Chapter 63: Ranking

Chapter 63: Ranking

Xiao Yunfeng turned his gaze toward the middle-aged man and inquired, "And who might this be?"

"I understand that your goal is to compete for the title of Martial Saint, but even if you qualify for the national competition, simply gaining entry won't be enough without demonstrating sufficient strength, and if you go all out in combat...." The middle-aged man chuckled. "The mortality rate in the adult category is much higher than in the intermediate category."

"What are you trying to say?"

"The national competition is the riskiest option to attain the Martial Saint title," said the man.

He smiled as he glanced at Qiu Chufeng, Shu Shaoyan, and Liu Tiandao. "If I'm not mistaken, none of you earned your titles through the national competition, am I right? "

Hearing that, their expressions turned slightly unnatural.

At this moment, the well-informed Liu Tiandao remembered something and asked, 'What is your relationship with Wang Yuanjing, the Martial Saint on the judging committee?'

"That's my father, " The middle-aged man said with a slight smile.

Hearing this, Xiao Yunfeng, Zhao Shenyan, and the other Martial Saints were shocked.

"Grandmaster Wang Pengju had been wandering outside for many years. It was only last year that he finally reunited with his father, Commissioner Wang," Lin Yuzhi explained with a smile.

Everyone immediately understood the implication; Wang Pengju was his illegitimate son.

Similarly, most of them would also hide one or two heirs outside to safeguard against unforeseen events that could kill them and endanger their lineage. If Wang Pengju was truly Wang Yuanjing's son, becoming part of his circle would be a significant step toward becoming a Martial Saint.

This was because the committee responsible for selecting Martial Saints within the Martial Association usually consisted of seven to nine members. While this number might seem small, individuals of this caliber often had their own extensive networks.

"Grandmaster Zhao, if you could relinquish first place for me, and Grandmaster Xiao, if you could convince your junior martial brother to do the same and help me eliminate some competitors... I can’t speak for the other commissioners, but I can guarantee my father's vote will be secured in your favor," Wang Pengju said.

Both Zhao Shenyan and Xiao Yunfeng found the proposal highly enticing. As Lin Yuzhi mentioned, the difference between first, second, and third place in Jiang Province wasn't significant beyond the prestige it conferred. It mainly served to provide extra benefits to the factions supporting them without much additional meaning to it.

"I can promise you on behalf of my junior martial brother," Xiao Yunfeng declared.

"No problem, I'll help you fend off some of the competitors in the round-robin competition," said Zhao Shenyan too. He then turned his gaze toward Lin Yuzhi. " Who are the grandmasters among this year's registrants?"

Lin Yuzhi listed thirteen names on the spot.

"There are two from Zanglong City? They're coming in hard," Xiao Yunfeng remarked, somewhat surprised.

"Apparently, there are four Core Formation experts taking part in the intermediate category as well," Qiu Chufeng added.

Lin Yuzhi nodded slightly and listed, "Yes. Li Pin, Wang Zuocai, Fang Lingjue, and Zhang Chuge."

He then continued, "Twenty-four of the registered participants have achieved Core Formation, while eighty-six have had records of successfully unleashing Core Force.

"We've had a lot of strong contenders in the past competitions. Given the consistently high caliber of past competitions, coupled with several dark horses waiting in the wings to make a stunning debut, this year's event is shaping up to be the most challenging yet."

"Do you need the Solar Vermillion Sect to help you eliminate some of the competitors?" Qiu Chufeng asked Gu Haoran.

Since he had relinquished his claim to the top position, he was willing to do Gu Haoran a favor. After all, Gu Haoran had achieved Aura Force at the tender age of twenty-nine, his ascension to Martial Saint seemed all but guaranteed with the help of his influential family.

"Hmph. Just because I left the capital for Jiang Province doesn't mean I'm weak. If I wasn't playing it safe, neither Jiang Zhenhai nor Zhou Yuanfei would stand a chance against me," Gu Haoran said.

Qiu Chufeng and Shu Shaoyan both frowned slightly but said nothing. Gu Haoran had played by the rules and informed them in advance through Lin Yuzhi. Moreover, the Gu family was immensely influential, commanding respect even from the Solar Vermillion Sect and Cloud Crest Martial Hall. Had it been any other external faction, it wouldn't have mattered even if they developed the Aura Force.

The preliminary rounds would see three to five Core Formation experts take turns challenging opponents. After these Core Formation experts were defeated, formidable foes like Jiang Zhenhai and Zhou Yuanfei would await. Such a grueling path would deplete anyone's strength, making it difficult to reach the finals, much less claim the championship.

"Alright, let's move on to the rankings from fourth to tenth," said Lin Yuzhi. He then asked, "Does anyone have anything to add?"

"I want a spot in the youth category."

"The Solar Vermillion Sect will take one spot in the youth category and three in the intermediate category."

"Being the top martial arts influence in Jiang Province, Cloud Crest Martial Hall is entitled to at least two youth spots and three intermediate ones. Surely that's not too much to ask."

One by one, the Martial Saints voiced their demands.

In no time, nearly all the spots in the youth and intermediate categories were taken, leaving only the adult category. Given the numerous uncertainties in the adult category, they could only make a rough estimate of the available spots.

