Chapter 858: Stellar Martial Demonstration Ceremony (21)

"What I should do now is to prove myself with my fists on the arena."

Tuopa nodded: "Alright, I understand. I won't insist you accept any help. But how to put it... consider it advice from someone who's been there— to clear the smoke, the quickest way is to put out the fire."

"You're right; as long as you're willing to wait, all the turmoil will pass. But you'd have to wait a long time, and time is the most costly." Tuopa turned around, waved at him, and said, "Leaving~ Remember to call me if you change your mind~"

——

Sword Art Online.

"Indeed, although Miss Lingsha made perfect sense earlier, we overlooked that she is an immortal of the Eternal Light Clan. She and Lu Ka, whose lifespans are only a few decades, are completely different in their perception of time. If we want to completely quell this public opinion crisis, relying solely on time to smooth things over would likely take ten years or even more than ten… To the Xianzhou people, that might be just a blink, but for Lu Ka and Tuopa, it's utterly unacceptable."

Tongren then realized that Lingsha's earlier remarks weren't entirely applicable to Lu Ka either.

"I think Lu Ka should accept Miss Tuopa's help..." Through the restaurant's glass window, Asuna gazed at the passersby coming and going on the street, "... I feel Miss Tuopa still quite appreciates Lu Ka; although Lu Ka is experienced in the fighting arena, once he steps down from the boxing arena—arriving at this vaster arena of the universe, and begins dealing with more complex people—he needs someone who can give him some guidance."

"You think that person should be Tuopa?"

"I think it could be." Asuna said gently, "Just as Miss Tuopa said, their common points far outweigh their differences. I think Lu Ka cooperating with the company's people at this stage isn't a bad thing—especially since the other party is a member of the Stone Heart Ten, whose resources they control and can mobilize are unimaginable. If he could get her help, Lu Ka would find it much easier to achieve himself or promote his hometown."

"But Lu Ka also said that cooperating with the company would make his actions less pure." Tongren picked up a piece of grilled fish meat, "In my view, he wants to be more independent? I think that idea isn't bad either."

"But that's merely 'not bad'." Asuna shook her head, saying, "With Tuopa's resources, Lu Ka's starting point could rise from 20 to 200, and then with his ability… he could not only fulfill his own wishes, but also help the Belobog people fulfill theirs."

——

"The invitation match is about to begin, and Lu Ka is also clenching his fists, ready to give him a good lesson on the field."

"As expected, as his figure appeared on the arena, the spectators on both sides burst forth with a shout like mountains and seas crying 'forfeit'."

"Jimi, on the other hand, firmly stood on Lu Ka's side: 'Um… Lu Ka athlete has recently faced hostility from some fans due to baseless rumors. But it's fine; I believe Lu Ka athlete will surely prove himself on the field! Go for it! Lu Ka athlete!'"

""Baseless rumors? Hmph, spoken with conviction!" Shuojin snorted disdainfully."

"Jimi's strong support immediately aroused more off-field spectators' discontent; they not only directed their hostility at Lu Ka, but also began to fire at Jimi:"

""That Jimi is an employee of the company! Despite being in a tough spot, he still speaks up for Lu Ka—clearly Lu Ka is the company's lackey.""

""I originally thought Jimi was a cute little bird, but it turns out he's also of the same feather as the company.""

"Feeling the attacks from all sides, Jimi dared not utter a sound."

"Lu Ka calmly looked at Shuojin, shook his head, and said, 'Shuojin, I don't want to say another word to you. Let me use my fists to show everyone—whether Lu Ka is the company's lackey or an upright fighter.'"

"Judging by heart, after setting aside those underhanded tactics, Shuojin isn't a difficult opponent, but once combined with the attitude of the off-field spectators, the tone of this battle becomes quite strange."

"On the field, Lu Ka completely dominated Shuojin, but the stands were filled with endless cries of 'forfeit,' 'shady dealings,' 'disgusting,' and the like. Lu Ka suppressed his inner anger, landed a punch squarely on Shuojin's chest, and sent him flying out of the arena."

"Waiting for him was no applause, only endless doubt and slander."

""Shady dealings! Shady dealings! Shady dealings! Shady dealings! Shady dealings! Shady dealings!""

""I thought this Martial Demonstration Ceremony was fair and just—who would have thought there would be such shady dealings?""

"Lu Ka finally couldn't hold back, raised his head and questioned: 'I won fair and square—what shady dealings?'"

""Friends in the audience, there are no shady dealings. It's just that I'm inferior—my body couldn't withstand Lu Ka's iron fist… Sorry for disappointing you…" Shuojin, who had climbed up from the arena, covered his arm, putting on a pitiful appearance."

""You're acting again?" Lu Ka turned his head and glared at him."

"Seeing Shuojin willingly admit it, the off-field spectators immediately shifted angles and began to attack Lu Ka anew, in a moment becoming another torrent of criticism."

""An iron fist striking flesh—just thinking about it hurts… Lu Ka athlete's strike is truly vicious—how could there be such a malicious person?""

""Can't we call the police to have the Ground Harmony Office arrest him?""

""Exactly! We can't let him get away scot-free!""

——

JOJO's Bizarre Adventure: Unbreakable Diamond.

""Are their eyes growing on their buttocks? If they don't need their eyes, they should donate them to those in need! Lu Ka obviously won with nothing wrong—why do they always harbor such malice? Mr. Chengtailang, don't you think we should give this bunch a good beating?""

In the fast food restaurant, Zhangzhu was furious beyond measure, his straw in his mouth squeaking as he bit it; he really wanted to smash the ramune bottle in his hand straight onto the face of the passerby leading the troublemaking.

""Stay calm, Zhangzhu." Chengtailang lowered his brim and said coldly, "Although I also really want to smash Shuojin's face flat, Lu Ka's current situation isn't suitable for continuing to use force… Although reluctant, but now he must be the time to seek help from that woman.""

Tuopa?

Chengtailang nodded.

""Beating up these people is useless; when a tsunami swallows people, would you pour your anger into the sea? These spectators are water—they can be manipulated by Shuojin to drown Lu Ka, or by Lu Ka to drown Shuojin… it all depends on who holds the wind.""