Chapter 21: Exhibition Match (Lower Part)

Chapter 21: Exhibition Match (Lower Part)

At the announcer's booth, LEE was beaming.

"I’m sure everyone’s dying to know what rune ANKEN used at the end, right?"

The contempt and resentment LEE had for ANKEN when he first came to the battle arena were completely gone.

Good heavens, ANKEN actually shattered the exoskeleton with a rune. That’s incredible!

From now on, I’m a fan of ANKEN.

What do you mean? You’re saying I looked down on ANKEN before?

Absolutely not, don’t slander me.

How could I ever look down on someone as powerful as ANKEN?

As soon as LEE finished speaking, the entire audience chimed in.

"Right? What rune was it?"

"I bet it’s a new A-grade rune ANKEN made!"

"I agree."

"That windmill-like rune was really cool."

"This rune seems familiar..."

...

"The host is just as curious to know the answer. Alright, the system has just returned the rune information. Let’s uncover the mystery of this rune. Here it is..."

Upon seeing the answer, LEE’s eyes widened and his mouth dropped open in disbelief.

How is this possible?

The rune that broke through the exoskeleton’s defense, how could it possibly be... a C-grade rune?

Is the system data really accurate?

LEE took a deep breath and double-checked the system data, finally announcing the answer under the expectant gazes of the crowd, "The last rune ANKEN used was a Level C Wind Wall rune."

A moment of stunned silence fell over the arena.

?

What nonsense is this host spouting? Get rid of him!

How could it be a Level C rune? Could a Level C rune really penetrate an exoskeleton? This is ridiculous!

"The system confirms this rune."

LEE projected the system data onto the air—showing the Level C Wind Wall rune.

"Just now, ANKEN threw the rune like a giant dart, using the wind to enhance the rune's destructive force. This application is incredibly creative.

Let’s once again congratulate ANKEN on his victory in this exhibition match!"

After seeing the system's analysis, the audience no longer questioned how a Level C rune could penetrate the exoskeleton, and instead began to fervently admire ANKEN’s skill.

"Good heavens! That was a Wind Wall? You’re telling me that was a Wind Wall? Can a Wind Wall really be used in such a way?"

"I should have placed a higher bid on the Wind Wall earlier, I’ve missed out on a fortune."

"ANKEN is amazing!"

"ANKEN! ANKEN! ANKEN!"

...

In the stands, everyone cheered for the ingenious use of the Wind Wall, chanting ANKEN’s name.

Yi Qian’s eyes sparkled, his wolf tail wagging excitedly behind him.

After watching the match, ANKEN had become his top favorite, surpassing even his brother, Yi Moshang.

"Brother, ANKEN is incredible!"

"The Wall of Wind can actually be used this way?! How did he think of that?"

Yi Moshang pinched Yi Qian's mechanical ears. Although he was a bit envious of his brother's newfound admiration, he had to admit that ANKEN was indeed remarkable.

"The data and actual exoskeleton in the Canglan World don't match; it’s not as formidable as the real-world version. After all, the materials used to make the exoskeleton are highly classified, and the Canglan World can't simulate them.

However, even so, for ANKEN to use a Level C rune to destroy the exoskeleton is truly surprising.

Using the Wall of Wind this way is genuinely astonishing."

Without ANKEN, everyone would probably have racked their brains and still not figured out that the Wall of Wind could be used like this! Or that a Level C rune could have such high destructive power!

All thanks to ANKEN.

*

After the challenge, Cang Cheng's clothes remained neat, and a smile still hung at the corner of his mouth, his demeanor calm and composed.

In contrast, the usually invincible Zhan Wubuke was now sprawled on the ground like a dead fish.

Though the wounds from the Wind Blades had been healed by the system, his tattered exoskeleton was like his shattered heart, feeling utterly defeated.

Zhan Wubuke realized he must have been blind to think this Spirit Rune Master was a weak target that could be easily handled!

Now, he was the weak one, and still the one who could be easily dealt with!

Zhan Wubuke now just wanted to go back a few minutes and beat up the braggart he had been.

No... beat up the eager participant he had been.

Spirit Rune Masters are truly terrifying.

Trembling, Zhan Wubuke shook hands with ANKEN.

Looking at the smiling ANKEN, he couldn’t shake the chill running down his spine.

Zhan Wubuke said, "You’re very skilled, I’m not your match, Spirit Rune Master."

Cang Cheng replied, "The exoskeleton is also quite fascinating. Let’s spar again if we get the chance."

Zhan Wubuke responded, "I’d rather die than spar with you Spirit Rune Masters again. Those who wield runes have dark hearts."

Cang Cheng was just about to leave when he received a system message: "Host LEE would like to interview you. Do you accept?"

Cang Cheng thought for a moment and accepted the interview request.

It was just an exhibition match, after all. He might as well be relaxed and make sure everyone had fun.

He was quite content at the moment, and as for whether someone else was unhappy, that wasn't his concern.

Host LEE's virtual avatar quickly appeared next to Cang Cheng with a swoosh, and the previously stark white metallic background transformed into an interview setting with flashing lights.

The scene changed in the blink of an eye; the holographic world was indeed convenient.

Host LEE sounded somewhat excited. "It's a great honor to interview Spirit Rune Master ANKEN. The exhibition match just now was incredibly impressive, and Teacher ANKEN's Wind Spirit Runes were very practical.

Do you have anything to say to your opponent, Teacher?"

Cang Cheng smiled and said, "Zhan Wubuke is quite strong. I hope he will continue to strive harder."

Actually, Cang Cheng had no other intentions; he was being honest. Zhan Wubuke wasn't weak and was stronger than the previous 'Don't Bully My Brother.'

