Chapter 79: Lin Ye Steps Up

"This…"

Hearing Lin Ye's words, Xie Lin's heart skipped a beat. This might actually work.

While Lin Ye and Xie Lin spoke, Shi Yue and Bao Hu had already begun their showdown.

Under the gaze of a crowd of onlookers, the two burly men revealed their muscular arms, clasped hands, and strained to push each other's arm down.

They both exerted their full strength, their faces turning red from the effort, trying to press the other's arm down. But, surprisingly, neither seemed to have the upper hand, and the match was at a stalemate.

"No way!"

Feeling the strength from Bao Hu's arm, Shi Yue was stunned. He could hardly believe it—Bao Hu's strength was actually comparable to his own!

Considering their martial souls, both men had similar martial spirits and soul ring setups. However, Shi Yue was two levels higher in soul power, which should have given him the advantage. By all logic, Bao Hu shouldn't be able to compete with him, so how was he holding his ground?

Noticing Shi Yue's shock, Bao Hu couldn't help but sneer inwardly.

To ensure he could get Shi Yue's prized Seven-Colored Illusionary Ginseng, Bao Hu had spent a hefty sum to hire a support-type Soul Master from the Spirit Hall to boost his strength.

"Come on!"

"Let's go!"

Supporters on both sides cheered loudly.

Shi Yue and Bao Hu continued to push with all their might, their faces flushed and veins bulging on their arms. But even as they neared exhaustion, neither managed to overpower the other.

"This match… is a draw!"

Seeing that neither Shi Yue nor Bao Hu could claim victory despite their exhaustion, the staff from the Blood Rose Tavern frowned and declared the result.

"A draw?!"

The crowd was stunned. Except for a few lucky ones who had bet on a tie and were now laughing in joy, most patrons looked disappointed.

"Shi Yue, this match ended in a draw. So what now?" Bao Hu asked, still panting as he turned to Shi Yue.

"Let… let's rest a bit… then continue," Shi Yue replied, wiping sweat from his forehead.

"When will that end? We're pretty evenly matched, so neither of us is likely to win. Why don't we let our team members compete instead?" Bao Hu suggested, catching his breath and looking over at Shi Yue.

"Haha! Seems like neither of our leaders can get the upper hand! As fellow Soul Hunters, let us have a go!" Bao Hu's Soul Hunter group laughed heartily at his suggestion, eagerly rubbing their hands in anticipation.

Hearing Bao Hu's proposal, the tavern patrons began to chatter excitedly. Many agreed with Bao Hu, reasoning that a tie would mean losses all around, while sending others up could finally determine a winner.

"This isn't fair!"

Shi Yue frowned and immediately refused Bao Hu's proposal.

Even though the team members' skills were somewhat balanced, Bao Hu's Soul Hunter group had members with beast-type martial spirits, like rhino and bull spirits, giving them a clear advantage in raw strength. Meanwhile, Shi Yue's side had only him as a strength-based martial soul user; his other members weren't built for brute force. It was obviously unfair!

"Heh, are you scared, Shi Yue?"

Hearing his refusal, Bao Hu shot Shi Yue a taunting look, his eyes full of disdain.

"Shi Yue, what are you afraid of? Just take him down!" some of Shi Yue's supporters shouted, egging him on without considering the situation.

But Shi Yue wasn't about to fall for it.

"Heh, looks like the Shi Yue Soul Hunters are just a bunch of cowards! I really overestimated you. If you won't agree, then fine, we'll call it a tie!" Bao Hu pretended to look down on Shi Yue's team, turning to his own members with a mocking gaze. At the same time, he grew anxious; the support soul skill he'd received had a time limit, but he couldn't let that show.

As his gaze shifted, Bao Hu's eyes fell on Xie Lin, and he clicked his tongue with feigned regret, sighing, "Such a beautiful lady, but she's stuck with a cowardly leader. It's a shame you won't be getting my storage soul guide."

He sighed again, lifting his storage bracelet as if to leave.

Though Bao Hu's plan had gone smoothly, his backup scheme wasn't working. Shi Yue wasn't taking the bait, and with no winner from their match, Bao Hu could only feign indifference, rally his spirits, and try to slip away.

If this dragged on any longer, he'd lose his advantage if Shi Yue challenged him again!

But just as Bao Hu was about to leave, Lin Ye slipped quietly to Shi Yue's side and whispered, "Brother Shi Yue, do you want that storage bracelet?"

"Of course we want it. An eight-cubic-meter storage soul guide—those are practically priceless!" Shi Yue sighed.

"Then accept his offer. Let me go up instead," Lin Ye said with a calm smile.

"You're going up?!" Shi Yue looked at Lin Ye in disbelief.

"So, what's it going to be? Do you trust me? If you do, I'll get you that storage soul guide. If not, there's nothing I can do." Lin Ye smiled lightly, his tone relaxed.

He hadn't offered to help out of obligation but simply because he had a good impression of Shi Yue's group and wanted to lend a hand. He wasn't here to beg for a chance to help.

"This…"

Shi Yue hesitated.

Rationally, it seemed impossible for Lin Ye—a six-year-old support-type soul master—to win in an arm-wrestling match against those hulking beast soul masters who were all Soul Ancestors or higher.

But emotionally, Shi Yue felt that Lin Ye's confidence hinted at something more. Why would he speak so assuredly, knowing full well that Shi Yue knew his capabilities?

"Alright, Brother Lin Ye, we'll count on you!"

In the end, emotion won out over reason. Shi Yue gritted his teeth and agreed.

He was a man who valued bonds and followed his heart; he wouldn't have created such a close-knit group otherwise. Ultimately, Shi Yue chose to believe in Lin Ye.

"Bao Hu, wait!"

"Oh? Have you finally come around?" Bao Hu turned back with a smirk, his eyes lighting up at the sound of Shi Yue's voice.

Meanwhile, the crowd, which had been starting to disperse, quickly gathered again, eager for more action.

"Bao Hu, fine! We'll do it your way. We'll send someone up to compete," Shi Yue said firmly, his face filled with resolve.

"Haha! Great! Let's go again, then!"

Hearing Shi Yue's words, Bao Hu laughed uproariously.

Although he wasn't sure what had made Shi Yue change his mind, he didn't care. As long as Shi Yue agreed, he was pleased!

Just before leaving the tavern, Bao Hu and his men returned, standing beside the same table where the previous match had taken place.

The staff from the tavern walked over to officiate again.

"Hei Xi, you're up!"

Bao Hu grinned and motioned to a tall, dark-skinned man with a massive build beside him.

"Yes, Boss!" Hei Xi responded in a deep voice, taking his seat at the table.

"Shi Yue, where's your team? Who are you sending up? Is it Feng Lang, or maybe Gui Bao? Haha!" Bao Hu laughed mockingly, looking at Shi Yue with undisguised contempt.

While everyone watched Shi Yue, wondering who he would send up, Shi Yue turned to the young boy beside him and said, "Lin Ye, it's your turn!"

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