Da Ge

Chapter 24
But unfortunately, even if Wei Zhiyuan became a deity, he couldn’t escape this lesson.sIoujdohQkeWauKHOjKGVjWuBUZscG

With a grim expression, Wei Qian slapped Wei Zhiyuan awake, grabbed him by the back of his neck, and made his way through the crowded train like he was carrying a sack of potatoes. He carried Wei Zhiyuan to his seat, tossing him onto it with a rough motion, and stood beside him, his anger about to erupt: “What were you thinking?”BGrCfwStuSkmHkAsfNCnRqVuGiAfsK

Wei Zhiyuan realized he had committed a grave offense and was prepared to face a severe punishment—nothing short of a thorough beating. Following the general rule of “confession brings leniency,” he confessed his reasoning process, practical experience, and every step of his ticket dodging.qSLVNoatAqZQlqgxWMfcWYJKDoEdIC

Listening to his adventurous tale, Wei Qian couldn’t help but agree with San Pang’s assessment; this mischievous kid might really be a clever little fox, tempting fate with his wit!XAWYpsmMgWyLIGeMasPnuFPMMBqdyF

Just as Wei Qian was about to unleash his frustration regardless of public decency, he heard Wei Zhiyuan’s stomach growl loudly. The boy pressed his stomach, lifted his head pitifully, and looked at Wei Qian with a pale face.CDijwjQlBbMIrZkvGaWrQVsdSHhRWh

In that moment, Wei Qian’s expression softened almost imperceptibly.rdYwjqLesVRsGSmvdYoUSzaczqXuhy

Having been worn down by Wei Zhiyuan’s antics, big brother reluctantly bought a bread roll, a piece of ham, and a bottle of mineral water from the legendary snack cart and watched as the hungry little wolf devoured them greedily.sYOJyoKzoKmVDVqdvVfMOaPrZpLYZV

After Wei Zhiyuan had eaten his fill, sensing that things couldn’t be settled peacefully at that moment, he nervously got up from his seat. “Brother, you sit.”BlZbLxeuxtAHvvnLuVwdFPktFgoXPY

Wei Qian didn’t say a word, just glanced at him. Feeling a chill around his neck, Wei Zhiyuan immediately dared not say another word and silently returned to his seat.LbsEhXhCxqpDLtduAcvAmvWZHOuiqK

For the remaining nearly twenty hours, Wei Qian stood by the seat back the entire journey.SpuaxkwJWXQkbdKglFRJxhlFpfmBNd

They got off the train in a city in Guangdong, found a place to rest, and checked into a reasonably priced small hotel, where they slept like logs.nczmzOLJEstCjEbZWAgXejANsciUgm

Upon waking up, Wei Qian took a shower, bought some boxed meals, and returned to eat. Once the brothers had rested and eaten, Wei Zhiyuan finally received the promised beating.fumvPFwlCJxmtdMmmIFwgeYgucWzcp

After the thrilling solo performance, Wei Qian used the hotel front desk phone to contact Zhao Laojiu. Then, he took out twenty yuan from his pocket and sternly warned Wei Zhiyuan, “If you’re hungry, buy food yourself. Don’t leave here more than a hundred meters away. If you dare to run around again, I’ll break your legs.”JzvigbizljjsDelotljCNwqktkVdwS

Wei Zhiyuan: “Okay.”QAHgNluQLzFdInfftqdMUdANcvMnac

Wei Qian slapped his thigh hard: “Did you hear me?”JvSMdnmFgQRMBYRiwMkMftOZnniSxP

Wei Zhiyuan quickly straightened up, raised his head, and saluted with his middle finger against the seam of his pants, reporting in a tone reminiscent of a Nazi rally, “Loud and clear!”pWHdvHUGdOkuqGyOCElhzsBsggzqAV

Not long after, a person riding a motorcycle arrived downstairs and took Wei Qian away.toUIqwmQgWvlakCMCLaFIDEUYpMHEW

Wei Zhiyuan stuck his head out of the window, watching his big brother leave.dkKRvaMDGLcCjdhlSMbewksBYPqBKk

