Chapter 56: Wild Bees

The Death Tournament had reached its seventh day, and the gambling among wealthy groups from various regions was at a fever pitch. Eight teams had emerged from the competition, and, contrary to expectations, the Hunter Team, previously dismissed by many, was now set to face the Field Battle Team.

Outside, the helipad was crowded with private jets, some still arriving on the island. Guests were streaming into the arena, especially the sponsors of each team, who made their way to the VIP section. Those who could attend were by no means ordinary people; all others were strictly refused entry. Those qualified had to sign confidentiality agreements, ensuring the utmost secrecy so the existence of supernatural abilities and vampires remained hidden from the world.

“Dear guests, I’m sure you’ve all been waiting impatiently! The first match of the advancement round will begin shortly. As always, I, Xiaoxue, will explain the rules of the competition…”

In the lounge, the three team members were preparing themselves. Hu Guozheng suddenly shivered, feeling a chill down his spine. “Don’t you think there’s a strange draft? Why is the air conditioning suddenly so cold and eerie?”

“It’s such a massive venue. The central air system must be industrial grade; otherwise how could it serve so many people? They probably set the temperature to the lowest,” Du Bin said, reaching up to the vent and feeling the icy air on his palm.

“First, let me repeat the teams that have advanced to the quarter-finals.” At this, the giant screen displayed the profiles and information of the teams, followed by the tournament bracket for the final eight.

“First, the Elite Alliance, the Meters Team, the Heavenly Kings, the Four Saints, the Heavenly Dragon Team, the Michelangelo Team, the Field Battle Team, and the Hunter Team. These are the eight quarter-finalists. Now, let us watch the live event. The first match is between the Hunter Team and the Field Battle Team. I know you’ve all been waiting a long time! Please welcome both teams to the stage.”

The spotlights swept rhythmically across two doors. As they opened, both teams stepped out. Ye Tang stood in the center, her red blade in hand. Hu Guozheng crossed his arms over his chest, draping his jacket in a pose, while Du Bin, in a casual suit, had his hands tucked into his pockets. Qin Ling, amused and exasperated by their posturing, sat in the audience with Zeng Yilong.

As both teams reached the stage, Xiaoxue announced, “The spotlights are focused here, urging both sides to begin. Curiously, Hunter Team member Ye Lan hasn’t appeared since the last match. Does the Hunter Team truly believe their captain, Ye Tang, and member Du Bin can turn the tide on their own?”

Hu Guozheng, indignant at being overlooked, immediately retorted, “Hey! What am I, invisible? I could handle all these opponents myself!”

“Hmph! They’re clearly underestimating us,” scoffed Black Panther.

“Now, let’s have both sides select their competition mode.”

“Let’s not waste time. The sooner we finish, the sooner we can all get some sleep,” Du Bin yawned and greeted his opponents with a sleepy wave.

“No problem. I’ll grant you three wishes all at once—and send you to your grave,” came the retort.

Seeing the mounting tension, Ye Tang interjected, “Single elimination, one-on-one, until one side has no fighters left.”

Black Panther was surprised but intrigued by her suggestion; with this format, a single person could sweep the entire round solo. “I like this proposal. I agree.”

“It’s settled, then. The match will be decided by one-on-one elimination.”

“I’m Wild Bee. Let me take the first round,” said Wild Bee, chewing gum and swaggering forward.

“I’ll go,” Ye Tang stepped forward, intending to win the match single-handedly if possible. She’d already pushed the team to its limits bringing them this far.

Du Bin understood her intent. To ease her burden, he blocked her path as she stepped onto the stage. Startled, Ye Tang said, “Du Bin, don’t make trouble. Move aside.”

“Xiao Tang, I want to carry some of the weight before you. I know their strength exceeds mine, but if I can take one down, so be it. You and Fatty can handle the rest,” he replied.

Ye Tang was about to object, but seeing his resolute gaze, her heart softened. “If you can’t win, admit defeat—don’t be stubborn. Keep yourself alive.”

“Of course. We haven’t started our journey around the world yet. How could I just die?” Du Bin smiled, then strode onto the stage.

Zeng Yilong, meanwhile, pulled out a lighter and lit a cigar, savoring the smoke. Qin Ling snatched it away and put it out, scolding, “Really! Smoking is bad for your health. Don’t you want a healthy child?”

“Yes, yes, as you say,” Zeng Yilong replied obediently, stroking her slightly rounded belly.

“Mr. Zeng Yilong.”

A sudden voice called from behind. Zeng Yilong turned and saw a massive man strolling out of the corridor, smiling. “I prepared a luxury suite for you—what brings you here to watch in person? Surely you’re not here to supervise?”

“It’s the thrill of being here in person—the excitement,” Zeng Yilong replied. From his sources, he knew this man was Suleiman, the Field Battle Team’s sponsor—a Middle Eastern arms dealer and sworn brother of Ma Jinlong in the Middle Eastern market.

Suleiman had learned that his brother Ma Jinlong and Zeng Yilong had both lost everything in the high-stakes gambling at General’s Mountain. As one of the shareholders in the Death Tournament, Suleiman would not let Zeng Yilong off easily. Yet, he feigned nonchalance. “I see. By the way, Mr. Zeng, what do you think of my Field Battle Team? They are veterans of countless battles in Germany. I’m sure the betting markets will be lively—perhaps they stand a better chance than Wu Qiwei’s Heavenly Dragon Team? To show my goodwill, if the Hunter Team loses, I’ll use my authority to add them as side matches—they’ll keep fighting as punching bags until they perish. What do you think, Mr. Zeng? Isn’t that a brilliant proposal?” He laughed boisterously.

Qin Ling loathed bullies like him. If Zeng Yilong hadn’t held her back, fearing she’d get too agitated and harm the baby, she would have lashed out at that arrogant man.

With both fighters on stage, Xiaoxue announced the start of the match. Wild Bee immediately gathered his energy, green liquid seeping from his body before transforming into gas and swirling around him.

“This is my power,” Wild Bee sneered, then charged toward Du Bin with lightning speed. Caught off guard by his opponent’s velocity, Du Bin barely managed to react as Wild Bee appeared before him, fist raised.

Rather than meeting the attack head-on, Du Bin dodged swiftly. The spot where Wild Bee’s fist landed shattered, leaving a crater. Using the momentum, Du Bin retreated, keeping his distance and analyzing his foe: This is a power-type opponent. He’s aggressive—hardly wise to confront him directly. I’ll have to wear him down by evasion. If I find an opening, maybe I can win. No matter what, I have to give it my all.

Wild Bee closed in again, swinging another punch. Du Bin dodged deftly and escaped the barrage. Watching from the audience, Qin Ling was anxious about the Hunter Team’s chances, her heart pounding with worry.

“Wild Bee has taken the initiative, his relentless close-quarters assault forcing Du Bin on the defensive, unable to counter at all.”