Chapter One Hundred and Thirty-One.

Chapter One Hundred and Thirty-One.

Dao Chunyan's clean and efficient actions silenced everyone.

Unconcerned, she flicked the blood off her knife, ignoring Jiang Qirong's lifeless body with unblinking eyes, and walked off the stage with composure.

When Dao Chunyan returned to her team, everyone burst into excitement, cheering: "Sister Dao is awesome!"

They had already won twice even before Gu Dongting took the stage!

The opponents were nefarious cultivators responsible for numerous harms. They not only won the victory but also avenged their wrongfully killed compatriots... Each participant felt extremely happy, their hearts filled with a simple sense of good and evil.

Everyone gathered around the heroes, Wushu and Dao Chunyan, endlessly talking and praising their performance on the stage.

On the other side, the Pastry Nation's contestants, having lost two major players and the match entirely, had extremely sour expressions. After exchanging glances, they all chickened out and directly forfeited the final match.

They had come arrogantly and now left with ashen faces and defeated spirits. Shen Wang and the others couldn't help but laugh and mock them mercilessly.

Watching their retreating figures, Gu Dongting said to the protection team leader Lao Kuangjun, "Send someone to follow them; I suspect they are remnants of the Samui Sect."

Kuangjun nodded silently and quietly followed those people.

Seeing the situation, Shen Wang understood that these people probably wouldn't be able to return to their own country.

Of course, he was quite pleased with this outcome.

In their first competition, everyone achieved a sweeping victory, an unexpectedly brilliant start that took everyone by surprise.

According to the customs of Huaxia in the past, they were always overly cautious and hesitant in their actions, so most of the audience had bet on Huaxia losing or at best, drawing.

Unexpectedly, they won so thoroughly that those who had placed bets lost miserably, looking at the Huaxia contestants with some malice.

Shen Wang touched his nose and chuckled.

Initially puzzled by what Gu Dongting was laughing about, he soon realized, "Did you place a bet?"

Shen Wang chuckled, "Everyone was betting on our loss, so I had to stand up for our team... It wasn't a large bet."

But given the huge odds, even Shen Wang's modest bet turned out to be a huge win.

"I just wanted to motivate our young team. Unexpectedly, the money just came pouring in, unstoppable," Shen Wang said with a triumphant, almost roguish grin, making anyone who saw it want to smack him.

In the face of Bai Qingxing's clearly disapproving gaze, Gu Dongting said, "If money is an issue, just let me know."

Bai Qingxing: "..." Is this still the cautious, upright Gu Dongting I know?

He tried to restrain himself but eventually couldn't help advising, "A small bet is enjoyable, but heavy gambling harms. Shen, my friend, don't get lost in this..."

And definitely don't lead the young and impressionable astray.

Shen Wang nodded nonchalantly, "Don't worry, I know my limits."

Seeing his attitude, Bai Qingxing felt very uneasy.

After chatting for a while and receiving their advancement number plates, they moved from the preparation area to the spectator zone, just as the next match was starting in full swing.

They glanced over and noticed one team with distinctly Asian features and the other team with African features.

The cultivators from Asia were somewhat known to them, but this was their first time seeing practitioners from other regions, prompting them to take a closer look.

As they watched, everyone started to feel that something was amiss.

"Ninjas, swordsmanship... Isn't this just like that neighboring country's comics? What bad luck."

This sight thoroughly disgusted everyone.

Observing for a while, Shen Wang noticed that the opposing team's waiting area had a notable number of people - swordsmen in kendo attire, Onmyoji in strange clothes, ninjas in black...

Whereas their own opponents had only three people in their waiting area.

From this alone, it was evident that the heritage of the small country's team was far superior to their opponents, and the outcome of the match was already clear.

Not only Shen Wang could see this, but everyone else as well. Consequently, many bet on the small country's victory, overwhelmingly outnumbering their opponents.

Bai Qingxing, noticing Shen Wang's attention to the betting, warned cautiously, "You're not thinking of gambling again, are you?"

Shen Wang frowned in disgust, "Don't say such revolting things."

The two exchanged a glance, then looked back at the members of the small country's team, feeling a wave of nausea.

The match didn't bring any miracles. The small country's team won three consecutive times, swiftly securing victory. What left the deepest impression was their relentless approach; even after winning, they didn't spare their opponents, attacking them before they could concede.

The unknown small African country brought only three players, who couldn't survive even the first round, leading to their total defeat.

Shen Wang felt a wave of disgust. Gu Dongting, noticing his expression, was about to leave with the team when the advancing team from the small country approached.