The summer here was unbearably hot, the air sticky as if in a giant steamer. Judging by his brother’s intentions, he planned to stay here for over a month.rheINvywUvaSJHKygQSwCNHOCCEBrI

Wei Zhiyuan didn’t want to cause trouble for him. He focused on lying on the bed, airing out his almost swollen buttocks, while contemplating how he could avoid being a burden.emuLioMejDgcdQYYvezhTYCJTEEiPI

Zhao Laojiu had returned ahead of Wei Qian. He warmly invited him to a meal, and after a few rounds of drinks, he brought out a contract for Wei Qian to look at.bifejXHAslSGFXQmvgBgvHFDNdFWLG

Wei Qian’s alcohol tolerance was just average, not comparable to those with an impressive capacity, but his mind was too alert to be clouded.OXCUUWVCphcYOTjYjzOEuoOaieVXQA

He knew the contract was a joke. Underground fighting itself was illegal, and signing it didn’t mean being legally bound not to breach it; it meant surrendering one’s life—voluntarily, settling life and death, debts paid in full.tHFLAUlKKbprKDLjnGnfqyZVtwvjUx

The contract listed the prices, graded by difficulty. Winning at the lowest level earned one thousand, with higher levels offering more money. Challenging the top fighters could fetch an unimaginable sum—a sum Wei Qian only glanced at. He didn’t entertain any unwarranted thoughts. He had heard about these top fighters; they had undergone extremely rigorous training. A kick from them could sweep away a ton, and if one were to be solidly kicked, they could rupture organs on the spot and fall from the stage. It wasn’t child’s play.FVIiIiflDXBgXGkZeaxTnGdxkMhFIb

Zhao Laojiu watched coldly as Wei Qian carefully scrutinized the contract, noticing the lad’s outward warmth but inward coolness. He had the knack for smooth talk and social grace, adept at toasting and chatting, but when it came down to brass tacks, he wasn’t easily fooled.MsqdvsdwTKOOMbKsyXCjCMCgEnbrvU

Zhao Laojiu lit a cigarette, fixing his gaze on Wei Qian. “Customs around here are more or less the same everywhere. You’re overthinking it. Let me remind you of our differences—firstly, you can’t just come and go as you please. Even if you want to leave, you have to finish three matches. Fourth Master provides food and lodging, but you have to respect him. You understand this principle, right?”dRtVKBrmcCoPmZXOxOlKHuFjZtGljX

Wei Qian remained composed. “Anything else?”DnzfzUWyMyUNOSukdPqygHxqywvZvp

“Once the bow is drawn, there’s no turning back,” Zhao Laojiu continued. “Once you’re on the stage, you can only move forward, no stepping back, only leveling up, no downgrading. When to step onto the stage, how to play, you have to listen to me… that is, Fourth Master’s arrangement.”KhJqgjqmgEhcYJcPJCHqGOvUBFygPv

In other words, even if his leg were broken in the morning, if Boss Hu commanded in the afternoon, he’d still have to climb onto the platform, facing opponents even stronger than before.JBlYddMTdcroqPbOGkbMNOFNLWgpqP

Wei Qian lowered his gaze, pondering. “Jiuge, this rule isn’t common elsewhere.”FGAFdMgQfZdifSrbtkLcNpDGekdLOB

“I know this principle, Jiuge,” Wei Qian said calmly. “So, do we have any extra benefits?”rbzNtajIORagVFhUuUwQkxPQBQLTdz

Zhao Laojiu smirked, “Of course, that’s why we have extra perks! Prize money from winning matches is separate, and this…” Zhao Laojiu took a drag from his cigarette, pulled out his wallet from his pocket, and casually handed a stack of Renminbi to Wei Qian. “Deposit. You just arrived, might not be accustomed to the place, right? Have a good meal, it’s Jiuge’s token of goodwill.”WkekPJoMMelUGvoipAQkeaTTgtCgEC

Wei Qian glanced at the stack, one thousand yuan.ciiPQUPXsFGnYKKsldKNFeodxdyFxO

He didn’t reach out to take it, just forced a somewhat constrained smile, “Jiuge, aren’t you worried I’ll run off with the money?”iSpGERYCboIhrLJKFeMGdIKzLNHIOY

