Chapter 146: Old Ghost Shi's Disciple

The surrounding spectators murmured amongst themselves, and the atmosphere grew increasingly tense.

Black Wind Blade’s assistants also began to snicker, seemingly feeling proud of their master.

"Very well, since you choose to concede, I won't force the issue."

A cold smile tugged at the corner of Black Wind Blade’s mouth. Inwardly, he felt quite pleased with himself, believing that he had already taken complete control of the situation.

"There are four pieces left, two for each of us. This time, I’ll let you pick first!"

Old Ghost Shi nodded slightly, walked up to the four remaining stones, and looked them over with a torch-like gaze.

Each stone had its own distinct characteristics; some had a dull luster while others emitted a faint glow, as if waiting for his selection.

Everyone present was waiting for Old Ghost Shi to make his choice, but the very next moment, Old Ghost Shi disappointedly shook his head and looked at Black Wind Blade instead!

"The raw stones you have here are far too simple. I think I'll let my apprentice play with you people instead!"

"What did you say?" Black Wind Blade’s face darkened instantly, fury burning in his heart. His assistants were also stunned, and then a burst of boisterous laughter erupted from them, as if they were thrilled by Black Wind Blade's embarrassment.

"Are you insulting me?" Black Wind Blade asked coldly, his voice as low as thunder.

His hands were clenched into fists, his knuckles turning white, clearly unable to suppress the rage within him any longer.

Old Ghost Shi smiled faintly, his demeanor entirely composed, as if he didn't care about Black Wind Blade's reaction at all.

"If you feel unsatisfied, you can also choose to let your apprentice step up. I won't get angry; I'm a rather magnanimous person."

Old Ghost Shi’s words clearly carried a deeper meaning, pointing directly at something.

The expression on Black Wind Blade's face, which had suddenly shifted, managed to hold back the retort on the tip of his tongue.

Rage burned in Black Wind Blade’s heart, yet with so many people watching, he did not dare to act rashly.

He knew that Old Ghost Shi’s current state was definitely not his usual self.

Instead, it felt somewhat like he was just playing around!

Although his assistants were mocking nearby, Black Wind Blade knew very well that if he didn't handle this properly, he would lose face completely.

"Fine! Since you are so magnanimous, I will grant your wish! You can arrange for your apprentice to take the stage, but if you lose, don't blame me for bullying a novice!"

Old Ghost Shi smiled slightly and took a step back, signaling for his apprentice to take the stage.

And the moment I saw Old Ghost Shi’s apprentice, my gaze froze!

Pan Ximi’s face also instantly turned pale, a look of sheer disbelief flashing in her eyes.

"She... she is Old Ghost Shi’s apprentice?" Pan Ximi muttered to herself, a violent surge of agitation churning in her heart.

Indeed, Old Ghost Shi’s apprentice turned out to be none other than Su Li!

My cousin, Su Li!

Su Li walked forward slowly, her expression calm, as if everything was completely under her control.

Her eyes were like deep, fathomless lakes, revealing a trace of unshakeable determination that was difficult to detect.

The whispering of the audience started up again; many people expressed doubt regarding her abilities, and some even began to sneer in secret.

"She’s just a little girl. How could she possibly contend against Black Wind Blade?"

A spectator whispered, their tone full of contempt.

Black Wind Blade’s assistants also started snickering, believing this match would be nothing more than a foregone victory.

However, Old Ghost Shi merely smiled faintly, his gaze radiating trust in Su Li.

"Lili, don't be nervous. Just play to your full potential," Old Ghost Shi encouraged, his voice gentle yet firm.

Su Li nodded. She walked up to the four stones, her gaze piercing as she carefully studied the texture and luster of each one.

By now, my heart was filled with doubt: When did Su Li get mixed up with Old Ghost Shi? And when did she reach such a level of skill? How could she dare to battle Black Wind Blade?

"I choose this one," Su Li finally spoke, pointing to a stone with a translucent luster.

Black Wind Blade frowned slightly, thinking to himself: This little girl is truly naive; she actually picked the one that looks the most ordinary.

"Are you sure?" Black Wind Blade smiled coldly, secretly pleased.

"I am sure," Su Li replied resolutely, a glimmer of light flashing in her eyes.

"I believe this piece will not disappoint me." Su Li’s voice was clear and firm, as if she were declaring her resolve to everyone present.

"Hmph, since that's the case, let's begin picking!" A cold smirk curved Black Wind Blade's lips.

Black Wind Blade’s gaze drifted between Su Li and the remaining three stones, and just as he was about to make his move, he suddenly heard me speak: "Master, since the other side is using an apprentice, as your apprentice, you might as well let me play a round with them!"

The surrounding spectators were instantly stunned. Black Wind Blade was also taken aback; he turned around, a hint of confusion flashing in his eyes.

He obviously didn't remember ever having an apprentice, while I slowly parted the crowd and walked toward him.

I stepped forward with an air of nonchalance.

Black Wind Blade’s lips trembled slightly as if he wanted to ask a question, but after a second thought, he held his tongue.

I walked right up to him, looked straight at Black Wind Blade, and said, "Master, give me a chance!"

Black Wind Blade looked at me with a puzzled expression, then turned to glance at his other disciples.

Those disciples all wore equally bewildered expressions on their faces.

However, Black Wind Blade was a seasoned veteran after all. Suddenly, he said to me in a cold voice, "You rebellious apprentice, did I tell you to take the stage? Do you know what the consequences will be if you perform poorly?"

I smiled slightly, my heart growing firm: "Master, I know the risks, but I also want to prove myself. I can handle everything you've taught me."

Black Wind Blade’s assistants began to look blankly at one another. They had probably never even laid eyes on me before, but I paid them no mind, keeping my gaze fixed firmly on Black Wind Blade as I awaited his response.

Black Wind Blade turned back to Old Ghost Shi: "Old Ghost, give me three minutes. I'm going to have a word with this apprentice of mine. Any objections?"

Old Ghost Shi glanced at me and Black Wind Blade, then said in a low voice, "Go talk things out before coming back up. I'll give you five minutes! If it really won't work out, don't force yourselves! Winning or losing matters much more than saving face!"

Black Wind Blade pulled me off the stage, pushed through the crowd, and led me to a secluded back warehouse of the market.

The lighting here was dim, the air carried a damp scent, and the surroundings were dead quiet, as if undisturbed by anyone.

"Who the hell are you?" Black Wind Blade’s voice was low and stern, his gaze sharp as a blade, pressing directly down on me.

His fingers were clenched tightly, as if he was ready to strike at any moment.

I took a deep breath and said slowly, "I am the Lantern-Bearer of Bengjian Market, Wang Hu. You should have heard my name."

Black Wind Blade’s expression shifted, and he said, "You are Wang Hu? The Wang Hu who fought three opponents single-handedly back at Bengjian Market, and only lost to Old Leopard Chen?"

I nodded.

Yet Black Wind Blade laughed derisively, saying, "You couldn't even beat Old Leopard Chen, yet you expect to beat Old Ghost Shi’s apprentice?"

I smiled and replied, "Then do you know that among the three people I defeated last time, one of them was none other than this very female apprentice of Old Ghost Shi?"

I paused for a moment, then added slowly: "Her name is Su Li! Wherever I am, she will never win!"