Chapter 47: No Money, Still Dare to Challenge?

Chapter 47: No Money, Still Dare to Challenge?

Guo Martial Arts Hall.

"Hmph, ha, ha!"

From within the courtyard came synchronized martial arts practice sounds.

Over a dozen men with bare arms stood under the supervision of a muscular instructor, their hands constantly alternating as they plunged into a large cauldron.

Beneath the cauldron, firewood burned, filling the pot with sand. Their hands moved rapidly in and out of the scorching sand.

"Alright, after cultivating this long, everyone take a break."

The muscular instructor clapped his hands, signaling the group to stop.

The trainees relaxed their tense bodies with audible sighs of relief, their faces twisting in pained grins.

"Remember to soak your hands in the medicinal solution afterward."

As he spoke, a large barrel filled with grayish-brown liquid was brought over.

One by one, they waited until the redness faded from their arms before dipping their hands into the medicinal soak.

"Ooooooh!" The moment his arms submerged, one man let out a monkey-like screech.

The instructor's face darkened. "What are you screeching like a banshee for?"

The sound abruptly stopped.

At this moment, a middle-aged man stepped out from the house. The muscular instructor approached respectfully. "Father."

Guo Zhong nodded, his hands clasped behind his back as he observed the trainees soaking their arms.

He turned to his son. "Guo Hao, how's the enrollment looking these days?"

Guo Hao hesitated slightly. "Since Father defeated Hong Ming, we've had daily applicants, though not many. We've only accepted thirteen disciples, and..."

"And?"

"Their talents vary greatly."

"This is normal. Talented martial cultivators are mostly monopolized by local martial arts institutes. I'll challenge Jiang's Martial Arts Institute soon to spread our reputation. Then everyone will know the might of Guo Martial Arts Hall!"

Guo Hao's expression shifted slightly, prompting his father to ask, "What's wrong?"

"Father, you've already challenged many martial arts institutes, including Hong's. This has likely caused resentment. If you continue, you might create enemies."

Guo Hao hesitated.

"Hmph! Do you think I fear them?" Guo Zhong snorted coldly. If these institutes hadn't conspired to exclude him, he would've dealt with these good-for-nothings long ago. With his strength, defeating the three major martial arts institutes or even sweeping all White Stone City's schools would be effortless.

Guo Hao remained silent, sighing inwardly. Since his father became a Vital Force Cultivator, his pride had grown insufferable.

The air grew heavy with unspoken tension. Suddenly, Guo Hao noticed a burly figure at the entrance.

The muscular challenger entered the courtyard. Guo Hao approached cautiously. "What business do you have here?"

He studied the man—towering, fierce-looking, around thirty. Definitely not a typical student.

"Are you Guo Zhong? I'm here to challenge you!" The challenger ignored Guo Hao, addressing the middle-aged man directly.

The courtyard fell silent. Everyone froze mid-motion, turning in unison with shocked expressions.

Guo Hao's confusion solidified as he glanced at his father.

Guo Zhong's sharp eyes narrowed at the challenger. "Challenge me?"

A cold chuckle escaped his lips. "In White Stone City, I'm the one who goes around challenging others. Never thought someone would dare challenge me here."

"Doesn't matter which institute you're from. I just want to test your skills. Will you fight or not?"

"Of course I will!" Guo Zhong's smile vanished. "But I never fight for free. Show me your stakes."

"Stakes? What do you mean?"

"A wager", Guo Zhong clarified, holding up one finger. "One hundred taels."

The challenger stared, then spat, "Wait here!" and stormed off.

Guo Zhong shook his head, muttering, "No money, still dare to challenge?" He turned to leave, disappointed at missing an easy profit.

An incense stick later, the challenger returned, throwing a money pouch at the gate. "Call out Guo Zhong!"

Hearing the commotion, Guo Zhong emerged, eyes narrowing at the silver notes peeking from the pouch.

"Fine", he said, his opinion of the challenger improving slightly. "If you want to challenge me, come on."

The challenger nodded, but Guo Zhong raised a hand. "One condition—if you lose, this hundred taels becomes mine."

"What about if you lose?" the challenger shot back.

Guo Zhong paused, then smirked. "If I lose, I'll give you the same amount."

"Deal!"

Guo Zhong gestured for his disciples to step back. "Let's begin."

"Wait!" This time the challenger stopped him. "First, show your money!"

"You think I'd cheat?" Guo Zhong's face darkened.

"Better safe than sorry." The challenger shrugged.

Without a word, Guo Zhong nodded to Guo Hao, who brought out another hundred taels.

With both pouches on the ground, the challenger grinned. "Let's go!"

Guo Zhong lunged forward, his martial arts technique fierce with anger.

The challenger stood still, watching calmly.

"I'll cripple you if I don't win!" Guo Zhong's palm sliced through the air like a blade, roaring toward the challenger.

As the strike neared, the challenger finally raised his hand, prompting Guo Zhong's sneer. "Too late to react now!"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end