Those Classmates who Suddenly Disappeared
Chapter 967

Chapter 967: 967

Gu Fan walked off the platform with exhaustion, swaying with every three steps and almost unable to stand, fortunate that Mo Yun was there to support him directly.

"Thank you, beautiful master, it’s because of your support that I was miraculously victorious," Gu Fan managed a weak smile. He just wanted to find a place to rest well now—the battle had been too exhausting.

Almost everyone regarded Gu Fan with unusual looks: admiration, amazement, and disdain were all present.

Gu Fan did not care about these people’s gaze; he only wanted to win, to make his name renowned, to spread his name far and wide, to get the message to Lin Xi that I, Gu Fan, am on my way to you.

Lord Xiong did not approach Gu Fan because Gu Fan was the focus of many at the moment. Believing that many would take the chance to notice the people around Gu Fan, the always low-profile Lord Xiong chose to stay away.

Mo Yun, on the other hand, didn’t think too much about it and walked away with Gu Fan; however, her striking appearance attracted much attention, and even some thought she looked familiar, as if they had seen her somewhere before.

It was not until Gu Fan and Mo Yun had walked away that everyone turned their gaze back to the platform—the new round of Martial Arts Competition was about to begin.

However, one person had been paying attention to Gu Fan all along, and that was the leader of Xuanjian Sect. He was still hung up on their last encounter and also became curious about Gu Fan: "Go find out, where does this kid come from?"

A moment later, his subordinates reported back, saying that Gu Fan was neither affiliated with any sect nor famed in the Martial Arts community, meaning there was not much to find about him at the moment.

The leader of Xuanjian Sect became suspicious, wondering if Gu Fan was truly just an unknown person, but how dare such a nobody ascend this platform? So, the unsettled leader of Xuanjian Sect ordered his people to continue investigating Gu Fan’s background.

Naturally, Gu Fan was unaware that his notoriety had reached such a level. He was now sitting cross-legged, healing through Qi circulation, feeling the Genuine-Qi being mobilized within his body, creating a vigorous and refreshing flow.

Mo Yun asked, "How are you feeling now?"

"Much better, thank you, master," Gu Fan got up and moved his limbs, realizing the pain had greatly subsided.

Mo Yun glanced back at the direction of the platform and commented, "Now, all the competitions for second-rate experts should be concluded, and the real test is coming up."

Upon hearing this, Gu Fan felt a sinking feeling in his heart, knowing that from now on, he would have to rely on his own strength. With genuine experts ahead, he felt as though he wouldn’t last through another match.

That was when Lord Xiong arrived; he glanced at Gu Fan, looking spirited, and Lord Xiong smiled faintly, with profound implications: "Kid, I have a piece of good news and a piece of bad news for you. Which do you want to hear first?"

"Let’s hear the bad news first," Gu Fan said nervously, wondering just how bad the news could be.

Lord Xiong continued, "Your next match has been scheduled; it’s the day after tomorrow, and your opponent is a famous first-rate expert in the Martial Arts world, Iron Arm Fist Gu Tong."

"Is he very powerful?" Gu Fan looked at Mo Yun, hoping for some reassurance.

However, Mo Yun shook her head with a hint of pity: "He’s a genuine first-rate expert. How can you, a third-rate expert, expect to have a chance against a first-rate expert?"

Heart sinking upon hearing this, Gu Fan knew even if he beat Gu Tong, there would be other first-rate experts waiting.

Mo Yun then asked, "So, Lord Xiong, what’s this so-called good news?"

"It’s that you, Gu Fan, now have betting odds, and they’re high—100 to 1. I couldn’t resist betting on your victory," Lord Xiong finished, somewhat embarrassed.

Gu Fan was somewhat speechless; he was fighting for his life in the arena, while Lord Xiong was seeking entertainment. This was hardly the support one expected from a companion.

Mo Yun had a thought and asked, "Now that over thirty Martial Arts experts have already secured their eligibility to compete, plus another thirty-plus emerging from the Sub-level Martial Arts Competition, that totals up to sixty-four, right? Since Gu Fan has odds, do all sixty-four contestants have them?"

Lord Xiong nodded, "Indeed, all sixty-four have odds, and Gu Fan’s are the highest of them all."

"Oh my, how little faith they have in me," Gu Fan mumbled despondently.

But Lord Xiong said, "This time, in addition to betting on who will become the leader of Martial Arts, you can also bet on the outcome of each specific match. For example, in your match against Iron Arm Fist Gu Tong the day after tomorrow, your odds are 100 to 1, while Gu Tong’s are 1 to 1."

Mo Yun understood, "I suppose most people have bet on Gu Tong, after all, no one believes the upcoming matches can be won by mere cunning."

"Exactly, most have bet on Gu Tong, and that’s the problem," Lord Xiong’s comment suddenly made Gu Fan realize the issue: yes, everyone had the opportunity to bet and profit. Who would be so foolish as to set up such a seemingly vulnerable betting scenario?

Gu Fan looked at Lord Xiong, recalling his previous words: "Lord Xiong, how much did you just say you bet on me?"

"Just a couple of taels. I couldn’t risk more for fear of drawing attention," Lord Xiong saw the curious look on Gu Fan’s face and knew he’d figured out what Lord Xiong was implying. He thought to himself that Gu Fan was quite astute to have made that connection.

Mo Yun chuckled, "See, youngster, even though no one else is betting on you, Lord Xiong still has great expectations."

Hearing this, Gu Fan felt disheartened: "Only Lord Xiong is clever enough to place a bet on me—no one else would foolishly believe I could win."

"No, there’s one more person who has bet on you," Lord Xiong’s words surprised Gu Fan. He couldn’t believe anyone else would be blind enough to have faith in him winning.

After mentioning the Female Sword Immortal’s name, Lord Xiong saw Gu Fan’s face twitch with surprise, unable to comprehend why she would place such a bet—unless she had seen through to the crux of the matter as well.

"If she doesn’t share my thinking, no ordinary person would bet on your victory." After saying this, Lord Xiong closely inspected their surroundings, ensuring no one was eavesdropping, then continued, "Those who run the betting never play the fool; they wouldn’t host such an inherently losing gamble. With so many betting on Iron Arm Fist Gu Tong, should you lose, Gu Fan, the bookies will go bankrupt."

"Since the bookies have staged this match, they must have a way to ensure their winnings. But what could they possibly do to turn the match’s outcome in their favor?" As Gu Fan spoke, he felt a stir behind him, tensing instantly. He turned to see a group of completely unfamiliar people approaching.