Chapter 147: Meeting in Person
Chapter 147: Meeting in Person
Ji Xinghu immediately became vigilant. "You're not tricking me, are you?"
"As if," Zhao Manying replied with a sidelong glance, slightly annoyed that he had ruined the serious atmosphere with his joke. "Do you really think I'd go to such lengths to deceive a nobody like you?"
"Yeah, haha..." Ji Xinghu felt a bit embarrassed.
Referring to himself as a 'nobody' back then was partly due to the vast gap in their strength and fame, and now that he had caught up and felt good about himself, he wanted a bit of revenge.
He never expected her to remember it till now.
Apparently, Zhao Manying had noticed his subtle emotion and, despite saying she would find out his identity, she never actually did.
"I'm serious," Zhao Manying said, her expression turning solemn. "I want to challenge you offline, and regardless of the outcome, you won't bear any responsibility. I can even pay you."
"No need for payment," Ji Xinghu shook his head.
"So, you agree?" Zhao Manying asked, delighted.
"Of course," Ji Xinghu replied without hesitation.
His identity was a minor issue, and if his presence as her heart demon was as severe as she claimed, possibly affecting the new season, then he ought to help her dispel it. However, whether or not she could break free ultimately depended on her own abilities.
"By offline, do you mean a real-world battle or the Spirit Realm?" he asked directly.
Both were considered offline interactions.
The Spirit Realm was inaccessible via the internet, and one had to be physically present to enter it using a projection cabin.
It was a place where real combat could be perfectly simulated, and it was also safer and more familiar to Zhao Manying since the Super League matches were conducted there, giving her a home-field advantage.
"I'm fine with either; it's your choice," Zhao Manying replied nonchalantly, once again displaying her confidence.
"Then let's go with the Spirit Realm," Ji Xinghu said with a smile. "A real-world battle is harder to control, and if I accidentally injure you and affect your new season, I'll be the villain."
"What do you mean?" Zhao Manying frowned, not liking his implication.
"I'm just being honest," Ji Xinghu said, deciding to be straightforward. "Your decision to challenge me offline isn't a wise one. There's a chance that not only will your heart demon not be dispelled, but it might even become worse."
Zhao Manying stared at him, then suddenly burst into laughter.
"Has anyone ever told you that you're incredibly arrogant?" she chuckled, finding it hard to stop. "Hearing you talk, one would think you're the top-ranked player on the ladder, not me."
Ji Xinghu's voice remained calm. "Your top spot on the ladder will be mine sooner or later."
"You're so full of yourself!" Zhao Manying's smile faded, and she turned serious. "If I lose this offline challenge, then I'll become your girlfriend."
Ji Xinghu's expression froze. "Do we have to make it that serious?"
"You don't want to?" Zhao Manying huffed. "Or do you think you've already won?"
Ji Xinghu didn't respond, but his expression said it all.
"Do you have a girlfriend?" Zhao Manying pressed, her tone challenging. "Even if you do, I don't care. Because you can't possibly beat me!"
"I don't have a girlfriend, but I advise you to reconsider this wager," Ji Xinghu said sincerely, genuinely concerned for her.
They were only online acquaintances, and while they were fairly familiar with each other, he knew her to be someone who kept her word. If she lost, she would be in a difficult position, and their friendship might not survive the awkwardness.
The more confident she was now, the harder it would be for her to accept defeat.
"I've already made up my mind, and I won't take it back," Zhao Manying said stubbornly.
She seemed almost intoxicated by the idea, and Ji Xinghu's well-meaning advice only made her perceive him as more arrogant. Her pride as the top-ranked player wouldn't let her back down, and most importantly, she truly believed she couldn't lose.
What she needed most to overcome her heart demon was this very confidence, so she went all in.
To hesitate, even for a moment, would only make her heart demon more formidable.
Ji Xinghu realized they had reached an impasse.
"I know what I'm doing," Zhao Manying said casually, "so let's make it final. Also, I want a real-world battle, not in the Spirit Realm."
She was going all out.
Ji Xinghu shook his head helplessly, once again experiencing the fickleness of women. She had just told him to decide, and now she was changing her mind.
He decided to stop trying to dissuade her since he wouldn't be at a disadvantage anyway.
"You choose the time and place," he said.
"How about now?" Zhao Manying asked eagerly. "There are many high-end battle arenas in Chang'an, but they're crowded and hard to clear at short notice. Would you mind going somewhere more remote?"
"Anywhere is fine," Ji Xinghu replied.
"Then let's go to Mount Hua," Zhao Manying suggested. "In the past, there was the 'Discussion of the Sword' on Mount Hua, and today, we shall have a contest for the top spot on the ladder."
"Isn't that a bit far?" Ji Xinghu scratched his head. "I'm in the Qishan District, and to get to Mount Hua, we'd have to cross all of Chang'an."
Zhao Manying didn't want to change her mind again. "Come to the lobby of the Weiyang Building, and I'll pick you up from there."
With the advanced transportation these days, there was no need for her to pick him up.
However, she wanted to put Ji Xinghu at ease, especially since they were heading to the remote Mount Hua. Traveling there together would prove that she had no other ulterior motives.
