Chapter 1058: Chapter 1058

1058: Chapter 144: Gap 1058: Chapter 144: Gap “Wow, that feels good…..”

After dinner, once he confirmed that his wounds were closing at a visible rate, Lu Ping’an went up to the deck.

This time, wherever he went, he attracted countless glances, some wary, some seemingly friendly greetings…

He faced it all calmly; perhaps this would become the new normal.

“How’s the situation?”

It’s not as popular with the audience or as exciting as your fights.”

While licking the lid of a yogurt container, Lu Ping’an chatted with Wang Hai, who had been watching the competition.

“Heh, you’re not going down for a bit of fun?”

As he spoke, Lu Ping’an also opened a can of fruit, swallowing more than half in just two bites.

He definitely needed to replenish his energy and fluids now.

In this environment, sealed food and water sources are a bit more reliable…

God knows how many people are hoping for Lu Ping’an to suddenly drop dead.

“Forget it, I’m well aware of my limits.

This is enough for me now….”

Wang Hai shrugged his shoulders; having seen Lu Ping’an’s matches, he knew the gap between them was definitive.

Lu Ping’an’s weakest opponent was one he had absolutely no chance against.

And in the arena now were two of the Top 16 fighters, their performance so questionable that it made one suspect they were “throwing the fight.”

It wasn’t that they lacked skill, but they were holding back in the fight.

It is staged, or an unspoken arrangement…..”

Those extraordinary thirteen fights of Lu Ping’an were carefully selected results too, having weeded out the majority who lacked strength; otherwise, God knows, it probably could have gone to dozens or even hundreds of fights.

But the tournament format presents other challenges…

or rather, the organizers are pleased to see other events unfold.

Having Lu Ping’an fight thirteen bouts in a row—he’s fine if he wins, but if he gets injured and his condition declines resulting in a fall, that blatantly contradicts the spirit of Martial Fight where the stronger party triumphs.

That’s why some events are scheduled in the middle, allowing him some time to adjust.

At the same time, this represents the last chance for other “competitors”…

If you wish to gamble once more, you can certainly challenge other fighters and continue your final trial.

Both sides have a chance at victory, and both need to give it their all to win.

That’s in line with the spirit of the God of Martial Fight.

“…..Uh, no surprise there.

The victors didn’t receive Divine Grace.

This caliber of Martial Fight isn’t recognized by Domineering Three Faces.”

The other Top 16 competitors aren’t just there to watch the matches; they still have the chance to gain Divine Grace.

The precondition is showcasing their strength and “fighting spirit.” Like the two presently on stage with their “demonstration fight”, they naturally won’t attract the Deity’s attention.

But as a warm-up and interlude, it’s still quite good.

“…..This one’s a fourth-tier Exotic Species, and the other’s fifth-tier.

I reckon I can’t beat them unless I release the War Ghost.”

Wang Hai was a bit downcast.

With his current level of strength, this journey should have come to an end for him.

And Lu Ping’an guessed that the reason Wang Hai made it into the Top 16 by encountering two weaklings wasn’t because he was really lucky, but rather the other Strongmen had sufficient Martial Destiny.

If the person in front of him gets desperate and releases that evil spirit, fully undergoing Ghost Transformation, tiers and levels of difference won’t be a problem—it’ll end up in mutual destruction anyway.

In Lu Ping’an’s eyes, Wang Hai was a dark horse with apparently weak paper strength; not facing him was a good thing.

But Lu Ping’an’s attempt at comfort didn’t have any effect, it simply earned him a subtle glance from Wang Hai…

It felt like a top student consoling a classmate after an exam with “You’re still young, it will get better,” completely unconvincing and even a bit annoying.

Especially since a year ago Wang Hai’s actual strength was even stronger than Lu Ping’an’s.

Despite Wang Hai’s intense training, the gap had only widened.

“…..I’m not like you, my ‘time bomb’ is getting impatient.”

He had “Awakened” too early, beginning in his youth.

Although his progress was quite extraordinary, as he became an adult, it became progressively harder to control the evil spirit.

The next stage for him was exceedingly difficult; not everyone can successfully break through the Decree-level at such a young age.

“…Maybe, I can help you.”

Since the timing was perfect, Lu Ping’an casually threw out an olive branch.

At this point, some information had already become semi-public, and there was no need for Lu Ping’an to be so cautious.

Between a few words, the truth-bound “Contractor” produced a rather persuasive employment contract.

This was a talent nurturing and labor dispatch contract from Lu Ping’an’s “Human Resources Company,” but the one given to Wang Hai was slightly more robust—even though his abilities were quite good, Lu Ping’an couldn’t offer the same terms as the initial “original shares.”

However, he did indeed need a certain type of talent…

When he was setting up the society’s branches, there was a lack of a “Fighting” and “tactics” system architecture.

Looking back now, just the fitness and physical training aspects required professional talent.

And Lu Ping’an’s promise instantly caught Wang Hai’s attention…

as long as Lu Ping’an promised to help him advance within half a year, he would accept any condition.

Having agreed on the cooperation, Lu Ping’an also turned his attention to the arena.

This time, the competitors were still over fourth-tier, with actual combat power that might break through the fifth-tier.

At this stage, going up without the requisite level meant giving away a win.

“A lot of people are watching you…..” Wang Hai felt a bit uncomfortable.

“You’ll get used to it.”

As for the murderous gazes around him, Lu Ping’an himself was quite indifferent.

In the first round of four matches, the first three were actually quite normal, counting as the best among the contestants…

while the fourth match’s Killer Ant, an infamous mercenary, was clearly a specialized assassin or bounty hunter who had come specifically for this.

God knows how many people were now eyeing the head on Lu Ping’an’s neck.

And those assassins who could truly pose a threat to Lu Ping’an were definitely scheduled for the later matches.

“This is your Asura Field, or rather, the Life and Death Mysterious Gate….”

“Mhmm, evolution, or, death.”

Lu Ping’an was very clear that this was both his opportunity and his life-and-death trial.

And suddenly, a little girl popped up and hugged Lu Ping’an’s leg tightly, which immediately made the atmosphere lose its seriousness.

Seeing the wound on the little girl’s face, Lu Ping’an was inexplicably anxious.

Someone had bullied the little one, how shameless?

Lu Ping’an glanced around, displaying a murderous intent for the first time…

Yet the bouncing little girl gave Lu Ping’an a completely different answer.

Upon asking, Lu Ping’an learned that she had initiated a challenge against someone else, not only had she won, but she also gained Divine Grace.

Lu Ping’an was surprised; it seemed that there were no “Fighters with combat power” below fifth-tier left in this round—was the little one being too reckless…

“Eve, it’s your turn.”

But at this moment, a sudden incident drew all of Lu Ping’an’s attention.

someone challenged her?”

Eve had already challenged Lu Ping’an, so naturally, she wouldn’t challenge others; but if someone challenged her, she would respond.

And the cause and effect of this battle were bound to be a matter of life or death.

“That Lion-headed Man, has a grudge against Eve?”

Without my suppression, the high level of the Mother Goddess cult would have been fighting to the death long ago.”

Alright, Big Cat’s answer was too on point with expectations.