Chapter 75: Just Making an Appearance!

Unlike the inner thoughts of Lin Yushan and the others, Zhang Ze appeared completely at ease upon hearing Zhao Jinghong call out to him. He strolled along, chuckling softly, “Actually, I believe what Senior Duan Qingkuang said.”

“After all, it's the first time the members of Jiuhua Sect have come to participate in our martial arts exchange, so we ought to show them some understanding.”

“Oh?” Zhao Jinghong’s eyes narrowed. “So you’re saying…”

He could easily see through Zhang Ze’s words; there was mischief behind them. He spoke of forgiving Jiuhua Sect’s disciples, but deep down, he was probably the one who most wished they'd pack up and leave.

“Hey—” Zhang Ze, caught by Zhao Jinghong, dared no longer put on airs. He hurriedly interrupted, grinning, “Since this is a martial arts exchange, it’s all about testing our skills.”

“Senior Zhao, what do you think if I challenge Brother Duan Hong? If he defeats me…”

He glanced at Qi Lijun and the others nearby, adding, “If he wins, it proves Jiuhua Sect’s strength, and this matter can be put to rest.”

“But if Brother Duan Hong can’t even beat someone like me, who’s at the bottom of the barrel, then maybe they should go home and train for another couple of years.”

Zhang Ze’s words left Zhao Jinghong momentarily stunned.

In truth, Zhao Jinghong thought it would be extremely difficult for Zhang Ze to defeat Duan Hong from Jiuhua Sect. One had trained in a traditional martial arts sect for years, while the other was barely more than a novice, having practiced for only a few months! Zhang Ze might be lively now, but he could very well be flattened by Duan Hong in the next moment.

Still, Zhao Jinghong didn’t warn Zhang Ze. In fact, he rather hoped things would turn out that way.

Strictly speaking, Jiuhua Sect’s actions weren’t exactly honorable, but he doubted they were malicious. Traditional martial arts sects like theirs treasured their prized possessions, wishing to keep them close at all times. To suggest that wearing inner armor was meant to disrupt the fairness of the match seemed unlikely to Zhao Jinghong. He understood these people’s temperament well—it was at most a petty, show-off mentality.

Perhaps Duan Qingkuang was still thinking, “Why shouldn’t Jiuhua Sect disciples wear inner armor in the ring? You martial arts club disciples only complain because you can’t afford it yourselves.”

Zhang Ze had no interest in guessing at others’ thoughts. He had made up his mind to make a name for himself in front of Zhao Jinghong today. Moreover, he didn’t believe he would necessarily lose to Duan Hong, that oaf. After all, Fang Ying, with his rich combat experience, had lost to Zhang Ze. Still, Zhang Ze’s confidence didn’t sway others’ doubts.

“Senior Zhao, I agree with Zhang Ze’s proposal, but I, Qi Lijun, want to take part as well!” As Zhang Ze was pondering, Qi Lijun’s voice came from nearby. Zhang Ze thought he was just trying to steal the spotlight.

Before Zhao Jinghong could respond, voices from Qian Xiaoming and Cheng Ren followed: “Minister Zhao, I want to participate too!”

Zhang Ze wasn’t familiar with these two, only knowing that Qian Xiaoming was a member of the Yuehu Martial Arts Society, while Cheng Ren came from Changxing Martial Arts Club.

“Then let’s have Zhang Ze, Qi Lijun, and Cheng Ren each face off against the three Duan brothers,” Zhao Jinghong said, evidently interested as the group’s enthusiasm grew.

As for Qian Xiaoming, he simply ignored him.

He then turned to Duan Qingkuang and Lin Yushan, his gaze stern. “Let these three matches decide whether Jiuhua Sect stays or leaves. Is that acceptable?”

“It is!” Duan Qingkuang had no say in the matter. Faced with Zhao Jinghong’s grim expression, he could only agree.

In the end, the fate of Jiuhua Sect rested in Zhang Ze and his companions’ hands.

“Senior Zhao—” Zhang Ze called out as Zhao Jinghong was about to step down from the ring, grinning mischievously.

“What trick are you up to now?” Zhao Jinghong retorted.

“Senior, just fighting isn’t much fun. How about we add a wager?”

Zhao Jinghong couldn’t help but laugh. “Good heavens! Do you think this martial arts exchange is a street brawl? You actually want to bet?”

Though he felt like cursing, Zhao Jinghong’s self-control as a seventh-rank martial artist was strong. He teased, “So what do you want to wager?”

With a shameless grin, Zhang Ze pointed to the inner armor in Zhao Jinghong’s hand. “Since the issue started with it, let’s put the soft armor up as the prize.”

“Three matches, so let’s have all three Duan brothers’ soft armor on the line!”

Zhang Ze’s words nearly made Zhao Jinghong, seasoned as he was, stumble.

What a kid! He really dares to think big! This was a mid-grade inner armor, after all. Zhao Jinghong was speechless.

Clearing his throat, Zhao Jinghong replied, “You’ll have to ask Jiuhua Sect if they agree. If they’re fine with it, I’m happy to watch.”

Without a word, Zhang Ze immediately turned to Duan Qingkuang, ignoring his fierce expression and waiting for his answer. When Zhang Ze didn’t get a satisfactory response, he muttered to himself, “Stingy as hell…”

After some back-and-forth, the ring was left with only Zhang Ze and Duan Hong.

Duan Hong, having taken off his inner armor, didn’t attack right away. Instead, he asked Zhang Ze, “You want my inner armor?”

Zhang Ze nodded eagerly.

“In that case, do you have anything of equal value to wager for our match?” Duan Hong, confident he wouldn’t lose, spoke aggressively.

After a moment’s hesitation, everyone saw Zhang Ze pull out a steel plate from his pocket, three centimeters thick. They stared in disbelief, finally realizing Zhang Ze was making a mockery of Duan Hong.

Fury sparked in Duan Hong’s eyes, and he lunged at Zhang Ze.

But as Duan Hong rushed towards him, Zhang Ze wasn’t scared at all; he laughed, “Don’t be fooled by how crude my steel plate is—it’s just as effective as your inner armor!”

Everyone was speechless.

In the resting area of Yongsheng Martial Arts Club—

“Damn—when did Brother Ze get so fierce?” Qian Qian watched the figures crossing swords on the ring, astonished.

Peng Fei, beside him, was focused elsewhere. He patted Qian Qian’s head and asked softly, “Do you think those soft armors are really worth that much? Brother Ze’s shamelessness knows no bounds—does he really want them that badly?”

Qian Qian stared at him as though he were an idiot, and finally said, “Let me put it this way.”

“In our province, a mid-grade inner armor is about as valuable as winning the lottery!”

“Five million!”

Peng Fei was stunned.