Ji Xinghu changed into a black martial arts uniform and threw on a jacket, making sure to bring along his Lei Chi and Moyin blades, as well as the Invisible Thorn, which he strapped to his back. He called out to Qinghong, asking it to shrink down and hide in his pocket, essentially gearing up with his full arsenal.
He also loaded "Iron Hammer" with ammunition and hid it in his Dimensional Pouch.
Although the probability of Zhao Manying harboring ill intentions was extremely low, Ji Xinghu believed in being cautious and prepared for the worst-case scenario.
Leaving his residence, Ji Xinghu hopped into his magnetic levitation car and soon found himself cruising on the superconducting highway.
Weaving through the dazzling neon lights of the metropolis, it took him less than half an hour to reach Weiyang Tower. This iconic structure, towering over 1,800 meters tall, stood proudly in the heart of the city, resembling a majestic palace suspended amidst the clouds under the night sky.
Having visited a few times before, Ji Xinghu recalled celebrating his 22nd birthday within its walls.
It was only today that he learned Zhao Manying resided in the upper levels of the tower.
The top floors of the Weiyang Tower boasted luxurious residential suites, with their prime location, breathtaking height, panoramic views, and renowned reputation driving the real estate prices to astronomical levels that were out of reach for the average person.
Arriving at his destination, Ji Xinghu exited his car and waited at the main entrance of the tower, as previously agreed upon.
It was now past nine o'clock, the busiest time of the evening.
The area surrounding the Weiyang Tower was the most bustling center of Chang'an. Giant screens on the facades of nearby buildings flashed with advertisements, painting the sky with a kaleidoscope of colors while the ground buzzed with a bustling crowd. People came and went from various malls, bars, and movie theaters, creating a lively atmosphere that was simultaneously chaotic and orderly—a testament to the vibrant economy.
The multitude of transportation vehicles whizzing by on the multilayered superconducting highways was a sight to behold.
The diversity in people's fashion styles was equally striking.
Some donned suits and ties, their hair meticulously groomed, resembling gentlemen from a bygone era. Others defied conventions, braving the chilly end of winter in shorts and short sleeves as they strolled down the street. There were those who took great care in their appearance, resembling models on a runway, while some opted for armor or costumes, even dying their hair various colors to match their chosen character from movies and shows.
While most people dressed normally, these eccentric fashion choices were not frowned upon, often earning curious glances and occasional requests for photos.
In the Asia-Pacific Community, the entire society advocated for the freedom of individuality, and as long as something wasn't illegal, it was acceptable.
As long as one didn't break the law, no one would point fingers.
Thus, Ji Xinghu, with his assortment of blades, bows, and arrows, didn't stand out as he stood on the street. Occasionally, passersby would glance at him, but it wasn't unusual.
He waited for about two minutes.
Vrrroooom!
The deep rumble of an engine approached, and Ji Xinghu could hear it from far away as it exited the underground garage at the back of the Weiyang Tower, circling around to the front entrance.
It was a light-wheel motorcycle, and it soon came to a stop in front of him.
The most striking feature of the black vehicle was the two massive hollow tires at the front and back, their rims glowing with blue-white light circles that connected along the length of the over-two-meter-long body. The entire vehicle was illuminated by bright lights, giving it a heavy yet agile appearance, and its sleek lines made it resemble a exquisite work of art.
The light-wheel motorcycle was an electric magnetic levitation bike capable of traveling on both regular roads and superconducting highways, with a top speed of 500 kilometers per hour.
This particular light-wheel motorcycle was the newly released "Night Walker," priced at over 100 million credits.
Nowadays, the vast majority of people didn't buy cars because they simply didn't need them. However, deep down, most men and a fair number of women harbored a love for vehicles.
And among all the options, the light-wheel motorcycles were the most captivating.
This was the dream vehicle that many people yearned for!
As the Night Walker pulled up by the roadside, it immediately drew the attention of the surrounding crowd, who stopped in their tracks to admire it.
It wasn't just the men who were captivated; even the women stole glances at the stunning combination.
The rider of the light-wheel motorcycle wore a black leather jumpsuit that hugged her slender curves, accentuating her voluptuous figure. With her helmet on, her face was hidden, but the few strands of pink hair that escaped from beneath it and her tall, domineering stature were enough to spark the wildest fantasies.
The pairing of the light-wheel motorcycle with a beautiful rider was a head-turning combination anywhere they went.
Ji Xinghu noticed that a sword was attached to the right side of the motorcycle.
"Is that Zhao Manying?" he wondered.
His magnetic field senses picked up on the rider's formidable strength, and her etheric energy fluctuations were equally impressive, nearing the pinnacle of superhumans.
However, the magnetic field could only sense shapes and not see actual features.
"New Sky 2225?" a familiar voice asked from within the helmet.
"It's me," Ji Xinghu confirmed with a nod, now certain that this was indeed Zhao Manying. He had to admit that her choice of introduction was completely unexpected and differed vastly from her public image.
Zhao Manying scanned him up and down with her helmeted gaze, giving a slight nod before tapping on the backseat of the light-wheel motorcycle.
"Get on," she said.
(End of Chapter)
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