Xiaofan and Li San had just stepped down from the ring, preparing to head back to the locker room to change, when they were surrounded by a large group of reporters.
Faced with a heap of chaotic questions, Xiaofan couldn't cope, whereas Li San seemed unfazed, standing in the flash of cameras, smiling as he responded to each reporter's question.
"Mr. Li San, why did you suddenly concede when you clearly had the upper hand earlier?"
"Ran out of strength, if I kept fighting, he would've pummeled me good," Li San replied honestly.
Though he was telling the truth, whether anyone believed him was a different matter.
"It looks like you two were acquainted before. Could there be some unsavory rules in this match, like fake fighting?"
"Fake fighting? Why don't you get up there and try it yourself? Two months ago, I fought him, and he almost broke my bones. Not getting injured today is already a blessing. Fake fighting, my foot. You're really something."
"There's a rumor that Chen Baicheng has claimed Ye Xiaofan as his ally. Is there any connection between you and Chen Baicheng?"
"Chen Baicheng? I wish he'd get in touch with me. If he wanted me to fake fight, he'd surely give me tens of thousands as a hard-earned fee, right? If I had tens of thousands, I wouldn't be here at this tournament. But think for once, this match was determined by a draw. Even the mighty Chen Baicheng can't rig the draw, can he? Alright, enough of these dumb questions. Isn't anyone going to ask if I have a girlfriend? Or what type of girl I like? After all, I'm single, maybe getting noticed by many girls since making it to the elimination rounds. Hey, don't walk away, I'm not finished yet..."
Li San's words amused the audience present. The guy has quite an open personality. Of course, in the eyes of the young, he could also be considered a comedian.
The tournament continued, and after changing clothes, Xiaofan watched the match from the stands. He couldn't boast enough to guarantee every match would end securely in his favor. Those who made it to the elimination rounds, all 128, were undoubtedly elite fighters.
The foreigner named David easily advanced, which was within Xiaofan's expectations. Next was the kid named Lei Xiaolei, who also advanced. It's just unclear how much his injuries had healed.
All external bets and ad costs were left to Chen Mei'Er and Liu Siyan to handle. These two girls would come to the hotel daily to discuss these matters with him.
Yet now, Xiaofan seemed not too eager for money. Enhancing his own strength was more crucial.
The next day, the second round of the elimination tournament began. However, compared to yesterday's 128, today only 64 remained.
The same drawing method as yesterday, waiting for the broadcast to call their number, then heading to the ring to fight.
"I forfeit this match."
However, when Xiaofan's opponent got to the ring, he chose to forfeit before the referee began.
Was it because he knew he was no match for Xiaofan? Or was there another reason?
It was during media interviews that the truth was revealed. This contestant had nearly tied with his opponent yesterday. Although he eventually defeated his opponent, he himself was seriously injured. If it weren't for not wanting to disgrace his faction, he probably wouldn't have gone to the ring to admit forfeit himself.
Clearly, for martial artists, the dignity of their faction was vitally important.
Winning without fighting means a large sum of money would be added to his account today. Was this money too easily earned?
With the match ending prematurely, Xiaofan returned to the competitor's waiting area seat. Same as yesterday, he continued observing today's matches.
It seemed like today, there were five who directly forfeited. Clearly, even if they won yesterday's first match, it came with a hefty price.
Suddenly, two individuals stood out from among the competitors waiting to compete, catching Xiaofan off guard.
"Now calling contestants 023A and 023B to Platform One. Contestants 024A and 024B, prepare yourselves."
023A was Lei Xiaolei, and surprisingly 023B turned out to be that foreigner, David.
Certainly, they were bound to meet. Lei Xiaolei really faced David in the ring. Seeing Lei Xiaolei's expression, Xiaofan immediately sensed unease.
The last time this foreigner, David, didn't want to let Lei Xiaolei off. Now, with such an opportunity, he likely won't hold back.
And Lei Xiaolei, being eager for revenge, definitely wouldn't concede.
Since Lei Xiaolei was part of Yanhuang Soul, Xiaofan hoped to gain information about Shen Zuimo through him. Thus, he didn't want the young man to die here.
But mere hoping was futile, as once the match started, it wasn't something Xiaofan could stop on a whim.
No one knew what the two on the ring were saying, while Xiaofan rose, pacing slowly towards the ring. Hoping he'd get closer.
As the referee shouted to start, Lei Xiaolei charged recklessly at David.
As predicted by Xiaofan, but bumping heads directly with the foreigner wasn't a wise move.
The swift-handed young man was observed by some elders in the audience. He was the third young elite they'd discovered on this occasion. Those fierce attacks were eye-catching.
Originally, David was one of the media's focal points too. This match drew everyone's attention once again.
"It's not possible, there's a strength gap," the elder called Cyan Dragon frowned after two glances.
"Bang."
Just as he spoke, Lei Xiaolei was struck by David, staggering back.
Yet this guy completely ignored his injuries, got up, and charged again.
"What's going on, is this kid trying to throw his life away?" Cyan Dragon realized something odd about Lei Xiaolei on the ring too, hastily stood up, moving closer to the ring.
"Bang."
"Whoa."
Another heavy punch landed, Lei Xiaolei was knocked airborne, blood staining the ring.
Yet this guy pulled himself together, inching towards David again.
The referee glanced at the jury panel, thinking it's likely to declare Lei Xiaolei's defeat. If this continues, something serious might happen.
"Hmph." David seemed to perceive the referee's actions too and lunged at Lei Xiaolei. With one hand forming a palm, he intended to finish Lei Xiaolei with this strike.
"Whoosh."
"Whoosh."
At this instant, two figures rushed simultaneously onto the ring. One stood in front of Xiaolei, while Elder Cyan Dragon hastily blocked David's lethal palm.
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