Now, everyone knew exactly why Xu Ke had called them over: to "collect the body" of their comrade, Wong Qiang.

The group had initially thought Xu Ke was up to something strange and wanted nothing to do with it. As a result, they had fallen right into another one of his traps. Now, Qian Jun and his men were all caught in a dilemma.

If they didn't go, Wong Qiang would be taken away by Xu Ke. Even if Wong Qiang was now useless, Wong Ting could not possibly allow one of his subordinates to be taken away. If they didn't go up and carry Wong Qiang off the stage, Wong Ting would have them killed when they returned.

But if they went, wouldn't that make them Xu Ke's grandsons?

Thinking of this, everyone shot a furious glare at Zhao Xiangping. If it weren't for this asshole, would they be in such a predicament?

At that moment, Chen Xiong was more than happy to go along with the plan, smiling as he replied to Xu Ke, "Alright, I'll have someone take him down now."

Hearing this, Jin Hankang could no longer sit still. He shot to his feet and snarled, "What do you think you're doing?"

Let Xu Ke take Wong Qiang away? How much face would Wong Ting lose!

Chen Xiong's gaze instantly turned cold. "This is Tianhai, and we're in charge of logistics. I'm calling our medical staff to deal with the injured. Is there a problem with that?"

Even a patient man has his limits. Jin Hankang was trying to pick a fight over every little thing, and Chen Xiong was on the verge of exploding.

Seeing this, Jin Hankang knew he was in the wrong. He wore a displeased expression but eventually relented, "No problem. But Wong Qiang has his own friends here. Let them handle it."

Xu Ke waved his hand. "They're not coming. My hands are tied."

Jin Hankang immediately glared at Zhao Xiangping.

Seeing this, Qian Jun couldn't remain seated either. He looked at Zhao Xiangping and said coldly, "Since you were talking so tough just now, go and get Wong Qiang yourself."

"Boss..." Zhao Xiangping was stunned and tried to refuse, hoping someone else would go.

But Qian Jun glared fiercely at him, and Zhao Xiangping swallowed whatever he was about to say.

Taking a deep breath, Zhao Xiangping slowly walked toward the stage and hoisted Wong Qiang onto his back, his face a mask of pure indignation.

Xu Ke watched him but didn't stop him, simply remarking indifferently, "When you get out of here, don't tell people I'm your grandfather. I don't have a moronic grandson like you."

The onlookers burst into raucous laughter, their taunts echoing through the venue. Good advice is wasted on those determined to court disaster. Zhao Xiangping had brought this on himself, and the crowd was more than happy to kick him while he was down.

Hearing their mockery, Zhao Xiangping's face flushed with shame and anger. He looked up at Xu Ke furiously. "You motherf—"

He couldn't take it anymore and was about to let loose a torrent of curses.

But Qian Jun barked, "Get back here! Haven't you embarrassed us enough?"

With Zhao Xiangping's wit, he'd still lose a verbal battle with Xu Ke even if he had a college degree. Staying there any longer would only bring more humiliation.

The fire that had just flared up in Zhao Xiangping was instantly extinguished by Qian Jun's roar. Defeated, he carried Wong Qiang and returned to his group.

Seeing this, Xu Ke shook his head with a sneer and stepped down from the stage. "Alliance Leader Chen, we can begin the next match!"

"Good!" Chen Xiong nodded.

A wave of applause erupted from the audience. Some came from the Wang Family, some from the Zhou Family, and many from Xu Ke's supporters. It was all for his swift and clean victory.

Xu Ke smiled, about to speak. But just as he stepped off the stage, his face suddenly turned pale, and he clutched at his chest.

Chen Xiong, who was standing nearby, saw this and his expression changed drastically. He rushed forward to support him, whispering, "Are you alright?!"

"I'm fine!" Xu Ke shook his head and then, as if nothing had happened, walked directly toward the Wang Family's rest area.

Chen Xiong watched his retreating figure with deep concern. He wanted to ask if those two kicks had triggered the poison, but with the tournament still in progress, he could only wait until the morning's matches were over.

