Chapter 2060: How to Tame the Unruly Youth 09

After that day, Ji Yuan Shan again sent people to hint to Jin Chen several times, all of whom returned in failure.

Seeing that this person was truly determined to discipline Ji Lai Zhi, and Ji Lai Zhi actually became unusually obedient; normally he could stir up trouble every few days, but now he might stay out of trouble for a month.

If Ji Yuan Shan truly doted on his eldest son as the outside world said, he would naturally welcome this situation, but he is not.

Coincidentally, several allied gangs wanted to hold a match to promote mutual progress and prepare for the Martial Arts Assembly; even the Martial Arts Alliance sent disciples to compete, the venue being Azure Cloud Sword Manor.

Ji Yuan Shan originally did not want Ji Lai Zhi to stand out, overshadowing the current Young Manor Master Ji Si Yao, but now he has changed his mind.

Therefore, on the day the match date was set, Ji Lai Zhi learned he would compete, not knowing who his opponent was or how strong they were; it was clearly going to be a blind match.

Ji Lai Zhi didn't mind much, but he could clearly feel that in this short period afterward, martial training had increased, and not going to the Study for two or three days had become routine.

After another nine days, it was the day of the match.

Even before today, Azure Cloud Sword Manor had already become lively, with many disciples and members of various gangs coming and going; the bustle throughout the manor clearly did not reach Gazing Cloud Pavilion, and no one lacking sense would come to this place.

Beneath the spacious, square fighting platform, martial artists about to participate in the sparring match gathered here, when suddenly a red shadow appeared.

At first glance one might think another handsome young man had appeared in the martial world, more beautiful than the bodhisattva in the painting; upon closer look… it was Ji Lai Zhi!

The tea pavilion where people had been whispering just moments before fell silent; all kinds of martial artists stared with strange, inquisitive eyes, none unaware of the notorious reputation of this spoiled brat.

Ji Lai Zhi was already accustomed to this, and also enjoyed the leisure; he found an empty table, sat down, propped his head on one hand, and secretly felt anxious inside.

It's all Jin Chen's fault, Ji Lai Zhi thought; such sparring matches often occur, he had long grown accustomed to blind matches, had rarely lost, and had never felt nervous.

Who would have thought that this morning, Jin Chen suddenly said that if he won, there would be a better reward, superior to any before.

"Excessive." Ji Lai Zhi muttered, instinctively looking behind the platform; Jin Chen, for the first time wearing a bamboo hat and veil, a white long robe that stood out among the burly martial artists, was instantly visible to Ji Lai Zhi.

Sensing the gaze, Jin Chen turned his head; a breeze blew the veil beneath his hat, revealing his clear, gentle brows and eyes, tolerant and encouraging.

Ji Lai Zhi flinched and averted his gaze, refusing to admit he had been looking.

Yet surprisingly, he was no longer nervous at all.

Ji Lai Zhi picked up his tea cup and took a sip.

【Mm…so many pairs of eyes are staring at you.】

Ling Gun Gun mysteriously leaned close to Jin Chen's ear to remind him, and also planted a horror-film explosion sound effect in his mind.

Jin Chen: "……"

Jin Chen grabbed it into his wide sleeve and kneaded it; his gaze, visible through the veil, swept over several groups of people in succession.

Although few here know his identity, there could still be an accident; he currently has no plan to reveal himself.

Jin Chen flicked his fingertip, cast a simple illusion, and instantly became unnoticeable, allowing him to watch the match with ease.

Most participants in this sparring were young members of various gangs, with different martial arts styles, eagerly seeking proof superior to that of their peers.

After a few bouts, it was soon Ji Lai Zhi's turn to go on stage.

Beneath the platform, discussion immediately erupted, as if fearing that anyone might not know this person was a martial world calamity; some even sighed lamenting for Manor Master Ji.

Ling Gun Gun turned and took out a little notebook, recording these people.

Once on the platform, Ji Lai Zhi finally saw his opponent, raised an eyebrow slightly, and became utterly serious.

Wearing a dark red short robe with cuffs embroidered with blessing-knot patterns, tall and imposing, a disciple of the Martial Arts Alliance.

Hmm… Ji Lai Zhi thought aside, the martial arts registry he had been forced to memorize over the past month and a half was still quite useful.

"Young Master Ji, I am Li Chang Rong; please instruct me."

Ji Lai Zhi returned the salute with clasped fists and took the initiative to attack.

His style was not just for show; even though one could tell at a glance it was the Azure Cloud Sword Technique, his movements varied greatly, always striking unexpectedly.

The long sword slashed toward the broadsword.

In an instant, both leapt back after turning, dispersing the incoming internal force's recoil.

Ji Lai Zhi's movements became noticeably hurried, with a faint feeling of losing control.

Li Chang Rong looked at him doubtfully, not having time to scrutinize, when Ji Lai Zhi, like a wild wolf eyeing prey, his long sword inevitably flashed with cold light.

What is Ji Lai Zhi doing all of a sudden! Isn't this match supposed to stop on contact!

Li Chang Rong was greatly startled, only able to retreat while advancing, defending repeatedly.

"Ji Lai Zhi!"

Li Chang Rong shouted sharply, "What are you thinking? Have you gone into deviation?"

Ji Lai Zhi's pupils flickered, as if he had just regained his senses; he shook his wrist, and the sword blade brushed past Li Chang Rong's ear.

Clang—

The surge of internal energy could not be unleashed; Ji Lai Zhi jerked back two steps, his whole body trembling, excitement at its peak.

Again, this uncontrollable irritability.

The more Ji Lai Zhi tried to endure, the more he felt his whole body shouting with killing intent, a bloody sweet warmth rising in his throat.

Normally, if he failed to suppress it, he would let the killing intent run free, causing one disaster after another.

No…

Not today.

Ji Lai Zhi gripped the sword hilt tightly, as if he could still feel Jin Chen's gaze upon him.

Already someone below was shouting that Ji Lai Zhi had fouled, saying they had agreed to stop on contact yet he dealt a lethal blow—truly a calamity.

Li Chang Rong also did not press the attack, somewhat worriedly staring at this strong opponent.

"What's wrong with you? Could it be… you used to fight like this too?"

Ji Lai Zhi lifted his eyes to him; in his cold, gorgeous amber pupils flashed a struggling ferocity, and he squeezed out a sentence from between his teeth.

"Get lost, or beat me."

According to past experience, as long as the opponent is knocked down and unable to get up, this unbearable irritability can be suppressed.

At that moment, a white shadow flew toward the platform, possessing excellent lightness skill.