Suc. Suc. Suc...

  Bubai was a bit dazed.

  Pretty sure whatever ice left on his arm had long been fried by his improvised shock therapy.

  How was there more on his little limb?

  He wasn’t quite sure, but… there’s no need to complain.

  After trading blows in a tough fight, it felt really good to wind down like this.

  If nothing else, this was what a post-battle care should be like.

  It really did matched the nursing culture in his imaginations.

  No wonder most contestants were either clamoring for a nurse or brought their own personal nurse for medical checkups in the lounge.

  Of course, such wanton, wild behavior was bad in a sense.

  The land of gentleness causes the downfall of heroes.

  If any are too reckless and expend too much energy right before a fight, it won’t come as a surprise if they kicked the bucket.

  But is Bubai concerned that this will weaken him in the subsequent battles? Nope.

  Sure, mortals and normal Qi refiners might become a bit listless after firing once or a few times, but...

  Even the most lackluster Qi refiner at the peak late-stage will have no problems with their endurance.

  It’ll take a real succubus to drain them dry over a single bout!

  As for himself...

  Buffed by his own special cheats, even a certain succubus can’t wring him dry, let alone these little pediatrics!

  Bubai’s confidence was practically overflowing.

  So, there was zero problems enjoying a proper treatment session if he wanted.

  If life were a story, tis’ would be the perfect fill’er between fighting scenes, won’t it? Ahem.

  Honestly, Bubai didn’t mind this good time lasting longer and dragging on to pad the word count…

  Alas, what must come had to come.

  “Next up! Sun Snake List, Seventh Seat, Jia Hu, challenging... Inner Disciple Jin Tiesha!”

  Nani?! The announcement boomed like a thunderclap, shocking everyone quite a bit.

  Bubai wasn’t any less shocked himself. Merlin above! He didn’t get picked?!

  He thought something delayed the challenge, but he never expected to get outright skipped over!

  Who in the world was this Jin Tiesha deemed more worthy to be picked over a loaded target like himself?

  Bubai rummaged through the catalog of intel in his mind... and found the guy’s details in a dusty corner of his memory.

  “Jin Tiesha. Early-stage foundation builder from the Jin Clan. A mid-tier clan backed by a core disciple, infamous for operating the Bee Hive, a male slave shop…”

  His brows knitted together. That’s it?

  Aside from his background, there was really nothing noteworthy about this Jin Tiesha.

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

  No extraordinary feats. No dazzling reputation.

  If his life was a story, this guy would probably be a nobody that was taken out just to fill in the plot!

  Pretty much the kind of background character readers would roll their eyes at and skip over without a second thought.

  Now, this nobody was lucky enough to get picked on by another side character: the lucky baldy.

  But every duel must have a protagonist.

  Which one between these two is the real filler character who will be dismissed before the ink dries?

  Perhaps only Merlin knows.

  Or maybe some shameless author would add in a cheap backstory for one of them later—purely to pad the word count, of course.

  But for now, it hardly mattered.

  Bubai sported a relaxed grin. “A free bye? I’ll take it any day.”

  Since there was no fight this round, he can bump up an important matter on his agenda. But first…

  Bubai exchanged a glance with the beautiful redhead nurse whose rosy lips were... Ahem.

  Since she had awakened the sleeping dragon, he’ll make sure she solves it. Thoroughly.

  What came next was fast-paced action and it didn’t take long before he fed the flower all the nutrients she begged for.

  Oh… now that’s what he calls comprehensive care!

  Looking at that pretty, haughty face sticking out her tongue for a comprehensive after-service presentation, Bubai felt a quote surfacing in his mind.

  What’s that line? The black rose shall bloom once more? Yes, that was an apt fit for this situation.

  Bubai couldn’t help but chuckle. “Such fiery bedside manner. Truly, I’m blessed today. But… why all of a sudden?”

  Xiao Hong clicked her tongue. “Tsk, don’t play dumb with me.”

