Chapter 9: The Game

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Mo Yu could not fathom how Chu Yun managed it—he had actually repelled Fan Zhiming, a sixth-rank warrior, twice. Even Fan Zhiming’s companion possessed the strength of a fifth-rank warrior. If Fan Zhiming had merely been caught off guard, there was no reason both of them would have suffered at Chu Yun’s hands.

This could only mean that Chu Yun’s abilities were far from as simple as a first-rank warrior.

But that was impossible. Last year, Chu Yun’s strength had been assessed as a solid first rank. There was no way he could have made such astonishing progress in less than a year.

Watching the furious Fan Zhiming, Mo Yu walked over to Chu Yun, sensing that the situation was slipping beyond his control.

He whispered, “Old Yun, maybe we should leave. Let’s just drop this.”

Leave?

Could this really be dropped?

Chu Yun’s current strength was not yet enough, so he hadn’t sought out those top students who had once bullied him to settle old scores. Someday, every family would be held accountable.

But since Fan Zhiming had come today, actively seeking trouble, if Chu Yun simply let it go, he wouldn’t be fit to own his own body.

On the other side, as the music ceased and disrupted the mood, Duanmu Ci stood on the second-floor balcony, peering over to watch the commotion.

Among the opposing parties, he recognized Fan Zhiming, but had no impression of Chu Yun at all.

“Who is that guy? How is it that Fan Zhiming is actually getting the worst of a confrontation with him?” Duanmu Ci asked his companion curiously.

The friend chuckled, “Young Master Ci, you don’t know him? He’s quite the figure in our academy.”

“Oh?” Duanmu Ci’s interest was piqued. “Why have I never heard of or seen him?”

“He’s the one who lowers our academy’s overall average strength. Do you recall?”

Duanmu Ci remembered, joking, “Isn’t he said to be the dean’s own son?”

“That’s the one. While other academies have second-rank warriors everywhere, ours admitted this first-rank warrior and kept him for a year. Outsiders whisper about underhanded dealings and have dug into his family background, but he’s just an ordinary guy.”

“Then why does he still remain in the academy?” Duanmu Ci frowned.

“Have you heard of Ye Linglong?”

Duanmu Ci’s eyes lit up: “Her? She was my classmate in elementary school—I remember her well.”

His friend nodded, “Other high-level martial academies wanted to recruit Ye Linglong, but she chose to stay at our academy, on the condition that this guy be allowed to study here with her.”

Another companion chimed in, “Young Master Ci, perhaps you’re not aware, but Ye Linglong intends to have this good-for-nothing become a son-in-law of the Ye family.”

Duanmu Ci was momentarily stunned, clicking his tongue, “What a pity.”

“Of course. Many wish to marry Ye Linglong—not that the Ye family is impressive, but Ye Linglong, apart from her talent and strength, is unmatched in beauty. Having such a wife brings nothing but benefits to a household.”

“But the Duanmu family surely has better options,” the friend smiled, “Ye Linglong is clearly beneath you, Young Master Ci.”

“That’s not entirely true,” Duanmu Ci forced a smile.

“It’s quite the bargain for this kid,” the other companions muttered jealously.

Duanmu Ci gazed at Chu Yun on the floor below with a complicated expression. Hearing his friends’ words, the face of Ye Linglong, who had grown more stunning over the years, flashed through his mind, leaving him with a sour feeling.

“Fan Zhiming is vindictive—this guy won’t have an easy time,” Duanmu Ci observed, “That good-for-nothing dares to challenge Fan Zhiming to a duel outside? He must be out of his mind.”

On the floor, the bar manager, hearing Chu Yun’s terms for Fan Zhiming, found them reasonable. He turned to Fan Zhiming and asked, “What do you say? If you object, you two can duel one-on-one at the city’s arena. Just don’t cause trouble here. I think this young man is quite sensible. If you lose the duel, you can simply drink the wine and settle the matter.”

One-on-one duels were established by the eight lords of Hope Continent to prevent large-scale clashes between the great families; unresolved grievances could be settled in the arena.

Of course, the challenged party could refuse, but then the challenger might resort to assassination, and there would be no grounds for complaint.

There was another way—have a stronger family member persuade the challenger to withdraw, proving whose family had deeper resources.

But generally, if you lack the strength, don’t provoke others, and certainly don’t run your mouth. If you’re challenged and back down, and then seek out another expert to replace you, you’ll be mocked. If you refuse the duel, you can admit defeat and accept the challenger’s terms.

So Chu Yun gave Fan Zhiming two options: duel him, or drink all the wine provided and admit defeat.

Fan Zhiming was torn!

He looked at the bar manager, then at Chu Yun, his expression flickering indecisively.

Previously, Fan Zhiming would have gone to the arena without hesitation to teach him a lesson, but after those exchanges, he had gained a whole new understanding of Chu Yun’s strength. He hadn’t been unable to counterattack before, but simply had no chance.

His companion, who had been kicked aside, could attest that Chu Yun’s strength was not as simple as a first-rank warrior.

A duel was clearly out of the question, but if he really called for his parents, he’d become a laughingstock.

If the academy’s weakest student, Chu Yun, challenged you, and you ran to your parents for help, you’d never live it down. The Fan elders would be embarrassed to deal with someone like Chu Yun—it would bring shame to their family.

That “call your parents” line was Chu Yun’s way of mocking him, a retort for being called a “snitching trash” earlier.

Meanwhile, Mo Yu beside Chu Yun was a bundle of nerves, afraid Fan Zhiming would act unpredictably.

“What’s there to think about?” Duanmu Ci, watching from the second floor as Fan Zhiming hesitated, was baffled, “Just go out and duel him, put this guy in his place. What’s the hesitation?”

Many who missed the first exchange between Fan Zhiming and Chu Yun could not understand why Fan Zhiming was so troubled.

But after a long wait, what happened stunned everyone: Fan Zhiming gritted his teeth, grabbed a bottle, and downed it in one gulp.

He chose to yield!

Duanmu Ci and the others were incredulous, watching as Fan Zhiming drained bottle after bottle, exchanging bewildered glances.

Chu Yun didn’t even spare Fan Zhiming a glance, turning and walking out of the bar.

As he was about to leave, he passed Duanmu Ci coming down the stairs.

Duanmu Ci stared at him intently.

But throughout, Chu Yun never looked at him, choosing instead to ignore and walk on.

(Updates have been a bit slow these past two days—I caught a cold and fever after getting soaked in the rain. I’ll resume regular updates soon.)