Zhao Laojiu reached out with his greasy hand and gave Wei Qian’s shoulder a firm pat, laughing heartily, “Such a small amount of pocket money, your Jiuge doesn’t even bother with it. You’re young, so I won’t hypocritically call you Wei Ge anymore—Xiao Wei, you’re young, with a bright future ahead. Youngsters shouldn’t be greedy, but they shouldn’t lack ambition either. Those with shallow aspirations never become great in their lifetime, do you agree?”SqrzGsWetocMDUDKZgqxJyAjdMkZYf

Wei Qian glanced at him, slowly took the small stack of Renminbi, stuffed it into his pocket. The thin bills weighed heavily on his chest like a lead ball. Zhao Laojiu smiled satisfactorily, continuing, “Besides the deposit, Fourth Master also gives you a commission. For every win, apart from the prize money, he doubles it as a reward. You’ll see when the time comes. A mere one-eight hundred, just pocket change.”OWmiEpQKEKoXQeBiNnnQfsWZuUQwqv

Zhao Laojiu arranged for Wei Qian to have a new room in a hotel near the boxing arena, instructing the young motorcyclist to deliver meals daily. After exchanging nods with the motorcycle boy, Wei Qian first went to the hotel to check in, fetched Wei Zhiyuan, settled the burdened lad down, then proceeded alone to the boxing arena.evUfntloWGwkMgciymcSlGkbYSjKuB

The arena was indeed new, with workers still installing light fixtures in the corners.RNmLeSxyYNqcZNokWHRHRYLjNbANzg

The area around the stage was dimly lit, with non-glaring lights focused only on the stage, to prevent the fighters’ energy from being dispersed. The so-called “stage” was a designated area surrounded by a yellow line, allowing people to come as close as they dared without fear of being accidentally hit.flYcATqgRHcpVBygfzKxrOYKlnFZyc

At a higher and farther position were the VIP seats, occupied by quite a few guests, although not fully packed. They were dressed appropriately for the occasion.HEagGehaFaAHIjOTvnPbUKGezRDZBr

Most of the occupants in the arena were men, with a few women scattered among them. Some were female fighters, mostly muscular and fierce-looking, hardly distinguishable as women at first glance. Others were dressed provocatively, attractive as spring flowers, likely hostesses mingling among the VIP seats.NsCthuJauByAhRciMIGqOOEHkPiceu

Wei Qian discreetly slipped in, finding a spot away from the lights, waiting to watch the opening bout.RnzxmubXlYKPrnDRLrhsQxWPOfEMxa

As the lights of several arenas illuminated simultaneously, the crowd erupted into deafening whistles and profanity-laden cheers. Wei Qian squinted, peering towards the nearest stage.VasbzbdaxTupQmkfRWJAlRPqifwWzU

In the middle of the stage stood two shirtless men. One was a muscular giant, standing nearly two meters tall, his sinewy muscles flexing slowly as he moved his neck and limbs, seemingly aiming to intimidate his opponent.hrzlSuRuEyhBDMpNiImYrPOuaVXYVM

His adversary, facing Wei Qian’s direction, was not exactly small either, but compared to the hulking brute across from him, he appeared somewhat malnourished. A long scar ran across his chest like an ugly centipede, and his eyes were bloodshot under the lights.GaSLRdSHpCGwbohhrexwsGWmugLhig

Wei Qian’s keen eyesight caught the nervous twitching at the corner of the man’s eye from a close distance. He sensed something was off about him.yqeUXfnnKcCHvcxfXijWtbrvUHgipk

Behind the stage, the bookies set up a table, and the hostesses began encouraging the crowd to place bets. The odds for the giant and the scarred man were two to one. Many people crowded around to place their bets, so Wei Qian stepped aside, retreating to a higher step.KFziGJGVAMpUQCkTQECBgujigehemF

At that moment, a teenager rushed onto the stage wearing only a tank top, wielding a large bell, which he rang vigorously, signaling the start of the match.sebaUpcadXdJTglQlyoThEZWYGAtNK

