The arguing spectators had completely forgotten whether the opening battle was exciting. Even after Ning Xuan left the stage, they were still debating, but the duels didn’t stop for their disputes. One duel after another began to unfold, and the victors, as if by some unspoken agreement, all converged toward the drawing box.

"Ning Xuan, if I draw you in the next round, how about I lose to you just like Chen Tao did?"

Suddenly, a voice transmission reached Ning Xuan’s ear. This was only the beginning. In a short span of time, over ten people had sent him similar messages. While their wording varied, the ultimate goal was the same: to sell their spot in the match to Ning Xuan.

He responded with the same words every time: "Let’s talk it over once it’s confirmed." He wasn’t about to waste effort when his opponent wasn’t even decided.

However, Ning Xuan’s words left a group of victors filled with anticipation. This was especially true for those who were self-aware enough to know they stood no chance of making the top ten; they all hoped to make a profit from Ning Xuan. Consequently, even with his brief replies, Ning Xuan wasted a fair amount of energy and breath.

I’ll have to factor this into the next match. The fee has to go up.

At the same time, he didn’t forget to observe his potential opponents. Those with the lowest odds were naturally his main focus. Unfortunately for him, the opponents those top fighters had initially drawn were far too weak in comparison. All were defeated in a single move, so Ning Xuan gained little insight.

「Half an hour later.」

The first round finally ended, bringing them to the drawing phase that countless Law Enforcement Officers had been eagerly awaiting. As the victor of the opening battle, Ning Xuan rightfully went first to draw. Instantly, he became the center of everyone’s attention.

Damn it, that bastard Ning Xuan is really devious! Zang Peng complained inwardly.

Ning Xuan had put his hand into the box and left it there for a long time. Those who wanted to make money off him grew increasingly nervous. Some stared intently at him, their lips quivering. Others clenched their fists, muttering, "Draw me! Draw me!"

Amidst everyone’s anticipation, Ning Xuan’s hand finally emerged from the box. At this, the hearts of those Law Enforcement Officers leaped into their throats.

Ning Xuan slowly lifted the token he had drawn above his head.

Countless Law Enforcement Officers looked on in disappointment. Only one person, after a moment of shock, burst into laughter.

"Li Liang! HAHAHA, it’s my name! My name, Li Liang, is on it!"

The Law Enforcement Officer named Li Liang was so overjoyed he nearly jumped into the air. Myriad other officers watched him with envy. Some even sent him voice transmissions, trying to buy his chance to fight Ning Xuan. But Li Liang shook his head like a rattle-drum, refusing no matter what. This was a golden opportunity to earn Divine Crystals, and he had no intention of handing it over. Besides, all these guys were too cheap. The highest offer was only a few hundred thousand. This was a chance to advance to the top hundred; Ning Xuan’s price would surely be higher than last time. He wasn’t a fool; of course he wouldn’t sell.

Unfortunately, he failed to notice the small number of Law Enforcement Officers who were looking at him as if he were an idiot. The Ten Elders looked at him the same way, as did some members of the audience. Their strength was greater, so their perception was naturally a level higher. The reason Ning Xuan won the first match was due to his absolute power. That was precisely why the few protests that had arisen were completely ignored. This Li Liang was considerably stronger than the previous Chen Tao, but defeating Ning Xuan would still be quite difficult for him.

Yet, Li Liang was feeling quite good about himself and promptly sent a voice transmission to Ning Xuan. "Ning Xuan, Ning Xuan! If I lose to you just like Chen Tao, how many Divine Crystals will you offer?"

After replying with a "no," Ning Xuan repeated the same terms he had given Chen Tao. The only difference was that this time, each tier was raised by 200,000 Divine Crystals, and the lowest tier was reduced from ten moves to five.

"You want me to suffer a humiliating defeat in five moves, and I still have to pay you 400,000 Divine Crystals?! Ning Xuan, are you insane?!" Li Liang stared at Ning Xuan, his eyes bulging. This time, Ning Xuan had slightly altered his strategy by stating the lowest price first. When Li Liang heard the terms, he was dumbfounded.

"You think the price is too low? Then let’s add another 100,000. That makes it a nice, round 100,000 per punch."

When Ning Xuan said this, Li Liang wanted to punch him into oblivion right then and there.

No, this must be his negotiation tactic! He’s trying to trick me so he’ll pay me less later! Damn it, I was almost fooled! After this flash of insight, Li Liang began an intense back-and-forth with Ning Xuan.

Amid their haggling, the Dali Realm Lord spoke. The second round of the selection had begun.

As Ning Xuan and Li Liang stepped onto the stage, Li Liang frowned and laid his cards on the table. "Ning Xuan, let’s stop beating around the bush. Let’s be frank. How much can you give me? Let me be clear, if it’s less than 10,000,000, there’s nothing to talk about!"

My, this guy’s appetite was enormous.

Ning Xuan said with feigned surprise, "10,000,000 is a lot!"

Li Liang was dismissive. "A lot? We’re both Law Enforcement Officers, let’s not be coy. I’m sure you can afford it."

"So you’re saying you can come up with 10,000,000 Divine Crystals?"

"Of course!"

Ning Xuan smiled. "In that case, you give me 5,000,000 Divine Crystals, and I will defeat you on my fifth move!"

At the same time, Ning Xuan felt it was a senseless waste for Chen Tao. To throw his life away for a mere 200,000 Divine Crystals... Why did he have to do that?

"What did you say? Are you..."

Before Li Liang could finish, Ning Xuan cut in, "Do you really think Chen Tao was sent flying by a single punch because I paid him Divine Crystals?"

"Wasn’t that the case?"

"If it were you, would you be willing to risk your life for it?"

"Of course not! Wait, you mean..."

"Chen Tao is currently at... go on, use your Six Senses and find him." Ning Xuan told Li Liang where to find him.

Li Liang acted at once. A moment later, his face turned ashen.

The moment he located Chen Tao, the man was still alive. But after Chen Tao struggled to utter just two sentences, he died.

Now, Li Liang was utterly falling apart. Ning Xuan’s strength was absolute.

He’d had so many chances! If he had accepted someone else’s offer at the start, he could have made several hundred thousand Divine Crystals! If he had agreed to Ning Xuan’s terms on the way to the stage, he would have only had to pay 400,000. If only... But now, because of his own arrogance, he had to pay at least 5,000,000 Divine Crystals just to stay alive! And he had brought it all on himself!

For a moment, Li Liang wanted nothing more than to slap himself twice.

"Huh, why does Li Liang have that expression?"

"Ning Xuan is probably being too stingy and won’t budge!"

"..." 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

While the others murmured amongst themselves, on the dueling stage, Li Liang was pleading with Ning Xuan. "I’m sorry, I was wrong! Ning Xuan, Brother Ning, I was just bluffing earlier. Forget 10,000,000, I don’t even have 1,000,000 Divine Crystals! Could you please have mercy and lower the price?"