Chapter 384: A Terrifying Power Level (1/2)
Before long, Northgate Lie appeared once again, but this time, he did not display any of his battle techniques. He used only pure star energy to domineeringly overwhelm his opponent, but it was still another instant victory. Northgate Lie was displaying the full terror of someone on the Top 100 Rankings.
Not long after Northgate Lie’s battle, Lu Yin received a message from Lily Anne saying that she wanted to meet him in person. So, Lu Yin left the high platform and headed to the meeting point.
His destination was close, and when Lu Yin arrived, he saw that Lily Anne was there, as well as Northgate Lie.
“Brother Lu, I’m really sorry to disturb you, but Brother Lie wanted to speak with you,” Lily Anne said apologetically to Lu Yin.
Lu Yin nodded and looked at Northgate Lie. “Is Brother Northgate looking for me so that we can arrange the time for our battle?”
Northgate Lie shot a look at Lily Anne, wordlessly indicating for her to leave. With no other choice, she could only comply.
After she left, Northgate Lie looked at Lu Yin with a serious expression. “Brother Lu, there is no animosity between us. There’s really no need for us to fight.”
Lu Yin felt like something was strange. “Did Brother Northgate ask me to come here just to say this?”
“Is Brother Lu confident in emerging victorious?”
Lu Yin muttered to himself and then shook his head. “No one would dare be certain of their victory against someone in the Top 100 Rankings. Also, I’m still just a Limiteer after all.”
“That’s true. Brother Lu represents not only yourself, but more importantly, you represent the Ten Arbiters as well. If Brother Lu is defeated, then the Ten Arbiters will also be embarrassed, which would affect Brother Lu’s position in the Ten Arbiters Council. What are your thoughts on this?”
Lu Yin’s eyes flashed, immediately guessing at why Northgate Lie had called him out to talk. The Northgate family was afraid that Lu Yin’s imminent defeat would embarrass the Ten Arbiters. Honestly, he had truly not considered this possibility, and it was completely normal and almost expected that the Northgate family would have such apprehensions about the fight. Over the past few days, many rumors had circulated through the universe, claiming that the Northgate family was trying to kick the Ten Arbiters Council out of the Flowzone.
The Northline Flowzone already had to use the Northgate Platform Competition to unite the seventeen families against the other surrounding Flowzones. They obviously did not dare offend the powers behind the Ten Arbiters.
Even the Northgate family was afraid, but the more afraid they became, the more obvious their disdain for Lu Yin’s abilities was. They had clearly never even considered the possibility that Northgate Lie might lose, which showed how much confidence they had in an expert who was in the Top 100 Rankings.
After thinking things through, Lu Yin’s mind became more nimble. It felt like he could see a path to heaven open up before him; he could see a new way of earning money!
Lu Yin coughed twice and then replied in a righteous manner. “Brother Northgate, a man in this universe must establish himself. It’s been my lifelong dream to challenge someone in the Top 100 Rankings, and even a defeat would be honorable.”
Northgate Lie’s face twisted into an ugly expression. “Brother Lu, you must consider this carefully. Once you’re defeated, the reputation that you’ve earned from the Astral Combat Tournament and the Tournament of the Strongest will be damaged. More importantly, you’ll embarrass the Ten Arbiters, which might even ruin your future in the Ten Arbiters Council.”
Lu Yin waved a hand. “No worries, there are some things that a man must do.”
Northgate Lie was rendered speechless, as Lu Yin seemed inflexible and uncaring towards the aftermath of defeat. If they truly battled, then this person would definitely lose and cause the Northgate family to suffer heavy repercussions. However, it was also impossible for Northgate Lie to lose on purpose in order to preserve the Ten Arbiters’ reputation. If he lost, then Lu Yin would replace Northgate Lie on the Top 100 Rankings, which was something that Northgate Lie could not accept no matter what else.
“Brother Lu, I heard that you previously made an agreement with the Sword Sect’s Liu Shaoqiu to challenge the Top 100 Rankings together. If you go back on your word at this time, then it wouldn’t be too good, right?” Northgate Lie tried to probe.
Lu Yin remained proud. “There are some things that a man must do.”
Northgate Lie was once again left speechless; were they even talking about the same thing?
The conversation suddenly entered an awkward lull. One was racking his brains on how he could get his opponent to give up on the battle while the other was trying to bring up the topic of money.
Lu Yin had lost his opportunity with Yue Xianzi and An Shaohua, not receiving any money from either of them because he had been too subtle. Still, he had to preserve some face, and he couldn’t just straight up tell Northgate Lie that he wanted money; that would be too embarrassing.
Both became rather depressed.
At that moment, Northgate Gang walked over. Lu Yin saw the younger sibling, and his eyes gleamed. He intentionally positioned his back towards Northgate Gang and then rubbed his thumb and two fingers together in an obvious motion.
Northgate Gang was stumped when he saw Lu Yin’s fingers. He seemed dazed, but then he seemed to connect the dots in his head. He pulled Northgate Lie aside and whispered to him.
Northgate Lie was incredulous at first, but then, he became skeptical when he glanced at Lu Yin’s hand behind his back. There were three fingers still rubbing together in a movement that was universally recognized.
Lu Yin’s expression was expectant. This should be obvious enough now!
“Brother Lu, are you short on money?” Northgate Lie asked in a probing manner, but Northgate Gang quickly said, “Brother, that’s too blunt!” He then directed a displeased look at Lu Yin. “Brother Lu, since it’s your first time visiting the Northline Flowzone, our Northgate family has prepared a welcome gift for you that we hope you’ll appreciate.”
Lu Yin’s lips rose up, and he gave Northgate Gang an appreciative look. Although this person wanted to oppose him, that had only been because he did not have a clear understanding of the situation. “Well, since your Northgate family has extended such kindness, I’ll gladly accept it.”
Northgate Lie was now completely certain that Lu Yin wanted money, and his respect for Lu Yin immediately dropped by a hundred levels. His internal disdain was almost written on his face; this person was the champion of the Tournament of the Strongest!? The Astral Combat Academy had certainly fallen in standards. He no longer even wanted to speak to Lu Yin.
“Brother Northgate, regarding what you just said about our upcoming battle, I’ve thought it through, and you’re indeed correct in that it’s inappropriate. But given the rampant rumors, suddenly canceling the match would also cause some embarrassment for both myself and the Ten Arbiters.”