The match between the Shanghai team and the India-3 special zone team was about to begin.
India-3 was a truly peculiar nation, its people possessing a unique, almost mystical, self-confidence. Legend had it that in the ancient India-3 era, their civilization was among the oldest in human history, establishing a rigid social hierarchy and creating exquisite art and sculpture. It was also considered one of the cradles of human civilization. The ancient India-3 culture, with its profound richness, mystique, and magic, deeply fascinated the world and exerted a far-reaching influence on contemporary nations. Yet, this once refined, civilized, powerful, and prosperous ancient civilization had been utterly degraded by its descendants into a crude, barbaric, backward, and impoverished country that, paradoxically, felt superior. They arrogantly believed that the entire world yearned for their customs, cuisine, and culture, even going so far as to market bottled bathwater – a truly extraordinary people. It was akin to the ironic compliment one might receive after a meal there: "Brothers, it's clean and hygienic!"
"The match between the India-3 special zone team and the Huaxia Qin capital team begins now."
As the referee's call echoed, Zhang Haoran stepped onto the stage, his gaze fixed on the India-3 team. He saw the India-3 "Buddha Son" ascend the stage, radiating fierce battle intent, and said to Zhang Haoran, "Surprised I'm the one fighting, aren't you?"
"Damn it, this Lin Lao Hei is still too young, making it seem like he's some Zhuge Liang who can predict everything," Ying Xuan seized the opportunity, quickly relaying Lin Zhan's prediction from yesterday to his teammates. "Since he's on the stage, how can I call myself an idiot? Let's see who's the real idiot this time."
Zhang Haoran, facing the "Buddha Son," was indeed surprised. "Did Lin Lao Hei really miscalculate?" he mused. "Your presence on the stage is indeed unexpected. It seems I must take a life today."
"Wait a moment," the "Buddha Son" raised a hand, stopping Zhang Haoran. He then turned to the referee. "Your Excellency, on behalf of the India-3 team, I concede."
"Well, are you even more surprised now?" The "Buddha Son" burst into laughter, witnessing Zhang Haoran's astonished expression, and walked off the stage.
"What the hell, Lin Lao Hei was right! This is too shameless," Ying Xuan exclaimed, equally surprised. "He came onto the stage full of fighting spirit only to forfeit? What on earth has gotten into his head?"
"Captain, Captain, you're the idiot this time, aren't you?" Wang Dazhuang, sharing the same name as He Dazhuang, delivered another startling remark.
"The India-3 special zone team concedes. I declare the Huaxia Qin capital team the winner," the referee announced.
A wave of murmurs swept through the crowd, with many shouting for refunds. President Zhou Zhengwen of the Advanced Martial Academy quickly convened with other leaders to discuss the matter, as the tickets were sold by the Higher Martial Arts Academy.
A few minutes later, the referee returned to the stage. "After deliberation by the leaders, the third match between the American special zone team and the Huaxia Beijing team has been decided. The match begins now."
Xiao Hanyi slowly walked onto the stage, leaning on his dual swords, waiting calmly. Adam Sol, beaming, approached the stage. "Xiao Hanyi, you're not the captain of the Beijing team, are you? Where is Lin Zhan?" He then looked towards Lin Zhan, who was lounging in his consort's lap, a small table beside him laden with drinks, desserts, and various spiritual fruits. Adam Sol felt his intelligence momentarily falter. What was this tactic? Had Lin Zhan become so powerful that he didn't even care about him? "What does your captain mean by this? Out of politeness, shouldn't he come up and greet me, another captain?"
"Our captain said you're not qualified. He doesn't need to pay attention to you. Also, he has a sensitive stomach; if you don't want to fight, don't disturb him."
Hearing Xiao Hanyi's words, Adam Sol was instantly enraged, lightning crackling around him. He gritted his teeth and spoke word by word, "Whether we fight or not isn't important. A Silver-level martial artist claiming to have a bad stomach is insulting my intelligence."
Ying Xuan and Zhang Haoran, leading their teams, rushed to Lin Zhan's side. "Lin Lao Hei, what trick is this again? It looks like Adam Sol is about to make a move. Can Old Xiao handle it?"
"If he dares to make a move, I'll at least respect him a little," Lin Zhan said without getting up, his eyes half-lidded as he looked at the two. "Intelligence, do you even have that?"
"I don't need to insult you. Our captain said he has a bad stomach, so he needs to eat something soft quickly," Xiao Hanyi sneered, then pointed towards the VIP seating. "See the two leaders sitting in the middle? One is Lin Lao Hei's father, the newly appointed Lord of Overlord Saber, Lin Shanhe. The other is his father-in-law, Lord Shocking Thunder, Zhang Zhen, who is that girl's father." So Lin Shanhe's promised military support was Lin Zhan's father-in-law, Zhang Zhen. Truly, brothers fight together, and fathers and sons go into battle. "If you're not satisfied and want to seek death... uh, I mean, complain, then take your representative and hurry up. Otherwise, just obediently admit defeat, be a grandson, and shut up. Stop babbling here and causing trouble." Xiao Hanyi, who usually had a poker face, could curse with incredible variety. "You're standing there like a simpleton. What are you waiting for? Fight if you want to fight, or get lost if you don't. I don't have money to pay for your lunch."
"Oh my, when did Old Xiao learn to speak like someone from outside the pass? He speaks so powerfully!" He Dazhuang also joined in, loudly joking.
Adam Sol's body pulsed with even more powerful lightning. As a descendant of the Asgardian royal family and a person of noble status in America, he had never been so insulted. He desperately wanted to kill Xiao Hanyi before him, but remembering his father's instructions and the unclear death of Kotaro Koizumi, he hesitated. "The American special zone team concedes," Adam Sol declared, dropping the words, and then left the arena with his teammates without looking back.
"The American special zone team concedes. I declare the Huaxia Beijing team the winner." The referee, well-prepared, rushed to announce the result as soon as the opponent left the stage.
Watching Adam Sol depart, Lin Zhan sat up. "That kid is a character. He knows when to yield and when to advance."
"Remember, Adam Sol is our primary target. The moment we enter the secret realm, kill him immediately. Otherwise, this kid will surely cause us some trouble," Lin Zhan said, turning to the others.
"He was almost ready to attack just now, but he held back in the end. Someone must have given him special instructions from behind," Xiao Hanyi said, having stepped off the stage and walked to Lin Zhan's side.
"It must have been his father from the Asgardian star system who gave him specific instructions. Otherwise, what could those few lords in America possibly know? It seems Asgard also has a king overseeing it," Jiang Zheng's analytical skills were truly terrifying.
"I agree with Old Lin's plan. Deal with him immediately. It's best to provoke the Asgardians, to force them to reveal themselves. Otherwise, with the war against myriad races outside and these wild beasts within, it's simply too troublesome," strategist Jiang continued.