Chapter 489: The Unyielding Duel

In a brief silence, Yenir remained as impassive as ever.

Watching Zhao Hongtu and the others’ genuine concern, a small warmth flickered in his heart.

The truth was, Zhao Hongtu had little to do with him.

Frankly, Yenir’s fate meant nothing to this minister. Despite his tremendous talent and limitless potential, to some he was nothing more than a thorn in their side.

Those narrow-minded souls might even view Yenir as a future rival—a threat.

He sighed inwardly, and before he could utter another word, several officials who had hurried from outside approached him with grave expressions.

“Yenir! We’ve come on behalf of the Prime Minister!”

Without any preamble, the men revealed their identities and spoke in a deep tone.

Seeing this, Zhao Hongtu’s expression shifted slightly as he quietly stepped aside.

The leading middle-aged man stepped in front of Yenir, giving him a once-over before quickly speaking:

“Yenir, the Prime Minister’s decision is for you to end this death duel.”

“If you’re willing, he will personally step in and resolve this matter!”

“You don’t have to worry about public opinion or act impulsively. We won’t say much more, but there’s one message the Prime Minister wants me to relay to you.”

“A true man knows when to yield and when to stand firm. A fleeting act of courage doesn’t make you a hero!”

After that, the middle-aged man fixed Yenir with a long, penetrating look.

To be honest, this move… The Prime Minister is really looking out for this kid. After all these years by Li Xuanguo’s side, I’ve never seen him so personally invested in anyone.

If Yenir is smart, he should know what to do now.

Some things have grown so out of control… even among themselves, they’re far from united.

The atmosphere was heavy as everyone in the cramped preparation room fixed their eyes on Yenir.

Yet after two rounds of persuasion, Yenir remained unfazed, his face as calm as ever.

“Tell the Prime Minister that I appreciate his goodwill.”

“I won’t end this death duel.”

“One retreat would mean a thousand more. I want to… give it a try…”

As soon as the words left his mouth, the faces of the messengers went pale. Yenir turned back toward Zhao Hongtu, who was still urging him.

“Uncle Zhao, do you remember what I told you before?”

“If you believe in me, believe all the way through!”

“Bet on my sword!”

His voice was soft—as if in a whisper—but although his words reeked of extreme arrogance, Zhao Hongtu couldn’t help but detect an air of unyielding confidence.

“This kid!?”

…………….

“Committee Member Lu, every detail has been arranged to guarantee success.”

“Rest assured, as long as that kid is stupid enough to keep fighting, his end is assured! But I’m just worried he’ll bail…”

Beside Lu Tianming, a lean youth in white chuckled softly twice, his gaze fixed intently on the preparation room where Yenir was.

He had seen it firsthand; people with the Prime Minister were already inside.

You could easily deduce that it was almost certainly the Prime Minister who had persuaded them personally.

“No matter—if this little bastard dares to quit, he’ll never cause any ripples again. Even without my involvement, Yenir will forever bear the mark of an arrogant coward!”

“Ha! Even if he someday reaches the peak, everyone will remember today—he’s a coward, a brainless fool. I doubt anyone would back him to be a commander!”

In high spirits as he watched the numbers on the betting board fluctuate, Lu Tianming felt an exhilarating sense of total control.

“Regardless, from today onward, he’s the biggest winner!”

“Indeed, Committee Member Lu, your methods are superb.”

“What chance does a puny kid, ignorant of his boundaries, have against you?”

“However, if he truly dares to step up, you’ll need to secure victory in this death duel within about 7 seconds.”

As he spoke, a pale-faced youth nonchalantly accessed their control system.

“Sir, if the duel ends in 7 seconds, our profits will be maximal.”

“Most are betting on about 15 seconds—they think your combat style isn’t suited for a quick finish, sir.”

“Hmph…”

With a cold snort, Lu Tianming glanced at the betting ratios and sneered.

These idiots are comparing his current performance to his records from six or seven years ago. They clearly don’t understand that his strength has vastly improved! And his so-called lack of speed is nothing but an illusion!

Sensing Lu Tianming’s discontent, the young operator shifted his gaze and began to flatter softly:

“Sir, these people aren’t fools—how else would we profit from them?”

“They believe that though the duel seems a foregone conclusion, they’re certain you won’t go all out for fear of injuring the kid.”

“Little do they know that from judges to bodyguards, everyone is in our pocket. It’s quite possible Yenir could die on stage!”

Listening to the subordinate’s compliments, Lu Tianming chuckled softly, satisfied that everything was under control.

“Exactly.”

“When enough profit is at stake, this duel truly becomes a death duel.”

“Frankly, if he wasn’t worried about the repercussions of killing Yenir, even with his full might in a life-or-death fight, it’d be a miracle if that little bastard could take even one hit!”

“His overwhelming superiority gives him absolute confidence! Even if he remained motionless, Yenir couldn’t break through his defense!”

“Granted, killing that kid might be challenging, but incapacitating him is not impossible.”

“Not every referee can be bought, but under the weight of various interests, without even him having to speak, the factions behind these judges will naturally put the squeeze on him.”

“Among the bets placed, he saw that many groups were wagering on this kid being incapacitated!”

“Favorable timing, terrain, and support!”

“When everyone is on the same page, certain outcomes become inevitable!”

With that in mind, Lu Tianming ordered again:

“Now, place all the funds we’ve arranged on that kid being incapacitated!”

“Finish the duel in 7 seconds! With this strike, I’ll sever his hands!”

“Consider it a grand gift from me to some people!”

As soon as his words faded, the young operator was visibly startled.

“Committee Member Lu wants us to bet everything – even that batch of seized ore and the money for the Army’s equipment upgrades…”

“But that’s it – on a sure win, you throw everything on the line!”

“And as for the consequences of a loss?”

“There’s simply no way we can lose!”

…………..

“The death duel will commence in 120 seconds! Both sides, prepare yourselves!”

“Buzz!”

On the massive death duel platform, over twenty Third-Stage Advanced Awakeners were stationed around, readying their protective measures.

On the open cage door, dark red spirit energy shimmered.

It was as if it foretold the arrival of bloodshed.