"How about this, since it's the first match, we'll let the contestants pick their opponents themselves."
Tong Wu said, and without waiting for the crowd's reaction, he turned to Li Chonglou and spoke into the microphone.
"Brother, you get to pick your opponent now."
After saying this, Tong Wu quietly moved the microphone away and whispered something to Li Chonglou.
"Be serious, don't pick someone too strong!"
Tong Wu seemed practiced in this, his lips barely moving as he spoke, his voice just loud enough for Li Chonglou to hear. However, his tone was more commanding, as if Li Chonglou were his subordinate.
Li Chonglou didn't mind. Even if Tong Wu hadn't said it, he would have done the same. After all, if he could choose his opponent, why wouldn't he pick a weaker one to win some money? That would be foolish.
So, Li Chonglou slowly raised his right hand and pointed at a burly, bald man.
"Me?"
Ma San was taken aback, and his expression changed slightly. Standing next to him was a thin young man who, seeing Li Chonglou point at Ma San, looked panicked.
"Brother Ma San, what do we do? Should we leave?"
The young man's name was Hu Han. His background wasn't even that of a third-rate family. But a few years ago, someone from the Hu family, one of the sixteen prominent families in Shangjing, found him. They claimed his grandfather was from the Hu family and invited him back.
As an ordinary commoner, Hu Han's feelings upon such an event were beyond words. He truly believed he was the protagonist of the world, destined for overnight success!
However, once he entered the Hu family, he discovered he was merely a pawn in someone else's game. His recall was merely to serve as a tool for a power struggle. He went from his fantasy of being a young master of the Hu family to a mere follower!
Although his dream was instantly shattered, his new life was still infinitely better than his previous one. Thus, Hu Han eventually accepted reality and obediently became a tool.
It was precisely this mindset that allowed him to gradually gain some status within the Hu family. As they say, even a well-used tool can become a treasured artifact. Hu Han also rose in the ranks alongside his superiors.
But he was still an 'outsider'. Even though he had the qualification to compete this time, it was through another member of the Hu family.
Therefore, in his original plan, he had no intention of having his bodyguard participate. He merely wanted to see the world and join in the fun.
It was also for this reason that when he chose his bodyguard, he specifically picked Ma San, who looked incredibly strong but was actually all show and no substance.
Ma San wasn't an ordinary person either. It was just that due to some events many years ago, his strength was almost entirely lost. That's why Hu Han, after spending some time with Ma San, came to see him as a senior and addressed him as Brother Ma San.
However, as soon as Hu Han spoke, a sharp voice came from the side.
"You want to avoid the fight? Let me tell you, if you disgrace my Hu family this time, you'll never set foot in the Hu family again!"
It was Hu Tian! Hu Han's face changed again, and he found himself in a dilemma.
Ma San sighed and patted Hu Han's shoulder, saying, "It's just a match, don't be too nervous."
Although they hadn't known each other for long, perhaps because they both came from humble beginnings, Hu Han's personality clicked with him. Ma San could feel that Hu Han genuinely cared about him and was sincerely worried, so at this moment, he didn't want to make Hu Han difficult.
Under everyone's gaze, Ma San, chosen by Li Chonglou, walked towards the ring with a calm and collected demeanor.
Tong Wu on the stage was startled and, with a questioning tone, whispered.
"Who told you to pick him!"
Ma San not only had the physique of a giant bear but also an aura that any discerning eye could recognize as that of a master. Almost everyone who saw him for the first time would think this person was not to be trifled with!
Therefore, not only was Tong Wu angered by Li Chonglou's choice, but others were also filled with confusion.
The two were vastly different in appearance. The crowd couldn't understand why Li Chonglou would choose such an opponent!
Was it overconfidence, or intentional? Was he deliberately trying to lose the match?
Jiang Jiaxing and Liu Qiang had almost identical reactions.
"Damn it! This kid isn't trying to welch on the bet, is he!"
As Ma San truly stood on the stage, the gap between them became even more apparent.
"Holy cow, is this kid crazy? He's the first one up, and he gets to pick his opponent, yet he chooses a big shot?"
"Could these two know each other? Are they fixing the match to make money?"
"Fixing the match is unlikely. Who would be short of that kind of money?"
"A million US dollars is nothing. To lose face over such a sum would be a terrible loss! No normal person would do something like that."
The crowd below buzzed with discussion, while Tong Wu on stage had already written Li Chonglou off.
Given the current situation, Li Chonglou had no chance of winning. This meant he had failed in this round, and couldn't showcase his professional ability through his judgment.
But as a seasoned veteran who had been in the industry for many years, Tong Wu quickly adjusted his mindset. One failure was not the end. As long as he could perfectly control the situation in the future, he could still attract the attention of the big players!
Tong Wu gave Li Chonglou a cold glance, then began to announce the match rules.
"This match is under unlimited combat rules, but weapons are not allowed. Any violation will result in disqualification."
After speaking, Tong Wu stepped off the stage.
"Why did you pick me?"
At this moment, Ma San suddenly asked.
Li Chonglou smiled, "Guess?"
Ma San's expression changed, and he exclaimed subconsciously, "You saw it?"
Li Chonglou nodded. He had no intention of hiding it, because this burly, bald man was someone who, like him, carried the power of a curse!
Perhaps due to possessing the soul bottle, Li Chonglou was extremely sensitive to the power of curses. He had discovered this the moment he first saw the man.
This person had also entered the Lost Land.
"You, you've been there too?"
Ma San still couldn't quite believe it. This was the first time in many years that someone had recognized his true situation at first glance!
The only explanation was that the other person had likely also been there!
So, although Ma San asked subconsciously, he already had the answer in his heart.