However, Xu Si was merely a scout sent by the higher-ups. Even if he had some ideas, he wasn't in a position to make decisions on such matters. Thus, Xu Si could only say:
"Mr. Wu Tong, this matter is of great importance. To be honest, my authority isn't sufficient to decide on something this significant.
Would it be possible to wait a short while? Let me report to the higher-ups and have them make the decision."
Wu Tong nodded, not refusing Xu Si's request, and casually handed over a wristband, explaining:
"This is a smart wristband. It contains a list of technologies available for exchange, along with detailed introductions.
If you agree, simply bring the names of the technologies you wish to exchange when you come to me. Just remember, you can only choose ten."
"Don't worry, Mr. Wu Tong. I'll send the information over as soon as possible and give you a prompt reply."
After taking the wristband, Xu Si fiddled with it but couldn't quite figure out how to operate it. Thick-skinned as he was, he shamelessly asked for instructions.
Once he learned how to use it, Xu Si couldn't put the wristband down, eagerly browsing through the exchange list Wu Tong had mentioned.
The more he looked, the more astonished he became.
New elements, superconducting material technology, new energy technology, spirit energy weaponry, fusion guns, nanomachine swarm technology, soul tool technology series, controlled nuclear fusion technology, fusion warrior technology, genetic warrior technology...
Xu Si's shock grew with each item. He couldn't fathom how Wu Tong, a single individual, could possess so many advanced technologies.
Amid his amazement, an irrepressible joy surged within him. With these technologies, the nation's rise was inevitable. Even in the upcoming era of spirit energy resurgence, the country could maintain order and stability.
After all, Xu Si—despite being a ruffian who enjoyed smoking, drinking, and chasing women—was a patriot at heart, filled with sincere loyalty to his country.
After skimming through the list, Xu Si carefully stored the wristband, planning to copy and send the contents later. The rest would be left to the higher-ups to deliberate.
With the deal tentatively settled, Wu Tong chatted casually with Xu San and Xu Si.
Before long, a distant Taoist's voice called out:
"Contestant 'Armored Flower Deer,' please enter the arena!"
Wu Tong snapped back to attention—it was time for his match.
"Heh, looks like it's my turn. Let's talk later, Third Brother, Fourth Brother, Sister Bao'er."
Hearing the announcement, Wu Tong chuckled and bid farewell to the Xu brothers.
"Sure, we've got plenty of time to chat. Go ahead with your match—official business comes first," Xu San replied without surprise.
Though he didn't understand why someone as strong as Wu Tong would participate in what seemed like child's play (Wu Tong: To crush noobs and show off, obviously!), it was a good opportunity to observe his strength and gather data for the higher-ups' assignment.
"Go for it, Brother Wu Tong. Don't mind us," Xu Si added with a grin.
"Wu Tong, do your best," Feng Baobao chimed in, making an encouraging gesture.
Wu Tong smiled in response, then stood and headed straight for Arena A.
...
Arena A
As Wu Tong stepped into the arena, a voice announced:
"Contestants assembled! Those who lose consciousness or voluntarily concede will be eliminated. Killing will result in disqualification and severe punishment!"
"The rules have been explained. Contestants may now begin the match!"
With the Tianjin Temple disciple's declaration, the match officially commenced.
Instead of rushing into action, Wu Tong took a moment to observe his three opponents.
At first glance, something felt off—why were the three of them standing together?
Wait a minute… their appearances…
Wu Tong scrutinized them more carefully.
On the far right was a short, chubby man with a mustache, an egg-shaped head, wearing a red hoodie and black shorts.
In the middle stood a man with slicked-back white hair, a cigarette dangling from his mouth, dressed in a white shirt and gray shorts—his smirk exuded cunning.
On the left was a man with golden earrings, smoking, clad in a military-green tank top and blue pants, looking every bit the delinquent.
This… this… these were familiar faces!
Wu Tong suddenly realized he recognized these three.
But while he knew them, they didn't know him—he'd seen them in an anime.
Admittedly, reality differed slightly from the animation, but their distinctive looks remained unmistakable.
The Tianjin Trio.
Liu Fang, Guan Linger, Zhang Cai.
The three clowns from the original story.
It seemed that since Feng Baobao wasn't participating in the Luotian Grand Ritual, their opponent had been switched to him. Wu Tong felt a mix of surprise and slight disappointment.
'So I didn't get matched up with those guys after all.'
'Oh well. I'll wrap this up quickly and check out the other arenas. Maybe something more interesting is happening elsewhere.'
With that thought, Wu Tong's gaze sharpened slightly as he regarded the trio before him.
...
Spectator Stands
After Wu Tong left, Xu San, Xu Si, and Feng Baobao made their way to the stands to watch his performance.
"Eh? Isn't that the Tianjin Trio? How'd they end up here? Didn't I lock them in a shipping container and dump them in the ocean with Bao'er not long ago?" Xu Si exclaimed in surprise.
"No problem, Fourth. If it didn't stick, I can toss 'em back in," Feng Baobao said flatly. At first, she hadn't reacted to the trio, but Xu Si's words jogged her memory.
A flicker of confusion crossed her face, quickly replaced by an eagerness to send the three back to the depths.
"Damn it, Xu Si! I was only away for a few days—what the hell have you been doing? And what nonsense have you been teaching Bao'er? I knew she wouldn't learn anything good from you!" Xu San snapped, his temper flaring.
He'd only been away on business for a short time…
(End of Chapter)