Chapter 135: The Decision of Mr. Yujing

"Here." Without fully grasping Mr. Yujing’s intentions, Miss Xingmeng handed over the microphone. Although his appearance on stage had been abrupt, he was, after all, one of the tournament's organizers; whatever he chose to do was within his rights.

"..." After taking the microphone, Mr. Yujing remained silent for a moment before addressing the audience to share his plan. "Before the fourth match begins, I would like to place a wager. I am betting on Sikong Lang to win. The stake is—" He looked up at the sea of spectators and declared loudly, "My life!"

At his words, the restless arena fell into an eerie silence.

"So that’s how it is," Feiyan mused, arms crossed, as he heard Mr. Yujing on the stage. Recalling what the man had said earlier—'The chance of me entering the ring is zero'—Feiyan realized, "In other words, this match is the true final."

Scanning the silent crowd, Mr. Yujing continued into the microphone: "Consequently, whoever wins this match—and by extension, the fifth match—will effectively secure two consecutive victories. This duel between Sikong Lang and Qin Xiaochuan is worth exactly that. While I hold the position of lead commander, I lack the martial prowess to satisfy you all. However, I can state here that I am staking my life on Sikong Lang’s victory. Of course," he paused, "this requires the consent of the opposing commander and the approval of the tournament organizing committee..."

All eyes in the arena turned toward Xiao Yanwang of Qin Xiaochuan’s team. Feeling the weight of the silent pressure, Xiao Yanwang stared at Yujing on the stage and finally spoke: "I agree! Then I shall stake my life on Qin Xiaochuan as well!"

"Xiao Yanwang..."

"Don't worry," Xiao Yanwang said, his expression grave as he looked at the approaching Qin Xiaochuan. "I was the one who dragged you into this; let me share some of the burden you carry." Looking toward Yujing behind Qin Xiaochuan, he added with a troubled look, "That man, Yujing, makes me feel deeply uneasy. In his eyes, I see the gaze of a desperate gambler who has discarded the value of life time and again. People with eyes like that are incredibly dangerous. I know the destructive power of such individuals—it is an absolute danger beyond the imagination of ordinary people." Fixing his gaze on Mr. Yujing, he continued, "He can not only gather a group of people as dangerous and terrifying as himself, but he can also work with them to commit acts of extreme destruction, even at the cost of his own life." He turned his eyes back to Qin Xiaochuan. "Only you can stop someone like that, Xiaochuan!"

"Very well, please wait a moment, everyone," Miss Xingmeng said, addressing the audience after hearing Xiao Yanwang’s words. "Since the commander of Qin Xiaochuan’s side has agreed to Mr. Yujing’s proposal, we must consult with headquarters to determine if the tournament committee will approve this request!"

"Please be quiet," a clear voice boomed over the arena’s loudspeakers. "The organizing committee is convening to discuss Mr. Yujing’s proposal. Please wait for ten minutes; the final decision will be announced thereafter."

Upon hearing the announcement, the audience’s tense nerves finally relaxed.

"Great! This final is getting more and more interesting. I’m going to use this chance to hit the restroom; I’ve been holding it forever!"

"What is there even to discuss? Honestly!"

"Just do what they said! They’re so stubborn!"

"Hurry up and agree! Why the delay? What a waste of time!"

"Exactly, what’s the point of discussing it?"

"Yeah, isn't it obvious? Both sides agreed! The committee must be brainless!"

"What a waste of time. They’ve fought this far, why bother debating now?"

"Forget it, it’s only ten minutes. Let’s just wait patiently."

"How frustrating!"

"Have a drink, I have some water here."

"I’d rather eat something. Where’s my beef jerky? How did it disappear?"

"Go outside and buy some food; I’m getting a bit hungry."

"Go get me a bottle of water while you're at it."

"I'll go with you, I actually need to use the restroom too."

"Wait for me, I’m coming."

...

And so, despite the widespread dissatisfaction, ten minutes was a short span. The restless spectators made their own plans. Below the ring, only Sikong Lang and Mr. Yujing remained from the Sikong team. Looking at Qin Xiaochuan across the way, Sikong Lang asked Mr. Yujing, "Didn't I kill everyone on the organizing committee?"

"That was just a show," Mr. Yujing said, lighting a cigarette and taking a drag. "It helps to heat up the atmosphere, doesn't it? ...Finally, it has come to this." Seeming to reflect on his life, his tone was tinged with melancholy. After another puff, he held the smoke in his chest for a moment before exhaling slowly, and for once, he began to speak of his past to Sikong Lang.

"I was born into an ordinary family. Objectively speaking, my home life was plain but happy. There were five brothers, and I was the youngest. Though I was the last born, my parents didn't treat me differently; everyone was treated equally. We were educated, worked, and married. My four older brothers all became civil servants and now serve the country. Only I ended up like this."

He gestured to his head. "The part that broke was here. It’s no one’s fault; it’s my own problem." He took a deep drag of his cigarette. "There was a time when I loved the sight of blood, of internal organs, and the final struggles of living things after being dissected. Frogs, fish, birds, dogs, even living humans—they were all my subjects. But in less than three years, I lost interest in all of it."

He took another drag, his eyes reflecting an excited, almost indulgent look as he reminisced. "For me now, gambling is the only pleasure that keeps me feeling this excited. In the past, I’ve only staked my life four times. Seems quite low, doesn't it?" He glanced at Sikong Lang, flicked the cigarette butt away, and smiled. "I think so too. When my opponents at the table realized I was serious, they would always forfeit their bets. The only ones capable of continuing to play against me were those at the BBC—a bunch of desperate people just as crazy as me, seeking revenge on this world. Like me, they have lost faith in this world, which is why I want to open the gateway to the Demon Realm and let beings with greater power rule this place. Perhaps only then can this world be purified and become a better place. And you," he looked at Sikong Lang with trust in his eyes, "will help me fulfill this wish, won't you? Because in all my previous gambles, I have never lost once. And this time, I believe in my own judgment..."

"While I’d like to thank you for the trust, I am not fighting for anyone else. This battle is for myself," Sikong Lang said, his expression calm as he looked toward Qin Xiaochuan. "I imagine that guy feels the same."

"The decision is in," the committee’s voice echoed over the speakers just as their conversation ended. "After deliberation, the committee has agreed to the terms. The winner of the upcoming match will be declared the winner of both, and thus the final champion of this Dark Tournament! Will the contestants please take the stage! The rest is up to you, Miss Xingmeng!"

"Right," Miss Xingmeng said, waving to Qin Xiaochuan and Sikong Lang. "I now invite contestant Qin Xiaochuan and contestant Sikong Lang to the stage for the final match!"

"Hehehehe, hahahahaha!" But just as she invited them, a mangled body emerged from the massive crater Zhang Yang had smashed into the ground behind her. It was Sikong Ming. Though he had temporarily reattached his body, the damage was so severe that some muscle tissue and organs remained exposed to the air.

Despite being ground into meat by Zhang Yang moments ago, Sikong Ming’s perverse regenerative ability had slowly pieced him back together, though his mind had become unhinged. Perhaps the blow had been too heavy, leaving him with a concussion. Pointing at the approaching Qin Xiaochuan, his face covered in blood, he sneered viciously, "You’re going to lose! Qin Xiaochuan, you can never beat my brother, Sikong Lang! Never! Even Jinghai lost to my brother! That was Jinghai! She even underwent rejuvenation to return to her peak state, yet she still died at my brother’s hands. And she was infinitely stronger than you!"