"Do you know me? How do you know we're incapable?" Zhou Xuan asked, feigning ignorance.
The man shook his head. "You probably don't even know my name! But if you dare offend Lei Hu, then you're dead!"
"Lei Hu? Isn't he the ring master? If others can challenge him, so can I."
"Hahaha... You still want to challenge Lei Hu?"
The man laughed again wantonly. "Let me tell you, Lei Hu is not what he used to be. He's now not only ranked second in the entire underground forces of the East Sea, but his strength has also reached the peak of Dark Jin, even surpassing the late stage of Dark Jin."
"I know."
Zhou Xuan nodded with a smile.
"Oh? You know? It seems you are indeed very formidable!"
"Yes, I am indeed very formidable," Zhou Xuan stated without humility.
"Tsk tsk, I, Lin Zhilong, have never met such a shameless and fearless man. You've got guts!"
"However, I hope your guts can keep you alive."
The true boss behind the Dingwang Ring matches was named Lin Zhilong, a mysterious figure. No one knew his age or origin, only that his influence in both legitimate and illegitimate circles was vast.
Even the local police department couldn't do anything about him.
Lei Hu had strong backing and formidable strength, and his backer was powerful enough, which was why the Dingwang Ring Hall thrived.
Lin Zhilong's gaze fell on Zhou Xuan. "Young man, everyone wants money, but it's not that easy to get. This ten million US dollars has been waiting for a long time, and of course, I want some fresh blood."
"If the ring master is too repetitive and doesn't change for a long time, it will also lead to a loss of customers."
"You tell me," Zhou Xuan said, playing along.
"If you can defeat Lei Hu, I'll give you this ten million US dollars, and I won't ask for the fifty million US dollars you mentioned. I'll also set up higher prize money for you, provided you fight for me for a full month."
"Heh, you plan to buy me for a month with ten million US dollars?"
"No one has ever dared to insult me like this. You're the first."
Zhou Xuan scoffed.
Wang Sheng and Baili Lie glared angrily.
"Do you know who our boss is? To dare to order him around like this? Let me tell you, we are not short of money!"
Lin Zhilong, however, smiled. "A strong dragon doesn't suppress a local snake."
"I presume you understand this principle, don't you?"
"If a month isn't possible, then half a month. I don't care what you're here in the Silver Triangle for. But as long as you become my ring master, I guarantee that doing business in the Silver Triangle will be at least fifty percent easier for you."
Hearing this, Zhou Xuan glanced at him.
"I do have urgent matters, but why should I trust you?"
Zhou Xuan crossed his legs, completely unfazed by Lin Zhilong's words.
He only wanted to gain fame and find someone.
Unexpectedly, Lin Zhilong clapped his hands, and several men in black quickly appeared.
He spoke a few words in the local dialect to the men in black.
"Wang Sheng, Nata Shan is dead. I can roughly guess what you're back in the Silver Triangle for."
"Isn't it for Ya Qing's affairs? With me here, why do you need to work so hard?"
Lin Zhilong was confident that Zhou Xuan, Wang Sheng, and the others would agree.
Wang Sheng and Zhou Xuan exchanged glances.
"You guarantee that you know everyone in the Silver Triangle who is involved in the underworld?"
"Does that include those who make money abroad?"
Lin Zhilong smiled meaningfully.
"Of course. You just need to give me the information, and within three days, I'll find the person for you."
From the beginning, Zhou Xuan knew that doing business abroad was difficult.
Was Lin Zhilong's insistence on him defeating the current ring master merely because he needed fresh blood?
"Alright, where's the contract? I'll sign!"
Zhou Xuan didn't hesitate.
"Good, straightforward! I like you!"
Lin Zhilong burst into laughter.
He immediately took out the prepared contract.
"Boss!"
"Master!"
"Don't be rash!"
"It's alright. Since I dare to come, I won't be a coward. I hope Mr. Lin can keep his word. Otherwise, the consequences will be something you cannot bear."
"Well said, well said. Mr. Zhou, happy cooperation!"
Lin Zhilong smiled like a cunning fox.
The group ascended to a higher vantage point.
Below them, the matches were in full swing.
"Today is the elimination round. The final contestants remaining will face Lei Hu. If you defeat this person, you can challenge Lei Hu!"
Lin Zhilong said with excitement, "I can't wait, haha..."
Zhou Xuan guessed that Lin Zhilong was also a master.
Otherwise, he wouldn't be so excited about the prospect of Zhou Xuan fighting Lei Hu.
Lin Zhilong said something to the referee and the host.
The host walked onto the stage, picked up the microphone, and stood at the edge of the ring. A breeze blew, ruffling his fringe.
Lin Zhilong looked down below.
"Everyone, it's a pleasure to meet you all! Today, we have unexpectedly invited a young, handsome, and exceptionally skilled master. He wishes to challenge the elimination round winner. If successful, tonight will be his first direct challenge to the ring master.
Let us welcome this newcomer with thunderous applause and cheers!"
Upon hearing this, a commotion erupted from the crowd, with many jumping to their feet.
Their voices hoarse, they continued to shout.
The people present began placing their bets.
"Newcomer, forget the newcomer..."
"I'll still bet on Lei Hu!"
"Yes, I'm still for Lei Hu."
"No, maybe this one is a dark horse today? I see Mr. Lin, perhaps this is someone the boss has invited with great expense!"
"When has the boss ever not invited someone? You're still so naive!"
"Lei Hu, Lei Hu, Lei Hu is always number one!"
Lei Hu's fans enthusiastically voiced their support.
Meanwhile, Zhou Xuan was naturally looked down upon.
"May I have everyone's attention please. Now, I will announce the name of the newcomer, codenamed 'Falcon'!"
Zhou Xuan walked onto the stage amidst a chorus of boos.
"Oh, I wanted to see how handsome he was! Why is he wearing a mask?"
"Tsk, even with a mask, I think he's a total hunk!"
"Hmm, this smooth jawline, those perfect pecs and abs, plus long legs and powerful biceps."
"Lei Hu is an eyesore. This guy looks like he's here for a beauty pageant; he's definitely all looks and no substance!"
"Haha, yes, this is clearly a pretty boy!"
"He's so hesitant. It's not like there haven't been masked fighters before, but none like this!"
Everyone began to buzz with speculation.
Both the audience and the previous competitors shifted their gaze to Zhou Xuan.
Today, to avoid being recognized, he had asked Wang Sheng for a mask.
Who knew that this idiot Wang Sheng, along with Baili Lie, had gotten their hands on a woman's mask from somewhere.
It was like a little bunny, not handsome at all!
He had wanted a plain black or silver mask, or even one of those cheap novelty masks for children.
But this guy went against the grain, almost giving him a myocardial infarction.