"This won't work. You're asking for eleven spots out of a total of seven. We need to make room for other cities to compete," Lin Yuzhi remarked.

"The Solar Vermillion Sect has been boasting about 'dominating the Jiang Province' since the beginning. Certainly, the other competitors should have anticipated this outcome," Qiu Chufeng insisted.

"Let's be reasonable. You'll need to give up some spots. We have to make room for the youth and intermediate categories. Two spots for each," said Lin Yuzhi.

Seeing this, the others had no choice but to discuss it again.

The youth category was more accommodating. With many uncertainties and smaller potential rewards, they readily gave up two spots.

The intermediate category, however, was more contentious. Despite lengthy negotiations, only one spot was relinquished. The top three factions, the Guardian Hall, the local council, and the Martial Societies, were all eager to get involved.

"Our numbers are 471 and 498," Fang Lingjue reminded Li Pin. "Keep an eye on the big screen to find out which arena you're assigned to. Remember to leave your phone numbers so the organizers can send you a reminder message an hour before your match. Given our numbers, I think we'll be fighting in the afternoon."

Li Pin nodded.

"Even if we fight at night, the local Martial Society will have a pretty good idea of who the top contenders are by tomorrow based on their performance," Fang Lingjue commented. "You can check the betting odds to get a sense of each competitor's strength."

Li Pin was a bit surprised. "Betting is allowed?"

"Of course, there are even a few legal bookmakers, but you can only bet on yourself," Fang Lingjue said, glancing at Li Pin. "You may not have taken the Associate Senior Exam, but your fight with the Demonic Sand has made you quite famous. You'll definitely be on the list."

Li Pin smiled, "Well then, what are we waiting for? Let's head over there now. Who is the largest dealer?"

"That would of course have to be the Jiang Province Gambling Center. It has official backing."

Soon, Fang Lingjue led Li Pin toward a large hall outside the martial competition venue that occupied three storefronts. The hall was abuzz with excitement as martial artists and ordinary people alike waved their cash to bet on their favored fighters, resembling a scene straight out of boxing gambling.

Li Pin watched these people jostle their way in to bet. He didn't think a scene like this made him akin to a monkey on display. To him, a nation's enthusiastic participation was a catalyst for a flourishing martial arts era.

The three large screens in the hall displayed each participant's odds in the youth, intermediate, and adult categories.

After waiting for a moment, Li Pin saw himself.

"Your odds of making it into the top ten are 1.6. It seems the dealers really have faith in you. For the exact ranking, if you place a bet on fourth place, it's five to one. Put in 10 million yuan, and you could walk away with 50 million," Fang Lingjue said with a grin.

"50 million? What good would that do compared to 200 million yuan?" Li Pin smiled and stepped forward to the window. "Ten million on Li Pin to win first place in Jiang Province."

He would've bet more if he could, but the maximum was ten million.

The staff was stunned.

The people around turned their gazes toward him, some of whom even recognized him.

"First place in Jiang Province!? Li Pin actually had the nerve to bet on himself winning first place!"

"Has he lost his mind!? This year's competition is a clash of the titans! There are even several experts from the capital city. Does he really think that he is stronger than the experts the Martial Saints in the capital city trained? He's practically throwing his money away!"

"Ten million!? Is he trying to turn a bicycle into a motorbike?"[2]

Murmurs of discussions arose from the surrounding crowd.

"First place?! Li Pin! Don't be reckless!" Fang Lingjue hurriedly said. "That's ten million you're betting!"

"The most important thing for a martial artist is to have confidence in himself," Li Pin said calmly. "This is also a way for me to push myself."

Fang Lingjue was hit with a headache when he recalled that Li Pin had fought and killed a Demonic Cat and that he had also gone up against Wang Daoyi and his comrade.

Li Pin... does he enjoy this sort of adrenaline?

Li Pin looked at the employee. "You can't accept my bet?"

The employee was a bit hesitant.

At this moment, a voice rang out from upstairs. "Of course we can."

Immediately after, a middle-aged man with a commanding presence came walking down.

The employee quickly called out to the man, "Manager Sun."

"Master Li, since you have so much confidence in yourself, the Jiang Province Gambling Center is naturally willing to take up the challenge," Manager Sun stated.

Li Pin took out his bank card. "Alright."

Manager Sun personally stepped forward to assist Li Pin with the card swipe. After that, he handed over the bank card and the betting slip to Li Pin. "Master Li, we wish you a successful victory."

"If I win, you guys will have to pay me 200 million," Li Pin responded.

"Haha, what is a mere 200 million yuan compared to the privilege of witnessing your legendary ascent to the pinnacle in an epic battle?" Manager Sun exclaimed with a hearty laugh.

The gambling center not only had official backing, but also had shares secretly held by Lin Yuzhi, the chairman of the Martial Society. These shares were, however, controlled by Lin Family proxies.

The chairman had personally scrutinized the odds before their release. With his access to insider information, he was very confident of Li Pin's inability to snatch first place.

——————

(Two chapters combined together)

1. means knowing someone by reputation will never be accurate until meeting them in person. ☜

2. It means trying to hit the jackpot. ☜