Chapter 209 – A Twelve-Year Promise from the Peak

The scene was so silent you could hear a pin drop.

Under such oppressive pressure, everyone could only watch quietly as the two men laughed freely, not daring to make the slightest sound.

This was precisely the intimidation emanating from Peak-level powerhouses!

Elder: “Since things have come to this, may we take our leave?”

Golden Lion: “Of course, feel free.”

But just as their exchange concluded, a different voice suddenly rang out in the arena.

Instantly, countless gazes filled with astonishment turned toward the source of the voice.

It was actually Tank!

Seeing this, Golden Lion couldn’t help but angrily shout, “You shut your mouth!”

Unexpectedly, upon hearing this, Tank resolutely strode toward Ye Kuang. As he walked, he muttered in a muffled voice, “Everyone else may leave, but not this kid!”

At these words, everyone couldn’t help but tense up.

“Perfect, I was thinking the same. The first time I saw you, I knew a fight between us was inevitable.” As he spoke, Ye Kuang clearly seemed eager for action.

This had nothing to do with their previous enmity; rather, the two had already formed a grudge from their very first meeting.

Like needle against thorn.

It could be said that both were young and hot-blooded, possessing formidable strength. If not for fame, then it was sheer impulsiveness.

Just as Ye Kuang was about to take that step, Wine-and-Meat Buddha stepped between them first.

Seeing this, the Elder couldn’t help but remark calmly, “Haven’t you caused enough trouble yet, kid…”

Ye Kuang: “…”

“Move aside!” Tank paid no heed to what others thought, pressing forward relentlessly.

At that moment, Tank’s bones crackled loudly throughout his body, as if imbued with invincible power.

Hearing this, Wine-and-Meat Buddha couldn’t help but laugh.

One might say he had seen many impulsive fools in this world, but he never expected there could be such a stubborn, foolish brute.

Thinking this, Wine-and-Meat Buddha inexplicably chuckled, “And what if this humble monk refuses to move?”

But before his words fully faded, a fierce punch came straight at him!

That fist, like a sandbag, was swift as a meteor and fast as thunder, crashing directly into Wine-and-Meat Buddha’s chest.

Boom!

The dull impact made everyone shudder with dread.

Yet, astonishingly, Wine-and-Meat Buddha remained smiling, chest held high, clearly indifferent to the violent force against him.

“What, is this your so-called full strength?”

“How is this possible…” Tank spoke with disbelief, stepping back repeatedly with a ghostly expression, roaring, “You… you’re actually SS-rank…”

Hearing this, Wine-and-Meat Buddha immediately seemed displeased, hastily explaining, “Wrong, wrong. This is called the Buddha-Seeking Realm, not awakened ability.”

But then his tone shifted, and he continued solemnly, “However, since you threw a punch, it would be impolite not to return the favor. You must take one from me too.”

Hearing this, Tank couldn’t help but turn pale, retreating in shock.

Seeing this, Golden Lion’s aged face not only turned ashen but also flickered with barely concealed anger: “Tank, are you disobeying my words now?! Step back!!”

With this, Golden Lion’s stance was clear—it was unmistakably protective.

If Wine-and-Meat Buddha were allowed to throw that punch, aside from the Golden Lion King, no one present could withstand it.Once matters reached that stage, if Tank were to take this punch, it would be equivalent to striking Golden Lion himself.

Naturally, Wine-and-Meat Buddha understood this principle perfectly well.

As for his earlier words, they were merely meant to intimidate.

Seeing tensions rising again, the Elder had no choice but to step forward and mediate, saying, “Alright, everyone. Given the circumstances, I assume none of you wish for the situation to escalate further. It’s time for us to leave.”

At these words, Tank and Ye Kuang remained locked in a stare-down, their blazing fighting spirit palpable to anyone present.

The Elder added, “If we don’t leave now, there may not be another chance later.”

Only then did Ye Kuang relent.

He was no fool—facing the formidable Golden Lion King, he wasn’t arrogant enough to believe he could handle it alone.

“Wait!” Golden Lion interjected.

Hearing this, the Elder replied calmly, “I know what you’re going to say!”

Golden Lion burst into laughter at this. “Very well, since that’s the case, it’s settled then.”

“Location.”

“Summit of Heaven, Edge of Earth.”

“Time.”

“Eighteen years from now!”

Upon hearing this, the Elder abruptly turned to leave, casually remarking as he walked, “Eighteen years is too long. Let’s make it the hour of the rat, ten years from today.”

His words, brimming with unwavering confidence, instantly filled the entire space.

Golden Lion objected, “Ten years is too rushed. By then, both you and I will need time to stabilize our Realms.”

He then proposed, “How about twelve years?”

“Deal! Twelve years it is! Hahaha…” With a wild laugh, the Elder led the group away into the distance.

……

Along the journey, as scenery flashed past the windows, Ye Kuang seemed torn between speaking and staying silent, his words caught in his throat.

The Elder, observing all of this, slowly opened his eyes and smiled. “If you have something to ask, just ask.”

Ye Kuang said, “You probably know what I want to ask.”

The Elder nodded. “Indeed, but I naturally won’t be the one facing him in combat.”

“If you’re not going, why did you agree to it?” Ye Kuang found this utterly perplexing.

At this, the Elder burst into inexplicable laughter.

For a moment, the carriage echoed with waves of laughter, and even Wine-and-Meat Buddha wore a faint, knowing smile.

Ye Kuang asked, “What are you all laughing at?”

The Elder ceased his laughter and suddenly turned serious. “Just because I’m not going doesn’t mean no one will.”

Ye Kuang fell silent.

Ignoring his reaction, the Elder adopted a guiding tone. “Think about it—the martial world is in decline. Don’t you believe the younger generation has the potential to achieve great things?”

Ye Kuang didn’t overthink it and nodded in agreement, clearly endorsing the idea.

Seeing the young man’s lack of objection, the Elder continued to guide him. “Then consider this: if one could leave a legacy for generations and earn fame throughout the land, what kind of magnificent feat would that be?”

Ye Kuang sighed inexplicably. “Naturally, it would mean being remembered through the ages, revered by millions. Who wouldn’t want that? Frankly, I’d look down on anyone who claims otherwise.”

“Then it’s settled.” After saying this, the Elder fixed his gaze directly on Ye Kuang.At this moment, even Wine-and-Meat Buddha in the front row seemed to have rehearsed it, as his laughter ceased simultaneously and he gradually pretended to be deaf and mute.

“Uh…” Seeing this, Ye Kuang finally understood the deeper meaning in the Elder’s words and couldn’t help exclaiming strangely: “Holy crap… Aren’t you clearly sending me to my…”

But before he could finish speaking, he saw the Elder’s stern gaze and was visibly startled, inevitably putting on a mournful face to ask: “Can I not go?”

“It’s not entirely impossible…”

“Hahaha… I knew it, old man, you…”

“Of course, the prerequisite is defeating me.”

“I… damn it!”