Chapter 56: A Conversation With Xiao Fang

Chapter 56: A Conversation With Xiao Fang

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The Top 16 have been chosen. The first day of the tournament is over, and people start leaving the arena, happy and content. They talk about the matches on their way home, some of them trying to reenact them with wild, exaggerated movements. Others, the ones who bet wisely, collect their winnings for the day and go celebrate.

Most of all, people talk about the fights tomorrow would bring. The tournament brackets have been announced. Whether they are competitors or spectators, there is one fight that has caught everyones eyes.

Liu Jin vs. Yun Han.

The Young Master of the Yun Sect against the Xiao Sects Patriarchs son-in-law. This will not be just a regular fight between disciples of the Yun and Xiao Sects. It will be the clearest conflict between the top Sects of Eastern Port City so far. It is no wonder people are excited about it.

This should go without saying, but no one thinks Yun Han will lose.

It is not that people think Liu Jin is weak. Certainly, that was the case when the tournament began. Liu Jin was carrying the stigma of being in the First Level of the Inner Realm for three years. That is not something people can overlook, and surrendering the first match had not won him any admirers.

However, the subsequent matches were quick to change peoples minds. Once they saw how easily Cui Tian was defeated by Yun Han, they understood why Liu Jin had given up. Once they saw how easily Liu Jin defeated Cai Chin, they acknowledged his strength. His fight against Fu was similarly well-received.

Unfortunately, the opponent now is Yun Han.

Yes, it is not that people think Liu Jin is weak. They just understand how incredibly strong Yun Han is. While Liu Jin managed to defeat people with higher levels of cultivation than him, those people cannot be compared to Yun Han. As the Yun Sects Young Master, he is stronger than his level of cultivation would suggest.

It is a lesson Cui Tian learned the hard way.

It is only natural for the audience to assume Yun Han will win.

To be honest, even Liu Jin doesnt know whether it is possible for him to win or not.

Boss! Come on! Lets go celebrate!

Su Ans voice breaks him out of his thoughts, and this time, Liu Jin finds the interruption is a welcome one. The girl is grinning from ear to ear, and with good reason. Not only has she passed to the next round of the tournament, but the Xiao Sect has taken seven spots out of the Top 16.Reêad latest novels at novelhall.com

Of the remaining spots, six belong to the Yun Sect and three to the top disciples of other factions.

Though some would try to deny it, the Xiao Sect has won the first day of the tournament.

I dont know if I should, Liu Jin says. Right now, what he wants is to talk with his father and see if he will share a few more stories about his past with him.

Brother-in-law, please. This is a night for celebration, Xiao Fang tells him. Do join us.

Of course, Liu Jin replies, putting a smile on his face. How thoughtless of me.

Since the Xiao Sect had a good performance tonight, it is only natural that theyll want to celebrate. How can Liu Jin be missing from such an occasion? It is not something Liu Jin thinks about often, but he is an important figure within the Xiao Sect now. His actions reflect on the reputation of the Xiao Sect, whether he likes it or not.

Allow me a moment to tell my father. He is probably wondering where I am.

There is no need, Xiao Fang says. He looks at two of the disciples who lost and barks out orders. You two! Go see Doctor Liu and inform him his son will celebrate with us. If Doctor Liu needs help with anything, you will do your best to help him. A pause. Xiao Fang frowns. If he wishes to join us, he is free to do so.

Liu Jin blinks.

Once.

Twice.

Thrice.

When Xiao Fang started talking, Liu Jin wasnt sure if he wanted to annoy him or if he was just clumsily trying to help. Now he is still not sure. Regardless, those words just now were not something Xiao Fang would have uttered even a few weeks ago.

Why the two of us, Young Master?

Because you lost, Xiao Fang snapped at the foolish disciple who had spoken. And unlike Hou Tao, you cannot even say you lost to Yun Han.

Liu Jin hums.

That is true.

Good. I wanted to hear you say that.

Liu Jin snorts but says nothing. In truth, there is no reason why he should fight Yun Han. From the beginning, his goal has never been to win the tournament.

As far as Liu Jin is concerned, his Eastern Port City Tournament is already a success. He made it to the Top 16 and even met Song Daiyu. There is no need for him to put himself at risk by fighting Yun Han.

If you keep that blank look on your face, I cannot tell what youre thinking. Xiao Fang sounds irritated. All I know is that its probably nothing good.

My apologies, I was merely thinking you have been uncharacteristically cordial with me today.

It has been impressed upon me that the Xiao Sect would be better served by us cooperating. Thus, regardless of my personal feelings, I am trying to get along with you.

Oh.

Is that a problem? Were you expecting me to say something more profound?

Not really. If anything, it makes it easier to accept Xiao Fangs sudden change in attitude. It is rather soothing.

So? Are you really thinking about it?

About what?

Fighting Yun Han.

Liu Jin thins his lips.

As your brother-in-law, I should mention that if you want to be beaten to near death, I will be more than happy to do it. There is no need to involve Yun Han.

Liu Jin ignores the joke.

At least, Liu Jin hopes it is a joke.

Youre right.

I am right about many things, brother-in-law. Youll have to be clearer.

About us working together, I mean. Liu Jin pauses for a moment, mentally debating something before turning to Xiao Fang.

Xiao Nan gave me a mission before he left.

~~~

The next day Liu Jin steps into the ring. The audience cheers as usual, and it is clear their cheers are for Yun Han. Some of them are certain Liu Jin will surrender.

Yun Han of the Yun Sect vs. Liu Jin of the Xiao Sect!

The announcer calls out their names, and he waits for Liu Jin to raise his hand in surrender. He is not the only one. Members from the audience, participants, and even those from his own Sect wait for the words to come from Liu Jins lips.

They dont.

The silence stretches until nervous sweat drips down the announcers forehead. Yun Hans eyes blink in surprise before a smile spreads across his face. The anticipation from the audience builds with every passing second, and all of it is deposited on the announcers raised hand, weighing it down until it can stand it no more.

The hand comes down.

Begin!

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