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“No matter how fierce the storms outside may be, I remain calm. The Chaos Fire God Realm has sheltered well, and because of that, there’s much I don’t understand.”
Xiao Anshan’s expression dimd as he let out a long sigh. “I lost,” he admitted quietly. “And I accept my loss completely.”
Step by step, he walked down from the arena. Ever since he began cultivating, he had been invincible among his peers. This was the first ti he had suffered defeat, utter and undeniable defeat. Even if he were given more ti, even if the battle were repeated several tis over, he knew he would still have no confidence in victory.
His heart felt heavy and chaotic, as though sothing inside him had been overturned. He didn’t know how to describe the feeling, part regret, part sorrow.
When he stepped off the platform, a middle-aged man was already waiting for him below.
“Realm… Realm Lord,” Xiao Anshan said in surprise as he bowed respectfully.
He knew who the Chaos Fire Realm Lord was, a figure rarely seen, even within the realm itself. Even as his direct disciple, Xiao Anshan had t him only a handful of tis, usually only when the master offered him personal guidance.
“I’ve disappointed you,” Xiao Anshan said, guilt written all over his face.
The Realm Lord smiled and patted his shoulder. “Disappointed? Since when does one defeat equal disappointnt? Neither I, nor the Chaos Fire Progenitor who founded the Chaos Fire God Realm, nor even the most gifted genius from the Inferno Crucible Heaven, none of us were undefeated in our youth.”
Xiao Anshan was at a loss for words.
“But I no longer have the confidence to defeat my opponent,” he murmured, turning back toward the stage where Xu Zimo stood calmly, as though victory ant nothing. To Xu Zimo, defeating him had been effortless, almost trivial, like brushing aside an obstacle hardly worth notice. Xiao Anshan suddenly felt like a fool who had strutted arrogantly before the fight, only to be revealed as a clown.
“That’s your heart demon speaking,” the Realm Lord said gently. “Losing isn’t what matters. What matters is that you can rise again. What’s truly frightening is losing your spirit.”
“I understand, Master,” Xiao Anshan said with a small nod. “May I have so ti alone?”
“Of course,” the Realm Lord replied. “But be ready soon. The Fire Ancestor’s Ancestral Lands will open shortly, and the three of you must go together. Get your state of mind back in order.”
…
On the arena platform, Xu Zimo stepped down calmly, having secured first place in the Chaos Fire God Realm. It was exactly as he had expected, nothing to be excited about. From the mont he had entered the competition, the outco had already been decided.
Around them, reactions were mixed. So celebrated, while others looked dejected. After all, before the match, people had placed bets, so for Xu Zimo, others for Xiao Anshan.
Xu Zimo didn’t care about any of that. His thoughts were elsewhere. Now that the tournant was over, he could give his qualification spot to Fire Bane City. After that, he planned to visit the Departure Fire God Realm to investigate the Water Beasts there, and perhaps find traces of the Water God’s legacy.
“Congratulations,” Shangguan Xian said with a smile.
Zhang Hengzhi grinned. “A Saint Sovereign, who would’ve thought I’d see one with my own eyes in this lifeti? Young Master Xu, you really hid it well. I was worried sick before the match.”
“What were you afraid of?” Xu Zimo chuckled. “That your wager might lose?”
“How could I forget?” Zhang Hengzhi laughed. He had bet his entire fortune on Xu Zimo’s victory. Back when he placed the wager, almost no one believed in Xu Zimo’s chances. Now that Xu Zimo had won the championship, the gambling houses were sure to suffer devastating losses.
He also rembered that Xu Zimo himself had bet on his own victory, and with stakes so imnse they were almost unimaginable.
“The gambling houses must be in chaos right now,” Shangguan Xian said with a laugh.
“They’ve made plenty over the years,” Liu Huohuo added. “So many people have lost everything to their gas, let them experience bankruptcy for once.”
“Do you think they’ll refuse to pay?” Zhang Hengzhi asked suddenly.
“Unlikely,” Shangguan Xian said. “They’re backed by the Chaos Fire God Realm. If they default, it’s the God Realm’s reputation that will suffer. And after seeing what Young Master Xu just displayed, even if they had ten lives, they wouldn’t dare cheat you.”
“Let’s go collect our winnings,” Xu Zimo said casually.
He was just about to leave when a man in a red robe approached him. The figure was completely shrouded in the garnt, his face hidden.
“What is it?” Xu Zimo asked.
“Soone wishes to see you,” the man replied.
“Who?”
“You’ll know when you co.”
“I have no interest in eting people who hide their faces,” Xu Zimo said flatly, refusing outright.
“It’s soone from the Chaos Fire God Realm,” the man said helplessly at last. “A very important person.”
The truth was, the Chaos Fire God Realm had never humbled itself like this before. Normally, anyone would consider it an honor to be summoned by them.
Hearing this, Xu Zimo gave a short, cold laugh. “Go back and tell your Realm Lord, I’m not interested in seeing him.”
“Xu Zimo, think carefully,” the man said, narrowing his eyes.
Xu Zimo turned to look at him, his expression calm. Then, without warning, he reached out his right hand, grabbed the man by the throat, and lifted him off the ground.
“Would you like to deliver your head as my reply instead?” he asked coolly.
The man struggled frantically, but it was useless. With a flick of Xu Zimo’s arm, he hurled him across the courtyard. The man slamd into the edge of the nearby platform, his internal organs nearly crushed by the impact.
He looked at Xu Zimo with fear before turning and fleeing without another word.
…
Outside the gambling house, the once-bustling crowds were gone. The place was quiet now, its doors half-shut, the air heavy with loss.
When Xu Zimo and his companions arrived, an elderly man personally ca out to greet them.
“Gentlen,” he said bitterly, “we already know who you are. We’ve reported to our superiors, everything owed to you will be paid. You can rest assured.”
Xu Zimo and the others nodded slightly.
“Would any of you be interested in joining the Chaos Fire God Realm?” the old man asked suddenly.
“What is this, a test from your superiors?” Xu Zimo asked.
“Not at all,” the elder said with a strained smile. “You are all rare talents. The Chaos Fire God Realm would be honored to have you.”
Xu Zimo showed no interest. He looked toward Zhang Hengzhi and Shangguan Xian, curious about their thoughts.
“I have no intention of joining,” Shangguan Xian said at once, shaking her head.
“I appreciate the offer,” Zhang Hengzhi said with a polite laugh, “but we know our own limits. I’m sure the Chaos Fire God Realm isn’t lacking in talent.”
He had only co along for the ride with Xu Zimo, and he knew the invitation was rely a formality.
…
When they left the gambling house, everyone had made a fortune. Zhang Hengzhi was overjoyed, these new resources would be enough to greatly strengthen the Celestial Mortal Holy Lands.
When they returned to the inn, Bian Wenzhou was already waiting for them. He congratulated them first, then turned to Xu Zimo.
“Blade Tyrant,” he said, “has been found.”
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