Chapter Eighty-Seven: Utter Defeat

Gu Xiaoyao had no intention of entangling herself with him any further, for when it came to fighting, it was best to resolve matters quickly. If she lingered here, darkness would soon fall, and her willingness to compete was not born from a desire to be surrounded by the people of Great Valley Village. Tang Zhong was clearly not a trustworthy man, nor did he possess the virtue of a gentleman, so they could not remain in Great Valley Village until nightfall.

Dodging Tang Zhong’s fist, which was as large as a bowl, Gu Xiaoyao lashed out with her leg like a whip. Tang Zhong reacted swiftly and blocked her attack with both hands.

“If you’re willing to admit defeat,” Tang Zhong murmured as he pressed her leg with hands like iron clamps, “I’ll give you not only land, but also silver. Isn’t that a good deal?”

Gu Xiaoyao glanced at him coolly, then slapped the ground, spinning around to free her leg. After flexing her foot, she charged forward and pressed Tang Zhong, dominating the fight.

“There’s no need to admit defeat. I can win this myself.”

Gu Xiaoyao understood well the importance of protecting the interests of her group. Her attacks, both with hands and legs, grew sharper and sharper. After parrying several blows, Tang Zhong’s hands began to ache.

Suppressing his simmering anger, Tang Zhong’s face darkened as he fought back recklessly, paying no heed to anything but brute force.

No matter how hard he fought, Tang Zhong was no match for Gu Xiaoyao, who had weathered wind and water all her life. After ten rounds, Gu Xiaoyao landed a powerful kick to his chest, sending him tumbling off the stage.

The crowd below, seeing Tang Zhong sprawled on the ground, dared not approach to help him, nor did they dare raise their voices any longer. The sight was simply too humiliating.

It wasn’t only Tang Zhong who felt disgraced; the villagers of Great Valley Village shared his shame.

“Thank you for letting me win,” Gu Xiaoyao said cheerfully, looking down at Tang Zhong from the stage. The thought of soon receiving land and silver curved her lips into a slight smile.

Tang Zhong, unable to rise from the ground, saw the smile at her lips and took it as mockery. He pounded the earth in frustration and barked for someone to help him up.

“I truly didn’t expect Lotus Village to have someone as lethal as you. Impressive, impressive indeed,” he said through gritted teeth, his voice icy and unmistakably hostile.

Hearing Tang Zhong’s words, the people from Lotus Village gathered around Gu Xiaoyao, their eyes wide as oxen, glaring at the villagers of Great Valley Village.

“What’s wrong, Tang Zhong? Surely you’re not thinking of going back on your word again!”

The village chief, Old Chu, lifted his cane. Though he no longer possessed the strength of his younger days, he was still ready to fight Tang Zhong if needed.

“You drugged us before, and now you’d renege on your promise. Tang Zhong, must you bring shame to Great Valley Village again and again?”

Tang Zhong, having just gotten to his feet, heard Old Chu’s words and sneered, his lips curled in a mocking smile.

“You’re slandering us. Great Valley Village is a large village; we don’t need such tactics. Ridiculous.”

Gu Xiaoyao stopped the village chief from arguing further, knowing there was no point in dragging out the dispute. The longer they quarreled, the longer they’d have to stay.

“Let’s put the matter of the drugging behind us. There’s no need to mention it again. The people of Great Valley Village lost; hand over the land deed.”

She leapt down from the stage. The villagers of Great Valley Village instinctively stepped back, watching as she picked up the silver from the Eight Immortals table and placed it in her purse.

Tang Zhong saw her cut off any mention of the drugging and was so furious he nearly shattered his teeth.