Chapter 355: We Owe Young Hero Xu An Apology!
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Continue the race?
When everyone heard Xu Que's request, they were dumbfounded!
Is this guy stupid or what?
Everyone present thought that either they had heard incorrectly, or that Xu Que had gone crazy!
The Emperor had offered the opportunity for a rematch. If anyone else had received such an offer, they would have been deeply honoured and exhilarated. Yet Xu Que had actually rejected that?
"He's a goner. That boy must have been knocked out of his wits earlier!"
"No, he's not stupid. He's smart!"
"Ah? Why do you say that?"
"Don't you understand? This guy obviously doesn't think he can win. So he is making use of this opportunity to lose honorably!"
"Damn, that's so scheming of him!"
...
Many people were shocked as they loudly discussed their views. Finally, they seemed to think that Xu Que was trying to lose the race by chance, and looked at Xu Que with contempt.
The Third Prince and the Seventh Princess were nonplussed as well!
Originally, the Emperor had offered a rematch for the sake of Xu Que. The condition was only a symbolic 100 strokes of the stick.
But this fellow had to reject this offer and wanted to continue with the race!
Brother, the other contestants are already close to the halfway point on the mountain path. Why do you want to continue the race?
"What does this boy want to do?"
"He's finished. I think he doesn't want to bear 100 strokes of stick. He would rather lose than receive the punishment!"
"This fellow is a coward. 100 strokes to him is just a tickle, what's there to be scared of?"
The princes in the Third Prince's group were full of anxiety. They were closest to their Third Brother and had been supporting him all along. They really hoped that their Third Brother could become the Crown Prince!
But this was just the first round, and Xu Que was already creating trouble. If their team could not get a place within the top 10... even if they placed first in the subsequent rounds, they might lose their chance to win the title of Crown Prince!
"Seventh Sister, what do you think he is trying to do? Could he have other plans?" the Third Prince asked, rather calm.
When the race started, he could tell that Xu Que wanted to win. If the Second Prince had not cast a barrier spell, he would totally have had a shot at first place.
However, the situation now seemed dire. Xu Que wanted to continue with the race. It would be amazing if he could finish the race within two hours, let alone win first place!
"I… I don't know either!"
The Seventh Princess looked bewildered. She could not tell what Xu Que was thinking!
The Third Prince paused for a while and shook his head. "So be it, we'll see how it goes then. Our Second Brother's chariot master had his chariot destroyed too. He'll definitely request a rematch!"
...
Sure enough, when the Second Prince heard that the race would continue, he was flustered and shouted, "father, I realised my mistake. I hope for a rematch. I promise I won't interfere again!"
"To hell with a rematch! Is it fair to the others when you do this?" reprimanded Xu Que, his eyes fixed on the prince. "This is such an important contest," declared Xu Que in an upright manner. "How can you ask for a rematch so easily? Do you know you're disregarding the rest of the contestants? Since this is a contest, we need to be fair and impartial. You don't have special rights just because you're a prince!"
And then, Xu Que looked towards the Metal Emperor and said chivalrously, "Your Majesty, I strongly condemn the Second Prince's selfish request. The race must continue." He gestured down the track. "Just look, the contestants are doing their best!" Xu Que said earnestly. "They are clenching their teeth and pushing themselves to move forward. The spirit of holding on to their dreams and never giving up is so touching! How bitterly disappointed will they be if you declare a rematch? The rematch should not take place!"
At that moment, it seemed as if he was exuding a holy light that could envelop the world!
Everyone was blown away:
It turns out that this guy… is just worried that a rematch will be unfair to the other contestants!
His words make sense. A rematch at this point in time is indeed unfair to them.
After all, it's been a while since the race started. Many cultivators have expended a fair amount of Soul Strength. A rematch would not be appropriate.
But… since when did this fellow become such a nice person?
This is not his style!
"Have we misunderstood Young Hero Xu all this while?"
"I used to think that he was a shameless person. But now, why do I suddenly feel that he is actually really a good person?"
"You're right. Such selfless generosity, who else here thinks like that?"
"Looks like we were wrong about Young Hero Xu. He is actually a truly good man!"
"Just now, we were laughing at him. We really shouldn't have done that!"
"Yes, we owe Young Hero Xu an apology again… Eh? Why did I say 'again'?"
"Young Hero Xu, I'm sorry!"
"Young Hero Xu, I'm really sorry!"
At that moment, many cultivators shouted their apologies to Xu Que sincerely and earnestly.
They were in awe of Xu Que's righteousness and selfless behavior!
In this cold, ruthless World of Cultivators, it was rare to see a good person. Therefore, they were truly moved!
The crowd suddenly felt that Xu Que was very different from them as he had not been contaminated by the selfishness and ruthlessness that had infected most other cultivators!
...
Ding! "Congratulations to host 'Xu Que' for successfully acting tough. The reward is 230 Acting Tough Points!"
Ding! "Congratulations to host 'Xu Que' for successfully acting tough. The reward is 260 Acting Tough Points!"
Ding! "Congratulations to host 'Xu Que' for acting tough shamelessly. A special reward of 800 Acting Tough Points is being rewarded!"
...
By this time, a series of system notifications echoed through Xu Que's mind.
He was full of joy, but his face still wore a solemn, gentlemanly expression. He clasped his hands together in a salute and thanked the crowd. "Everyone, you are too polite. I'm just doing what I should be doing. There is no need for apologies!"
"Young Master Xu! Why… why are you doing this? This race is of utmost importance to my Third Brother. His bid for Crown Prince depends on this! When my father offered the option of a rematch, it was such a good opportunity. How could you…"
Finally, the Seventh Princess had not been able to take it any longer and was now communicating with Xu Que via Soul Strength. She was hoping to persuade Xu Que to accept the rematch before the Metal Emperor made his final decision.
However, Xu Que did not respond to her and pretended that he had not heard her at all. He smiled at the princess teasingly in a pesky way and even made a peace sign with his fingers.
"Young Master Xu…"
"Young Master Xu! Are you listening? Will you hear me out?"
"Young Master Xu! You can't fool around on this matter…"
...
Xu Que's silence made the Seventh Princess feel deeply unsettled. She started communicating a flurry of thoughts to Xu Que.
Finally, Xu Que could not take it anymore. He responded when the princess sent her 27th message via Soul Strength.
"Sorry…"
That was Xu Que's voice!
The moment the princess received a response, she was thrilled. However, when she heard his voice clearly, her heart sank.
Sorry?
Why did he need to say sorry? Could it be…
Before the Seventh Princess could start pondering it, Xu Que's voice was heard once again in her head.
"Sorry! The target that you are communicating with is not located in the service area. Please try again later…"