He then walked onto the stage to announce the start of the next bout. However, few people were listening to him, and no one cared about the two contestants walking up from the competitor's area. All eyes were fixed on Xu Ke as he headed for the Wang Family's rest area.

Even though Xu Ke's episode had occurred after he left the stage, it hadn't escaped the notice of most people present. At that moment, a single thought united them.

Xu Ke really is poisoned!

Witnessing this, Huang Zhendong breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed those two kicks had completely drained Xu Ke's strength, leaving him unable to suppress the poison's outbreak.

***

"How was it?" Xu Ke asked in a low, smiling voice as he sat down beside Wong Qifu.

Wong Qifu nodded. "Very good. Very realistic."

If I didn't know the truth, I would have believed it myself.

Xu Ke chuckled. "How could it not be realistic? I stuck myself with a Silver Needle."

"You're certainly ruthless enough," Wong Qifu said, shaking her head.

Just then, Wang Qiya peeked out. While keeping an eye on their surroundings, she leaned close to Xu Ke and Wong Qifu and whispered, "Brother-in-law, I don't really understand why you're doing this. Is there any advantage to deceiving them?"

In Wang Qiya's mind, Xu Ke's two kicks had already been more than enough to prove his power. With that kind of strength, crushing everyone, including Qian Jun, shouldn't be a problem. So why was Xu Ke going through so much trouble, clutching his chest and even sticking himself with needles?

Seeing Wang Qiya's puzzled expression, Xu Ke and Wong Qifu exchanged a glance and paused for a moment.

Xu Ke just smiled and didn't offer a detailed explanation. "A lion uses its full strength even when hunting a rabbit. This 'full strength' doesn't just mean not underestimating your opponent and giving it your all during the fight. It also includes using every available advantage beforehand."

"Qian Jun is strong," he added. "And I really want to win."

Wang Qiya froze, then slowly sat back down, lost in thought.

***

There wasn't much anticipation for the following matches. After all, they were just internal fights between Qian Jun's own men. It felt less like a competition and more like a training session. Even so, not a single one of them wasted the opportunity to show off. They fought with fiery intensity, their back-and-forth exchanges thrilling the crowd.

But after the excitement died down, the audience's gazes inevitably drifted back to Xu Ke, who was sitting calmly in his chair.

When it came to thrilling, what could be more satisfying than a one-kick victory?

It wasn't until a particular match was announced that the expressions of the spectators turned intrigued.

Because it was Su Ximing versus Qian Jun.

***

"Let's welcome contestant Su Ximing and contestant Qian Jun."

As the announcement fell, Su Ximing and a completely expressionless Qian Jun walked toward the stage.

"Boss, I'll just con..." Su Ximing began as he walked, planning to concede immediately.

But Qian Jun showed no reaction, saying only, "Fight with all your strength."

"Yes..." Su Ximing replied, his voice laced with resignation.

Fight with all my strength? Wouldn't that mean I'm going to be utterly crushed?

As he walked, he gritted his teeth and glared in Xu Ke's direction.

This bastard... If it weren't for him, why would I have to face my own boss?

The expressions on Jin Hankang and the others on Wong Ting's side were also ugly. Su Ximing had been specifically arranged to ambush Xu Ke. Yet, somehow, things had ended up like this.

Moreover, a nagging thought lingered in their minds: if Su Ximing had taken the drug, he might have been an even match for Xu Ke.

But no matter what they thought, what was done was done.

Su Ximing and Qian Jun ascended the stage from opposite ends, their footsteps echoing softly. They faced each other from a distance.

Seeing this, Xu Ke also sat up straight.

I'm actually curious to see how these two will fight...

"Begin!" Jin Hankang announced.

The next moment, True Qi erupted from Su Ximing's body. He charged toward Qian Jun with a speed far surpassing Wong Qiang's, his presence incredibly fierce.

The crowd gasped in surprise.

It seemed Su Ximing truly had some skill after all.