42 4.4 (1/2)

Once Chen Yu and Ding Bo had each signed the ceremonial death waiver for an arena fight, a public announcement rang out, informing everyone on the academy campus of the upcoming duel.

Since Jin Yongguang was famous as the friendly battle maniac, a great mass of students rushed over to see in person who had dared to challenge him, their enthusiasm was so intense that about half an hour later, the physical stadium locked down from overcapacity. The stragglers could only enter virtually.

Chen Yu didn't mind waiting for the crowd, he was having a fun time with beauties on both arms: on his left side, Murong Wen continued to insist that he wouldn't risk his friend, he could resolve this by meeting with Ding Bo privately, while on his right, Hou Yi generously consented to being his sparring partner if he performed well in this exchange.

Chen Yu curled his lips. Was this the famed battle between the concubine and main wife? Ah, wait, something about that seemed off...

But he had to admit trying Hou Yi out would not be bad. So Jin Yongguang, who had been staring eagerly at the raised stage where he'd be fighting, turned to Murong Wen, reassuringly patted him off, then jumped up to throw his arm around Hou Yi's neck, excitedly swinging him back and forth. ”Ah Yi, Ah Yi, you promised, you can't go back on your words ah!”

Hou Yi smiled and nodded, ignoring the jostling.

It wouldn't be bad to spend time with someone like Jin Yongguang. He could sense that while this boy wasn't as dull as he appeared, there was also no hint of malice in him, he wouldn't scheme like everyone else around him did. Of course, if, in the end, he turned out to be a traitor, then...he'd certainly take action.

Finally, it was time for the match to start. Ding Bo swaggered ahead, glaring menacingly, while Jin Yongguang blithely stepped forward as well.

When the two faced each other, the contrast between their physiques was highlighted, making many of the audience members criticize Ding Bo for bullying a boy half his size. Although Hou Yi was also about a head taller than Jin Yongguang, because they were both lean, they hadn't given off the same impression of disparity when they stood together.

In fact, seeing Senior Jin embrace Senior Hou, those people with rotten tastes seemed to have collectively been injected with chicken blood, whispering about a new ship to board. Of course, Senior Murong was also included in their discussions, just as a love rival for Senior Hou, or perhaps as a harem member...

Chen Yu simply regarded this match as a way to measure his newfound abilities, so he didn't move after the starting tone rang out, patiently waiting for the other to attack first. Enraged at Jin Yongguang's relaxed stance, Ding Bo didn't hesitate, he promptly sprang forward, one arm heading toward his head and the other toward his stomach. Worthy of being in their grade's top ten, his punches were so swift that many of the lower level students could barely follow what had happened. But to Chen Yu's enhanced eyes, Ding Bo's hands were approaching in slow motion, his openings were obvious.

Somewhat disappointed at the lack of excitement, Chen Yu, who had achieved his objective of verifying that his body was far superior to the average standard, decided not to drag things on, he raised a foot and lightly kicked it against Ding Bo's unprotected side. Despite being hit by a seemingly gentle tap, the boy flew across the arena then collapsed against the floor, coughing up a mouthful of blood.

Pushing himself up with trembling arms, Ding Bo was shocked and, worse, frightened. He was nominally two levels below Jin Yongguang, but he'd never put him in his eyes, assuming that if they legitimately fought, he could crush him. That one encounter, however, had been enough to demonstrate how delusional he'd been. He had absolutely no chance of winning.

But how could he give up so soon? So he gritted his teeth, charging again.

Unfortunately, Chen Yu felt that there was no thrill in playing anymore, nor did he feel like allowing Ding Bo to save face by passing out, thereby escaping the humiliation of admitting defeat. Thus, the audience was forced to watch a show of you-run-I-chase, but...Senior Jin was the person running?

On the sidelines, Hou Yi rubbed his forehead. Probably only he could understand that the fool had lost interest in confronting a weak opponent yet, being a kind child, didn't want to drive him mercilessly toward surrender. If Chen Yu ever discovered what interpretation Hou Yi had come up with for his actions, he would truly admire the hole in his brain.

Murong Wen, on the other hand, looked on with a complicated feeling. He'd always believed that he and Yongguang were equally matched, trading second place back and forth between them. But, with proof in front of him that his friend was so confident as to play out this farce, he had to acknowledge that he was far below the other boy. Was this the difference a commoner and a young master? Had Yongguang secretly disdained him, mocked him behind his back?

On the platform, Ding Bo was almost at the end of his rope, he doggedly huffed, ”Jin Yongguang, are you a man? If you dare, stand still and fight!”

Jin Yongguang stopped a few steps away with a stern face. ”Ding Bo, you know what will happen if I stop. Why must I hurt you when neither of us will learn anything from it? Also, whether I am a man or a woman doesn't matter in a duel!”

At Senior Jin's last sentence, the female students who were watching all cheered. Although the academy was co-ed, the vast majority of the students were male. Furthermore, the Federation as a whole looked down on women, who generally needed much more training before they could match the physical strength of men. So to hear one of the academy's top students support them was very moving, many of them even cried and became die-hard fans of Senior Jin.

The observing teachers similarly nodded in approval. This was a good seed, seeking to improve, unwilling to pointlessly hurt others, advocating equality.

Chen Yu, however, who had actually said such righteous words, felt a bit like throwing up. Who could have guessed that one day he'd perform one of those noble, heroic roles? Well, what could he do, the original owner sincerely believed in the power of fists and goodness above all, he had to stay in character. In any case, it wouldn't be a disadvantage to have some defenders.

Ding Bo shook with anger at Jin Yongguang's assumption that he'd be the one hurt if they clashed. Thus, despite being aware of the fact that Jin Yongguang was right, he launched another attack against the stationary boy, hoping to at least land one hit to alleviate his shame and frustration.

Looking at this stupidly stubborn boy, Chen Yu sighed. All right, he wouldn't be harsh, this was clearly a mentally challenged child. So he didn't counter with any fatal moves, simply swept those pesky fists away and flung the huge body away with one hand.

This merciful action, however, was thoroughly transformed in Ding Bo's eyes. Skidding to a halt on his back, the boy realized how trivial he was in Jin Yongguang's eyes, not even deserving more than the use of one limb at a time. As a last resort, he peeked at Young Master Hou Yi, hoping that he'd step forward, only to find that his eyes were entirely focused on Jin Yongguang. There would clearly be no help from that corner.