The man known as Zhu Roujiu, upon seeing the group at the table, clearly recognized them as acquaintances and chuckled.
“Can’t compare to the fortunes you folks are making in the wilderness.”
The two groups shared a knowing laugh.
Xiao Chen caught this detail, and it gave him a good idea of the situation.
Birds of a feather flock together; from the way they spoke, it was apparent that Zhu Roujiu was on par with Monkey and his crew in terms of strength and status.
If not for the rules of Sin City, dealing with this sort would be trivial for Xiao Chen.
For now, though, he observed.
“Even if you didn’t poison me, I still gave you the primal stone.”
Yun Tianning looked wrongfully accused, his expression one of aggrieved innocence. Seeing him like this, Monkey and the others exchanged looks, feeling somewhat envious.
In Sin City, swindling was common as long as it followed the rules. But encountering such a naive newbie made the money that much easier to earn.
“If it’s unclear, we follow the rules: a life-and-death challenge. Do you dare?”
Zhu Roujiu drew a large golden-backed cleaver from his waist.
“A life-and-death challenge?!”
Yun Tianning’s eyes widened, then he shrank his neck.
“If I don’t accept, you can’t do anything to me.”
He suddenly felt less afraid, thinking this group would just start a fight. It seemed to align with the rules Qi Haoxiang had mentioned.
However, he didn’t expect that everyone around would burst into laughter upon hearing this, looking at him as if he were a fool.
Zhu Roujiu and his wife, Tu Sanniang, exchanged a look that said ‘just as expected.’
“If you don’t dare to accept, then you’ll follow my rules. You bought two servings of grilled unicorn rhino meat from me. I won’t ask for the meat back, just return the primal stones, a hundred in total.”
A hundred primal stones?!
Yun Tianning’s eyes bulged.
“Unicorn rhino, a level 3 mutant beast, tsk tsk, Zhu Roujiu sure has guts.”
Monkey and the others watched from the sidelines, not interfering with Zhu Roujiu making his money.
Yun Tianning could afford the money, but being extorted like this was incredibly frustrating.
He suddenly remembered Xiao Chen’s earlier warning, and now seeing how right Xiao Chen was, he looked at him apologetically.
“Don’t want to accept?”
Zhu Roujiu raised an eyebrow.
“Fine, I accept,” Yun Tianning said dejectedly.
Not accepting the challenge and not agreeing to the other party’s terms meant violating the rules of Sin City, which would likely bring the real enforcers of Sin City instead of just dealing with this group.
Yun Tianning understood this very well.
“Now you say it, too late, the price has changed. I must have remembered wrong earlier, you clearly bought four servings, two hundred primal stones!”
Zhu Roujiu and Tu Sanniang’s eyes gleamed with greed.
Originally, they hadn’t planned to demand so much, as most outsiders spend a big part of their savings just to get into Sin City and they just thought to demand as much as possible.
“Hm?”
Xiao Chen narrowed his eyes and stood up.
“Are you sure you want to go this far.”
Seeing the previously silent man stand up, Zhu Roujiu also stepped closer, looking down at Xiao Chen.
“I am this ruthless, and since you weren’t talking earlier, I thought you were a mute.”
Xiao Chen looked around, sighing to himself. He had intended to keep a low profile and observe the other rules of Sin City.
But Yun Tianning’s naivety was too much. The first concession was with the thought of leaving quickly, but conceding a second time… Seeing the look in these people’s eyes, Xiao Chen realized they were seen as easy targets.
Probably if Zhu Roujiu left, more would come.
“Alright, I accept,” said Zhu Roujiu, surprised for a moment, and others in the place, who had not expected this, scoffed dismissively.
After a harsh statement, they thought there would be a show, but it ended so quickly.
“Then no more nonsense, hurry up and pay.”
Zhu Roujiu and Tu Sanniang both became excited, this was really a big win for them.
Others in the store also displayed looks of envy.
However, at this moment, Xiao Chen stood up, pausing significantly between words.
“I mean, I accept your challenge.”
Yun Tianning suddenly looked up, his emotions a mix of regret and realization. He vividly remembered Xiao Chen’s advice to keep a low profile and avoid trouble after entering Sin City.
Yet now, Xiao Chen had to step in and defend him, especially since Yun Tianning had initially doubted him.
The chubby little guy gripped the table edge, deeply moved by the figure standing protectively in front of him. If Xiao Chen knew how easily his emotions were stirred, he’d probably warn him about being too susceptible, especially to charming women.
Of course, Xiao Chen wasn’t acting out of impulsiveness but strategy, which could change as needed.
“Alright, fine.”
Zhu Roujiu was infuriated by Xiao Chen’s sudden decision. If one accepted a challenge, even if they died, their possessions would be claimed by Sin City and confiscated by the city guard.
For Zhu Roujiu and his spouse, it meant watching potential gains slip through their fingers!
They couldn’t fathom how these two seemingly naive men were willing to risk their lives over pride.
“If you’re going to fight, take it outside. Don’t make a mess in my shop.”
A burly bearded shop owner scowled from behind the bar, his voice stern. Zhu Roujiu, clearly wary of him, gave Xiao Chen a deep look before heading outside first.
Xiao Chen stood up and said to the shop owner, “Boss, pour me a black beer, chilled.”
The owner squinted at Xiao Chen, didn’t say a word, but indeed went to fetch the drink.
Leaving the bar, Yun Tianning quickly followed, with Monkey and others not wanting to miss the spectacle.
Such scenes were not uncommon in Sin City. Passersby showed no particular surprise, knowing a duel was about to take place, and gathered around to watch, amused.
As the sunset stretched the shadows long across the wasteland where Sin City sat, the chilly evening breeze blew. Facing Zhu Roujiu, who stood opposite him with a murderous look and a drawn sword, Xiao Chen began to gather his Primal Force.
“No restrictions on weapons in the duel,” the shop owner’s voice carried from inside, causing Monkey and the others to look slightly surprised. They didn’t dare to mess with the shop owner, but he seemed to be giving a tip to a man who was seemingly doomed?
“Thanks,” Xiao Chen responded. If that was the case, so much the better.
Standing by the side, Yun Tianning felt his heart lodged in his throat.
“I’ll be the witness then. Both parties are voluntary, life or death doesn’t matter—it’s all in accordance with the rules of Sin City.”
Monkey stood between the two contenders before stepping back.
“Begin!”
“Rejuvenation!”
To most of the onlookers, it felt like a gust of wind had just passed by; a blur flickered, followed by a sharp crack. The one who fell was none other than Zhu Roujiu!
“Such incredible speed!”
The casual demeanor of the crowd turned to shock; most of them couldn’t even clearly see Xiao Chen’s movements.
With a cold gaze and boosted by Rejuvenation, Xiao Chen’s Physique surged, and he swiftly knocked down the unprepared Zhu Roujiu. Then, tapping on his wristband, a silver-white Desert Eagle appeared in his hand.
“Bang!”