Chapter 8: The Supreme King

Zhang Yu didn’t pay any attention to Zhuang Zhou at all. His gaze was fixed on Lin Wen, who stood beside Zhuang Zhou, and he acted as though he hadn’t heard a word Zhuang Zhou said. His greedy eyes swept over Lin Wen a few times, and Zhang Yu couldn’t help but sigh inwardly—what a rare beauty! Most of the girls who came to the internet café were rebellious types, dressed in flashy, unconventional styles. But now, with this pure and stunningly beautiful woman before him, Zhang Yu’s heart pounded wildly in his chest.

He had always had a thing for elegant, mature women.

From the moment she stepped into the café, Zhang Yu had stolen several glances at her. Her beauty outshone everyone else there. Yet, when he saw Zhuang Zhou at her side—a man who looked so meek and unimpressive—Zhang Yu cursed bitterly in his heart: All the good cabbages get eaten by pigs.

With a cigarette dangling from his lips, Zhang Yu sneered and said, “Well, well, if it isn’t Zhuang the Cabbage. I heard you were in a car accident. Instead of resting up, you come here—what’s the matter? Are you here to support Brother Yu, or are you just that dedicated?”

“Thanks for your concern, Brother Yu. I’m fine. I came here today to take back what’s rightfully mine,” Zhuang Zhou replied in a deep voice.

Zhang Yu shot Zhuang Zhou a sidelong glance, snorting with contempt. He was no pawnshop owner—what could possibly be redeemed here? Did he look like some charity ambassador? Still, the beauty beside Zhuang Zhou was truly something special.

Now, this so-called “Zhuang the Cabbage” wanted to challenge him, to win back his worthless box. That was nothing, but in their world, face was everything. If he just handed it over at Zhuang Zhou’s request, his reputation would be in shreds—especially in front of a beautiful woman. His pride couldn’t allow that!

But if he managed to win the girl’s favor, wouldn’t he come out way ahead? The thought made Zhang Yu speak without hesitation. “Alright! The old rules—one match! If you win, you get your stuff back. But I don’t think you can. So if you lose, what will you wager this time?”

“I won’t lose,” Zhuang Zhou replied with a smile.

Hearing Zhuang Zhou’s challenge, one of Zhang Yu’s cronies grew excited and stepped forward, laughing. “Zhuang the Cabbage, are you out of your mind? Challenging Brother Yu? You must’ve knocked your brain loose in that accident. Do you know who you’re up against? Brother Yu is the one and only King of this district! You’re really asking for trouble.”

“Fine then. If you win, the café and the box are yours! If you lose, she’s mine,” Zhang Yu said arrogantly, pointing at Lin Wen.

“No!” Zhuang Zhou’s eyes flashed coldly. He refused without hesitation. To wager a woman was simply not his style. It was a matter of principle—there could be no negotiation. Besides, his relationship with Lin Wen was unique; he would never allow himself to do such a thing.

“Look at you, all shabby and poor. What else do you have to bet? I’m telling you, it’s either her, or nothing. If you don’t want to play, get lost and don’t let me see you again—or I’ll beat you every time I do,” Zhang Yu said impatiently, waving his hand.

Suddenly, Zhuang Zhou darted forward with uncanny speed, appearing at Zhang Yu’s side. In his hand was a medical syringe; even Lin Wen hadn’t noticed when he’d taken it out. The needle was pressed against Zhang Yu’s neck as Zhuang Zhou spoke in a low, chilling voice: “How about this? Is this enough for you?”

Fast—Zhuang Zhou moved with eerie swiftness. Zhang Yu and his cronies hadn’t even reacted before he was subdued. Yet there was no panic in Zhang Yu’s eyes; he remained calm. “Zhuang the Cabbage, you’ve grown bold in just a few days. If you dare lay a finger on me, do you think you’ll walk out of here in one piece?”

“I doubt you’ll be walking out either, Brother Yu.”

“I’ll cut you down myself!”

“Let him go, now!”

At that moment, a cry came from Lin Wen’s direction. Zhuang Zhou turned to see that one of Zhang Yu’s men had seized her, pressing a military-grade dagger to her throat. The girl’s face blanched in terror.

“Know your place, Zhuang the Cabbage. Who’s in control now?” Zhang Yu said calmly. “A little punk like you dares threaten me? You’re dumber than I thought.”

“Whoever controls the situation has the right to speak. Now, it’s my turn. Here’s the bet: if I win, she stays with me for a month. If I lose, you get this café. Fair enough?” Zhang Yu pried Zhuang Zhou’s hand away and then looked at Lin Wen, saying, “Don’t worry, I always treat beautiful girls with respect.”

