Hearing the terms of the bet, Lin Xian's eyes lit up.
One word described it perfectly—
Greed.
Ten thousand gold coins. If he won that, why would he need to keep grinding in the arena? He could live comfortably for quite a long time.
"Simple," Dai Mubai said with a smirk. "I want her."
He pointed straight at Zhu Zhuqing.
Lin Xian's expression turned cold instantly.
"Get lost."
Without another word, he turned and took Zhu Zhuqing's hand, ready to leave.
Zhu Zhuqing didn't object. In situations like this, she fully trusted his decision.
"Wait! We can change the bet!"
Dai Mubai hurriedly stopped them. There was no way he would let this opportunity slip away.
Truth be told, he couldn't even come up with ten thousand gold coins. Even five thousand would be pushing it.
Most of what he brought from home had already been spent over the years—on women, indulgence, and maintaining his so-called charm.
In the past, that had never been a problem.
Money, looks, and status—those were his weapons. There wasn't a woman he couldn't win over.
If there was, it only meant he hadn't spent enough.
But now…
"I'm not like you," Lin Xian said flatly. "I would never use my woman as a bet. Just assume I can't afford to play. Now stop bothering us—and kindly get out of the way."
Dai Mubai's face twisted with anger, but he suppressed it.
Soon enough, everything would be settled in the arena.
"Fine," he said coldly. "Then let's change it. If you lose—give me your life."
He even smiled as he spoke.
"Don't worry. Even if your life is in my hands, I won't kill you right away. I'll leave you barely alive, let you admire the beauty of this world… maybe even arrange for some beauties to serve you. Sounds like a good deal, doesn't it?"
He burst into laughter.
Behind him, Ma Hongjun and Oscar followed suit, laughing along without even knowing why.
The sound was grating—unpleasant.
Passersby looked at them with disgust.
Were these people insane?
Zhu Zhuqing gently squeezed Lin Xian's hand, a trace of concern in her eyes.
Lin Xian squeezed back reassuringly.
"Fine. We'll take the bet," he said calmly. "Just make sure you prepare those ten thousand gold coins. And if you're planning to owe it, remember—interest applies everywhere."
Dai Mubai sneered.
"I'm just afraid you won't live long enough to spend it."
Ma Hongjun puffed out his chest, eager to perform.
"Don't worry, Boss Dai. Leave it to me!"
Lin Xian smiled faintly.
"We'll see."
As he and Zhu Zhuqing walked away, Dai Mubai and the others laughed again.
In their minds, losing was impossible.
Unless the opponent cheated.
—
Inside the Great Spirit Arena, the one-on-one matches began first.
Lin Xian and Zhu Zhuqing were scheduled later—deliberately arranged by the organizers to draw a larger audience.
By now, they had already gained considerable fame.
Many people had come specifically to watch them.
In the preparation area, Lin Xian and Zhu Zhuqing sat close together, quietly resting.
Across the room, Dai Mubai kept glancing at them.
Still acting all lovey-dovey…
Let's see how you act after you lose.
After a while, Lin Xian opened his eyes and gave Dai Mubai a thumbs-up.
Ma Hongjun immediately laughed.
"Boss Dai, did you see that? That kid's admitting defeat!"
"Yeah! Why else would he do that? Must be acknowledging your strength!"
Dai Mubai smirked, clearly pleased.
"Too late to regret it now. After we win, I'll make him wish he were dead."
But in the next second—
Lin Xian flipped his thumb downward.
And moved it up and down.
Three times.
Blatant mockery.
The trio's faces flushed red instantly.
They had completely misread him—like clowns.
At that moment, a little girl in the audience pointed at them.
"Mommy, look! Those big brothers over there are boiling!"
"Don't say nonsense," her mother said quickly.
"But look! They're all red, like kettles!"
The mother glanced over, then hurriedly covered her daughter's eyes.
Best not to attract the attention of Spirit Masters…
Though… they really did look like boiling kettles.
—
[Next match: Two-on-Two Spirit Fight! The Dark Night Star Combo, with two consecutive victories, versus the newly formed White Tiger Phoenix Combo!]
The moment the Dark Night Star Combo was announced, the arena erupted.
Many had come just to see them.
Especially to confirm the rumors—
Three thousand-year spirit rings.
As for the "White Tiger Phoenix Combo"?
Most people had never even heard of them.
"Let them cheer," Dai Mubai sneered. "The louder it is now, the harder the slap later. Fatty, let's go."
"Got it, Boss! Mission guaranteed!"
He stood up and once again made a throat-slitting gesture toward Lin Xian.
Lin Xian exaggeratedly bowed… then mimicked a little figure rolling away with his fingers.
Others didn't understand.
But Dai Mubai did.
That was exactly how he had "rolled" away before.
"Damn it," Dai Mubai growled. "Fatty, don't hold back. Full power. Kill him. If anything happens, I'll take responsibility."
Ma Hongjun grinned.
"I've been waiting for this. Just watch."
Meanwhile, Lin Xian and Zhu Zhuqing stood up and walked toward the arena entrance.
But at that exact moment—
Lin Xian's body suddenly went cold.
As if he had fallen into an endless abyss.