Volume One, Chapter 11: Subduing Zhao Tieqi

“System, I want to use the Grandmaster Experience Card.”
[Using the Grandmaster Experience Card...]
[Countdown: Expected to activate in one minute...]
No, why does it still need activation!

At that moment, Zhao Tieqi showed no mercy, kicking fiercely. Lu Yunduan was careless and was sent flying, stirring up a cloud of dust.

“Is that all? I thought you were tougher.”

Just as he thought victory would come easily, a halberd shot out from the mist.

Zhao Tieqi extended his spear to block it.

But amidst the smoke, Lu Yunduan charged forward, grabbing the Fang Tian Hua Ji and bringing it down with a chop.

“Unexpectedly, after my kick, you weren’t even injured.”

“Ever heard of the ‘smoke equals no injury’ principle?”

“But with just that little strength, you can’t beat me.”

[Countdown: 3, 2, 1...]
[The Grandmaster Experience Card is now active. You have gained the power of a Grandmaster.]

Here it comes, here it comes...

Lu Yunduan felt power surge throughout his body.

In an instant, Zhao Tieqi’s spear was cleaved in two.

A thunderous roar echoed, shaking heaven and earth.

Those outside dared not enter to see what was happening, having received no orders from their lord.

“Say, what’s going on inside? Do you think the lord might be in trouble?”

“No need to speculate. The lord didn’t summon us. We just wait here—no extra action.”

“But is that really wise? What if something unexpected happens to the lord...”

“With his strength, ten of you combined aren’t a match. No need to worry.”

...

One minute later.

[The Grandmaster Experience Card has expired. The host will enter a three-day weakness period.]

Zhao Tieqi lay on the ground, covered in wounds. His spear beside him was broken. Though injured, his life was not in danger.

Lu Yunduan had been careful not to kill him; otherwise, saving him would have been pointless.

“Now, I have the right to make you submit.”

Lu Yunduan lowered the Fang Tian Hua Ji, his voice radiating pressure.

Zhao Tieqi lay stunned, unable to move. He found it unbelievable—such a master existed who utterly outmatched him.

He was completely overwhelmed and ground down.

[Admiration +100]

Beaten senseless, disoriented, his eyes darkening as he stared blankly at the ceiling.

Seeing this, Lu Yunduan kicked him sharply to snap him out of it.

“What’s wrong? Defeated by me and now you’re just going to fall apart? Give up?”

“I thought you were a hero, but you can’t stand losing at all. Don’t you know failure is the mother of success? Only by learning from defeat can you rise higher.”

“If you act like this, you don’t deserve to be my subordinate. I don’t want cowards serving me.”

His voice dripped with mockery and scorn.

Amidst the taunts, Zhao Tieqi summoned all his strength and rose to his feet, roaring fiercely.

“A true man is born between heaven and earth; how can I not handle losing? A gentleman’s word is his bond—since you defeated me, you are my master. I am willing to submit.”

The next moment, he knelt, clasping his fists.

His gaze burned with unyielding pride—the fiery spirit of a middle-aged man clearly evident.

“Good. This is the Zhao Tieqi, the Lone Lamp Spear God I’ve been looking for.”

Lu Yunduan excitedly reached out to help him up.

He glanced at the shattered spear beside them and immediately asked the system:

“System, is there a spear for sale?”

“Nonsense. I’ve said it before—I have everything. Pick one yourself.”

[Tiger-Head Gilded Spear: The weapon of Ma Chao, one of the Five Tiger Generals of the Three Kingdoms. Crafted from a steel-steel alloy, measuring eleven feet and three inches. The spearhead is a gilded tiger’s head, with the tiger’s mouth biting the blade, forged in platinum—razor-sharp. Price: 5000 Emotion Points]

[Divine Might Fiery Water Spear: The weapon of Ming Dynasty general Qi Jiguang. The shaft is nine feet long, the spearhead one foot three inches, with a sharp three-inch blade forged from refined steel mixed with gold. Price: 4500 Emotion Points]

[Five Tigers Soul-Breaking Spear: Made of refined steel, twelve feet long, the ancestral weapon of Sui-Tang hero Luo Cheng. Its spear techniques are unpredictable, with the “Returning Horse Spear” skill being extremely powerful. Price: 5500 Emotion Points]

Damn, all so expensive.

But a spear god deserves a fine spear—a match made in heaven.

No matter the cost, it had to be bought.

“I want to purchase the Five Tigers Soul-Breaking Spear.”

“Processing purchase...”

“Purchase successful. The Five Tigers Soul-Breaking Spear has been delivered. Please check.”

“Friendly reminder: Your current Emotion Points are below 100. If your Emotion Points remain below 100 for a sustained period, your organs will suffer damage.”

Damage?

What damage?

“Take it literally. Figure it out yourself.”

Lu Yunduan: “...”

Well, whatever. Getting Emotion Points above 100 is a piece of cake.

He pulled the Five Tigers Soul-Breaking Spear from his crotch and handed it to Zhao Tieqi.

Zhao Tieqi: “...”

This move completely bewildered Zhao Tieqi. How did the spear come from his crotch?

Could it have come out of his backside? A vivid image flashed in his mind.

“Ugh (expression).”

No, he couldn’t think about that anymore.

If he did, he’d probably vomit up yesterday’s meal.

“What is this thing? Why did it come from your crotch?”

Lu Yunduan looked at him expressionless, helpless—he was just as curious why it was there.

Damn system, always messing with me.

“Haven’t you heard of Doraemon’s pocket? Mine’s just the same, only it’s a crotch pocket.”

“Who’s Doraemon? Your sister?”

Lu Yunduan: “...”

He looked helplessly at him. Doraemon didn’t sound like a person’s name. What kind of logic was that?

“Doraemon is... wait, why are you so curious? Doesn’t your wound hurt? If you don’t stop the bleeding soon, you’ll drain all your blood.”

Only then did Zhao Tieqi realize he was bleeding all over.

“Damn!”

He quickly tore his clothes to staunch the wounds.

Fifteen minutes later, the bleeding was under control.

Lu Yunduan handed the Five Tigers Soul-Breaking Spear to him.

“Master, this is...”

“As the Lone Lamp Spear God, how can you be without a spear? A fine steed deserves a hero. This Five Tigers Soul-Breaking Spear is yours to wield, so as not to disgrace its name.”

Zhao Tieqi’s hands trembled, his heart stirred as he took the spear.

He inspected it carefully from top to bottom, then gripped it tightly and swung it casually.

The spear’s shadow sliced through the air, roaring like a fierce tiger.

“A fine spear, truly a fine spear.”

He knelt again to show his loyalty.

“I, Zhao Tieqi, am willing to brave fire and water for my master.”

[Loyalty +500]