Chapter 85: b.l.o.o.d.y Battle, Death Contract

　　“I only have two conditions, and they are simple,” w.a.n.g Juechu expressionlessly said.

　　“First, your men have to evacuate outside of my sect’s sphere of influence, and they have to do so in groups under the supervision of my sect’s disciples.” His tone hardened considerably.

　　“Sure, that’s not a problem.” Jia Tianlong replied without hesitation.

　　Seeing how his opponent answered so steadfastly, w.a.n.g Juechu coldly laughed as he directly told Jia Tianlong his second condition.

　　“Second, both you and I have to sign a death contract and fight in a duel before you all can leave.”

　　“Death contract!”

　　“Are you serious?”

　　“Has he gone mad!”

　　……

　　As w.a.n.g Juechu’s sentence left his mouth, it caused a huge ruckus to break out among the crowd. All those who heard the sentence had varied expressions on their faces. Some were excited, some were ashen, while some were eager to see the outcome of the duel.

　　After hearing Sect Leader w.a.n.g’s conditions, Jia Tianlong’s expression flickered before swiftly reverting back to its normal state.

　　“Did I hear that condition incorrectly? Both of us sign a death contract and fight until there is only one survivor?” After his seemingly nonchalant question, Jia Tianlong broke out into a laugh.

　　“No, your ears are fine. This is to collect the blood debt for Vice Sect Leader Wu and the others who died. Thus, I have no choice but to propose this: a death contract between you and me,” w.a.n.g Juechu stated coldly, staring directly at Jia Tianlong with his hand on his sword.

　　Jia Tianlong laughed but did not give an immediate reply. His eyes flashed while he pondered. It appeared that he did not dare to treat this lightly and would only answer after deep contemplation.

　　Voices broke out in discussion among the crowd. Even the oblivious Han Li couldn’t take it anymore and chose to question Li Feiyu, who was standing by his side, instead.

　　“What is a death contract? Seems like it’s something incredible!”

　　“What? You don’t even know about death contracts? This is too inconceivable! Of all the ways to settle the disputes of Jiang Hu, this is, by far, the most famous and b.l.o.o.d.y method!” Stunned with amazement, Li Feiyu explained with a facial expression akin to the fascination of meeting a ghost.

　　“You don’t say! You should know that I barely know anything beyond G.o.d Hand Valley and have no interest regarding matters of Jiang Hu. Is it really so strange that I did not know?” Han Li replied in a low tone, seemingly in a bad mood.

　　“Oh! Right, true enough, I almost forgot.” Li Feiyu scratched his head in embarra.s.sment.

　　“The death contract is often used by two parties who have great hatred and enmity towards each other. Before their battle, they would sign a life-death statement, stating that after they enter the battle, they would battle until there would only be a single survivor. If someone left halfway, not only would that person’s reputation plummet and face everyone’s disdain, anyone in the entirety of Jiang Hu would have the right to kill him. Because all the people of Jiang Hu believe that death contracts are extremely sacred, those who destroy or taint the essence of this contract will be annihilated as a warning to others.”

　　“What’s more is that most of these battle are staged in arenas where people have often fought to death, consequently appearing even more b.l.o.o.d.y and cruel than normal. In recent years, the number of people using this method to resolve their disputes has lessened.”

　　Li Feiyu slowly and elaborately explained.

　　After hearing the explanation, Han Li furrowed his brows as he understood the true meaning of death contracts. He seemed to disapprove of Sect Leader w.a.n.g’s decision to enter into a death contract with Jia Tianlong. From his perspective, this would only end with one dead and one grievously injured. In the first place, if there was to be such an ending, it might as well not be started at all. Sect Leader w.a.n.g might as well just let the enemy go free or just kill the enemy straight away, saving himself from all this unnecessary trouble.