Crowned by the Treacherous Big Shot

Xu Zhongping's platform, constructed by his subordinates, bears a striking resemblance to the battleground for the final test between Lu Yuan and Lu Qi over the Houyi Bow.

Except it is higher and more perilous.

Only one person can ascend at a time, meaning that the four first need to engage in a life-or-death struggle below to earn the right to climb up.

Xu Zhongping, from atop the platform, can not only conserve his strength but also carefully observe each individual's martial arts styles and weaknesses as they duel.

Ji Li shook his fan and said, "Hey, isn't this too simple? What if someone just refuses to go up and sits below, waiting for others to fight to the death?"

Xu Zhongping thought for a moment and readily agreed, "You're not wrong. Then let's add another rule: anyone who falls to the ground is out."

He looked at everyone, "If there are no objections, you can follow me."

"I'll go."

Chen Long said.

Si Snake opposed, "You're injured from the Trapped Dragon Formation. They might not see it, but deep down you know how severe it is."

Ji Li quickly agreed, "Yeah, Han Qi is very stubborn. Since it concerns the Black Armor Army, I think I should be the one to fight."

Si Snake glanced at the other side, "You can't compete with Mao Tu."

Ji Li was indignant, "Ah Snake! You're looking down on me!"

Si Snake said, "Xu Zhongping didn't say not to use unconventional means. You can't handle the techniques of Medicine King Valley."

Ji Li rolled his eyes, "Then who do you think should go? Surely not this kid, right? He has nothing to do with the Black Armor Army!"

He pointed at Lu Yuan.

Lu Yuan smiled lightly, "I'm not going."

Ji Li growled, "Hey!"

Meng Qianqian said seriously, "I'll go."

Ji Li was dumbfounded, "Little Yin Hu, you..."

Si Snake didn't object anymore.

Chen Long wanted to say something but held back at the last moment.

When Meng Qianqian reached the competition venue, Xu Zhongping was already on the high platform.

Her other three opponents were Lan Yeyue, Lu Qi, and Duan Wenliang.

Duan Wenliang said to Meng Qianqian, "Little Yin Hu, I hope your martial arts are as good as your gambling skills."

Meng Qianqian replied, "Thanks for your kind words."

Duan Wenliang snorted.

Xu Zhongping struck the copper gong.

The duel began.

The first to rush forward was Lan Yeyue.

Her movement technique was supremely fast; in the blink of an eye, she had climbed halfway up.

Unwilling to be outdone, Lu Qi used his Qinggong to catch up with her.

"Why are you getting involved? The Thousand Mechanism Pavilion and Jin Prince Mansion are allies!"

Lan Yeyue chuckled, "I do as I please!"

Duan Wenliang quickly caught up, "Don't be fooled by him! She's taking money from the Thousand Mechanism Pavilion but doesn't truly intend to work for them! She's aiming for the Black Armor Army for Medicine King Valley!"

Meng Qianqian asked, "What does the Medicine King want with the Black Armor Army?"

Si Snake said, "Medicine King Valley has long been dissatisfied with just being an isolated sect."

Ji Li mocked, "Ten thousand Black Armor Army—can the Medicine King really handle it?"

Realizing something, he swiftly looked at Meng Qianqian, "Why are you still not going up?"

Meng Qianqian said, "There's no rule about when we have to go up."

She looked up, starting to observe the martial arts styles of the three.

She was somewhat familiar with Mao Tu's style, only needing to see if she had learned any new skills in recent years.

She had seen Lu Qi's moves once during his match with Ji Li, so her main focus was on Duan Wenliang.

"So? Is my brother's martial arts passable?"

Duan Mingyue, sitting in a wheelchair, was pushed by a servant to Lu Yuan's side.

Lu Yuan responded, "Passable doesn't cut it. At best, it's just making up numbers."

Duan Mingyue laughed, "Is that so? Then let's wait and see."

Lan Yeyue was the first to reach the vicinity of the high platform.

Meng Qianqian could see that Lu Qi and Duan Wenliang were actually holding back, with Lu Qi being the first to do so. When Duan Wenliang realized Lu Qi's intentions, he also refrained from exerting full strength.

They both wanted to use Mao Tu to exhaust Xu Zhongping's strength.

Meng Qianqian waited for her opportunity.

She tapped the tip of her toes, climbed the ladder frame, and in a flash, caught up with Lu Qi and Duan Wenliang.

The two were startled.

"Do you really think Xu Zhongping isn't a match for Mao Tu?"

Meng Qianqian left the words and immediately pursued Lan Yeyue.

The delicate balance between the two was broken, and both launched attacks on Lan Yeyue.

Lu Qi used the hidden weapons of the Thousand Mechanism Pavilion, while Duan Wenliang employed the Life-taking Boomerang.

Lan Yeyue was caught off guard and was forced back from the edge of the high platform railing.

Thankfully, she reacted quickly, grabbing onto a bamboo pole, preventing herself from falling to the ground.

Having disrupted the plans of the two, Meng Qianqian sneakily remained stationary halfway up.

Song Yingzhong and Yun Chaomu were slightly astonished.

Even Duan Mingyue clapped, "Good move."

Lu Qi supported himself with one hand, vaulting over the railing, and began to engage Xu Zhongping.

Duan Wenliang gritted his teeth and looked down at Duan Mingyue, "Fourth Brother, which side are you on?"