Chapter Twenty-Four: The Arena Duel

Night had fallen, enveloping the city in deep darkness. A discreet Bentley stopped outside the northern district sports arena of Qing City.

“So many cars, quite a crowd tonight,” Hong Chen remarked from the driver’s seat, placing a pouch containing a black cloak in the back. He glanced over the nearly hundred vehicles parked in the plaza, and chuckled softly.

“Nine families with semi-second-tier status or above in Qing City’s entertainment industry will send representatives. Some from related sectors are here to observe as well. The Huang family’s challenge is the first public one in nearly two years, and clearly, they intend to step on our Hongcheng Group to make a name for themselves, aiming to secure the second place spot.”

Gao Tianxiong, in the passenger seat, grinned broadly. “Too bad for them—what they’re really doing is advertising for us, dressing us up for the occasion.”

Hong Chen smiled. “President Gao, you’re sure I don’t need to step in? It’s best of three rounds, you need to take at least two. Confident?”

Gao Tianxiong’s expression turned serious. “Rest assured, Young Master Chen. My internal injuries have only just healed, and I’m not yet at my peak, but the Huang family is only semi-first-tier. I can handle them alone. Your presence is just in case of unforeseen events.”

Hong Chen nodded. “Go join your team. If nothing unexpected happens, I won’t show myself.”

...

Inside the arena, a three-meter-high, twelve-meter-diameter ring stood at the center. The judges’ table was ten meters in front of the ring, and the four sections of seating with the best views were about sixty percent full.

Gao Tianxiong strode in wearing a black trench coat and large sunglasses, exuding an air reminiscent of a star in an old Hong Kong film. Following him closely were two men: the young man in gray who had accompanied him to meet Hong Chen the other night, and another older man, broad-shouldered with a buzz cut, fierce-faced and tiger-backed.

Ah Le and Er Hu, Gao Tianxiong’s trusted lieutenants, had followed him from Jianghai to Qing City for nearly ten years. Behind them, eight burly men—picked elite from the Paradise Bar’s security division.

With the Huang family issuing a public challenge and dozens of family representatives present, a grand display was necessary. Yet, as they walked in, most people simply watched; only a handful came down to greet them, and no more than thirty waved from afar.

The Gao family had been in Qing City for over three years, their Paradise Bars had three locations and were mid-tier in the industry, with prior collaborations with several families present. Such coldness seemed unwarranted—but tonight’s challenger was the Huang family.

The Huang family was a semi-first-tier, second only to the industry leader, the Wang family—one of Qing City’s four great families. Gao’s was originally second-tier, a substantial gap between them. Moreover, rumors had spread through unofficial channels: winning the ring tonight was only the start for Huang; their real aim was to swallow all Paradise Bars, clubs, and KTVs.

Supporting Gao Tianxiong tonight was tantamount to offending the Huang family. With most families driven by self-interest, none would make such a foolish move. Of course, Hongcheng Group’s current momentum meant most wouldn’t cozy up to Huang either; neutrality was wisest.

“Gao Tianxiong, I gave you a chance—fifty million for your three Paradise Bars, a fair deal. Why insist on taking it to the ring? There’s no mercy in a fight.” The group approaching was led by a man about Gao Tianxiong’s age, with bronze skin, medium-length hair tied in a small ponytail with gold highlights, wearing sunglasses—evoking the style of Hong Kong stars from the 80s and 90s. He was none other than Huang Wujian, the second son of the Huang family.

The Huang patriarch, now aged and retired, left business matters to his two sons. The elder, Huang Wanshou, was a managerial talent; the younger, Huang Wujian, had served ten years in the military—six as a special operative. Many in the security team of Huang’s Crown Entertainment were veterans recruited by him.

“Huang, I’ve accepted the challenge and I’m here. Is there any point in talking? Let’s start early and finish early. You know the Hongcheng Group is newly established—I’m swamped as president,” Gao Tianxiong replied with a casual salute, then motioned his team to find seats.

“Fine. You’re eager to hand me a gift; I won’t refuse your kindness.” Huang Wujian laughed heartily, saluted in return, and dismissed his men. Together, they approached the judges’ table to sign the agreement.

Three directors from the Entertainment Association presided for fairness. Tonight’s rules: each side puts up three designated bars; best of three rounds; winner takes all. Surrender is defeat, falling off the ring is defeat, failure to stand after ten seconds is defeat...

From the stands, Hong Chen spotted familiar faces: Uncle Lin Yuanhai and his son, Chen Feiyang. He didn’t greet them, but walked over to Liu Xinyue. A bodyguard moved to stop him, but Liu Xinyue turned in surprise. “Hong Chen, what brings you here?”

“A friend in Hongcheng Group’s internal security brought me to see the spectacle. Hope you don’t mind if I sit here,” Hong Chen replied evasively, pointing to the empty seat beside her. With her permission, he sat down.

“This is my brother, Liu Hao. Brother, this is Hong Chen—the miracle doctor.” Liu Xinyue introduced the young man on her right.

“You’re the Lin family son-in-law, Hong Chen. I’ve heard of you,” Liu Hao nodded coolly. As Liu family’s eldest grandson and Liu Xinyue’s brother, he’d heard of Hong Chen curing his cousin’s congenital heart defect, but hadn’t witnessed it, dismissing it as luck. As for the diabetes prescription for his grandfather, he scoffed at that, seeing it as mere hype.

It wasn’t entirely his fault. First, Hong Chen was too young, contradicting the common belief that skill in traditional medicine grows with age. Without witnessing it firsthand, trust was hard to earn. Second, he’d heard from friends that the Lin family beauty had married a useless son-in-law—a flower stuck in manure. With those preconceptions, his impression was naturally poor.

“Nice to meet you,” Hong Chen replied with a smile, sensing Liu Hao’s coolness. He turned his gaze to the ring, where the first fighters had already taken the stage.

Representing Hongcheng Group was Er Hu; the Huang family sent a hulking, bald man.

At the bell, both men charged, quickly engaging in brutal close combat. Both were power fighters, their punches and kicks vicious, barely dodging except to protect vital spots—a scene of pure ferocity.

“The bald one’s going to win,” Hong Chen sighed after about ten seconds, just as Er Hu took three blows to the chest, spat blood, and collapsed.

Liu Xinyue glanced at him, surprise in her eyes. Hong Chen caught her look and smiled lightly. “Their strength was about equal, but the bald one had more experience, exploited a weakness.”

Liu Xinyue blinked. “You know martial arts as well as medicine?”

Hong Chen rubbed his nose, embarrassed. “Armchair analysis, nothing more.”

On the ring, Er Hu tried to rise, but Gao Tianxiong signaled to the judge—the team would concede this round. They hadn’t expected to win the first bout, and there was no need for Er Hu to risk further injury or death.

For the second round, Gao Tianxiong took the stage himself. Removing his sunglasses and trench coat, clad now in black martial attire, he shed some of his previous swagger for a calm, unyielding presence.

The Huang family s