Ling Xiao had no wish to join the martial contest for entertainment.
Why bother when there was no reward?
He waved a hand casually. “Everyone here is an expert. I will not embarrass myself.”
“Are you afraid?”
Kong You asked coldly.
“Heh, yes, I am terrified. Shaking all over.”
Ling Xiao continued eating and drinking disdainfully. Arguing with an idiot would only anger oneself, so he ignored Kong You.
Moreover, the Emperor had yet to offer any tangible reward. He saw no reason to act.
Hearing Ling Xiao, everyone frowned.
They felt his reputation was undeserved.
Otherwise, why refuse repeatedly today? He must truly be afraid, yet pretended indifference.
Feng Ming Piaoxue glanced at Ling Xiao. Though somewhat smug, she felt unsatisfied.
It was like punching cotton. No force landed. How frustrating.
Was this boy truly scared, or pretending?
Feng Ming Piaoxue refused to let it go.
Yan Peng was perceptive. Seeing her expression, he knew her intent and laughed. “Ling Xiao, today’s contest was proposed by Brother Wushan and approved by the Emperor. Refusing disrespects both the Emperor and Brother Wushan.”
“Oh? Then when I challenged you earlier, you will accept?”
Ling Xiao smiled at Yan Peng.
“This…”
Yan Peng dared not accept. He knew Ling Xiao’s strength and was no match. Prince Tianpeng Peng Yue had warned him against provoking Ling Xiao recklessly.
He would not risk his life.
Fighting Ling Xiao, even if not fatal, would cost him dearly.
Seeing Yan Peng’s embarrassment, Ling Xiao teased, “What? Yan Peng, are you disrespecting the Emperor and Feng Ming Wushan?”
His tone dripped with mockery.
Yan Peng grew more embarrassed but stayed silent.
“If you dare not, shut your stinking mouth. Afraid others do not know you only bully the weak and fear the strong?”
Ling Xiao cursed disdainfully, then resumed eating.
His stance was clear. He would not fight unless Yan Peng fought first or a rich prize was offered.
Otherwise, no discussion.
“Ling Xiao, if you are a man, stop evading. Dare you accept Kong You’s challenge?”
Feng Ming Piaoxue glared at Yan Peng, then provoked Ling Xiao herself.
“I am not a man? Are you? Heh, I did not know Changle Immortal Island’s Saintess candidate was male.”
Ling Xiao laughed heartily.
“You! Bastard!”
Feng Ming Piaoxue flushed red. She could not match Ling Xiao in verbal sparring. Likely no one here could.
“Tsk tsk. The Saintess candidate is beautiful as a flower, like an immortal, but full of foul language. Hardly fitting.”
Ling Xiao sighed.
“Ahem, Ling Xiao, stop bullying Miss Piaoxue. She is a lady with thin skin. Yield a little. Spar with Kong You to please her. Consider it a favour to me.”
As the situation favoured Ling Xiao, the Emperor spoke.
Ling Xiao paused, then smiled.
He had wondered whether to side with the Emperor or Feng Yanshan if courted. The Emperor’s power could aid his goals.
But now, no choice was needed.
From this moment, Ling Xiao knew he and the Emperor were not allies.
Faced with this, the Emperor chose Feng Ming Piaoxue over him. Clear enough.
“Heh, since Your Majesty says so, how can this humble subject refuse? But my two earlier requests. Will Your Majesty grant them?”
Ling Xiao asked smiling.
“Ling Xiao, tired of living? Daring to bargain with the Emperor?” Yan Peng rebuked.
“Shut up!”
Ling Xiao’s killing intent surged at Yan Peng. He barked.
Plop!
Yan Peng fell on his backside, spilling wine and food everywhere.
“The Emperor is always fair. He would not favour anyone, right?”
No longer planning cooperation, Ling Xiao needed not grant the Emperor much face, as long as he avoided extreme offence.
“Fine. Ten thousand low-grade spirit stones per victory. If you defeat Kong You, Yan Peng must accept your challenge. Satisfactory?”
The Emperor said loudly, seeming displeased.
Ling Xiao thought, you are dissatisfied?
I am more so. I was cultivating peacefully in the academy, just out of seclusion, not yet reunited with friends, when you summoned me here. I cannot even eat in peace. Forced to fight. Who is more wronged?
“One million low-grade spirit stones per victory. One less, and I will not fight. Does the Emperor think I, Ling Xiao, am still the beggar of old?”
Ling Xiao said disdainfully. “Wasting this time, I could refine one pill and earn far more low-grade spirit stones.”
“Brother Ling, do not go too far.”
Feng Ming Wushan warned.
“Am I excessive? Forcing others to fight. Is that not more excessive?” Ling Xiao sneered. “If you cannot afford it, forget the contest.”
“Granted!”
The Emperor boomed, anger heavier in his voice.
Feng Qing Yan frowned, glancing worriedly at Ling Xiao.
“The Emperor is truly generous. Worthy of Divine Phoenix Empire’s top expert!”
Ling Xiao smiled, stood, and looked at Yan Peng. “Yan Peng, you heard the Emperor? If I beat Kong You, you must accept my challenge!”
“Accept, accept. Afraid of you?”
Yan Peng suddenly grew bold.
But was it true courage?
Of course not!
He believed Kong You would surely defeat Ling Xiao.
Kong You was early Bahuang Heaven cultivation. How could Ling Xiao possibly win?
Unfortunately, Yan Peng had been confined at home cultivating lately. He knew nothing of Ling Xiao killing Ximen Buxie.
Otherwise, he might not be so confident.
His impression of Ling Xiao remained the plaza battle defeating Blood Skull.
Then, Ling Xiao was likely only early Liuyi Heaven.
Early Liuyi Heaven versus early Bahuang Heaven held no advantage.
Moreover, though Kong You fell short of Kong He, he was still a genius, stronger than average early Bahuang Heaven warriors.
Thus, Yan Peng dared accept.
Ling Xiao would surely be defeated by Kong You, dead or crippled. What did he fear?
