Chapter 490: Section 277: Long Fu vs Xiong Ju 1
The Dragon-man youth walked out of the dock, and soon after, Ban Langen, one of the Six Leaders of the Saber Gang, appeared before him.
The latter had come especially to deliver a message, informing the Dragon-man youth that Xiong Ju was already waiting for him at the dueling field.
Dueling fields are common structures within the Ice Sculpture Kingdom.
The Ice Sculpture Kingdom has a martial culture, and whether high-ranking or low, people were accustomed to resolving daily disputes, immense conflicts, and blood feuds through the duel arenas.
Just in Snowbird Port alone, there were more than a dozen duel arenas, large and small.
The dueling arena chosen by the Saber Gang was named “Snowbird Duel Arena,” and it was the largest dueling arena in Snowbird Port.
Even before the Dragon-man youth had arrived, the Snowbird Duel Arena was already bustling with crowds.
All six leaders of the Saber Gang were present, along with the Spring Boxer, Dwarf leader, Human Race leader, and others who had taken their seats.
Leaders or representatives of major and minor powers within Snowbird Port also found their way to the premium seats.
In addition, a large number of passers-by and spectators were steadily streaming into the arena through its various grand entrances.
The dueling field didn’t charge an entrance fee; the arena’s outskirts even featured Magic Images continually broadcasting, hyping up the battle between Xiong Ju and Long Fu.
This attracted even more people to come and watch the duel.
“This time the Saber Gang has directly used the Snowbird Duel Arena, quite the grand gesture!”
“I said last night over drinks, the Saber Gang definitely won’t sit idly by.”
“The betting tables outside are already set up; I’m betting on the leader of Long Fu to win.”
“I’ve put down 10 Gold Coins on Xiong Ju.”
People were exchanging words with each other, creating an energetic atmosphere.
The residents of the Ice Sculpture Kingdom were very familiar with duels, and they were keen on participating.
Having such a strong public foundation meant that courageous dueling was always the quickest way to expand one’s influence and make a name for oneself.
The Snowbird Duel Arena was oval in shape, with over a dozen layers of steps, with a large sandy area in the center of the field.
Various street vendors weaved through the staircases, selling their food and drinks.
“Chicken skewers, 1 copper coin for 5 sticks, Snowflake sugar, 1 copper coin a handful.”
“Give me 10 candied fruits.”
“Fancy a drink? From the Magic Chef, Iron-made orange juice, a Zhong Bei for just 1 copper coin, a large cup for 2 copper coins, a super-sized cup for 2.5 copper coins.”
“I’ll take a small cup of orange juice.”
“I’m sorry, sir, we only have Zhong Bei, large cups, and super-sized cups here.”
“What I mean is this smallest cup.”
“I’m sorry, sir, this is a Zhong Bei.”
“I don’t care how you categorize them, I just want this small cup, understood?”
“I’m sorry, sir, this is a Zhong Bei!”
Slap! Slap! Slap!
Infuriated, the customer abruptly stood up, his hand striking out in a slap.
The beverage vendor, having been smacked several times, reacted and bellowed, engaging the customer in a fistfight.
Their scuffle attracted cheers and applause from the surrounding crowd.
“Yes, hit him in the face!”
“Kick his butt!”
“Oh! Bite him, bite his lower half!!”
No one intervened.
The vast majority treated the brawl as a mere appetizer before the main event.
The martial spirit of the Ice Sculpture Kingdom was evident.
Suddenly someone cheered, the commotion drawing more gazes, and then more and more people began to shout with excitement.
Thousands of eyes all focused on the entrance of the dueling arena.
There, the Dragon-man youth, Lan Zao, Chi Lai, and Menshi were slowly making their way.
Seeing that the main character of the duel had finally arrived, the brawling customer and vendor immediately halted their fight.
The street vendor’s face was swollen like a pig’s, and the customer clearly had the upper hand.
The vendor clutched his face, gasping in pain, “You’ve won, you call the shots, do you still want a drink?”
The customer nodded, pulling out a copper coin, “Give me a small glass of orange juice.”
The vendor handed over the orange juice, took the money, and turned to continue his business.
The workers at the dueling field greeted the Dragon-man youth and his party.
Subsequently, Lan Zao, Menshi, and Chi Lai were escorted to the friends and family section.
The Dragon-man youth walked alone to the center of the arena, where Xiong Ju was already waiting in full readiness.
The two moved closer and closer.
When the distance narrowed to about 5 meters, the Dragon-man youth stopped.
Neither side initiated conversation.
In their pupils, the reflection of each other could be seen.
The Dragon-man youth sized up Xiong Ju.
He was a Bear-man, with a bear head on a human body, full of sharp teeth.
Across his face covered with black hair lay a giant cross-shaped sword scar.
Xiong Ju boasted an especially burly physique, standing slightly taller than the Dragon-man youth.
This wasn’t to say the Bear-men were naturally bigger than the Dragon-men; rather, the Dragon-man youth was significantly younger than Xiong Ju.
The Dragon-man youth wasn’t even at the age of a young adult, while Xiong Ju was already a fully grown man.
Compared to Xiong Ju’s massive body, the Dragon-man youth’s stature appeared slender for the first time.
The Dragon-man youth observed Xiong Ju, focusing particularly on his weapons and armor.
Xiong Ju wore a badge on his right shoulder.
His belt held a single-handed iron hammer.
On his back, he carried a huge steel saw which, if not for the sharp teeth on either side, would resemble a two-handed greatsword.
Xiong Ju was dressed in leather armor.
Someone of his build could easily wear iron armor given his great strength.
However, Xiong Ju was a member of the Saber Gang, who mostly lurked in the streets and alleys.
Wearing a set of iron armor every day would drain a lot of physical strength and proved quite impractical for moving about in confined spaces.
Leather armor, on the other hand, was just right.
It balanced defense and agility.
Usually, gang members wore leather armor.
In comparison to Xiong Ju’s full armor, the Dragon-man youth was almost empty-handed.
Yet his bright red Dragon Scale armor was striking, highlighting his resilient and profound temperament, demanding respect.
The Dragon-man youth did bring some gear with him, though.
At his lower back hung two Alchemy Crossbows.
His back bore a large quiver, filled with Alchemy Arrows.
Both Alchemy Crossbows were of Silver Grade, originating from the War Criminal’s arsenal.
Of course, he also had his Big Arena Badge and golden silk chain armor, but these were camouflaged and undiscoverable by others.
While the Dragon-man youth was sizing up Xiong Ju, Xiong Ju was also scrutinizing him.
Usually brash, Xiong Ju now wore a face full of seriousness and focus.
He regarded the Dragon-man youth before him with the utmost caution.
For he was well aware of the responsibilities and burdens he carried.
Though he was the third Saber Gang leader to accept the challenge, he hoped to be the last for them.
The other leaders, such as those from the Human Race, Dwarf, and Demon hybrid, were not as formidable as Xiong Ju.
With the support of his peers and armed to the teeth, in his peak condition, if he lost to the Dragon-man youth in this fight, the other three leaders would almost certainly be no match for their adversary.
They just didn’t have the strength.
“I must win this battle; only by defeating him publicly can I restore the reputation of our Saber Gang!”