Yuwen Hualong was panicking, bead-sized drops of sweat constantly streaming down his body.
At the same time, he was growing increasingly focused, not daring to let his guard slip even for a moment.
But no matter how seriously he tried, he still couldn't suppress Chu Feng. The chessboard duel between the two was practically a replica of the previous match between Chu Feng and Yuwen Tingyi.
They fought to a standstill, looking evenly matched with no clear victor in sight.
Finally, only two pieces remained on the board—one held by Chu Feng and one by Yuwen Hualong.
"Yuwen Hualong, are you ready to kneel and take your punishment?" Chu Feng raised his head and said.
But Yuwen Hualong didn't answer. Instead, he drove his last piece forward, launching a direct assault on Chu Feng's piece.
He was trying to pull off a surprise attack—a strike that could steal him the victory.
However, the moment Yuwen Hualong's piece drew close to Chu Feng's, Chu Feng's piece suddenly raised the weapon in its hand.
A flash of light swept past, and Yuwen Hualong's piece was decapitated, collapsing onto the board.
"That's impossible!!!"
Yuwen Hualong's face went deathly pale. Panicked and helpless, he staggered back several steps like a deflated ball, his expression ashen.
Chu Feng's duel with him had not only replicated the chessboard match against Yuwen Tingyi— Yuwen Hualong's reaction was practically identical to Yuwen Tingyi's as well.
He couldn't believe what was happening before his eyes, and he refused to accept it.
But the outcome had been decided, and he had no choice but to concede.
"You lost the bet. Kneel," Chu Feng said coldly.
"Brother Chu Feng, just… just let it go," Li Xiang spoke up at that moment.
The blood had already faded from Li Xiang's body, and aside from a slightly pale complexion, he looked perfectly fine.
There was, however, a flicker of fear in his eyes. He seemed genuinely afraid of Yuwen Hualong, and he didn't want to push things any further.
"Yuwen Hualong, you lost the bet. Kneel in front of Li Xiang right now."
But Chu Feng acted as though he hadn't heard Li Xiang's words at all, continuing to press Yuwen Hualong.
That said, Yuwen Hualong had already noticed Li Xiang's cowardice. So rather than responding to Chu Feng, he turned his gaze toward Li Xiang—his eyes cold, brimming with menace.
"Brother Chu Feng, forget it, really. Look at me, I'm fine," Li Xiang pleaded with a bitter smile, trying to get Chu Feng to drop the matter.
"Oh, it's not that I'm trying to weasel out of it. Why don't you ask your friend first—does he even dare to have me kneel before him? Does he even dare to lay a finger on me?" Yuwen Hualong grinned smugly.
And seeing Yuwen Hualong like that, displeasure surfaced on Li Xiang's face.
That was only natural. Nobody liked being humiliated, especially in front of so many people.
Yuwen Hualong noticed the change in Li Xiang's expression, but instead of backing down, he provoked him further: "What? Did I say something wrong? Do you actually dare to hit me?"
"You…" A faint trace of anger flickered in Li Xiang's eyes. He wanted to say something, but he held himself back and ultimately said nothing at all.
"Li Xiang, are you sure you want to let this go?"
"Are you sure you're just going to take that beating for nothing and let him off the hook?" Chu Feng turned around and asked.
Li Xiang was visibly embarrassed. He didn't dare meet Chu Feng's gaze and lowered his head instead.
Chu Feng also noticed that Li Xiang's fists were clenched tight—it was clear he was struggling with himself.
They were all young and full of fire. To say that Li Xiang didn't want to hit Yuwen Hualong, didn't want revenge—that would be a lie.
He was simply too afraid. Afraid that Yuwen Hualong would retaliate against him later. After all, they were all members of the younger generation, and there would be plenty of opportunities to cross paths in the future.
So in the end, he shook his head and said, "Brother Chu Feng, I appreciate your kindness, but let's just forget it."
"Hahaha, don't blame me for this one, Chu Feng. If anyone's to blame, it's your buddy for being such a coward."
"I'd gladly let him hit me. It's just a shame—he doesn't have the guts."