"Not many conditions, just two," Wang Juechu said expressionlessly.
"The first is that your men must retreat from our sect's territory, and the retreat must happen in batches, under the supervision of my disciples," he added coldly.
"Fine, no problem," Jia Tianlong replied without hesitation.
Seeing how easily Jia Tianlong agreed, Wang Juechu sneered, then threw out a condition that shocked Jia Tianlong: "The second is that both of us must enter into a Blood Covenant Death Duel here. Only one side may leave the battlefield alive."
"Blood Covenant Duel!"
"Is this for real?"
"Has he gone mad?"
…
As soon as Wang Juechu's words fell, a wave of surprise and uproar swept through the crowd. Everyone had a different expression. Some were horrified, like they had just heard the hiss of a deadly serpent, while others seemed excited, their eyes shining with anticipation.
Jia Tianlong's face changed slightly, but he quickly regained his composure.
"I didn't hear that wrong, did I? You mean we both sign a death pact, and only one side can leave the battlefield alive?" he asked, laughing awkwardly, as though trying to downplay the gravity of the situation.
"Not a mistake at all! This death duel is to settle the blood debt for Sect Master Wu and the others. You and I will both take part," Wang Juechu replied coldly, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword as he locked eyes with Jia Tianlong.
Jia Tianlong chuckled in response, though there was a flicker of unease in his eyes. He didn't immediately respond but seemed deep in thought, carefully weighing the risks of such a duel.
Seeing the crowd murmur and discuss the sudden proposal of a death duel, Han Li, who was still unfamiliar with the ways of the Jianghu, couldn't contain his curiosity. He leaned over and quietly asked Li Feiyu, "What exactly is a Blood Covenant Duel? It sounds like a big deal!"
"What? You don't know what a Blood Covenant Duel is?" Li Feiyu looked at him, stunned, his expression one of utter disbelief. "That's like saying you've never heard of the most famous bloody method of resolving disputes in Jianghu!"
"Come on! You know I don't care about this Jianghu stuff. What's the big deal about it?" Han Li replied, a bit irritable, his tone flat.
"Right, I almost forgot about that," Li Feiyu scratched his head, a bit embarrassed.
"The Blood Covenant Duel," Li Feiyu began slowly, "is a way for two parties with deep enmity to resolve their conflicts. Before the duel, both sides must sign a life-and-death pact, declaring that only one can leave the battlefield alive. If either party tries to back out during the duel, they'll be shamed and hunted by the entire Jianghu. This kind of duel is sacred to Jianghu people, and those who dishonor it will be put to death as an example to others. The duel is usually fought with many participants, and it's incredibly bloody and brutal. That's why it's rarely used these days."
Han Li frowned after hearing this explanation. The idea of such a duel seemed illogical to him. It sounded like a lose-lose situation—why would anyone choose such an outcome? Why not just let the enemy go and avoid the risk?
After a brief pause, Jia Tianlong, having carefully considered the situation, made up his mind. He turned his gaze to the Golden Light Taoist, who stood nearby, and after a moment's thought, gave his answer.
"Fine, I agree to the Blood Covenant Duel," Jia Tianlong said, his voice firm.
He knew exactly what Wang Juechu was trying to do—use the support of his hidden masters to take him down. But Jia Tianlong had already gathered intel about these hidden masters, and he had made preparations. Furthermore, with the Golden Light Taoist on his side, whose swordsmanship was said to be fearsome, he felt confident in his chances of victory.
Even if this battle did not succeed in wiping out the Seven Celestial Sect entirely, he could regroup and attack again in the future. The cultivation of masters was not something that could be quickly replicated. So, after careful deliberation, Jia Tianlong decided to take the risk.
"Lord Wang! According to the rules of the Blood Covenant Duel, since you proposed the time and place, and I've accepted, then I should be the one to decide the number and method of combatants, right?" Jia Tianlong asked, his smile hiding a hint of mockery.
"Hmph! Yes, that's fine," Wang Juechu agreed reluctantly.
"Then, I propose that the duel be fought with a hundred people—fifty from each side, in a free-for-all battle," Jia Tianlong said without hesitation.
"Fifty people? A free-for-all?" Wang Juechu's expression showed a trace of surprise. He knew that usually, a Blood Covenant Duel would involve no more than twenty or thirty people, and a free-for-all was rare. Most duels followed the tradition of one-on-one combat.
However, since he had proposed the duel, he could not back down now. He had faith in his three hidden masters, and he believed that, even in a free-for-all, his side would emerge victorious. Furthermore, if he could kill Jia Tianlong, the cost would be worth it. Once Jia Tianlong, the calculating leader of the Wild Wolf Gang, was gone, his subordinates would fall into infighting over the leadership position, leaving the Seven Celestial Sect with a chance to recover.
Seeing no way out, Wang Juechu reluctantly nodded in agreement. "Fine, it's a deal."
"Come, prepare the duel arena! Prepare the Death Pact!" Wang Juechu ordered sharply, turning toward his subordinates.