  Their gazes locked, and the duo stared at each other.

  Finally, she gave in first, hissing out through gritted teeth. “She’s just a kid.”

  Bubai arced a brow. “Oh~ That’s what you’re worried about?”

  What’s this? A big sis making amends for the rude lil’ sibling?

  No wonder she was so dedicated today. Good stuff.

  Happy there was another weakness to exploit, Bubai sported a mischievous smirk.

  “Don’t worry, I won’t lay a hand on her. You should… worry more about yourself.”

  Getting his reassurance, the beauty’s shoulders eased slightly.

  Standing up, she wiped her lips and her gaze quickly turned scornful when it darted downwards. “Tsk, like you’re all that.”

  That look really made Bubai want to punish her until she can’t stand, but…

  If the night is long, the dreams are many.

  He still hasn’t forgotten about the ticking time bomb sleeping in his bag!

  Restraining his grin, Bubai stood up and tucked his pants back on. “Let’s go. We’re leaving.”

  Seeing the man throw his windbreaker cloak back over his shoulder and walk past her, Miss Hong quickly adjusted her loose black qipao while reminding, “You’re not done here.”

  “Trust me. We’ll be back before then.”

  Walking out the door, the pair received that knowing smirk from the others hanging out in the lounge.

  The private rooms were soundproof, but fellow daoists always understood.

  Ignoring those lustful gazes directed at his hot redhead attendant, Bubai beelined out of the lounge...

  Just when they climbed up the last steps, Bubai almost bumped into someone making his way down: a baldie decked out in heavy iron armor.

  Tap. Tap. After they sidestepped each other, the familiar baldie gave him a goofy smile.

  “Em, fancy bumping into Senior Brother Bubai here.”

  That carefree greeting made Bubai raise a brow. Chance encounter? Really?

  He’s too lazy to say anything about that, but another topic did pique Bubai’s interest.

  “Lucky Seven, right? I’m quite curious about something.”

  “Senior Brother, just ask away!” Jia Hu straightened and slapped his chest that puffed out like a rooster preparing to crow.

  Bubai sported a kind smile that didn’t reach his eyes.

  “There’s something I didn’t quite understand. Why didn’t you choose me?”

  The baldie blinked innocently, then awkwardly scratched the back of his shiny bald head.

  “Em… about that. Everyone suggested I should, but... seeing senior brother’s injuries, I really can’t bring myself to do it, or I’d never be able to look myself in the mirror. Haha...”

  Bubai stared at that sheepishly grinning face. Was that really the reason?

  Too bad he can’t read the minds of others.

  But whether this guy did it for honor or for whatever other motives, Bubai gotta admit...

  This Lucky Seven was indeed a lucky ducky.

  “Good luck.” Bubai gave the baldie a curt nod and a shoulder pat before walking past.

  Seeing the duo gone, Jia Hu rubbed the spot where he got patted absentmindedly, shivering slightly.

  “Em, why did it feel so unlucky to have my shoulder patted?”

  But he didn’t dwell on it for long, simply walking down to face the fight that will be a turn in the pages of his fate.

  On the other side…

  Right after stepping out of the coliseum’s grand entrance, Bubai bumped into a different kind of fate.

  Waiting just off to the side of the entrance was a flower maiden with wavy long black hair hanging like a waterfall over her fair, mature figure boldly presented by her deep V-neck.

  Seeing him, her lips curved into a beguiling smile.

  Walking over, she seductively slipped off her flowy, white robes.

  With hands kept behind her back like an innocent girl, the pure maiden hid nothing during her cat walk over.

  Just when she came within a few steps...

  “Noble master, do you... like what you see?” She sweetly cooed, tilting her head just so.

  “If so, this concubine invites you to…”

  That moment when those eyes instinctively strayed to inspect the goods, the harmless beauty violently lunged forward and the hidden knife behind whipped out, stabbing straight for the heart!

  “Die for me!”