Gu Dongting paused, casting a cold glance at them.

The leader of the small country's team, dressed in a white Onmyoji outfit with long hair, stood beside Gu Dongting, which might lead the uninformed to mistakenly think they had a close relationship.

The opposing Onmyoji greeted Gu Dongting in Japanese, his face beaming with a smile, but his eyes brimming with icy hostility.

"Damn, not another one speaking gibberish." Shen Wang looked at the man, speaking lazily, "What are you mumbling in that ghost language? Speak something understandable."

The man's smile faltered, then shifting his gaze to Shen Wang, he scrutinized him before speaking in fluent Mandarin, "I know you, Mr. Shen Wang. I've long admired your reputation..."

"My reputation has spread there?" Shen Wang interrupted his flattery, "You're well-informed, aren't you?"

Shen Wang's remark silenced people from both countries present.

Gu Dongting glanced at the Onmyoji and said indifferently, "We'd appreciate it if you'd mind your own country's affairs and not ours."

The Onmyoji forced a smile, about to speak, but Gu Dongting had already led his team away.

The man watched Gu Dongting's retreating figure with a sinister look, then suddenly smiled, "Mr. Gu, it seems you've exposed your vulnerability."

In the past, Gu Dongting wouldn't have gotten angry over a few words, but now, with Shen Wang in his life, he was easily provoked.

The impeccable Gu Dongting finally showed his vulnerability.

Shen Wang and his group left the oppressive atmosphere of the competition venue. Stepping out of the elevator, it felt like they had returned from hell to the human world, breathing freely and relishing the fresh air.

"Our Huaxia is like a big sieve; how come any slight stir gets known by the neighboring countries so easily?" Bai Fuchun complained, taking a deep breath.

It hadn't been long since Shen Wang emerged into prominence. It was one thing for the people of the Samui Sect to recognize him, but even those from the small country knew him.

Although Shen Wang hadn't been hiding his tracks, still…

"Those damn foreigners, how many spies have they planted in our country!"

It was truly infuriating.

Shen Wang himself wasn't as emotionally affected. He was more concerned about something else, "Who was that show-off just now?"

Bai Fuchun rolled his eyes, "That's a descendant of the Abe family from the small country, claiming to be a successor of Abe no Seimei, possessing divine bloodlines and being Japan's number one."

"He holds a high status there. Apparently, they also have some sort of Metaphysical Society, and he is the designated heir."

"They have a Metaphysical Society too?" Shen Wang was surprised.

"They're really good at copying. Whatever we do, they imitate. Seeing us establish a Metaphysical Society, they created one too," Bai Fuchun rolled his eyes again, "Imitating is fine, but the second after they learn from us, they claim it's their original idea… Tell me, isn't that disgusting?"

This topic stirred up comments from the others as well.

"They learned our Taoist spells and talismans, then turned around and claimed them as their own."

"They changed '临兵斗者皆阵列前行' to '临兵斗者皆阵列在前' and then claimed it was theirs... shameless."

"They even appropriated our Yang Guifei, claiming that her legitimate descendants are in Japan now. I really don't know where they get such confidence."

"And they stole our Tang swords, claiming them to be their Japanese katanas..."

The more they talked, the more indignant everyone felt.

"If we ever face them as opponents in the future, we must give them a sound thrashing!"

"Exactly! Right!"

Shen Wang, listening in for a while, also realized that everyone had a strong dislike for the small country's team, and of course, he felt the same.

With a few hours left until evening, the group didn't plan to return to the castle so early. Rarely going abroad, they decided to explore and make the most of their trip.

After wandering around, they followed an online guide and ended up at a museum.

This museum was said to be the oldest, grandest, and most diverse in the world. Due to their cultivation background, everyone had some interest and knowledge in history and heritage.

Since they were there, they naturally wanted to visit the museum.

But once inside, seeing the museum's collection, everyone fell silent, losing their enthusiasm for sightseeing.

Those with stronger empathetic and emotional responses, recognizing the familiar artifacts, were so angered that tears welled up in their eyes.

Bai Fuchun gritted his teeth and cursed, "The most diverse collection indeed, obtained through such means."

The museum was filled with trophies that this country had plundered from around the world, shamelessly displayed as proud exhibits. Particularly, the Eastern art section alone housed over a hundred thousand items.

This staggering number left everyone speechless and gave them a sense of shock for the first time.

Shen Wang felt particularly shaken by this.

Walking among these antiques, he could almost hear their cries of sorrow, resonating like endless waves, affecting the emotions of the visitors and evoking a sense of homesickness.

