Chapter 2133 — The Final Match

"I understand, Chief. Thank you for the reminder!" Han Xiaopo's head, which had been running a little hot, cooled at once. Yes, they had indeed won several matches in a row these past few days—but all of that was Wei Zhao's doing, and had nothing whatsoever to do with him, Han Xiaopo!

In today's two-person arena challenge, Wei Zhao was confident; he, Han Xiaopo, was not. Though he had already advanced to the early Earth Rank, and had spent the past two days ceaselessly practicing the martial technique of the Myriad Transformations of Forest and Wood, he could still only barely force out the first form, and not with any real proficiency!

So with his strength, once he stepped onto the stage he would likely just be a punching bag. When the time came and others seized on this weakness of theirs, bypassing Wei Zhao to deal with him—that really was a very strong possibility!

At first, Han Xiaopo's thinking had been that no matter what, he would grit his teeth and hold on. But Wei Zhao's words had made him understand: he could not let his head run hot—that would cost him dearly. If someone killed him on the arena stage, there would be nowhere to go for justice!

Han Tianba smiled with gratification. Yesterday, when Han Xiaopo had been a little hotheaded, he had seen it, but Han Tianba had not wanted to dampen Han Xiaopo's enthusiasm. Today, however, these words coming from Wei Zhao's mouth had let Han Xiaopo work out some truths for himself.

"Is the old Master Han of the hidden Han family present? Today's first match—the two-person arena challenge—is about to begin. Old Master Han, please bring your participating disciples and your stakes to the council hall to register and place your bets. Today's challenge is a two-person event, so the stakes are double as well!" said that Zhao family disciple.

"Double?" A cold sneer flickered at the corner of Wei Zhao's mouth. It seemed these hidden clans were waiting to turn the tables in this match, were they?

So they had all taken Han Xiaopo into account as their weakest link. If they could defeat Han Xiaopo on the arena stage, then no matter how formidable Wei Zhao was, it would be useless! After all, the rule of the two-person arena challenge was this: two enter the stage, and if one is defeated or concedes, then both lose!

"Chief, it looks like they've made preparations—ready to win back their capital in this last round..." Now that Han Xiaopo had calmed down, he too sensed the others' scheme.

"No matter. Double stakes, that's all. And what if we lose? We've already won enough!" Wei Zhao smiled and said indifferently. "Compared to that, this is no more than a drop in the bucket."

"You're right about that. We've won so many matches—losing a little here means nothing at all!" Han Xiaopo said. "At the very start, the hidden Han family's plan was to lose every match except the racing contest. As things stand, we've done very well. The results have completely exceeded our expectations!"

"It makes no difference to us. So long as Mr. Lin thinks it's fine to give this one up, then it's fine," Han Tianba said with a laugh.

The three of them chatted and laughed their way to the hidden Zhao family's council hall. Originally, the old masters of these hidden clans had thought that with the stakes raised, and with this match so obviously unfavorable to Wei Zhao, why were the three of them still talking and laughing? Could they be holding some trump card?

But since the three had already arrived, it was awkward for them to confer and strategize, so after registering the roster and the stakes, Old Master Zhao announced, "This match is a two-person arena challenge. The rules are much the same as yesterday's single-person arena challenge—life and death are not accounted for! However, the number of entrants is limited to two per side, and it must be two. The Golden Bell Sect forfeits..."

At this point, a note of sorrow crept into the atmosphere. Jin Gangzuan, the sect master of the Golden Bell Sect, had not even come to watch today, which showed just how heavy his heart was! Of the disciples he had brought, one was dead and one wounded—what was the point of competing further?

Old Master Zhao paused, then continued, "Next, only eight families and sects remain. By drawing lots, we shall determine the final four; then by another drawing of lots, the final two and the third place; and the ultimate victor shall emerge from the final two! As yesterday, if you do not wish to compete, you may withdraw now. Otherwise, on the arena stage, life and death are each according to fate. Unless one side voluntarily concedes, it is entirely permissible to put one's opponent to death! Since this is a two-person arena challenge, if even one contestant on a team is eliminated or concedes, the entire team loses!

In addition, no magic treasures or weapons may be used in the match. As for all other rules—there are no rules!

Once the top three are decided, for the sake of fairness, the contestants ranked fourth and below may be given one opportunity to challenge. However, the one challenged must not be a former opponent! For example, if you were already defeated by someone in the elimination rounds, then you may not choose to challenge them again!

In view of the special circumstances of the Qianshan Sect, their mode of combat is one man and one beast, man and beast as one. Therefore, they are permitted to bring only one person and one spirit beast onto the stage to fight, which likewise counts as two against two! Does anyone have any objections?"

These rules were the same as yesterday's and seemed quite fair, so no one raised any objection—including Wei Zhao's side, which had no complaints either!

"Good. Since no one has any objections, then the matches begin. We shall now draw lots to determine the order of competition!" Old Master Zhao said with a nod.

The result of the draw surprised Wei Zhao greatly: his first match in the contest for the final four would be against the brothers Pi Zhishan and Pi Zhihai! At this result, Wei Zhao furrowed his brows. The Pi brothers had lived together since childhood, and the two had never fought over the position of family head. On the contrary, they were among the more harmonious brothers in the hidden clans!

With the two of them joining forces, Wei Zhao felt a faint pressure!

Of course, Wei Zhao's pressure did not come from any fear of the Pi brothers on his own account—it came because of Han Xiaopo! If Wei Zhao fought one against two, he would naturally not fear these two Pi brothers. His worry was that the two would bypass him and go straight for Han Xiaopo the moment they took the stage!

"Chief, what tactics shall we use in this arena match?" Han Xiaopo asked with some concern, looking at the Pi brothers not far away, whose smiles were rather sly.

"When you get up there, just hide behind me. No need to fight—hide however you can hide best!" Wei Zhao said after a moment's thought.

"I'm sorry, Chief. My strength is too weak—I've made trouble for you!" Han Xiaopo knew he was a burden. For all that he had the strength of the early Earth Rank, he could be of no help to Wei Zhao! (To be continued) RQ

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