Starforce Warriors

Chapter 131: A Bet

Everyone knew that Inspector Li Zhoumin enjoyed mentoring outstanding young talents. They also knew that Li Zhoumin's presence at the evening event was primarily to evaluate the next generation of high school students. It was customary for him to pick one young person tonight.

Many students, including Xiong Zhigang and others like Little Sword Immortal Gu Haochen in the far back rows, had paid a significant price to be present at the event. They had all hoped to gain the favor of the esteemed Inspector. But the moment had arrived and Inspector Li had made his choice.

It was Li Xiaofei! In truth, when this boy from Red Flag High School won both the Kunlun Badge and the Qinling Badge, many had speculated that he might be the one Li Zhoumin would select tonight.

But then Xiong Zhigang emerged. Xiong Zhigang's performance had been stunning after undergoing the Jiepeng surgery. He seemed poised to compete with Li Xiaofei. But unfortunately, Xiong Zhigang had been utterly defeated in their battle.

Li Xiaofei was truly extraordinary. Even those who didn't like this martial arts prodigy had to admit that his performance tonight was undeniably the most dazzling. It would have been more surprising if the inspector had chosen someone else.

Li Xiaofei was momentarily stunned but quickly accepted the inspector’s invitation.

"As you wish, I dare not refuse," he replied, performing the clasped-fist salute of the Great Xia martial lineage.

"Haha, good, very good," Li Zhoumin laughed heartily.

Li Xiaofei deliberately took a familiar detour back to his seat. For the third time, he walked by Zhao Bufan's seat. This time, he didn't even need to speak. He simply glanced at him. Zhao Bufan instantly felt as if his soul had left his body.

Zhao Bufan breathed heavily and tried to force a flattering expression onto his face as he said, "Young Master Li, I was wrong. Please, be the bigger person and forgive me. I'll offer half of my family's assets... "

Li Xiaofei smiled faintly. He said nothing more as he turned and walked away. Zhao Bufan slid from his seat like a pile of mush. He realized that he was in big trouble.

What should I do?

Panic and fear engulfed him. Zhao Bufan's hands and feet began to twitch uncontrollably.

***

"Yeah!"

Tan Qingying clapped loudly as she exclaimed excitedly, "You were amazing! Haha, I knew you could do it. If there were ten measures of brilliance, you took twelve tonight, and everyone else still owes you five."

"Good one," Li Xiaofei laughed, amused. "You're so pretty and so eloquent. If you're so good at talking, keep talking."

"No way, I have to save some for later," Tan Qingying stuck out her pink tongue playfully. "If I say too much, you'll get arrogant."

Li Xiaofei looked at the girl in front of him, and his expression suddenly became serious.

He spoke with utmost sincerity, "Thank you."

"Huh?" Tan Qingying was taken aback.

Li Xiaofei continued, "Thank you. If it weren't for you bringing me here... "

"No need, you already said we're friends," Tan Qingying waved her hand dismissively.

The girl's heart was sincere and fiery.

"Congratulations, Li Xiaofei," Tsukiha Yaiba stood up with a smile. "I didn't expect you to be so exceptionally talented. It's truly impressive. The ancient martial arts of Great Xia are astonishing."

It was hard to be unfriendly to someone with a smile.

Li Xiaofei responded lightly, "I'm just somewhat invincible in the high school scene of Liuhe Base City. I'm merely a firefly's light in the vast expanse of Great Xia."

Tan Qingying couldn't help but laugh.

This guy. You can call him humble, yet he claims to be invincible in Liuhe Base City's high school scene. You can call him arrogant, but he says he's just a firefly in the whole country. He's managed to say both modest and boastful things all at once.

Tsukiha Yaiba smiled and said, "Li Xiaofei, you're too modest." She paused for a moment before adding, "With your talent, I believe you're among the top geniuses in the entire Great Xia Republic. I deeply admire you and look forward to the day we can face each other in the league."

Li Xiaofei replied, "Don't worry, I won't hold back then."

"So what if you don't hold back?" Mizutani Hikaru snorted coldly. "Don't think you're invincible in Liuhe Base City just because you defeated that trash Xiong Zhigang. Sister Tsukiha can defeat ten of you with one hand."

"Li Xiaofei can defeat a hundred of you with one finger," Tan Qingying retorted fiercely, unwilling to back down.

The two girls immediately started bickering again. Tsukiha Yaiba smiled and stopped Mizutani Hikaru.

"Li Xiaofei, do you dare make a bet with me?" she asked.

Li Xiaofei asked, "What are we betting?"

Tsukiha Yaiba replied, "In the fourteenth round of the league, Quanye High School will face Red Flag High School. We will have a one-on-one duel. If I win, you have to promise me one thing. If you win, I'll promise you one thing. How about it?"

Li Xiaofei asked, "Anything?"

Tsukiha Yaiba nodded, "Anything."

Li Xiaofei thought for a moment and said, "Alright."

Tsukiha Yaiba extended her fair, jade-like hand, "It's a deal."

Li Xiaofei slapped her palm loudly, "It's a deal."

"Ah, you Great Xia people are so rough," Mizutani Hikaru said indignantly. "You used so much force and hurt Sister Tsukiha. Couldn't you be a bit more gentle?"

Li Xiaofei did not reply as a row of black lines appeared on Tsukiha Yaiba's forehead.

Damn it, what is this idiot saying?

She grabbed Mizutani Hikaru by the collar and turned to leave.

"Hey? The event isn't over yet... " Mizutani Hikaru struggled and flailed.

"For us, it is," Tsukiha Yaiba said darkly.

One girl then proceeded to drag the other out of the venue. Their kimonos were so conspicuous that no one tried to stop them.

***

The evening event soon came to an end. No one had expected it to be anything but the usual, but who would have thought that so many things could happen in just three short hours? It was truly a series of unexpected twists and turns. But the winner tonight was unmistakable; Li Xiaofei.

He had not only earned two prestigious badges from the military and government but also had a close encounter with the Goddess Ye Liuying and defeated the fourth stage Limit Breaking Realm martial artist Xiong Zhigang. His legendary career was now even more dazzling.

In the end, he received an invitation from Inspector Li Zhoumin. All the benefits of the evening had gone to one guy. It was as if the entire event had been prepared specifically for him. Everyone else in attendance seemed to be mere background characters.

As the host announced the end of the evening event, the hall immediately became noisy and chaotic. The crowd surged like a tide as everyone converged on Li Xiaofei.