This was why some visitors shed tears, their sensitivity picking up on the emotions of the antiques.

Gu Dongting kept his eyes on Shen Wang, noticing his dejected demeanor since entering the museum, recalling Shen's ability to sense the aura of antiques.

Looking at the hundreds of thousands of displaced antiques, Gu Dongting frowned slightly and suggested, "It's getting late, let's head back."

The others, no longer in the mood to continue exploring, nodded in agreement.

When the group returned to the Buniel Castle, their spirits sank further at the sight of various cultural relics there.

"Are you the distinguished guests of my brother?" Out of nowhere, a blond, blue-eyed youth appeared in the hall. He looked to be in his teens, with snow-white skin and strikingly beautiful features, fitting everyone's image of a foreign handsome youth.

The group was taken aback but greeted him amicably.

The youth smiled shyly and said, "You can call me Norris."

As humans are often swayed by appearance, faced with such a well-mannered and attractive youth, everyone's tone softened, complimenting Norris's excellent command of Mandarin.

In no time, they all became more familiar with each other.

Shen Wang was immune to beauty. So far, he had seen countless beautiful people in the cultivation and metaphysical worlds, both men and women, but only Gu Dongting had ever stirred his emotions.

At that moment, everyone was chatting with Norris, except for Shen Wang, who leaned against a wall, lost in thought, unaware of his surroundings.

Shen Wang didn't notice, but Gu Dongting did. While talking with others, Norris stole several glances at Shen Wang.

Shen Wang's personality might be unreliable, but his appearance was undeniably outstanding. Especially when silent, his attractiveness seemed to skyrocket, naturally drawing the attention of young men.

Gu Dongting's eyes turned cold. Suddenly, he stepped forward, affectionately touched Shen Wang's forehead, and asked with concern, "You've been quiet since we got back. Are you feeling alright?"

Startled, Shen Wang snapped back to reality and looked up to see Gu Dongting's flawless face. He paused before responding, "I'm fine, just affected by something."

Amidst the crowd, he didn't specify what had affected him, but Gu Dongting understood immediately and handed Shen Wang a cup of water, "Rest a bit and let it wash away their influence on you."

The two conversed naturally, and Shen Wang unhesitatingly drank from the cup Gu Dongting handed him.

He didn't realize that it wasn't his cup but Gu Dongting's.

Norris, watching from the side, widened his eyes slightly. He noticed the seemingly impenetrable atmosphere between Shen Wang and Gu Dongting, and couldn't help asking, "What's their relationship?"

Before the person asked by Norris could answer, Bai Fuchun interjected, "They're in that kind of relationship, you know what I mean."

Norris looked puzzled, his Mandarin not yet advanced enough to understand the insinuation.

Bai Fuchun, sneaking a glance at Shen Wang and Gu Dongting conversing, gestured subtly out of their view, forming fists with his hands and bringing his thumbs together to kiss them: "The kind that will eventually share a bed, you understand, right?"

Norris's pupils dilated in shock, looking at Bai Fuchun, the supposedly reserved Huaxia person.

Chou Yin, with a resigned look, patted Bai Fuchun's head and apologized, "Sorry, don't listen to his nonsense."

Pausing, Chou Yin added, "But they are indeed in that kind of relationship."

Bai Fuchun proudly puffed out his chest, "I told you, trust my radar."

Chou Yin glanced at him, choosing not to burst his bubble. When they first met, Bai Fuchun had confidently identified him as one of his own, though he was definitely straight back then.

Better not to mention Bai Fuchun's radar.

Norris sighed and, after another glance at Shen Wang, refrained from pursuing the topic further. Instead, he began asking about various aspects of Huaxia.

With Norris's diversion, everyone's attention shifted away from the museum, and their spirits were lifted.

When rest time came, everyone dispersed without delay, heading to their rooms. Some meditated while others slept, all preparing to be in top condition for the battle ahead.

Shen Wang was no exception. Back in his room, he started drawing talismans again, planning to prepare some contingencies for the youngsters.

As he was drawing, the moon reached its zenith, and suddenly a long, drawn-out wolf howl echoed.

Shen Wang paused briefly, then smoothly completed the talisman in his hand. Seeing the talisman glow briefly, a sign of success, he murmured, "Good, didn't waste a piece of talisman paper."

Despite having earned a substantial sum, Shen Wang remained as frugal as ever.

Another, closer wolf howl pierced the night, accompanied by the sound of a large creature moving swiftly, breaking through the wind. Shen Wang methodically packed his things and opened the window to look out.

Under the bright full moon, a human-shaped shadow darted across the vast grassland, moving gracefully with fur tousled in the wind...

