Guo Jinting’s expression also gradually turned grim, a cold glint appearing in her eyes. She hadn’t expected the other party to have such a hidden move, but it made sense; an old fox like Wang Qinhai wouldn't be without his own trump cards.
“As expected of the Hawk Faction’s representative in Chang’an. One truly needs some means to deal with you. But it doesn’t matter, as this matter is already settled. I called you here today to learn about your next plans. If you wish to leave, I can help you depart.
After all, what I want is simply money. If you don’t stand in my way, I won’t make a move against you. You should understand my intentions. You’re not a fool, are you?”
Guo Jinting spoke slowly, her gaze softening as she tried to appear amiable.
Wang Qinhai scoffed, “Are you that kind? Do you think I’d believe you? Besides, you’re the one who caused this mess. Do you think I’d believe you again? You tricked me once, and you want to trick me again?”
After he finished speaking, neither of them uttered another word. Guo Jinting gazed at the octagon cage below, her eyes narrowing slightly. She chuckled, “Care for a bet?”
“A bet on what?”
“We’ll bet on who wins down there. If I win, I’ll help you. If I lose… you’ll have to fend for yourself, how about that?”
Wang Qinhai remained silent for a moment, surveying the octagon cage below. He slowly said, “The one wearing the headscarf.”
In the octagon cage below, the one wearing the headscarf was the current underground boxing champion, Black Bull!
Cage fighting, or full contact cage fighting, refers to a combat sport where two opponents fight within an eight-sided enclosure, employing unrestricted fighting techniques until one opponent is defeated or surrenders.
This sport is renowned for its bloody violence and is one of the most brutal and savage combat sports in the world.
In Country C, “cage fighting” is a combat competition with numerous leagues such as UFC and PRIDE FC. However, there is no unified championship belt, as each league has its own championship belts. The highest level among them is naturally the heavyweight division.
Due to the extreme brutality of the matches, which constantly feature graphic scenes of bloodshed, the fights are incredibly gory and difficult to watch. Competitors engage in close-quarters combat within the confined space, fighting until they are bloody and bruised, yet still unable to decide a winner, all to earn thunderous applause from the audience, a truly chilling spectacle.
Their rules are also very simple: no eye-gouging, no groin strikes. All other attacks are unrestricted, except for biting, attacks with metal objects, and eye damage. All other attacks are considered valid. There are no weight class rules; anything goes. Often, fighters grapple on the ground with no time limit. This is entirely different from the standing combat nature of Muay Thai, but equally bloody.
In the past, “cage fighting” was also known as “bare-knuckle fighting” for its extremely bloody and violent scenes. In recent years, with continuous rule revisions, it has evolved into a sporting event. Its live broadcasts reach 40 countries, making it arguably the world’s most brutal and violent combat competition.
Therefore, any martial art can participate, as long as you have the strength!
“Then I have no choice but to pick the remaining one.”
The remaining one was a man who looked very slender and weak, seemingly destined to be knocked out by Black Bull with a single punch. However, it was destined that this night belonged to him!
Soon, the battle in the octagon cage began.
Within a limited time, rapid offensive and defensive transitions and intense physical collisions are what best resonate with the audience's senses, which is also the greatest charm of boxing matches.
Soon, the victor was decided.
Wang Qinhai’s expression was grim. In his opinion, Black Bull was guaranteed to win, given the physical advantage. Who would have thought that the frail-looking man would win the match!
“Mr. Wang, perhaps some things are not as powerful as they appear. The energy emanating from a slender body can be formidable.”
“Eyes can sometimes deceive, and such deception can lead to death.”
Wang Qinhai didn’t say much more, “I never imagined that after decades of navigating the business world, I, Wang Qinhai, would lose to you. Now, it doesn’t feel like a loss.”
Guo Jinting was confident and remained silent.
“Since I’ve lost, a bet is a bet. Do as you please.”
…
“Phew—”
In the Xia family courtyard, the light in the west wing was always on. As long as Ye Longlin hadn't returned, Mu Hanqi would definitely wait for him at home.
No matter how late it was, there was always a light to illuminate his path home.
“Such a big event happened today, I knew you’d be back very late.”
Mu Hanqi emerged from within, her voice ethereal, carrying a tone of concern.
Ye Longlin extinguished his cigarette butt, smiled wryly, and gently rubbed Mu Hanqi’s head, saying, “It’s because we’re in the final stages. Once the Dark Hall is completely dealt with, we can live in seclusion. That’s my plan too, and it’s almost complete.”
Mu Hanqi pouted, “I know, but the Dark Hall is too dangerous. No one knows how terrifying their power truly is. An organization that can oppose Great Xia must be no small force. They even have families like the Ye family as their informants.”
What she said was true, and the facts bore it out.
The only force that could still oppose Great Xia was the Dark Hall. Since they had managed to hold out until the end, they must be extremely powerful, and her worries were entirely reasonable.
“Don’t worry, I have this under control.”
Mu Hanqi tilted her head, gently stroking Ye Longlin’s face, and said emotionally, “Of course, my man is very capable.”
“Capable in what way?”
Mu Hanqi: “……”
“Don’t be so flippant. I’m telling you, Grandpa has been taking care of Yi’er all this time. In about three months, we’ll have to consider buying a house and Yi’er’s schooling. You must keep this in mind. Think about whether we should buy in the capital or elsewhere, understand?
Don’t forget, if you forget, I’ll be very angry. Then you’ll have to choose between a keyboard and a durian! Do you hear me?!”
Ye Longlin said helplessly, “I know, it’s almost eleven o’clock now. Let’s wash up and go to bed.”
“Hmph, you actually know it’s eleven o’clock? I’m telling you, from now on, if you’re not home by ten o’clock, I won’t leave the light on for you, and I won’t wait for you!”
“Alright, alright, my wife is the boss, whatever my wife says goes.”
“That’s more like it.”
In the darkness, though their hearts were already very close, the days ahead would be tested by the mundane realities of life.
“Girl, sometimes I feel like this is all just a dream. I feel like I’m just a soldier on the frontier, and all of this is just a beautiful fantasy before facing death!”