The match was finally about to start!

Ye Mo looked at the two on the arena, and from the disciples’ discussions, Ye Mo knew that Zheng Hao on his right represented Liu Qingtai, while Wang Zhong on his left represented Du Feng.

"Both of them are at the Qiankun First Transformation, and the man on the right has a more formidable aura. On the surface, it seems Liu Qingtai is sure to win."

Ye Mo thought to himself as he cast his gaze towards Liu Qingtai on the pavilion and then withdrew his gaze, as the battle had already begun on the arena.

All the disciples watched the competition intently.

Indeed, the disciple Liu Qingtai recommended, Zheng Hao, who happened to be Hsiao Hai’s cousin, appeared to be twenty years old, possessed an impressive demeanor, long hair flowing over his shoulders, features cold and sharp, holding a longsword, motionless as a clock, giving off an aura of arrogance. Around him, a vicious air entwined, making his presence extremely powerful.

Compared to Zheng Hao, Wang Zhong, recommended by Du Feng, seemed much milder, not only in appearance but also in aura.

From a discerning eye’s view, it was clear Zheng Hao had a greater chance of winning.

"Looks like the chances for the Young Sect Master to win this time are higher."

"That might not be the case. Just based on aura, the disciple recommended by Master does appear weaker, but only once the fight starts can it be known for sure."

Disciples under the stage began discussing anew.

"Senior Sister Qingtai, look at them standing on that arena, and Zheng Hao already has a decisive advantage."

Hsiao Hai said with a smile.

"Hmm! I hope this advantage can continue for them."

Liu Qingtai nodded.

The match finally commenced. The chosen disciples were indeed extremely formidable, their moves not showing any delay, their attacks infused with space, yet neither side initially gaining a substantial upper hand.

However, Ye Mo could tell that Zheng Hao was already holding back. With his powerful aura, if he truly sought to defeat Wang Zhong, a strong assault from the onset would have prevented the current situation.

Had Ye Mo not overheard the conversation between Hsiao Hai and Du Feng, he might not have caught this subtlety. Both fighters appeared to be battling with all their might, leaving no apparent indication of anything amiss.

Hsiao Hai wouldn’t foolishly have Zheng Hao concede outright; instead, he aimed to have Zheng Hao consciously lose without anyone noticing, so afterward Liu Qingtai wouldn’t hold him accountable.

"Hah, hopefully, you can notice a grain of discrepancy."

Ye Mo sighed.

On the pavilion, Liu Qingtai watched the arena, her brows furrowed tightly. Nearly a stick’s worth of incense time had passed, and she naturally noticed that Zheng Hao’s advantage was becoming less evident.

"Hsiao Hai, what’s going on?"

As Zheng Hao was pushed back by Wang Zhong step by step, Liu Qingtai’s face slightly changed: "How could he be overtaken?"

"Senior Sister Qingtai, I—I don’t know either."

Hsiao Hai feigned panic.

"Haha, Qingtai, the disciple I recommended is a steady Martial Artist, while your disciple bursts forth strongly initially, but lacks endurance in the later stages."

Du Feng explained haphazardly: "I don’t see this going on for too many more rounds before your disciple is on the verge of defeat."

"Master, don’t speak so absolutely. Zheng Hao has yet to use his ultimate move!"

Hsiao Hai said viciously.

Indeed, as Hsiao Hai’s words just fell, a longsword appeared behind Zheng Hao, enveloped in Killing Aura. With a slight shake, seventy-two shadows appeared on it, surging mightily, each sword shadow akin to a long river.

Boom!

A sword flew forth, as if the Sword God had descended.

The ferocious Zheng Hao finally unleashed a lethal counterattack.

"This move is incredible; it seems the Young Sect Master’s recommended fighter is set to win."

Upon seeing this move, many disciples were taken aback, clearly not expecting Zheng Hao to have a trump card.

"Sword God Domain!"

Facing this move, Wang Zhong, recommended by Du Feng, responded by extending all his hair. A longsword appeared above his head, not tangible but formed by Xuan Aura. All his energy burst forth, with the icy longsword emitting an endless aura that enveloped his body.

Standing atop the longsword within the Sword God Domain, Wang Zhong created an invincible Sword Qi Domain.

Instantly, Zheng Hao’s surging Sword Intent was suppressed.

"You won’t be able to break through my domain."

Just as Wang Zhong’s words landed, his entire demeanor changed, with strong Sword Intent permeating from every pore, collectively soaring skyward. He suddenly snatched the longsword beneath him and stabbed fiercely!

Poof!

Zheng Hao’s expression shifted slightly, but before he could react, Wang Zhong’s longsword plunged into his chest.

"You?"

Staring incredulously at his adversary, Zheng Hao gasped.

"I originally thought you were strong, but now it seems that even without you letting me win, I could still defeat you."

Wang Zhong chuckled lightly, kicking Zheng Hao who flew off the stage.

"He lost!"

For many disciples witnessing the outcome, they were entirely unprepared for this result.

Seeing this scene, Liu Qingtai’s delicate body trembled, her face suddenly turning pale.

Du Feng’s lips curled into a barely perceptible smile as he looked at Liu Qingtai and said: "Qingtai, you’ve lost."

Liu Qingtai’s expression turned ashen; her last hope utterly shattered, she gritted her lips and said: "Hsiao Hai, let’s go."

"Qingtai, why leave so soon?"

Du Feng directly held Liu Qingtai and spoke to the disciples below the square: "Everyone, today’s wager was witnessed by all. Qingtai lost to me. According to our bet, Qingtai is now my woman, and if within a year, the Sect Leader doesn’t emerge from seclusion, as a personal disciple, I, Du Feng, shall become the new Sect Leader of the Heavenly Sword Society." Ah