It is a rule of the martial world not to attack nameless curs. Regardless of whether one can win or not, one must never lose face.
"…Why are you the one stepping forward?" The sect leader of Shenfeng Sect looked puzzled. She then glanced at the fox demon by my side, as if this fox demon also possessed the ability of that short man to discern who was the strongest.
"I am their elder brother, so naturally, it falls to me." I replied.
"Elder brother? You, a mere human…" The sect leader of Shenfeng Sect shook her head.
"Don't be a racist," I chuckled. "Humans aren't all weaklings. In Shabia, aren't there many top-tier human masters?"
"Alright then," the sect leader of Shenfeng Sect nodded. "If you wish to take the lead, I will not show you any courtesy simply because you are human."
"That would be my honor," I said earnestly. "However, regarding the stakes, I would like to make a change."
"You wish to raise the stakes?" the sect leader of Shenfeng Sect asked with a smile.
"It's not about raising the stakes, merely a simple optimization," I said. After stepping forward, I already had a plan in mind. "If you win our match, I will give Hengshui Sect two million. Furthermore, your two sects must cease hostilities and make peace, never to quarrel again. You, Sect Leader, must also drop your demand that they be forbidden from entering the northeast. Is that acceptable?"
The sect leader of Shenfeng Sect narrowed her phoenix eyes. "Whether or not you pay money is your affair, but by what right do you dictate my stakes?"
"I haven't finished," I smiled. "Continuing from earlier, assuming you win, in addition to giving Hengshui Sect two million, I will also give your sect two million as a reward for your victory. The condition is that you retract your demand forbidding Hengshui Sect from entering the northeast. Is that fair?"
Upon hearing my proposal, both sides seemed bewildered and began whispering amongst themselves.
Old Xing remained silent, as he stood to profit regardless of the outcome.
The sect leader of Shenfeng Sect, however, grew somewhat annoyed. "Then what's the point of the fight! Isn't it simply you paying money for both sides to obey you? Do you think you're the martial arts alliance leader?"
I wagged a finger and replied with a smile, "No, I am certainly not the martial arts alliance leader. If I were, I wouldn't even need to offer money; a mere appearance would suffice to bring peace between you. Therefore, I still need to pay. Of course, all these stakes are contingent on you being able to defeat me."
"Heh, you think you can defeat me?" the sect leader of Shenfeng Sect sneered.
"What if I do win, then what?"
"You tell me."
"If by some chance I, your humble servant, win against you, Sect Leader," I paused, looking at both sides. "I will still give the two million to Hengshui Sect. But from then on, all personnel from both your sects must obey my command! I will use money to buy Hengshui Sect's loyalty, and by defeating you, I will earn your loyalty. Is that fair?"
After speaking, I glanced at Old Xing. He pondered for a moment but did not voice his opinion, instead looking at the sect leader of Shenfeng Sect, as the wager involved three parties.
"I have no problem with that," the sect leader of Shenfeng Sect smiled. "After all, this is an impossible scenario. Go on, what shall we fight with?"
"Anything?" I seized the opportunity to ask.
The sect leader of Shenfeng Sect immediately became wary. "Of course, we will only spar in martial arts. You can choose between fists or weapons!"
If it were a fight of skill, she would surely lose!
"Swords and sabers have no eyes, so let's stick to unarmed combat," I stepped forward and stood firm, cupping my hands again. This time, I announced my name. "I am Wu Chengfeng. Please, offer your guidance."
This was my trump card!
Wu Chengfeng had already become a renowned name in the martial world. Especially among the Bai Ze demon tribes in various regions, they must have long known I was the reincarnation of a Bai Ze. Even the dolphins from beyond the East Sea were rushing to pledge their allegiance, let alone these two factions. Upon hearing my name, they would, at the very least, be awestruck and immensely excited, if not fall to their knees.
However, the scene of boasting I had envisioned did not materialize. The sect leader of Shenfeng Sect merely cupped her hands and said coldly, "I am Shao Chen. Please!"
"Hmm?" I was taken aback. "I said I am… Wu Chengfeng."
Fearing they hadn't heard clearly, I deliberately repeated myself.
"I heard you," the sect leader said impatiently. "My name is Shao Chen, the 'Chen' from early morning. Do you have any other questions?"
I turned to look at Old Xing. He also appeared nonchalant. I then looked at the other demon cultivators from Hengshui Sect. Their expressions were somewhat confused. One young man, who looked remarkably intelligent, suddenly raised his hand. "Wu Chengfeng! Go! Wu Chengfeng, go!"
The other intelligent-looking individuals also began shouting my name, cheering me on.
It was over. Neither side recognized me!