I could see the defeat weighing heavily on Du Kongqing's shoulders as he struggled to regain his composure. Two devastating losses in a row had shattered his legendary confidence, but his pride refused to let him surrender completely.
"The final round," Du Kongqing announced, his voice hoarse from the ordeal. "We each demonstrate our ultimate poisoning technique."
The watching doctors shifted nervously. Dr. Finch stepped forward with obvious concern.
"Gentlemen, perhaps we should consider stopping here," he suggested diplomatically. "Both of you have already demonstrated remarkable abilities."
"No," Du Kongqing snapped, his eyes blazing with desperate determination. "Three rounds. We agreed on three rounds."
I studied his face carefully. The Poison Doctor King was a broken man clinging to his last shred of dignity. Part of me felt almost sorry for him.
"Very well," I agreed. "Who goes first this time?"
