Chapter 42
**Chapter 42: Learn to Forbear**
Yu Xiaogang's sudden collapse startled the nearby audience, scattering them in confusion. "What is wrong with this guy?" they wondered. "Why does he fall to the ground at every turn?"
Lying motionless for a long time, Yu Xiaogang eventually regained his senses. Though dazed, he managed to sit up with difficulty, groaning in pain.
His right cheek throbbed with a fiery sting, visibly swelling at an alarming rate. When he spat out a few mouthfuls of blood, three or four teeth clattered onto the ground.
Another few teeth gone...! he thought bitterly. Once blessed with a full set of strong teeth, he had now lost nearly ten in total. His anger surged, his eyes scanning the crowd with desperation. It must be that wretched bastard—Zhao Ling!
Surrounded by onlookers, Yu Xiaogang endured their jeering stares. They pointed at his swollen face and the teeth on the ground, whispering and laughing openly.
Though rage boiled within him, he could do nothing but clench his fists and shake in frustration. The humiliation was unbearable. He wanted revenge—wanted to tear Zhao Ling apart—but the reality of his weakness kept him rooted.
*Endure!* he told himself repeatedly. "I must learn to endure! When I gain the strength, I will seek my revenge. Until then, I cannot act impulsively. A gentleman's revenge is never too late!"
As Yu Xiaogang wrestled with his emotions, the manager of the Great Fighting Soul Arena observed the spectacle from a distance. Sighing, he muttered, "What did I do to deserve this headache? That boy just keeps coming back for more punishment."
The manager shook his head as he recalled trying to convince Yu Xiaogang to leave Soto City and return to the Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Rex family. Yu Xiaogang had ignored his advice, and now the result was clear: lost teeth, a swollen face, and endless ridicule.
Turning to his subordinate, the manager ordered, "Bring him down on a stretcher and arrange for a healing soul master to treat him."
The subordinate hesitated, glancing at Yu Xiaogang and then at the manager. Why does the boss care so much about this guy? he wondered. Could it be... an illegitimate son?
Though doubtful, the subordinate's imagination ran wild. As unsettling thoughts crossed his mind, he instinctively took a step back to distance himself from his boss.
Noticing the strange look on his subordinate's face, the manager frowned. "What are you gawking at? Get to work! Or do you want me to carry you in a sedan chair myself?"
The subordinate jolted to attention and fled, muttering under his breath. 'Something's definitely off about the boss. Maybe it's time for me to leave the arena altogether.'
Soon, Yu Xiaogang was carried away on a stretcher and received basic medical attention.
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Two minutes later, the intense third-round match between Bibi Dong and Zhi Lin concluded. As the poisonous fog cleared, the audience saw both fighters collapsed on the ring, completely drained.
The referee declared the match a draw, leaving the crowd in shock. Few had expected such a result. While the spectators debated the outcome, the arena's management celebrated—the unexpected draw had made the betting house a fortune.
Both combatants were promptly removed from the ring and treated by healing soul masters. Bibi Dong recovered quickly but was far from satisfied. Her first thought was to find Yu Xiaogang and settle the score.
'If it weren't for his shouting and distracting me, I wouldn't have been ensnared by Zhi Lin's vines,' she fumed. 'That distraction forced me to use my limited soul power to deploy the Thorn Spider Armor, costing me a chance at victory.'
For most people, managing a draw against a Level 61 Soul Emperor while only being a Level 53 Soul King would be a monumental achievement. But for Bibi Dong, it was a bitter disappointment. She sought not just victory, but dominance.
Her frustration simmered as she searched the arena. Where is he? she thought, scanning the stands for the source of her earlier distraction.
Finally, her gaze landed on Zhao Ling, who was seated casually, holding Ah Yin in his arms. Approaching him, she asked coldly, "Brother Zhao, do you know where Yu Xiaogang went? That idiot nearly cost me the match, and I intend to deal with him personally."
Zhao Ling chuckled and pointed in the direction where Yu Xiaogang had been taken. "He's already been dealt with. Tripped, face-planted, and now his cheek looks like a pig's head. Lost a few more teeth too. They carried him off for treatment."
Bibi Dong stared at Zhao Ling, pulling the corner of her mouth into a wry smile. She suspected that Zhao Ling had used some kind of trick to punish Yu Xiaogang, but it wasn't enough to soothe her anger.
She let out a cold laugh, her eyes gleaming with malice. 'Next time, Yu Xiaogang won't escape so easily. I'll make sure to beat him so thoroughly that even his parents won't recognize him.'
Though Bibi Dong was known for her beauty and composure, her current expression sent shivers through those nearby. Her sinister smile made her look more like a vengeful spirit than a gentle lady.
Inwardly, she vowed: 'The next time Yu Xiaogang dares appear in front of me, I'll make him regret it.'
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(End of Chapter)