Chapter 29: Guan Enzheng's Plan

"Heh, your Xiao Han Republic is truly 'united as one.'"

Zhang Cheng's words carried a note of sarcasm. "In victory, you lift him high like the moon among the stars, praising him, worshipping him, showing every sign of petty men basking in success.

But when defeat descends, this 'unity' turns to humiliation and abuse, even eagerly branding him as trash, itching to cast him out with your own hands."

"Is this the Xiao Han Republic you take such pride in? What a truly magnificent spectacle you've put on."

Zhang Cheng's words were like a sharp sword, every word and every sentence piercing straight into the heart.

At this moment, Jin Yuzhen suddenly jerked his head up, his eyes burning with unwillingness and fury like two blazing flames.

"Don't get cocky too soon. You think you can pass this Life-or-Death Duel? Dream on!"

"The moment you fall, your fate will be even more wretched than mine!"

With that, Jin Yuzhen erupted into a burst of desperate, manic laughter, the laughter revealing an extreme anticipation for the future and a twisted sense of satisfaction.

"Hahahaha, I look forward to that day's arrival!"

Look forward to it? Zhang Cheng's lips curled slightly, a flash of cold light vanishing in an instant.

Almost in the blink of an eye, a short blade had silently appeared in his hand, its cold gleam flashing,

as though the very air had been cleaved open by the razor-sharp edge, aimed straight at Jin Yuzhen's neck.

Pfft! With a faint sound, head and body parted,

Jin Yuzhen's eyes wide open, filled with disbelief and shock.

He had never anticipated that Zhang Cheng would strike at such an utterly unguarded moment, with the speed of lightning before one could even cover their ears!

"Phew…"

Zhang Cheng slowly sheathed the short blade in his hand, his expression returning to its usual indifference.

"You wish to witness the day of my defeat with your own eyes?"

"It's a pity — neither the dead nor the living will ever have that chance…"

As Jin Yuzhen fell, most of the audience did not show much surprise,

because in their hearts, the cruelty and ruthlessness of the Life-or-Death Duel were already commonplace, requiring no excessive lamentation.

And facing the criticism of certain audience members, who said Zhang Cheng was ruthless and cold-blooded as ice,

he merely pressed his lips together indifferently, a flicker of complex emotion, hard to detect, flashing through his eyes.

If not forced by circumstance, how could he be willing to stain his hands with blood?

But those opponents ascended the arena with contemptuous smiles and arrogant postures, their words full of provocation,

even brazenly threatening to take his life and insulting his nation.

Faced with such unbridled provocation, who could possibly endure it endlessly?

"Jin Yuzhen's era has come to an end. This chilling duel has ultimately concluded with the Xiao Han Republic's defeat."

Accompanied by a low, commanding voice, the Mysterious Judge appeared on the Divine Ghost Killing Arena.

His voice seemed to come from a dark abyss, every word striking against the hearts of all present.

"According to the Bet Agreement established by both sides before the match, the Xiao Han Republic must, before the sun rises,

pay Dragon Nation a colossal indemnity of one hundred fifty-five billion, otherwise, the Xiao Han Republic shall face a terrifying descent."

"The Deadly Duel Challenge — its rules cannot be defied."

The judge's voice contained an irresistible power.

"Wait!" Just as the crowd wallowed in despair and fury, Guan Enzheng suddenly called out in a loud halt,

this cry shattering the deathly silence and instantly drawing everyone's gaze to him.

A portion of the Xiao Han Republic's audience showed obvious displeasure and annoyance, their conversations brimming with doubt and reproach:

"Aiya, what act is Guan Enzheng trying to perform now? Doesn't he think the Xiao Han Republic's face has already been completely lost?"

"If he hadn't used that Added Card, how would we be burdened with this unbearable weight of debt!"

"Let's see how he wraps this up. I doubt he'll be keeping that director's seat for much longer!"

"Once we're back home, I will definitely join forces with the chaebols to bring him to Judgment!"

"I seriously suspect that Guan Enzheng is actually a spy planted by Dragon Nation in our Xiao Han Republic!"

Compared to the contempt and disdain directed at Jin Yuzhen, the hatred Guan Enzheng suffered had reached an almost unsurpassable degree,

the fury in people's hearts enough to subject him to a thousand cuts.

In the minds of the Xiao Han Republic's citizens, Guan Enzheng was undoubtedly the chief culprit behind this entire catastrophe!

