"Manager Ma of Black Gold Group, what impressive arrogance! Has Jiangcheng First High become a place where Black Gold Group can do whatever it pleases?"
Everyone turned toward the voice to see an elderly man in traditional Chinese clothing, looking vigorous despite his age, slowly walking out surrounded by a group of people.
"It's Elder Qian!"
"Elder Qian from Treasure Gathering Pavilion!"
Excited shouts rose from the crowd.
Lin Mo was also somewhat surprised that Elder Qian would appear here, and judging by his entourage, his status seemed extraordinary.
Seeing Elder Qian, Ma San's expression shifted, his previous arrogance dimming as he forced out a smile. "Elder Qian! I didn't know you were here. Please forgive any offense."
"No need for apologies." Elder Qian waved dismissively, his gaze sweeping over Ma San like lightning. "I'm simply curious when Black Gold Group started engaging in strong-arm tactics and bullying youngsters."
Ma San broke into a cold sweat, quickly explaining: "Elder Qian, you misunderstand. We're simply discussing some payout details with student Lin Mo. There's absolutely no bullying involved."
"Discussing details?" Elder Qian laughed coldly. "From where I stand, it looks more like threats and coercion."
He turned to Lin Mo with a kindly expression. "Young friend Lin Mo, that copper piece you sold to me yesterday—I've studied it carefully and discovered it's actually a token from some lost ancient civilization. Priceless! The three hundred Federation Coins I gave you before was far too little. How about I supplement that with... 9,997,000 Federation Coins to make it an even ten million? What do you think?"
This statement sent the entire venue into uproar again!
That unremarkable copper piece was worth ten million Federation Coins?!
This Elder Qian was incredibly generous!
Ma San's face turned darker than the bottom of a pot. He understood perfectly—Elder Qian was clearly backing Lin Mo!
Ten million Federation Coins might not match a hundred million, but it was enough to give Lin Mo the confidence to stand up to Black Gold Group!
Lin Mo felt warmth in his heart. He knew Elder Qian was returning the favor while also keeping an eye on his other copper piece.
"Thank you for your kindness, Elder Qian." Lin Mo bowed slightly. "However, since that copper piece was already sold to you, it belongs to you now. A gentleman's word is his bond—I may be young, but I understand that principle."
He paused, his tone becoming sharp as his gaze returned to Ma San. "As for Black Gold Group's 'compensation,' I, Lin Mo... do not accept it! A bet is a bet, written in black and white, not a single coin less! If Black Gold Group insists on defaulting, then we can... see each other in court!"
See each other in court!
Those four words hit Ma San like a sledgehammer.
If this matter actually went to court, with Lin Mo's betting slip as evidence, Black Gold Group would certainly lose! Not only would they have to pay massive compensation, but Black Gold Group's reputation would be completely destroyed!
"You...!" Ma San was shaking with rage. He hadn't expected Lin Mo to be so stubborn, even daring to threaten him with legal action.
Just as he was about to order his men to act regardless of consequences, his communicator suddenly vibrated.
He suppressed his anger and took the call.
Moments later, his expression grew even uglier, cold sweat pouring down his forehead.
After hanging up, Ma San looked at Lin Mo with complete unwillingness.
"Student Lin Mo, Black Gold Group failed to recognize talent." Ma San took a deep breath, his tone doing a complete 180 as he forced out a smile more painful than crying. "Your winnings won't be short a single coin. We'll transfer the full amount to your account within three business days. Please... be magnanimous and don't hold this against us."
This sudden change left everyone stunned.
One second they were at daggers drawn, the next he was bowing and scraping?
Black Gold Group's attitude was way too fickle!
Only Lin Mo understood that higher-ups in the underground betting operation had learned of Elder Qian's involvement and chosen to compromise after weighing their options.
After all, defaulting on a hundred million debt while offending an unfathomable Elder Qian and a B-rank martial arts genius with unlimited potential—no matter how you calculated it, that was a losing proposition.
"In that case, I'll await Manager Ma's good news." Lin Mo said calmly, not pressing his advantage.
He understood the wisdom of knowing when to stop.
Black Gold Group was still a local power, and completely burning bridges wouldn't benefit him at this stage.
"Absolutely, absolutely." Ma San nodded repeatedly, then led his people out of the martial arts hall with their tails between their legs.
A conflict that could have caused major upheaval ended so dramatically.
Lin Mo's name, along with his shocking B-rank aptitude and this incident, spread throughout all of Jiangcheng!
The aptitude evaluation ceremony continued, but the subsequent students' performances paled in comparison to Lin Mo's dazzling display.
Without question, Lin Mo was the day's biggest winner!
When the evaluation ended and Lin Mo walked out of Dragon Soar Martial Arts Hall, he was greeted by countless enthusiastic gazes and business cards and invitations from various martial arts schools and corporate representatives.
Even Jiangcheng's military and city guard had sent people to express their recruitment interest.
Lin Mo politely responded to everyone but made no immediate commitments.
What he most wanted to do was go home and share this good news with his mother.
However, just as he was about to leave, a familiar figure blocked his path.
It was Wang Hao.
The current Wang Hao bore no trace of his previous arrogance and smugness. His face was pale, his eyes filled with defeat and unwillingness.
"Lin Mo..." Wang Hao's voice was hoarse.
"Something you need?" Lin Mo's expression was calm. Toward this nemesis from his previous life, he felt no hatred anymore—more like indifference.
Because they were no longer on the same level.
"I... I lost." Wang Hao forced out these words as if they'd drained all his strength. "But I won't give up! Someday, I'll defeat you fair and square!"
With that, he gave Lin Mo one last deep look before turning and walking away in dejection.
Lin Mo watched Wang Hao's retreating figure and raised an eyebrow slightly.
It seemed this blow hadn't completely crushed his spirit.
But for Lin Mo, that no longer mattered.
His journey was toward the stars and seas!