When Chen Xiong finally spoke, everyone turned to look at him, no longer daring to run their mouths in front of the Martial Alliance Leader. When a person of his stature remained silent, you could pretend they weren't there. But once they spoke, you had to weigh every word.

"If both sides cannot reach a mutually satisfactory negotiation, why not declare a temporary ceasefire and reconvene tomorrow?"

Chen Xiong couldn't just stand by and watch the Huang and Wang families descend into a bloodbath. It wasn't just about the loss of life; the economic damage would also be significant. Thus, he decided to employ a delaying tactic.

"No need."

To Chen Xiong's surprise, both Xu Ke and Huang Sheng voiced their opposition.

"Why?" Chen Xiong asked. These two are obviously just going to argue until morning, he thought. What is there left to negotiate?

"I have an idea, I just haven't mentioned it yet," Xu Ke answered first.

Everyone was startled.

"Is it that same old proposal?" Chen Xiong frowned. He was referring to Xu Ke's ridiculous demand for two lives. He had to restrain the urge to just throw Xu Ke out.

"Sort of," Xu Ke gave a vague reply.

Huang Zhenyang sneered, "What do you mean by 'sort of'?"

"It's simple." Xu Ke stood up and faced Huang Sheng. "Have Ouyang Shuang come out and fight me in a life-or-death duel. If she wins, my life is hers. If she loses, she and Huang Qi will forfeit their lives."

"This way, our duel will only involve the parties from last night. It won't affect anyone else, and the impact will be minimal."

"What do you think?"

As his words fell, Huang Zhenyang stared in disbelief. Did I hear that right? Isn't that just a death wish? Ouyang Shuang is a long-established Innate Martial Artist. You, a freeloader and a greenhorn—even if you have a few tricks up your sleeve, do you really think you can defeat her?

Chen Xiong's face darkened. "Are you joking?"

"I am not," Xu Ke said seriously.

Chen Xiong's expression turned grim. Is Xu Ke playing me for a fool? He just escaped a nasty situation, and now he wants to throw himself into a life-or-death duel again? If I hadn't initiated this negotiation myself, I'd suspect the Wang Family was just toying with me.

"Family Head Wang, what do you think?" Chen Xiong looked toward Wong Qifu. In his anger, even his form of address had changed.

Wong Qifu showed no reaction to his question. "Just do as Xu Ke says."

"Really?" Chen Xiong was furious.

"Mhm." Wong Qifu just nodded, still showing very little reaction.

Chen Xiong's face turned ashen. I've already given her two chances to back down and stop the Huang Family from agreeing, and she still won't budge? If they really agree to this... Xu Ke's death will be certain!

"So obstinate," Chen Xiong shouted angrily before turning to Huang Sheng and his uncle. "What do the two of you think?"

"We…" Huang Zhenyang was overjoyed. Isn't this the perfect opportunity to kill Xu Ke?

But just as he was about to speak, Huang Sheng interrupted him. "We will consider it," he said, his expression unreadable as he stared at Xu Ke.

The word "agree" caught in Huang Zhenyang's throat. He looked like a choked duck, a truly ridiculous sight. He turned to Huang Sheng, his disbelief palpable. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Why are we turning it down?! Has Huang Sheng lost his mind?

Chen Xiong's eyes narrowed slightly. Seeing Huang Sheng intervene, he sensed that something was off.

"Why consider it?" Xu Ke asked.

"Do you think I should agree to your request?" Huang Sheng asked with a slight smile.

Xu Ke shrugged. "Why not?"

"A life-or-death duel is a martial artist's own choice to make. We have no right to decide for Elder Ouyang Shuang," Huang Sheng said.

Ouyang Shuang is a veteran Innate Martial Artist, Huang Zhenyang fumed internally. Sure, she lost to Wang Wu yesterday, but she wouldn't even need one hand to deal with Xu Ke! Why aren't we agreeing?!

"A good reason," Xu Ke nodded. "Then why don't you give Elder Ouyang Shuang a call and ask her?"

I was going to use reverse psychology, Xu Ke thought. But against someone like Huang Sheng, there's no point.

Upon hearing this, Huang Sheng nodded. "Fine. Uncle Four and I will step outside to make a call."

"Then, Grandpa Chen, we request a pause," Xu Ke said, turning to the white-haired Chen Xiong.

"Alright." Chen Xiong nodded, his expression not as dark as before but still far from pleasant. This negotiation is just too strange.

「On the corridor of the Bamboo Pavilion Residence.」

"You, give Elder Shuang a call," Huang Sheng said to the confidant standing behind them.

The confidant nodded and began dialing Ouyang Shuang's number. The moment the confidant turned away, Huang Zhenyang's anger flared.

"Why didn't you agree?" he demanded.

Huang Sheng laughed. "Uncle Four, there's a reason my father overshadows you." I was being tactful, Huang Sheng thought. But now it seems Father does more than just overshadow him.

"What are you saying?" Huang Zhenyang was taken aback, not expecting his nephew to mock him.

"Uncle Four, just think about it," Huang Sheng explained patiently. "Why are they doing this?"

"Why would they do that?" Huang Zhenyang frowned. "It must be because Xu Ke has gotten arrogant and thinks he's invincible. He probably assumes Elder Ouyang Shuang is on his level and wants a life-or-death battle to wash away his past humiliation."

Huang Sheng was speechless. I suspect my uncle is pretending to be a fool, but I have no proof, he thought. He's just too convincing. I finally understand why Father didn't put Uncle Four with Huang Qi, but with me instead. I thought it was so he could watch over me, but now I realize... Father wanted me to watch over him. If he'd been with Huang Qi, the Wang Family would have probably captured one more person today.

"Uncle Four, let's ignore Xu Ke's motives for a moment. Let's also ignore why Wong Qifu would watch him walk to his death without batting an eye, and let's not wonder why Xu Ke has suddenly gone crazy with a death wish. Let me just ask you this: during a negotiation, should you immediately agree to your opponent's demands?"

Huang Sheng had set aside all the illogical aspects. He just wanted to say something Huang Zhenyang could grasp. Usually, Uncle Four isn't this dense. Maybe Xu Ke just got under his skin today.

"No, you shouldn't," Huang Zhenyang nodded.

"Then let me ask you another question. Is trading two of our lives for Xu Ke's one life a good deal?" Huang Sheng raised an eyebrow.

Huang Zhenyang faltered. "It's not."

"There you go." Huang Sheng nodded, satisfied. Getting Huang Zhenyang to admit that was enough.

Just then, the call to Elder Shuang connected.

"Young Master Sheng, the call is through..." the confidant said, walking over with the phone. He acted as if he hadn't seen the scene of Huang Sheng patiently instructing his uncle at all.

"Elder Shuang, good afternoon," Huang Sheng said with a smile as he took the phone.

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