When Guangtou Qiang's voice echoed through the tavern—
It wasn't just Rayleigh who froze.
Even the other guests were stunned.
He'd changed. Completely changed.
If the Guangtou Qiang from before was merely an ordinary middle-aged man—
Then now,
His entire being radiated a weathered sense of destiny…
and an overwhelming thirst to challenge the strong.
"This blade is called Ace."
Ron took Roger's saber down from the wall and handed it to him.
Holding the blade, Guangtou Qiang gently ran his fingers along the edge and muttered softly:
"This is a good sword."
"Mom… once I finish this job, I'll head back to the village for the New Year."
Ever since being exiled to that forest,
He had never gone home.
Not because he didn't want to—
But because he had no money.
"Let's go."
"Hopefully you're not just putting on airs."
Rayleigh tightened his grip on the sword at his waist and stood up.
But just as he stepped outside—
He turned back with a grin.
"Everyone, anyone want to place bets?"
"I'll be the bookmaker!"
Truth be told—
All that talk about warming up for battle tonight with Shakky was nonsense.
Running the betting pool was his real goal.
The tavern's customers were all loaded.
A casual wager could set him up for life.
Hearing this, everyone's interest was immediately piqued.
Bets started flying.
Tu Shan Yaya's eyes lit up as she began collecting money for Rayleigh.
By the time they reached the duel arena—
The odds had soared to 1:50.
Naturally…
Guangtou Qiang was the "one."
After all, no matter how intimidating your aura or dialogue was,
Strength was what truly mattered.
When Rayleigh heard the odds, he quietly whispered to Tu Shan Yaya:
"Little girl, help me place a bet."
She tilted her head innocently.
"You're betting on yourself?"
Rayleigh shook his head solemnly.
"No. I'm betting on Guangtou Qiang."
Though his voice was low—
Everyone heard it.
Instantly, those who had already placed bets were dumbfounded.
Damn it!
You're the one who opened the betting pool—
And you're also the one fighting!
Are you seriously planning to throw the match?!
Seeing the suspicious stares, Rayleigh quickly explained:
"With odds this high, not betting would be a waste."
"Reverse betting—that's the true essence!"
With that, he placed a pouch of gold coins on the table and leapt into the arena, landing firmly at its center.
"Then… I'll bet on myself too."
Guangtou Qiang dug through his pockets and poured out loose change, small bills, and everything he had into Tu Shan Yaya's hands.
"Alright! Betting closed!"
"Final odds—2:60!"
Tu Shan Yaya waved her hand and called out in her childish voice.
As her words fell—
Guangtou Qiang drew Ace, resting it behind his back.
With a slight push from his legs, his body drifted down into the arena—
Landing gently before Rayleigh without raising a speck of dust.
Seeing this—
Those who had placed heavy bets on Rayleigh felt their guts twist in regret.
They'd misjudged him.
Completely misjudged him.
They should've gone all-in on Guangtou Qiang.
By contrast, Rayleigh's deeply wrinkled face remained calm—
But inside, he was already laughing wildly.
He'd originally planned to secretly hold back and make some money.
Now it seemed unnecessary.
"Begin."
"It's been many years… I'd like to see Ace's former brilliance once more."
Rayleigh smiled and drew his sword.
Shing—
In an instant,
A razor-sharp flash of sword light streaked across the spectators' vision.
"I sense the aura of bonds upon you."
"Is it this blade?"
"Very well… I will grant you my highest respect."
Guangtou Qiang raised Ace, his eyes burning with battle intent.
The moment his words ended—
Both figures vanished from where they stood.
In the blink of an eye—
The metallic clash of blades rang out violently.
Sparks burst forth.
Neither man lingered.
They separated instantly.
That exchange was merely a test—
Guangtou Qiang gauging Rayleigh's limits,
Rayleigh probing Guangtou Qiang's depth.
Among true swordsmen,
Battles were always like this.
Probe first.
Analyze next.
Then seek a single decisive strike.
"I admit—you are strong."
"I can even see the silhouettes of my two closest friends from the forest within you."
"Of course…"
"Only for a fleeting moment."
Guangtou Qiang stood with blade in one hand, his trembling voice carrying a trace of nostalgia.
"Hahaha!"
"Then I'm truly honored!"
"Next time you bring them to the tavern, I'll treat both of them to drinks."
Rayleigh laughed lightly.
Yet his right hand unconsciously tightened around his sword.
The cold steel blade was swiftly dyed in crimson-black.
Thunder burst forth from nothingness, raging wildly around it.
"No problem."
Guangtou Qiang curled his lips.
His body flipped once in midair—
Borrowing the momentum, he unleashed a full-powered slash.
The next instant—
A piercing blade arc tore through the air.
Aside from Kesha and a few true powerhouses,
Most of the spectators instinctively shut their eyes from the blinding light.
The air wailed as the attack surged straight toward Rayleigh.
And it wasn't over.
As the blade arc shot forth—
Inky-black aura rose around Guangtou Qiang,
Transforming into countless wind blades that followed in succession.
If Saitama's attacks were simplicity itself—
Then Guangtou Qiang's were spectacle incarnate.
The audience gasped in amazement.
Tu Shan Yaya's eyes sparkled.
"This uncle's moves are so cool!"
The Holy Lord clicked his tongue.
"Terrifying power. I wonder if Rayleigh can withstand this."
Kesha touched her sharp chin.
"Strange… when he first walked in, the Celestial System analyzed him as an ordinary man."
"What exactly did Ron do?"
Liang Bing laughed.
"Sister~"
"Did you forget? When we analyzed Gray Wolf back then, we also thought he was just an ordinary wolf."
Hearing that, everyone nodded silently.
At the same time, a firm belief took root in their hearts—
Anyone who looked ordinary in this tavern was absolutely a top-tier boss.
At that moment, Demon Little Dragon asked curiously:
"Boss, who were the two close friends Guangtou Qiang mentioned?"
"From the way he spoke, they seem pretty strong."
Ron answered seriously:
"They're not people."
"They're two bears."
Everyone present: "???"
...…
Meanwhile—
Facing the incoming blade arc and countless wind blades,
Beads of sweat slid down Rayleigh's forehead.
Too strong.
The attack rushing toward him far surpassed even that of a Yonko.
Yet—
This legendary pirate did not retreat.
Even with the expectation of defeat, he still raised his blade to meet it.
Rayleigh murmured softly:
"Roger…"
"I wonder if your move can still hold up."
"Divine Departure!"
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