Wait, fur? Shen Wang focused, observing more carefully.

He realized that the human-shaped shadow had a furry face and body, a protruding snout, and a pair of green eyes glowing in the dark... It was actually a werewolf!

This piqued Shen Wang's interest.

He wondered how these foreign werewolves differed from Huaxia's mythical beasts. Did they possess spiritual energy? Did they have dantians or demon cores?

Lost in thought, Shen Wang watched as the werewolf skillfully extended its claws and lightly scaled the castle's outer wall. It didn't glance at the other windows but headed straight for a specific one.

Upon arrival, the werewolf didn't break the window but politely knocked on it twice.

Shen Wang observed with interest as the werewolf, growing impatient after no response, suddenly punched through the window and leaped into the room.

A brief cry of alarm soon came from the room, followed by muffled sounds of argument.

Unable to understand their foreign babble and sensing increasing fear in their voices, Shen Wang clicked his tongue, leaped out the window, and smoothly entered the room.

Inside, the werewolf was pinning the foreign young man, Norris, to the bed, baring sharp fangs as if about to bite Norris's delicate, pale neck.

Shen Wang immediately stepped forward, grabbed the werewolf by the scruff of the neck, and tossed him aside.

The werewolf, not fully grasping what had happened, stared blankly at Shen Wang, who had thrown him away and then said something gently.

Norris, his face flushed with embarrassment, also spoke in Chinese, which Shen Wang didn't understand.

Enraged, the werewolf howled and its nails grew rapidly, viciously swiping at Shen Wang.

Shen Wang easily dodged the werewolf's attack and continued, "What's going on here?"

Norris glanced at the werewolf and then at Shen Wang, saying, "I don't know him... Maybe, maybe he was hired to kidnap me. My family is very wealthy, and people often try to kidnap me. That's why my family has arranged many bodyguards for me..."

Shen Wang didn't pay much attention to the rest of Norris's explanation. Once he confirmed that Norris didn't know the werewolf, he showed no mercy.

Without even using a weapon, Shen Wang easily outmaneuvered the clumsy werewolf, eventually pressing him firmly to the ground with a simple push.

Even when pinned down, the werewolf was cursing and muttering something indistinctly.

Shen Wang: "???"

Turning to Norris, Shen Wang asked, "What is he saying?"

Hesitating for a few seconds, Norris translated, "He wants you to let him go, or else, he says he'll get rough."

Shen Wang couldn't help but laugh at the audacity; the werewolf was still being defiant despite being pinned down. He directly asked Norris, "Do you have any rope? Find a rope, and I'll tie him up."

Norris hurriedly found a rope, hesitating, "Can this rope hold him? He's very strong..."

"No problem." Shen Wang, experienced in restraining people, quickly and securely tied up the werewolf, rendering him immobile.

After finishing, he dusted off his hands, "Just leave him tied up here. Go find your brother; he'll know what to do with him."

Shen Wang then walked to the window, adding, "Remember to have your butler fix this window."

Having given his instructions, Shen Wang no longer lingered to look at Norris, jumping out the window and swiftly vanishing from his view.

As Shen Wang leaped from the window, Norris's pupils dilated in shock. He rushed to the window, but saw nothing but the calm fields in the darkness.

And above, the round, captivating moon hanging in the sky.

Leaning against the window, Norris's face flushed as he thought about Shen Wang's dashing actions, reminiscent of Zorro, his eyes dreamy.

The werewolf on the ground, witnessing this, grew angrier and began cursing more vehemently.

Meanwhile, Shen Wang leaped back into his room to find a person already inside, causing him to exclaim in surprise, "Xiao Hei Bro???"

"What are you doing here???"

Shen Wang couldn't fathom that he would encounter Xiao Hei Bro while competing abroad.

It seemed almost magical, the way Xiao Hei Bro appeared everywhere.

Xiao Hei Bro, still in black attire and wearing a menacing mask, remained expressionless, "Where did you go?"

Shen Wang: "..."

Strange, why do I feel so guilty?

Scratching his head, Shen Wang narrated the recent events to Xiao Hei Bro, but for some reason, after he finished, Xiao Hei Bro remained silent for a long time.

The silence left Shen Wang awkwardly silent as well.

Feeling increasingly uneasy, Shen Wang asked, "Is there a problem? Don't stay silent, Xiao Hei Bro, it scares me."

After what seemed like an eternity, Xiao Hei Bro finally spoke, his voice deep and emotionless, "Do you know why, when everyone else heard the commotion, only you rushed to play the hero?"