Chapter 238: The King of Kicks?

“The King of Kicks?” “The one ranked ninth on The Hundred Immortals?”

Astonishment rippled through the crowd. They knew the King of Kicks—those ranked among The Hundred Immortals were extraordinary, especially those in the top ten! A figure like the King of Kicks commanded respect; his presence at their relatively insignificant guild felt like a high-level attack. Even the Boulderthorn disciples paled in comparison.

“Wow! I’m surprised the Harmons hired the King of Kicks! They are indeed wealthy!” “With the King of Kicks, the Harmons are definitely winning this battle.” “He could take on every opponent here single-handedly!”

After the initial shock, anticipation built among the spectators. They could boast of witnessing the King of Kicks in action.

“Ms. Harmon, your martial artists seem weak. Why don’t you send your top fighter?” Brody sneered, his confidence boosted by two consecutive wins.

“Sir Cavaliere, I’ll rely on you,” Natasha said, looking at the hawk-nosed elder.

“Hmph! Didn’t I tell you not to waste your time? What are those two good-for-nothings doing here?” The man’s disdain upset Stephan and Mr. Wangley, who were receiving treatment nearby, but they dared not reply.

Quentin quickly fawningly added, “Sir Cavaliere, you’re right. Those two aren’t on your level. They’re just here to fill the quota.”

“Please, Sir Cavaliere,” Natasha said, gesturing towards the battle ring, refusing further discussion.

“Sure! Since I’m paid to do this, I’ll grace the ring with my presence!” He smirked and entered the ring, causing a huge commotion.

“F***! It’s truly the King of Kicks! Am I dreaming?” “Unexpected! The Harmons must have spent a fortune!” “With a top-ten Hundred Immortal in the ring, it’s practically a massacre, isn’t it?” “I thought the Harmons were going to lose! But the tables have turned!”

The guild’s atmosphere reached a fever pitch.

“This cost a fortune, but the shock value alone is worth it,” Jessica said, a rare smile playing on her lips.

“True! Once the King of Kicks defeats Mr. Williams’ lineup, no one will trouble us again!” Quentin agreed.

Natasha shook her head regretfully. “Too bad the King of Kicks is an egotistical loner. We can’t work with him long-term.”

Quentin, sounding like a know-it-all, said, “Oh, what do you know? Legends are special and do things their own way. That’s why they’re different!” Natasha ignored him.

The hawk-nosed elder slammed his fist on the ring floor. When the audience quieted, he announced, “I’ve come down with the flu and feel unwell. Therefore, I surrender.”

Chaos erupted.

“What? He’s surrendering?” “That can’t be! He’s the King of Kicks, ninth on The Hundred Immortals. How could he give up because of the flu?” “F***! That’s no surrender. He’s doing it on purpose!”

The audience was stunned and confused. He’d entered the ring and surrendered before the battle even began. Was there a shady deal?

Jessica and her group exchanged astonished glances. The King of Kicks had received payment but surrendered before fulfilling his contract. He’d crossed a line.

Dustin narrowed his eyes, hostile. “Did he switch sides at the last minute?” He hadn’t expected this trick.

Natasha shot up, furious. “Sir Cavaliere! What was that?” The King of Kicks had been her ace in the hole. His actions ruined her plans.

He flashed a half-smile. “Ms. Harmon, you paid me to fight, but not to win. Isn’t it normal to fall ill and surrender?”

Natasha chided him, “Sir! You’re a respected senior! Aren’t you worried about being the butt of jokes for breaking your promise?”

He swept his gaze across the area, those who met his eyes quickly lowering their heads. “The butt of jokes? I am an honorable man. No one dares joke about me.”

Natasha frowned. “Sir Cavaliere, I treated you generously. Why would you do this?” She realized she’d been tricked. It was a cruel betrayal.

The old man straightened his shirt. “Ms. Harmon, I see no need to hide the truth. I play fair, and I work for the highest bidder. Someone offered more. I can reconsider if you raise your offer.”

Natasha’s eyes grew cold. “You’re marking up the price now?”

He showed no guilt. “In a transaction, last-minute price increases are normal.”

She sneered, aghast. “You’re shameless!”

He looked ready to leave. “Ms. Harmon, if you refuse a higher price, I’ll leave.”

Jessica’s face crumbled. “Wait! We’ll do it!” If the King of Kicks surrendered, the Harmons would lose. They had to accept, even with the last-minute price hike.

He sneered and walked to the Boulderthorn guild, leaving the Harmons pale with shock.