This young newcomer was quite arrogant. Facing the veteran boxing champion, Black Cat, he showed no humility, even provoking Black Cat as soon as he stepped onto the stage. The result was obvious. After just a few exchanges, Black Cat, seizing an opening, unleashed a flurry of punches that stunned the young man. He then followed up with a finishing blow, knocking him out.
Seeing his opponent quickly KO'd, the audience outside was stunned for a moment, then erupted into thunderous cheers and shouts.
As the atmosphere reached its peak, a woman immediately stepped forward, lowered the microphone, and announced, "Today, our underground boxing champion will simultaneously challenge Hellfire, Jaguar, and Hunter. Let's witness the prowess of our veteran!"
Upon hearing that Black Cat would fight three opponents, the crowd's cheers intensified. After the woman exited, the impatient Hellfire trio rushed into the cage. There was no need for a referee or any formalities. Hellfire, without even a word, charged at Black Cat, fists flying towards his face.
Although the Hellfire trio weren't as famous as Black Cat, they were still star fighters of this arena. Moreover, youth often prevails over experience. Black Cat was undoubtedly skilled and technically proficient, but age was a factor.
In the beginning, relying on experience and skill, he handled the three-on-one situation with apparent ease. However, as time wore on, his stamina began to wane, his movements became sluggish, and the Hellfire trio landed three consecutive punches.
Seeing the veteran Black Cat showing signs of fatigue, the audience outside didn't show any sympathy. Instead, their cheers grew louder. They preferred to see the old guard defeated by the new wave rather than witnessing a triumphant resurgence.
Among the crowd, there was one person who couldn't bear to watch: Black Cat's star pupil, Deena.
Deena had once been a petty thief, surviving on minor thefts. It was only after studying under Black Cat that she acquired her skills, which eventually led her to join the Justice League.
Now, seeing her mentor being brutally beaten by three burly men, Deena couldn't stand by.
Unable to restrain herself any longer, Deena rushed forward, pulled open the cage, and entered. With a few swift kicks and punches, she repelled the three men attacking Black Cat, and then helped him up as he knelt on the ground.
"Why are you here? This is my fight. Get out."
"Don't be so stubborn. If it weren't for me, they would have beaten you to death long ago."
Deena's intervention further complicated the already chaotic situation. The audience outside, however, reveled in the disorder. But in the VIP box, the true owner of the arena, unable to tolerate it any longer, grabbed the intercom, ready to call for an end to the brawl.
Unfortunately, the situation on the ground changed too quickly. Before the security guards outside could act, Deena and Black Cat teamed up, knocking the Hellfire trio to the ground. They then used an ultrasonic blast to shatter the cage, causing most of the audience to flee.
After all, these dignitaries and wealthy individuals had come for excitement, not to court death. Seeing the fighters engaging in indiscriminate attacks, they couldn't stay put and chose to escape first.
Looking at the chaotic scene below, the owner still wished to salvage some semblance of dignity.
"Madam, you see this..."
But before he could finish speaking, he noticed that the woman who had been standing beside him moments ago had vanished without a trace.
Deena, with Black Cat, fought their way out of the underground arena, fended off the security guards, and burst onto the street.
On the bustling street, even the arena's security guards wouldn't dare to be too reckless, lest they attract the attention of some vigilante.
The two fled into an alley, finally shaking off their pursuers, and let out a sigh of relief.
But at that very moment, the mysterious woman reappeared.
Upon seeing the woman's attire, which clearly indicated she was not from the modern era, Black Cat and Deena instantly became alert and assumed fighting stances.
Facing them, the mysterious woman showed no fear. She walked forward without any guard, pulled out two letters from her person, and handed one to each of them.
The two exchanged glances, eventually taking the letters, but remained vigilant.
After handing over the letters, the mysterious woman bowed slightly and said, "Esteemed warriors of this world, greetings. My master, Great Serpent Ertos, sincerely invites you to a gathering at his volcanic manor. If you honor us with your presence, we shall bestow upon you the very things you most desire. The specific method of travel is detailed in the letters."
"What if we don't go?"
Looking at the letter in her hand, Deena asked the woman with suspicion in her voice. After all, she had never heard of a mysterious volcanic manor, nor a mysterious Great Serpent Ertos, and she didn't believe a word the woman said.
Seeing Deena's hostile tone, the woman didn't get angry. She calmly replied, "This is entirely voluntary. If the two warriors are unwilling to grace us with their presence, there is no issue. However, we hope you will not regret your decision."
With that, the mysterious woman began to retreat, eventually disappearing into the darkness.
As Deena hesitated, Black Cat had already opened the letter given by the mysterious woman. When he saw its contents, the hand holding the letter began to tremble.
The letter not only described the method to reach the volcanic manor but also detailed the rewards awaiting those who attended.
It is worth mentioning here that the reason Black Cat had returned to the underground arena to fight in illegal matches was twofold: first, he was unsuited for ordinary work, and second, Black Cat had recently been diagnosed with cancer. He needed a large sum of money for treatment, and due to his pride, he was unwilling to disclose this to anyone. To earn money quickly, he resorted to fighting in underground matches.
Now, the letter clearly stated that if Black Cat arrived at the volcanic manor as agreed, Great Serpent Ertos would treat him.
Deena had initially been hesitant to go to a place that seemed so suspicious. However, upon learning about Black Cat's situation, she changed her mind. For her teacher's safety, she was willing to accompany him.
Time passed quickly, and soon it was the appointed day.
Following the route described in the letter, Black Cat and Deena arrived at the designated location.
"Are you sure? There's no volcanic manor anywhere around here."
As far as the eye could see was barren wasteland. Forget a volcanic manor, there wasn't even a single building.
Just as they thought they had come to the wrong place, a man approached them from not too far away.
The man held a letter identical to theirs. Upon seeing them, he quickened his pace and grabbed Deena, asking, "Hello, is the volcanic manor around here?"
Deena surveyed the man. His appearance was quite ordinary, the kind who would easily blend into any crowd. His clothing also showed no signs of anything unusual.
Upon seeing the letter in the man's hand, Deena shook her head and said, "I'm not sure. We're also looking for the volcanic manor, but it seems we've come to the wrong place."
"You too?"
The man exclaimed as if he had found kindred spirits. "Then it's perfect. The three of us can travel together. Hello, my name is Bai Qisheng."