There were no professional referees here; everyone served as a referee. Once on the stage, there were no rules—life and death were of no concern. The fight continued until one side stood while the other lay.nEoVXtuqGqJUntakvFQzRKiNtrsVvp

Wei Qian’s attention hadn’t fully returned from the sight of the young lad in oversized shorts and a tank top when the giant unleashed a powerful left hook towards his opponent’s face. With boxing gloves on, his fist seemed as large as a basketball. Caught off guard, the scarred man’s face twisted to the side, blood streaming from his nose, leaving Wei Qian suspecting that even his nasal bone might have been dislodged from the blow.pCcqgPyBuobafNrxIHumYabciuhOfT

The clamor behind him reverberated in his ears, causing them to ache.gnEIqgnkQzfmeAqwtgrspKCOVwEuot

A sudden blow to the head easily leads to a concussion—anyone who’s been hit with a beer bottle knows that feeling. A heavy blow could leave one dazed on the spot. Yet, the scarred man’s skull seemed made of iron, showing no signs of concern. He didn’t even bother to wipe the blood from his nose. Lunging forward, he grabbed the muscular giant’s arms, as thick as normal people’s thighs, and launched himself like a cannonball into the giant’s forced-open embrace. With a swift horizontal strike, he squarely jabbed the giant’s solar plexus.dPyIvGdmsymVjsnrFajzHIpctFgKcj

The giant’s internal organs suffered severe damage as he staggered back three or four steps, his footsteps suddenly unsteady. Before he could recover, the scarred man let out a strange cry and delivered a flying kick, sending the giant crashing to the ground on his back.HUtjrwQPevpQoUpkrSzDqhzrXuwMWe

Wei Qian, along with everyone else, craned their necks to see. Normally, there would be a referee counting seconds when one party fell, but there were no referees or anyone to intervene. Seizing the opportunity, the scarred man pounced on the fallen giant, raining down punches and kicks in a frenzied, chaotic manner, shouting wildly as if possessed.ZvZjwDpAxkYrLKWzqzjifIqITGmvWK

The spectators became wildly excited, some shouting and cheering. Nearby, someone smashed a glass, and the scent of beer mixed with the stench of sweat and blood wafted through the air. Wei Qian couldn’t help but lean against the stair railing, his palms damp with sticky cold sweat.dNTdkrGcxoRxJjyETInoVMrHMPJEiY

It wasn’t until the beaten giant cried out in mercy, raising his hands above his head, that three or four bouncer-like men leaped onto the stage, pulling the frenzied scarred man away and separating the two.pPVukZyntUBjdCDmVIAXlOFDHzlHiX

The teenager who had rung the bell earlier rushed up, holding up one of the scarred man’s hands, prompting a loud cheer from the crowd. Those who had bet on the scarred man surged forward, seeking their winnings from the bookies.ttBmRolCtcgDJfbZpETMTyOfknjhfR

Wei Qian paid no heed to who won or lost; he kept his gaze fixed on the scarred man who had emerged victorious. The man’s face was stained with blood, the red veins in his eyes more pronounced, his eyeballs unnaturally darting around, his chest heaving violently, his expression blank and vacant.HjAApKUuHdOrJAOcyPCrhdpRLqzHaH

He seemed to still be in a daze as he was led away by the teenager.duHMdzrRRIeOmbzyqwfEqwkCmPgzSV

The exit for leaving the arena was right next to Wei Qian. He watched as the scarred man, with a blank expression, approached as if in a trance. Then, just as he was about to pass by Wei Qian, the man suddenly froze, his eyes widening abruptly, his pupils contracting sharply for a moment. He collapsed to the ground, first convulsing, then foaming at the mouth. After several intense struggles, he lay motionless.zBkDNknMcBXhJzzcfrkGoQfsCVDEIm

Wei Qian took another step back, standing on the second tier of steps, looking down at the man lying face up. In the dim light, he could tell the man was dead.XNDQCONEmXInlFktQAhXksUVDVgaeS

A chill ran up his spine, sending shivers down his spine.hYMKdcGbfXeEXCrRapVMnFPhqVkkGV