Chapter 857: Bullying with Power
Wang Hao looked at Tian Ji Jiang with a faint smile, saying lightly, "You're quite right, but let me remind you. In my eyes, you don't qualify as a true formidable foe." As he said this, Wang Hao swept his gaze over everyone present and announced, "Let me lay it out clearly from the start, if anyone dares to fight me for this item, don't blame me for being harsh."
Hearing this, Gong Xiong sneered, "Wang Hao, are you trying to intimidate us by flaunting the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion?"
"No matter what you think. In short, I must take this item with me." With that, Wang Hao flicked his wrist, and a soft sword coiled around his waist instantly appeared in his hand.
Seeing Wang Hao's determined stance, everyone exchanged glances, their expressions somewhat grim. If it were just Wang Hao, they wouldn't be afraid at all. But the involvement of the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion made them reconsider the consequences.
Moreover, judging by Wang Hao's tone, he was determined to get the item, and whoever dared to compete with him might be retaliated against by the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion afterward. Furthermore, they were all Earthly List experts, fully aware of Wang Hao's status in the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion. Being so young and already on the Earthly List, he must be a key protege of the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion. It's best not to provoke such a person.
"Wang Hao!" Tian Ji Jiang shouted coldly, "If you have the skills, speak with strength. Bullying others by relying on the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion? What kind of hero does that make you?"
"I remember the hosts said that as long as we don't take lives, any means are allowed, without restrictions. So tell me, did I misunderstand that, or did you all not comprehend it?"
As soon as he said this, everyone suddenly fell silent, not knowing how to retort.
Indeed, the hosts didn't restrict means. If you had the capability, you could also use your background to intimidate opponents. But the problem is, no matter how powerful their background was, it couldn't surpass the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion.
For a moment, Gong Xiong and others hesitated, unable to make a decision regarding Wang Hao. For them, winning would indeed be great. But to offend the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion for victory was clearly an unwise choice.
Seeing the crowd still not making a move, Ling Chen touched his nose, a cold gleam in his eyes reminiscent of Mo Che.
If he hadn't seen it himself, Ling Chen would find it hard to believe that Wang Hao would bully to win; it really wasn't his style. To be honest, Ling Chen disdained Wang Hao's actions. Since he participated to compete, he should win with his own skills, so why resort to such tactics? It's disgraceful.
"Very well!" Seeing no one obstructing him, Wang Hao slightly curled his lips and walked straight towards the golden statue in the center of the arena.
Seeing Wang Hao embrace the golden statue and stride away, everyone couldn't help but take a few steps forward. But just then, Wang Hao swiftly turned around, forcing the crowd that had pursued him to retreat.
"Everyone, consider this a favor I owe today. If there's a chance in the future, I'll repay it doubly."
Hearing this, everyone's expressions softened significantly, and the sharpness in their eyes gradually faded. If Wang Hao had left with the item without saying anything, everyone would certainly feel displeased. But with Wang Hao's words, they felt much more at ease.
What is the most esteemed trait among martial artists? It's nothing more than the word 'favor.'
Of course, this 'favor' also depends on the recipient. Wang Hao was from the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion and was a prominent figure among the new generation in the Pavilion, with limitless potential in the future. Maintaining good relations with Wang Hao makes it easy to leverage the mighty tree that is the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion.
Watching Wang Hao's departing figure, Gong Xiong said, "Wang Hao, considering what you just said, I'll give you face this time and won't make things difficult for you. Hope you keep your word and don't forget what you said tonight."
"Everyone can rest assured, I never go back on my word."
With that, Wang Hao had already left far away, disappearing from everyone's sight.
Tsk, tsk!
He actually diffused everything with just a few words. Ling Chen quietly clicked his tongue. Initially expecting a grand brawl, he felt somewhat disappointed that it ended just like that.
However, it also reflected the formidable reputation of the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion.
Now, with everyone willingly handing over victory, what meaning does this competition have anymore? Thinking of this, Ling Chen shrugged, suddenly losing interest.
Though Ling Chen also wanted to give it a try and strive for the final victory, it no longer held any significance. The item was in Wang Hao's hands, and Ling Chen knew Wang Hao's strength well. Last time at the Yangxin Pavilion, Ling Chen was lucky enough to beat Wang Hao, largely due to the Blood Dripping Device.
At the moment, without the Blood Dripping Device, even without the Tianling Blade by his side or any other means of support, how could he fight Wang Hao? Besides, Wang Hao was, after all, from the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion, and since he was on good terms with them, there was no need to oppose Wang Hao.
Forget it, forget it!
Just treat it as wasting three days, experiencing the outdoor life anew.
Thinking of this, Ling Chen stretched, moving back to his temporary bed. With things wrapped up, he just needed a good sleep and then would meet with the hosts the next day.
The next day.
After waking up, Ling Chen saw the time was about right, so he headed alone to the meeting point.
On the way, Ling Chen encountered Gong Xiong and others. Everyone had received Wang Hao's assurance the night before and had already voluntarily given up the competition.
Soon, Ling Chen saw Wang Hao with the golden statue on his back. However, Wang Hao merely glanced at Ling Chen without a word, walking straight past him.
After walking for about half an hour, Ling Chen and the others finally arrived at the assembly point. But to Ling Chen's surprise, apart from them, there was no sign of the hosts.
Strange!
The host's representative clearly said to meet here in three days, yet there's not a soul in sight. Could they have gotten it wrong? But even if he misheard, it's unlikely that everyone else did.
Thinking of this, Ling Chen took out his phone from his pocket, intending to call the hosts to inquire.
"The phone can't be connected."
As Ling Chen was about to dial, he heard others around him say.
"I tried too, no one from the host's side is answering."
"How is this possible? Didn't they say we'd meet here? Even if the location was to change, they should have sent someone to inform us in advance," an elderly man complained.
Ling Chen put away his phone and looked around. When they came, they had taken several electric carts, but now not even one could be seen.
Something is off about this situation.
Ling Chen thought to himself. There's a saying that unusual things often have hidden reasons. Based on his years of experience, Ling Chen felt something was wrong. The hosts couldn't be this irresponsible. Also, even if the hosts didn't care, He Ziyun would never leave him. Yet now, even He Ziyun was missing, which certainly indicated trouble.