CHAPTER 131: CHAPTER 109: TREADING ON FIRE

In front of the Twin Rivers Guild, the crowd was in an uproar, especially when Chen Ku proposed to challenge Poison ingestion, the Blade Ladder, and the Fire Boots—three feats deemed impossible.

"He’s got a death wish!"

Jiang Shaoyou and Chai Tiangui both turned pale, Chai Tiangui particularly so. He had hoped to have someone gallop back to his home to fetch the bait mouse Chen Ku had given him. If there was enough time, Chen Ku would only need to take on the Poison ingestion challenge, and that might help Chen Ku pass one of the trials. But Chen Ku wanted to attempt them all. The Blade Ladder and the Fire Boots were deadly without preparation.

Zhao Chuanzu’s brow furrowed, and his heart began to pound.

He faintly realized that he had encountered a ruthless opponent, one who did not care about his own life. For these three trials, he was naturally prepared. Firstly, the Ming Family had ranked Chen Ku above him. In a sense, this suggested that if the two were to fight one-on-one, his chances of winning were slim. He was not afraid of the Furious Ape Mighty Staff. It was merely a Martial Art of Ultimate Skill Level, but his family’s "Nine Dragons Union," in terms of Ultimate Skill techniques, was even more incredible than the Furious Ape Mighty Staff. However, the combination of the Furious Ape Mighty Staff and Chen Ku’s "Irresistible Power of Four Elephants" Root Bone was no joke. That Root Bone, possessing over forty thousand jun of Divine Power, was paired with a Stick Technique renowned for its brutal force. Zhao Chuanzu would have to be a fool to choose to compete in Martial Arts prowess on the stage with a "Reckless Man" like Chen Ku. His chances of winning were slim, and losing meant utter disgrace; one strike from Chen Ku could leave him severely injured, if not dead.

The Jianghu Martial World was never fair or kind, unlike ancient states deploying troops for a head-on battle. Out in the Jianghu, regardless of who it was, one’s stance was determined by self-interest; one would seek benefits and avoid harm. When rules were advantageous, one emphasized rules; when facts were advantageous, one emphasized facts. Playing to one’s strengths against another’s weaknesses—that was the wise way. He had proposed these three contests because he was confident he could pass one of them unharmed. With prior preparation, he could catch Chen Ku off guard, gain the upper hand, and save face. He had also included Qu Feng because the Firewood Iron Shop possessed similar techniques. Adding Qu Feng would further emphasize that they both achieved victory through their own means. ’If you, Chen Ku, cannot do it, then it is because your Medicine King Hall lacks the capability; it’s your own inadequacy...’ But he hadn’t expected Chen Ku to be such a stubborn greenhorn.

Zhao Chuanzu was momentarily at a loss for words.

Qu Feng looked towards the Thirteen Young Master, and Xie Qingfeng also regarded Chen Ku with a changed expression.

Chen Ku didn’t wait, instead turning to Huang Muxia and saying calmly, "Chief Huang, what are we waiting for? Aren’t you the adjudicator today? If we are not competing, then I believe I can leave."

At this moment, Huang Muxia felt as if this young man had put him on the spot. He was somewhat stunned. Young people are like this, he thought; a surge of anger rises, and all else is forgotten. He had been young once and could understand this feeling. But while Chen Ku might act recklessly, he could not afford to do the same.

He then coughed softly, covering his mouth, and said, "The Poison prepared today is a type of Break Intestine Grass. Whether an ordinary person or a Martial Practitioner ingests it by mistake, if it is not neutralized in time, death is certain within three days. However, if one has regrets, neutralizing the Poison within three days can avert serious consequences."

He was giving Chen Ku a way out. After all, as the largest Apricot Grove in Baojiao County, it wouldn’t be difficult for the Medicine King Hall to neutralize the Break Intestine Grass poison. It was just a matter of admitting defeat and losing face.

Huang Muxia had someone bring out a red lacquered tray from inside the hall. On it were three sprigs of Break Intestine Grass. He looked towards the three men and said, "I wonder, who wishes to take the Poison ingestion challenge?"

Qu Feng shook his head. "I can’t do this one, Chief Huang. Let’s proceed directly to the Blade Mountain."

He and Zhao Chuanzu had discussed this; among the three challenges, each of them only needed to succeed in one. That would be sufficient.

Huang Muxia was not in a hurry and looked towards Chen Ku.

It seemed he was waiting for Chen Ku to choose the Break Intestine Grass first. Then, once the poison took effect, Chen Ku wouldn’t have to participate in the next two inhuman challenges. The Medicine King Hall would surely save him.

Under everyone’s gaze, Chen Ku, with a calm smile, slowly walked forward. Looking at the Break Intestine Grass on the tray, he said, "These three sprigs of Break Intestine Grass, as Poison, are quite valuable. Chief Huang, you’ve gone to some expense..."

Hearing Chen Ku’s words, Huang Muxia’s expression shifted slightly. He knew Chen Ku was being sarcastic. However, Huang Muxia felt no psychological burden. He wasn’t from Baojiao County to begin with, and besides, he harbored some resentment towards the Medicine King Hall. He was about to smile and formulate a response to this junior...

But before Huang Muxia could speak, Chen Ku picked up one sprig of Break Intestine Grass from the tray, tossed it into his mouth, chewed it thoroughly, and swallowed it in front of everyone.

This action horrified all the onlookers.

"He really ate it!"

"Break Intestine Grass is among the most toxic of common herbs! Its poison is extremely potent. If ingested without prior preparation, death is inevitable."

"This... it’s escalated so much! Someone’s going to die!"

Hearing the surrounding voices and seeing Chen Ku chew and swallow the Break Intestine Grass, Sui Qingfang approached Jiang Shaoyou. Frowning, she said to him, "Quick, go to the Medicine King Hall now! Have them prepare an antidote. There might still be time. You don’t want to see Chen Ku die like this, do you?"

"I’ll go right away!" Jiang Shaoyou replied anxiously and immediately broke away from the crowd.