Chapter 89 If the Bet Is Lost, Kill!

Xia Jiuxuan stepped forward, making his way toward the dueling platform. Seeing Xia Jiuxuan approach, the middle-aged man sneered triumphantly.

“Xia Jiuxuan, show us the fruits of your understanding. Let everyone witness your so-called talent!”

This time, however, there was no laughter from the crowd below. Many had seen Xia Jiuxuan perform a set of fist techniques with vigor and precision.

“What’s the rush?” Xia Jiuxuan replied coolly. “Since you wish to see me make a fool of myself, why not make a wager and ensure my humiliation is complete?”

At his words, the middle-aged man immediately asked, “Oh? What do you propose to bet?”

Xia Jiuxuan had considered wagering their lives, but with so many powerful figures present, he realized that even if he won, these men would never allow him to execute one of their own—they would surely find an excuse to renege.

So he said, “You lost just now and didn’t kneel to me. I let that pass. Now, let us wager again—if I have truly comprehended the technique, you will kneel, bow your head to the ground three times, and apologize to me!”

The middle-aged man showed no anger, instead retorting, “And if you lose, what then?”

Xia Jiuxuan replied indifferently, “If I lose, I am at your mercy.”

The middle-aged man did not hesitate, “Agreed! I accept your wager!”

By rights, given his years of cultivation and seasoned temperament, this man should not have stooped to compete with a youth. But Xia Jiuxuan had cost him face earlier, and in this realm of martial law, he was bound by the rules—he could not simply kill Xia Jiuxuan. Now, as the boy presented him with a chance to regain his honor, he had no reason to refuse.

“Let’s begin,” the man said, brimming with confidence. How could a mere youth from a common martial nation possibly comprehend such an advanced technique? Victory was certain.

“Wait!” Xia Jiuxuan waved his hand and looked skyward.

“Elders above,” he called, “will you serve as witnesses to this wager? I won’t tolerate shameless cheating as before.”

At these words, the middle-aged man’s face flushed green with anger.

“No need to consult the elders. I, Wu Changkong, am a man of my word!” he said coldly.

Xia Jiuxuan ignored him, addressing the elders above, “I don’t trust the words of a scoundrel. Only with your witness will this wager count.”

The elders above were of extraordinary status. If they gave their word, any attempt to renege would be a self-inflicted humiliation.

“What an arrogant boy!” one elder’s voice thundered down. “Very well, I will bear witness to your wager. Whoever loses must not go back on their word, or I shall strike them down at once!”

“Good!” Xia Jiuxuan responded.

The young geniuses below once again witnessed Xia Jiuxuan’s audacity. None among them would dare to speak to the elders in such a manner—it was simply unimaginable.

“Xia Jiuxuan, since you are so confident, I shall personally test you. Prepare yourself!”

Wu Changkong decided to face Xia Jiuxuan himself, leaving nothing to chance.

At this, the crowd erupted.

“This is a bit shameless, isn’t it? He’s an expert from beyond, his level far above Xia Jiuxuan’s—how is this fair?”

“Who’s to blame? That boy brought it on himself.”

“They’re only allowed to use techniques, not strength—hardly bullying, is it?”

“But their physical strengths aren’t even close! It’s still a one-sided contest.”

“That elder must really be afraid of losing. It does seem a bit disgraceful.”

The audience whispered among themselves. Most did not like Xia Jiuxuan, but Wu Changkong’s decision to fight personally left them feeling a sense of contempt. The wager now seemed more like a farce.

“To ensure fairness,” Wu Changkong proclaimed, “I have suppressed my spiritual power completely and will use only the ‘Celestial God Leg Technique’ against Xia Jiuxuan. He need only withstand my technique and demonstrate his own understanding—no one can claim I’m bullying him!”

With that, Wu Changkong stepped forward, his body spinning through the air. Long legs lashed out, leaving a blur of afterimages. In a single breath, he unleashed dozens of mysterious kicks.

“What a powerful technique!”

“Isn’t that boy practicing fists? How did it turn into a leg technique?”

“This leg method is unfathomable—not a common style. I’d wager it’s a high-tier technique from beyond!”

“That boy is finished. Who here could comprehend such a formidable skill? Impossible!”

As Wu Changkong attacked, Xia Jiuxuan moved as well. He vaulted from the ground, spinning through the air, and unleashed a volley of identical kicks.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

The two exchanged blows midair, their movements mirror images. Even without using any spiritual or mysterious power, the shockwaves from their clash were terrifying.

Wu Changkong finished the first stage of the leg technique and retreated ten meters, staring at Xia Jiuxuan in shock.

“Impossible!” he roared. “How could you possibly comprehend the Celestial God Leg Technique?”

Not only Wu Changkong, but even the elders above were astonished.

Xia Jiuxuan had executed the entire first stage of the Celestial God Leg Technique flawlessly!

This was a skill of the Sea-Splitting Realm! Even a Saint Realm cultivator of a common martial nation would risk madness or destruction of their meridians by forcing this technique.

For a mere mortal youth to grasp such a method—unbelievable!

Though Xia Jiuxuan’s physical strength was far inferior to Wu Changkong’s and he was sent flying over twenty meters, his technique matched Wu Changkong's perfectly. In terms of skill, he had not lost a single step.

“Prepare to kneel and bow!” Xia Jiuxuan, unwilling to waste time, shot forward.

Boom!

He half-crouched and swept out, overlapping leg shadows attacking Wu Changkong.

By rule, Wu Changkong could only use the second stage leg technique to counter.

The two fought in midair, their contest evenly matched.

Third stage!

Fourth stage!

…

Ninth stage!

In the space of a hundred breaths, Xia Jiuxuan displayed all nine stages of the leg technique. Though forced back several times, he never lost.

The final stage—Celestial God Treads the World!

If Xia Jiuxuan executed this technique, he would not only win, but receive a perfect score.

At this moment, everyone in the audience held their breath. The technique was simply divine.

Some among them tried to comprehend it in secret, but as soon as they attempted to deduce its mysteries, their souls were wracked with pain, leaving them stunned.

“A high-tier technique! Beyond the common martial realm!”

“Xia Jiuxuan has comprehended all nine stages—could it be true that he absorbed ten spirit crystals in an instant earlier?”

“Impossible! How could such a genius appear in our ten-nation region?”

It was hard for them to accept. To see someone surpass them was more bitter than swallowing a fly.

After the bout, Wu Changkong’s face turned ashen. The outcome was clear: he had lost, and lost utterly.

Remembering the wager, Wu Changkong was filled with regret. But it was too late now.

Was he really expected to kneel and bow to this upstart youth?

Impossible!

There was only one option left: use the tenth stage leg technique to kill him outright!

To preserve his dignity, Wu Changkong resolved to strike with lethal intent.

“Brat, when you reach the underworld, don’t blame me for being ruthless—you brought this on yourself!”

Wu Changkong secretly channeled a thread of spiritual power. With its addition, the power of his technique would multiply exponentially.