Chapter 368 - 286: Murder for Treasure?
The martial arts tournament finals have officially begun—
Xiang Jinpeng and Zhuo Yong stand at opposite ends of the ring, ready to compete for the championship!
This pinnacle duel draws the attention of everyone in the audience.
However!
Almost everyone is overwhelmingly favoring Zhuo Yong.
The audience’s discussions are incessant:
"There’s nothing uncertain about this match!"
"That’s right! Xiang Jinpeng making it to the finals is purely due to luck! He’s been winning by fluke all along! Now going up against Zhuo Yong, there’s no chance for him to win!"
"It’s just a pity Fang Yao was disabled by Lin Lang! Otherwise, his clash with Captain Zhuo Yong would have been the real thing to watch!"
...
Their words are full of disdain toward Xiang Jinpeng, as if the championship has already been reserved for Zhuo Yong.
As for that unlucky guy named Fang Yao!
He’s currently hiding in the crowd, looking as gloomy as storm clouds before the rain—
He recalls the scene of himself challenging Lin Lang, only to have his Ability sealed by Lin Lang!
The resentment in his heart burns like an intense fire!
His fists are clenched so tightly that his knuckles turn pale from the pressure.
The sycophants beside him, seeing his expression, are too terrified to utter a word!
They can only stand cautiously aside, fearing they might anger Fang Yao.
...
"The match begins!"
With the referee’s announcement!
The battle between Zhuo Yong and Xiang Jinpeng officially commences—
"Hah!"
Zhuo Yong roars loudly!
He unleashes his Stone Armor ability without reservation, covering his entire body in solid stone armor!
Like a raging bull, he charges at Xiang Jinpeng with unstoppable momentum!
Each step causes the ground to tremble slightly!
This is his usual all-out fighting style!
However!
The previously average-performing Xiang Jinpeng now displays an astonishing Body Technique!
His figure moves like lightning, elegantly avoiding Zhuo Yong’s fierce assault!
Immediately after!
He quickly forms seals with his hands, activating his Flower Demon ability, and shouts:
"One Flower, One World!"
In an instant!
Vines sprout up on the ring, and countless beautiful yet dangerous flowers bloom!
The plants seem alive, swiftly entangling Zhuo Yong, binding his Stone Armor tightly in the blink of an eye.
Seeing this scene, the audience bursts into uproar:
"Holy crap!"
"How did Xiang Jinpeng suddenly become so powerful?"
"Yeah, who knew his strength was this great!"
...
Elder Zou and Old Liu also widen their eyes, their faces full of surprise!
Elder Zou can’t help but say:
"This kid, hiding his strength so deeply!"
Old Liu adds:
"Now it’s hard to say who will win!"
...
On the stage, the two are locked in a fierce battle, giving no ground!
Zhuo Yong struggles to break free from the plants’ constriction, suddenly exerting force to try and break through the blockade!
Xiang Jinpeng remains calm and responds by continually altering his plants’ attack patterns.
Various superpowers illuminate the scene in a dazzling display!
Explosive sounds of breaking through the air are unending!
The air around the ring seems to boil from the turmoil!
Dust everywhere!
...
Finally!
The results of the martial arts tournament finals were decided.
Just as Lin Lang anticipated—
Xiang Jinpeng, with his outstanding skill, defeated Zhuo Yong and claimed the championship!
...
The referee loudly announces:
"The champion of this martial arts tournament finals is Xiang Jinpeng!"
This result is like a bomb, causing a huge uproar in the audience!
Everyone is shocked, and the previously one-sided support for Zhuo Yong is utterly overturned.
Suddenly, cries of lament rise from the crowd—
Just like Lin Lang and Elder Zou!
Many had placed their bets before the match, all of them believing Zhuo Yong would surely win!
But!
The previously seen-to-be-certain outcome suddenly reversed in an instant!
They watched helplessly as their bets evaporated, filled with regret:
"Oh no! How did I not realize Xiang Jinpeng was so strong?"
"It’s over; I’ve lost all my bets!"
"That kid must have done it on purpose!"
Various complaints rise one after another!
But some are happy while others worry—
Those who bet on Xiang Jinpeng to win are now grinning from ear to ear!
...
Lin Lang watched Xiang Jinpeng overpower Zhuo Yong on the stage, successfully claiming the championship throne, his lips involuntarily curling into a slight smile.
This match’s outcome was within his expectations from the start.
Now witnessing it firsthand, he can’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment.
Little Mermaid Zhi Xi is so excited her cheeks flush red, her eyes sparkling with bright light as she cheers jubilantly:
"Lin Lang, you’re amazing; you really got it right!"
Meanwhile, Elder Zou stands nearby, his expression somewhat complicated—
On one hand!
After all, it was his student who lost the match.
As a teacher, it’s understandable he’s somewhat disappointed!
But wins and losses are common occurrences in a military career; he doesn’t take it too much to heart.
On the other hand!
He also admires Lin Lang’s unique insight!
This Xiang Jinpeng fooled everyone, including those sharp-eyed judges on stage!
Yet he couldn’t fool this young man Lin Lang!
...
He lets out a gentle sigh, squeezing a slightly awkward smile onto his face, as he hands the exquisite wooden box containing the Jade Pendant to Lin Lang with both hands, speaking in a tone mixed with helplessness yet a dose of generosity:
"Lin Xiaoyou, a bet is a bet. I lost this one, so this Jade Pendant is yours now."
Lin Lang reaches out, steadily accepting the Jade Pendant, his gaze lingering on it for a moment, the warm luster and unique patterns piquing his interest in this treasure.
"Thank you, Elder Zou, for your generosity."
Lin Lang secures the Jade Pendant with a faint smile.
Elder Zou waves his hand, as if to dismiss the slight displeasure of losing the bet, but his eyes never leave Lin Lang.