Zhuang Zhou was about to refuse—not because he thought he’d lose, but because he didn’t want Lin Wen to be wagered. But Lin Wen spoke up, calm and determined. “Zhuang Zhou, take the bet.”

Everyone was stunned.

Then, the room erupted in laughter. They all knew Zhang Yu’s skill level, and Zhuang Zhou’s reputation spoke for itself—his nickname said it all. This couple must truly be out of their minds. It looked like the girl couldn’t wait to become their “sister-in-law.”

Zhang Yu laughed as well. “Interesting. Let her go—but don’t scratch that pretty face! Zhuang the Cabbage, today I’ll teach you what it means to lose everything, including your woman.”

Lin Wen believed in Zhuang Zhou. She sensed that he was no longer the same person she once knew. That trust had been cemented the day he mysteriously drove away the snakes and saved her. Now, she was certain—Zhuang Zhou wouldn’t lose; he would win.

Zhuang Zhou sighed. He’d intended to play the fool a little longer, to win more rewards for himself. But one word from Lin Wen, full of trust, ruined his plan to quietly open his jaws and swallow Zhang Yu whole. Zhang Yu had mocked and insulted him, harassed Lin Wen, and now wanted to walk away with his life? Was he, the Poison Immortal, really so easy to take advantage of? Today, if he didn’t utterly defeat Zhang Yu, he wouldn’t be worthy of his title. But for Lin Wen’s sake, the act had to end here.

Halfway through the performance, he had to drop the charade.

Still, it wasn’t a total loss—a café would bring in some extra income, and money was still important for cultivation in this world.

He looked at the crowd and said, “You think you can call her sister-in-law so casually? I hope you’re prepared to cry your eyes out when you lose.” Since there was no need to pretend anymore, Zhuang Zhou’s demeanor changed; he smiled, revealing a set of white teeth as sharp and predatory as a shark’s before a kill.

League of Legends, known as LOL, was a MOBA game taking the world by storm.

The two entered the game: a one-on-one ranked match. Without hesitation, Zhuang Zhou picked Camille. When Zhang Yu’s lackey saw the choice, he was enraged. “Zhuang the Cabbage, you really aren’t afraid of death. Don’t you know? No one dares pick that champion against Brother Yu!”

“Who says I can’t use her?” Zhuang Zhou’s gaze was as sharp as needles, making the lackey shrink back in silence.

Zhang Yu shrugged with a smile. He’d played against Zhuang Zhou countless times, and the result was always the same—no surprises. Zhuang Zhou was a total amateur, an easy target. No matter which champion he picked, Zhang Yu was confident he could slaughter him.

For his own pick, Zhang Yu chose Kai’Sa, the strongest marksman on the lane.

The battle began. In the first two skirmishes, Zhang Yu killed Zhuang Zhou’s champion instantly. Lin Wen, watching nervously from the side, began to doubt herself—maybe she’d put too much faith in Zhuang Zhou. Seeing the gray screen, her heart clenched with worry.

“Well, you’re still as bad as ever, Zhuang the Cabbage,” Zhang Yu jeered.

Zhuang Zhou ignored him. Flexing his fingers, he turned to Lin Wen and said, “Don’t worry, Sister Lin Wen. This is nothing. Watch closely.”

At first, Zhuang Zhou’s Camille moved awkwardly, but he was no ordinary man. Soon, by the third skirmish, the tide began to turn. Camille suddenly dodged one of Kai’Sa’s attacks, making Zhang Yu’s eyes narrow in surprise.

A godlike maneuver?

Zhang Yu shook his head, laughing. He must be overthinking it—the sudden display had to be a lucky accident.

But soon, Zhang Yu stopped laughing.

As Camille repeatedly dodged Kai’Sa’s attacks, Zhang Yu’s smile faded. Beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. For the first time, he grew serious. Suddenly, he realized that Zhuang the Cabbage was playing like a god.

A growing sense of dread filled Zhang Yu. His timing and precision were usually flawless, but now his ultimate was missing—fatal mistakes. Soon, he knew, he’d be a fragile target, while Zhuang Zhou would be an unstoppable force. As the snowball rolled, Zhuang Zhou’s advantage became more and more obvious.

Zhang Yu realized, with growing horror, that Zhuang Zhou predicted his every move—his positioning, his actions, even the timing of his abilities. This meant Zhuang Zhou was anticipating him at every turn—a terrifying prospect.

For the first time, Zhang Yu felt powerless. He realized he might actually lose.