Chapter 20

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

To apply for a challenge, one was required to register with the clan butler—only then could the duel proceed publicly under their supervision.

To become a butler, one had to be at the standard of a Level-3 Demon Tamer. Because of this, there were not many clan butlers in Li Manor—their numbers could be counted on less than two hands.

The butler who was the overseer for the training ground was named Li Hongguang. He was around forty years old—a stocky, imposingly-built man of formidable appearance who gave others the impression of being a mighty general.

In order to avoid either party going back on their word, both Li Changsheng and Li Jianren followed the rules and passed their respective bets to Butler Li Hongguang for safekeeping. When the duel was over, the butler would then award the prize to the winner.

For duels between demon pets, naturally there had to be professional battlefields exclusively for this purpose. If it was a no-holds-barred match it could result in huge losses to the manor.

This was something that could not be helped.

At the northwest corner of the training ground were stationed several square battle arenas, all the same size and constructed from hard marble. Their surfaces bore many traces of battles past, and they were as venerable as the history of the Li clan—hundreds of years old.

Not long later, Li Changsheng and Li Jianren stood on the high platforms at both ends of the battle arena. The platforms were three to four meters high, overlooking the entire arena and allowing a general overview of the duel. This made it easy to command demon pets during their fights.

In an official demon pet duel, demon pets were strictly prohibited from attacking the demon tamer, so demon tamers did not need to worry about personal safety, and were only required to focus on commanding their demon pets.

Of course, things were different in an unofficial duel, especially in an encounter with an enemy. The demon tamer then had to command their demon pet during the fight while protecting their own safety as much as possible.

Before the battle began, the Li clansmen surrounded the ring. Most of them were Level 1 Demon Tamers with limited power and the occasional handful of Level 2 Demon Tamers mixed in among the crowd.

In the spirit of profitability, several Level 2 Demon Tamers joined forces and became bookies for placing bets. Naturally the subject of the bets was the result of the duel between Li Changsheng and Li Jianren.

Based on the amounts wagered, Li Changsheng’s odds had reached 1 to 5.

Judging from the odds, the majority of people were not optimistic about Li Changsheng. This could not be helped because, other than a few specific people, most of the clan knew that Li Jianren had a Medial Grade Fire Wolf. As for Li Changsheng’s White-fronted Tiger, while the species was considered slightly stronger than the Fire Wolf, the clan subconsciously assumed that it was Inferior Grade as far as its quality was concerned.

Even so, there were still quite a lot of smart people who had placed their bets on Li Changsheng.

First of all, Li Changsheng’s odds were very high. Secondly, Li Changsheng had agreed to the duel, and had even chosen to have a gambling duel, which indicated that he had a certain degree of assurance. Thirdly, Ai Xi’s quality was as yet unknown! Fourthly, Li Changsheng had asked his friends to bet all their demon cores on him.

“Arriving early is no substitute for arriving at the right time. Put all these bets on Li Changsheng!”

Just when the betting was about to close, a lazy voice sounded. It was a young man with a stalk of wild grass dangling from his mouth. He was tall and slender in build, with skin the color of brass and long narrow eyes that were keen and sharp. The impression he gave others was that he was a show-off.

It was Li Tianyu, the hottest topic of this year’s evaluations; one could well imagine his ability.

Li Tianyu went up to the bookies and simply tossed a small bag at them. 

Within the bag were demon cores. In terms of quantity, there were several dozen of them at least.

Nobody had expected that Li Tianyu would place a heavy bet, especially on Li Changsheng, who was still not very well regarded. 

After a glance at the pile of demon cores, the bookies’ expressions remained unchanged. Based on the changes in the bets, Li Changsheng’s odds were then adjusted at 1 to 4, and then no more chances were given for placing bets. Betting was closed!

As far as the bookies were concerned, there was no need for them to take risks. Even if they only took commissions from the bets, they could still make a lot of money.

Very soon, Butler Li Hongguang stood in the arena and began to announce the rules of the duel.

“The two parties in this duel are Li Changsheng and Li Jianren. Both parties are only allowed to use one demon pet. It is forbidden to kill the other party’s demon pet. Do you both have any objections?”

After confirming that both sides had no objections, Li Hongguang announced in a loud voice that the duel would begin.

As soon as Li Hongguang finished speaking, Li Jianren began to direct his Fire Wolf into the battle arena. As for Li Changsheng, he merely undid the fine iron shackles on Ai Xi’s feet.

“Just as I expected!” Upon seeing Li Changsheng’s actions, the corners of Li Tianyu’s mouth quirked up in a dazzling smile.

The reason he was betting on Li Changsheng to win was mainly because of what he could deduce based on the appearance of the iron shackles. 

After the shackles had been removed, Ai Xi felt light as a feather. It then made its appearance in the arena at a speed which far surpassed that of the Fire Wolf.

Upon seeing Ai Xi’s speed, Li Jianren was stunned and his expression suddenly turned sour. Unfortunately, there was no use crying over spilt milk, so he had choice but to tough it out and go through with the duel.

In the arena, the two demon pets were ten meters apart, glaring at each other ferociously.

‘My first duel is finally about to begin!’

On the high platform, Li Changsheng looked grim. His heart was pounding violently and it was inevitable that he was slightly nervous. He could not help taking a few deep breaths, forcing himself to calm his inner excitement, and maintain level-headedness.

When commanding a demon pet to fight, the demon tamer had to be level-headed, avoid making big mistakes as much as possible. This was also one of the criteria that determined if one could become a qualified demon tamer.

Because of their Mental Connection, Ai Xi seemed to have sensed the change in Li Changsheng. Its aura surged immediately, and it glared at the Fire Wolf like a tiger eyeing its prey. 

Howl~

Ai Xi roared loudly, letting out a violent snarl. Its gaze was penetrating and it bared its teeth ferociously at the Fire Wolf, its aura compelling.

The Roar characteristics activated successfully. The Fire Wolf was obviously startled—its eyes showed fear, and it involuntarily took a step back, making it difficult to unleash its full strength.

“Damn it! Fire Wolf, use Fire Ball!”

As he sensed the changes in the Fire Wolf, Li Jianren’s expression changed. He had no choice but to attack preemptively.

In the arena, the Fire Wolf opened its large mouth, and fiery red points of light coalesced swiftly. In an instant, a fireball more or less the size of a human head had formed, flying towards Ai Xi.

“Ai Xi, jump up and dodge!”

Without hesitation, Ai Xi gave a mighty leap and dodged the Fire Ball easily.

Boom~

The Fire Ball smashed into the ground and exploded instantly, dissipating into countless sparks and leaving a black scorch mark on the ground.

“Fire Wolf, use Fire Dash!”

Right at this moment, Li Jianren issued another command. The Fire Wolf gave itself a shake and flames appeared on the surface of its body. Swiftly, it launched itself forward in a charge.

Under the impetus of the flames, the Fire Wolf’s speed had obviously increased.

“Ai Xi, Whirlwind!”

Ai Xi roared and its body surface was instantly enveloped by light green wind energy, as if it had been draped over by a beautiful windbreaker. It avoided the Fire Wolf’s attack in a slightly more relaxed stance.

“It should be our turn now, Ai Xi—Bite!” After the Fire Wolf’s offensive failed, Li Changsheng immediately elected to switch from defense to offense.

After successfully dodging the attack earlier, Ai Xi turned around in the other direction and pounced with lightning speed on the Fire Wolf several meters away.

During the process, Ai Xi opened its mouth wide, exposing its sharp white fangs, and bit at the Fire Wolf’s waist.