Upon returning home, Guan Enzheng would become the target of universal condemnation,

the nation's higher-ups would undoubtedly shove all responsibility onto his shoulders,

plunging him into an extremely dire predicament.

"Leader of the Xiao Han Republic, do you have any further questions?"

The Mysterious Judge's gaze was sharp, locking onto Guan Enzheng like a falcon, every word ringing out as he questioned.

Guan Enzheng gave a solemn nod, his back straight as he spoke:

"First, regarding that one hundred fifty billion, we will certainly pay the compensation as agreed!

But this enormous sum, I, Guan Enzheng, will bear alone, and repay it to Dragon Nation in my personal capacity.

Whoever's mistake it is shall bear the responsibility. This was my personal error in judgment, and it has nothing to do with the innocent citizens of the Xiao Han Republic!"

The moment these words were spoken, the audience who had been attacking him en masse were all stunned on the spot.

What was going on?

What act was he performing now?

Guan Enzheng — he was actually shouldering one hundred fifty billion all by himself?

Guan Enzheng secretly breathed a sigh of relief; his first-step strategy had clearly achieved the expected effect.

He had successfully shaped a positive image of someone who dared to take responsibility and had the courage to correct his mistakes.

However, this was only the beginning. Next, it was time to implement the second step of his plan!

His expression suddenly turned solemn,

"Naturally, the compensation will not be lacking, but before that, I have a question to ask. Is Dragon Nation truly so devoid of human decency,

insisting on severely punishing our two ordinary tourists, Jin Yongshun and Pu Xiangzhong?

They simply embarked on their journey out of a love for Dragon Nation's culture, yet have been imprisoned here because of some inexplicable jealousy."

"Does such behavior do justice to the deep love they hold for Dragon Nation?

Does it do justice to friends around the world who harbor goodwill toward Dragon Nation?

Is this what you call the peace and friendship you so often speak of?"

Guan Enzheng's words had an effect.

For a moment, the entire venue fell into a silence, the air seeming to congeal.

Viewers around the world, through the live broadcast cameras, stared fixedly at their screens, their hearts churning,

chewing over Guan Enzheng's resounding words.

People in some countries could not help but ponder inwardly: if what Guan Enzheng said was true,

then would Dragon Nation, long regarded as a tourist destination, truly become a forbidden land for travelers in the future?

Was the peace and friendship that Dragon Nation had displayed on the international stage all these years really just a veil,

concealing an unknown other side?

Zhang Cheng, standing to one side of the arena, his sharp gaze swept through the audience seats,

catching every person's emotional fluctuation.

He took a deep breath and spoke:

"At this point, you, Guan Enzheng, can still stir up such a massive uproar. Your maneuvering and influence are truly not to be underestimated."

As Zhang Cheng's words fell, the Xiao Han Republic spectators present seemed to erupt in collective anger.

The finger pointed directly at Dragon Nation, their indignation spilling over.

"Right! I almost forgot—our contestants are still imprisoned in Dragon Nation's cold, dark cells!"

"Even though we lost the competition, we will never forget Dragon Nation's unfair behavior!"

"If you want to avoid international condemnation, Dragon Nation must immediately release our compatriots!"

"Hostility toward others out of jealousy—is that not a sign of petty narrow-mindedness? Has Dragon Nation sunk to such a level?"

"Other matters can be negotiated, but only after the warriors of the Xiao Han Republic return safely—there is no room for bargaining!"

The voices of the Xiao Han Republic quickly drew responses, as spectators from various nations joined in this show of support, forming an international storm of public opinion.

The representative of Great Bear Nation loudly denounced:

"Dragon Nation always hides behind a hypocritical mask; releasing the hostages promptly would be the wise course of action!"

Spectators from Beautiful Nation emphasized:

"Human rights are paramount. Dragon Nation has no right to arbitrarily detain citizens of other nations—this is a grave violation of basic human rights and freedoms!"

The Triumphal Empire issued an appeal:

"We expect Dragon Nation to swiftly take action, release the personnel, and provide a reasonable explanation."

Tianzhu Nation, meanwhile, put it bluntly:

"Dragon Nation's reputation has gone completely rotten!"

For a time, multiple major powers—apart from Mao Xiong Guo—unanimously exerted enormous diplomatic pressure on Dragon Nation.

They seemed not to care about the truth behind the incident,

seeing only that this was an excellent opportunity to strike at Dragon Nation's international image,