Although the exoskeleton was damaged by the Wind Wall in the end, it was due to Cang Cheng catching him off guard, which made the destruction of the exoskeleton so smooth.

If the opponent had tried to dodge the Wind Wall, he could have.

Moreover, if he were to fight a Spirit Warrior who charged fearlessly into battle, it would be difficult to predict the outcome.

After all, he was a delicate forbidden spell mage...

When does a mage ever face a warrior in a 1v1 duel?

Upon hearing this, Zhan Wubuke, who was standing nearby, trembled with anger. "Is he taunting me? He must be taunting me!"

For the winner to tell the loser to 'keep trying'—isn't that being sarcastic?

Host LEE laughed awkwardly.

He hadn't expected ANKEN to be the type who smiles while not sparing anyone with his words!

LEE: "Could you share how you came up with the idea to use the C-grade Wind Wall Spirit Runes in this way?"

Cang Cheng: "I just thought of it off the top of my head, it’s not hard."

LEE suddenly broke into a cold sweat.

He quickly changed the subject: "I just learned that you are here to sell Spirit Runes today. Why did you choose to sell them outside rather than at the auction house?"

Cang Cheng sighed, a look of worry on his face.

"My agent first approached the auction house, but they offered a buyout price of 300,000 and demanded a 30% commission.

Firstly, the commission is too high, and secondly, a bundled buyout price of 300,000 seems like a loss to me. What do you all think?"

Cang Cheng blinked his pitch-black eyes and feigned innocence, making those watching the interview see him as the victim.

"300,000 for so many Spirit Runes? Is the auction house crazy? A single Spirit Rune from ANKEN can fetch 300,000, right?"

"The auction house claims to be the most fair and discerning, doesn't it? I think they must be blind to the value."

"I just remembered. When I arrived at 7, I saw ANKEN’s chubby agent being kicked out of the auction house. Seriously? Is the auction house really doing this?"

"I didn’t dare to say this before, but two years ago, I sent a B-grade assembly robot to the auction house, and they offered me a buyout price of 400,000. Later, I found out that the robot could have fetched at least 1,200,000."

...

Discussions and doubts about the auction house grew louder.

Many people also shared their experiences of having items sold at the auction house bought out at low prices. The auction house’s practice of buying low and selling high began to come to light, and people started to question its fairness. Complaints were filed with the Star Network regarding its practices.

Meanwhile, Vice President Gade was still fuming over his failed challenge.

He had lost 15,000,000! Fifteen million!

"Find someone to beat up that hateful Spirit Rune Master! I want to make sure he never has the nerve to log into the Canglan World again!"

In the next moment, a man wearing glasses and a black velvet suit appeared in front of him.

He was burly and imposing, with eagle-like eyes that were razor-sharp.

Mark Xin, the grand president of the Canglan Auction House, was rumored to have a background in the underworld before cleaning up and switching to running auctions.

Maxim came up and without a word delivered a punch to Gade.

The latter flew out and with a 'thud', embedded into the wall like a poster.

Gade gasped, "P-President..."

Maxim said nothing and walked up to Gade, landing blow after blow.

He only stopped when Gade was no longer recognizable.

Maxim cracked his neck, the sound of his bones cracking echoing through the room. "Announce what Gade has done, apologize to the clients, and waive the double transaction fees for the next month.

Regarding that young rune master, I will handle him myself later."

*

After the exhibition match, the audience's excitement reached a new peak, and Cang Cheng seized the moment to resume the auction that had been interrupted.

With only two Blade of Wind runes left to auction, the guests were calling out prices while urging Cang Cheng to bring out more Wind Wing runes and Wind Wall runes.

They wanted those elegant Wind Wing runes and formidable Wind Wall runes for themselves...

They had money! Lots of money!

If you can put on an exhibition match, you can certainly use your runes to drain our pockets!

Unable to resist the audience's enthusiasm, Cang Cheng added another set of Wind Wing runes.

"Blade of Wind rune auction now begins! VIP 032 bids 1.55 million star coins."

"VIP 599 bids 1.65 million."

"VIP 3218 bids 1.85 million!"

"1.85 million once! 1.85 million twice! 1.85 million thrice! Sold!"

...

The mini-auction concluded successfully.

A total of 16 spirit runes were sold, including 3 C-grade spirit runes and 4 B-grade spirit runes, for a total of 17.8 million star coins.

The usual price for C-grade Wind Spirit Runes is 30K to 50K credits, but they were sold for an average of 900K! And the usual price for B-grade Wind Spirit Runes is 300K to 500K credits, but they were sold for nearly 2,000,000!

If not for Gade suggesting the exhibition match, Cang Cheng wouldn't have made this much money.

Gade is truly a good person.

Cang Cheng looked at the earnings with satisfaction, his eyes curved into crescents.

Simon rubbed his hands. "Sir, there are many customers who have pre-ordered Spirit Runes... The quantity you provided is a bit insufficient. Could you make another batch?"

"Got it. I'll make another batch in a few days. Come back to pick them up when you can."

Simon looked pleased. "Understood, sir! Your dashing presence on the battlefield today really left me in awe..."

"Quiet."

Simon went silent.

In the next moment...

"Brother ANKEN, you're so handsome! Your figure on the challenge arena is like the most charming gem, dazzling and shining, incredibly brilliant..."

Cang Cheng felt so awkward he could have dug himself a hole right there.

Cang Cheng turned toward the voice and saw someone with mechanical ears and a gray-and-white tail smiling at him enthusiastically.

!

Ears and a tail.

Well... he could probably tolerate the other's exaggerated speech.