Shi Nian wasn't frightened when she heard about the challenge. She knew that anyone who undertook the Slayer Challenge would only do so through a bloodbath.
Her opponent was no longer easy to deal with, but Shi Nian wasn't worried.
Although this body didn't have her original explosive strength, she could still withstand a fight of this caliber.
Seeing SX unruffled, Ghost couldn't help but admire her courage.
Ghost had originally ranked third on the fighters' ranking. He had only risen to second the day SX defeated Axe — the same opponent now challenging Shi Nian.
The underground ring had a rule among the top ten fighters: a defeated fighter would battle the next ranked opponent on the list.
For example, Axe, who was originally ranked first, after losing to Shi Nian, would have to face the second-ranked fighter. Coincidentally, Ghost had defeated that fighter on the same day.
But Axe had been badly wounded by SX. He was scheduled to fight Ghost, but missed that match, and the second rank fell to Ghost by default.
Unable to face Ghost, Axe was demoted to tenth place in the rankings.
Axe could have challenged Ghost again after recovering, but he didn't. Instead, he chose to undertake the Slayer Challenge — after SX refused his request for a duel.
Now, he had finally succeeded in his relentless pursuit to face SX again.
Ghost couldn't help but think SX was unlucky. Of all the days she could have chosen to visit the underground ring, she had come on the day of the final challenge!
Meanwhile, Shi Nian thought this was indeed a good opportunity to let off some steam.
Over at Stage One, Axe stood flexing his muscles. The audience went wild and yelled his name in excitement.
The underground ring had several fighting stages, each with its own referee. There were rules guiding every match:
An opponent who willingly leaves the ring admits defeat.
Except for a battle with a signed life-and-death agreement, no fighter is allowed to kill wantonly.
The use of firearms or any auxiliary weapons is strictly banned in the ring.
These rules had allowed a few more fighters to survive longer. When Shi Nian heard them, she was surprised.
In her previous world, underground fighters were brutal among themselves — every battle was literally a fight for survival.
What she didn't know was that the underground ring had since been reformed under official supervision. Still, it remained one of the most dangerous places in the capital city.
The referee on Stage One looked over the enthusiastic crowd and turned on his microphone.
"The underground martial arts ring now presents the Slayer Challenge Champion — Axe!"
The crowd roared in excitement.
Pausing for a moment, the referee continued, "Tonight, our champion Axe will be challenging the number one fighter on the rankings!"
The crowd exploded in anticipation — the popularity of SX was undeniable.
Seeing that the audience paid more attention to SX, Axe snatched the microphone from the referee.
"Your so-called number one is a loser! She refuses to face me!" Axe shouted.
Instantly, the crowd booed! Not caring who the jeers were aimed at, Axe tossed the microphone back to the referee.
The referee, listening to instructions through his earpiece, caught the microphone and announced loudly, "The number one on the ranking — SX — is here!"
The audience cheered even louder.
In one of the private viewing rooms, three men who had been deep in conversation were drawn over by the deafening cries.
"Boss Qian, your business seems to be booming tonight," said a stylishly dressed, handsome man.
Boss Qian wiped the invisible sweat from his forehead and replied, "Young Master Lu, one of the fighters has successfully won a difficult challenge. The audience is excited about it."
"What challenge was it?" a cold voice asked.
Boss Qian trembled slightly upon hearing that voice. He hadn't expected that two high-ranking officials would visit tonight.
He quickly and carefully explained the situation. Both men listened without much reaction.
"Mmm," the cold man finally responded, turning to look at the stage below.
Meanwhile, the man Boss Qian called Young Master Lu seemed more intrigued by the upcoming fight.
Just then, they heard the referee announce that SX had arrived.
Young Master Lu looked toward the stage, but seeing only the referee and Axe, he turned away — until he noticed Boss Qian's face turning red with excitement.
"Boss Qian seems rather concerned about SX," he said lightly.
Realizing his overreaction, Boss Qian quickly explained SX's previous victory over Axe, detailing how the defeat had led Axe to undertake the Slayer Challenge.
Young Master Lu nodded in understanding. SX had piqued his curiosity — he wondered what the only female fighter in the underground ring looked like.
Moments later, the crowd's cheers grew even louder. Following their gaze, the three men spotted SX standing beneath the stage.
Each man's expression shifted upon seeing her face.
Boss Qian was thrilled — SX's appearance tonight meant profits.
But Young Master Lu — whose name was Lu Yanchen — froze. The SX he had been curious about turned out to be his fiancée, Shi Nian!
Although his family had forced him to acknowledge the engagement, he had always treated Shi Nian as a younger sister.
Lu Yanchen immediately leapt to his feet and rushed for the door. Remembering that Boss Qian managed the underground ring, he hurried toward him in panic.
"Cancel this match, right now!"
Lu Yanchen's voice shook Boss Qian out of his daze.
The cold man turned toward Lu Yanchen in surprise, curious about the connection between him and the girl.
Boss Qian shook his head anxiously. "Young Master Lu, this match is highly anticipated by our top clients," he said, gesturing upward.
"If I cancel it abruptly, I wouldn't have a reasonable explanation. There's also the rule — only the fighter can admit defeat to cancel the match!" he explained hastily.
"Do I look like I care? I want this match canceled now!" Lu Yanchen snapped.
Boss Qian could only sigh in defeat and stepped out of the private room.
"Stop," the cold man who had been silent finally spoke.
Boss Qian let out a breath of relief and glanced toward the stunningly handsome man in the wheelchair.
Ignoring Boss Qian, the man addressed Lu Yanchen directly.
"Remember what we came here for."
The words struck the already agitated Lu Yanchen stunned.
He punched the wall fiercely, then straightened his clothes, trying to compose himself.
But one look at his bloodshot eyes and crooked tie made it clear — he was anything but calm.
In the quiet private room, the clenched fist of the man in the wheelchair went unnoticed.