Everyone's attention shifted away from the various clan geniuses' battles, focusing instead on the contest between the Sacred Family and the Tian Hen Family.
Many clan heads participating in the Genius Tournament watched with a sense of schadenfreude.
"I heard the Tian Hen Family and the Sacred Family are gambling fifty million Demon Spirit Coins on this."
"Fifty million Demon Spirit Coins? Only the Sacred Family and the Alchemist Association can afford that kind of stake. A small clan like the Tian Hen would never dare play that big! Without the Association's backing, the Tian Hen Family wouldn't even think about it!"
The high-stakes wager between the two great families set the entire martial arena buzzing.
Besides the direct bet with
Nie Li glanced at the odds. The highest payout in the pool was for betting on him winning against Shen Fei in one move—a whopping 1 to 11.
"Too bad there's a six million Demon Spirit Coin limit per bet. If there wasn't, I'd bankrupt the Sacred Family!" Nie Li thought to himself. He'd play along with their little game for the first round, and then go in for the kill later.
Nie Li had
Amid the roars of countless powerhouses in the stands, both fighters prepared to enter the arena.
Nie Hai and
The Demon Spirit Enhancement Pill was crafted by the Alchemist Association exclusively for the peak families. Normally, they were only used during major battles against Demon Beasts. Who would waste such expensive pills in a mere Genius Tournament? However, with fifty million Demon Spirit Coins riding on the outcome against Nie Li, a pill worth over a million coins was an absolute bargain.
The Demon Spirit Enhancement Pill could drastically increase the power of a Demon Spirit, but it came with side effects—it caused permanent damage to the spirit itself. However, it posed little harm to the user. This was nothing to the Sacred Family; even if Shen Fei's spirit was ruined, they could easily find him a stronger one.
"Also, you must defeat Nie Li after the twentieth move. That's how we make our profit!" Shen Ming instructed.
"To think I have to win only after twenty moves... he's getting off easy!" Shen Fei's eyes flashed with a sinister light.
"Young Master Shen, don't underestimate him!" Shen Ming warned.
"I understand!" Shen Fei nodded, but despite his words, a hint of disdain remained in his heart.
The various clans finished placing their bets. The vast majority wagered on Shen Fei winning, with many betting he'd do it within twenty moves. Still, a significant number bet on Nie Li—they knew the Alchemist Association wouldn't just hand fifty million coins to the Sacred Family. As Nie Li and Shen Fei stepped into the arena, the entire stadium erupted in cheers.
"Young Master Shen, defeat the Tian Hen Family's Nie Li!"
"Go, Young Master Shen!"
"Go, Nie Li! Defeat the Sacred Family! You can do it!"
The chants surged like waves. If Shen Fei won, they'd make money.
Under the gaze of thousands, Nie Li and Shen Fei faced each other in the martial arena.
"I'm going to make you lose miserably, and I won't let you off easily," Shen Fei said, a sinister smile gracing his face. He intended to utterly break Nie Li. How dare he touch his woman?
"Young Master Shen's words are the greatest compliment I could receive. I'll be sure to pass them on to Ning'er when I get back!" Nie Li replied, still smiling serenely.
Seeing Nie Li's calm demeanor, Shen Fei nearly flew into a rage, but barely suppressed it. He remembered Shen Ming's words—he had to handle Nie Li after twenty moves.
With a furious shout, a violent battle aura erupted from Shen Fei's body. He swung his fist and charged at Nie Li. Facing an opponent like this, he hadn't planned to summon his Demon Spirit right away. Once he did, Nie Li probably wouldn't last even one move, let alone controlling the fight until the twentieth. The goal was to win after twenty moves.
Seeing this, the corner of Nie Li's mouth curved slightly upward. He knew the idiot wouldn't summon his spirit first. He should have bet on finishing him in one move!
"So annoying. I was thinking of playing along and barely winning against you, but now it seems completely unnecessary!" Nie Li thought to himself. His Soul Sea suddenly rippled. "Come forth, Tiger Fang Panda!"
A massive Tiger Fang Panda materialized out of thin air, merging with Nie Li. His entire body became incredibly muscular.
Shen Fei charged at Nie Li, fists swinging, expecting Nie Li to clash with him using brute force first. Never had he imagined this shameless guy would summon his Demon Spirit without any warning. Moreover, Nie Li's summoning speed was astonishing—in an instant, he had completed the fusion with his spirit. Shen Fei had no time to react. By the time he thought to summon his own, it was already too late.
What use was such a low-level Tiger Fang Panda Demon Spirit? Shen Fei still had absolute confidence in his own strength. At worst, he'd trade one blow with the panda, then retreat and summon his own spirit.