Did Chen Chang'an Get Scared Away

Though No Return City was vast, news traveled swiftly within its walls. The moment Chen Chang'an left for the Forest of Life and Death, word spread like wildfire, reaching every corner within the span of a few incense sticks' burning time.

The Forest of Life and Death was a place few dared to venture—after all, it held little of value worth risking one's life for. Thus, Chen Chang'an's actions left many baffled.

Now, with the Medal Arena's duel fast approaching and Chen Chang'an still nowhere to be seen, suspicions began to mount.

"Tell me, do you think Chen Chang'an is just making excuses to run away because he’s afraid of losing too badly?"

"That’s quite possible. Who in their right mind would go to the Forest of Life and Death? The excuse is too flimsy."

"Even if he really did go, chances are he’s already dead. Ten deaths out of ten, I’d say."

"What kind of place is the Forest of Life and Death? How many have ever walked out of there alive? Even Yan Xiong wouldn’t dare step foot in it—what makes Chen Chang'an so special?"

"If you ask me, he’s just hiding. After making such a big scene, he’s too proud to admit he’s scared and backed down."

"Hahaha! He was all bravado a few days ago. I always knew that kid was all bark and no bite."

"So, are we still going to the Medal Arena today?"

"Of course! Why wouldn’t we? The Medal Arena has gone all out preparing for this fight. I plan to place a bet and make a killing."

"But what if Chen Chang'an doesn’t show?"

"Then he forfeits. Betting against him is a sure win."

Despite Chen Chang'an’s absence, the excitement and participation surrounding the event remained undiminished.

To accommodate the massive crowd eager to witness Chen Chang'an’s attempt at the Violet Gold Medal, the Medal Arena had undergone adjustments. The Bronze Arena on the second floor had been temporarily repurposed as the main stage, with the fighting platform expanded and reinforced with barriers.

Moreover, the second, third, and fourth floors had been opened up, allowing spectators on all three levels a clear view of the battle below.

In fact, today marked the largest gathering of Platinum Medal holders in No Return City’s history.

Led by Yan Xiong, every Platinum Medal holder had gathered at the Medal Arena. To them, Chen Chang'an’s bid for the Violet Gold Medal was nothing short of an attempt to climb over their reputations. Thus, each bore him deep resentment, eager to teach the upstart a lesson.

"Have you placed your bets yet?"

"Naturally. Haven’t you?"

"I have. I bet on Chen Chang'an losing every match. The odds are high—I feel like my fortune’s about to change."

"Zero wins? You really think that little of him?"

"Hahaha! Not at all. Chen Chang'an must have some skill if he reached Platinum in a single day."

"But I’ve already spoken with Liu Yan. He’ll be the first to fight, giving Chen Chang'an a brutal welcome. You know Liu Yan’s temper—if Chen Chang'an loses, he dies."

"And a dead man can’t win another match, can he?"

"Oh? Liu Yan’s going first? Then Chen Chang'an is in real danger. Hold on, I need to place my bet too."

More and more people were placing wagers, especially since the City Lord’s office was overseeing the betting pool—no one had to worry about unpaid winnings.

The Medal Arena’s overseer, Wei Fengtang, had also made an appearance, much to everyone’s surprise.

Wei Fengtang rarely showed up at the arena despite his position, yet Chen Chang'an’s challenge had drawn him out. Was he here to personally oversee the event?

Taking his seat at the head of the arena, Wei Fengtang asked, "Has Chen Chang'an arrived yet?"

"No word so far. No one knows why he suddenly ran off to the Forest of Life and Death."

"Who knows if he’ll even return? With all this hype, if he doesn’t show, how do we salvage this?"

The arena’s other officials were equally anxious. The event had become the talk of the city—ending in disappointment would be a disgrace.

"Why did the City Lord insist on making this such a spectacle? Does he really have that much faith in Chen Chang'an?" one official dared to ask.

"The City Lord’s affairs are none of your concern."

"Just do as you’re told."

"There’s no set time for the event to begin. We wait," Wei Fengtang said sternly.

"Yes, Lord Wei."

Pleasure House

For three days, there had been no word from Chen Chang'an, leaving Gu Xian'er deeply worried.

Meanwhile, the big yellow dog, Da Huang, seemed utterly carefree, spending his days playing with the mentally impaired youth who resembled Wu Mingdao, showing no concern for Chen Chang'an’s absence.

"Senior Da Huang, I’ve heard many have already gone to the Medal Arena. Why hasn’t Young Master returned yet?" Gu Xian'er couldn’t help but ask.

"Why the rush? Chen Chang'an will be back. Just wait," Da Huang replied without turning his head.

"Hehehe, will be back, just wait," the simple-minded youth echoed with a giggle, mimicking Da Huang’s words.

"Kid, if you really are Wu Mingdao, how are you going to live with yourself when you regain your memories and realize you acted like this?"

"If it were me, I’d rather die again."

Seeing the youth’s state, Da Huang sighed. The proud Wu Mingdao of the past would have found this existence worse than death.

"Hehehe, die again, die again," the youth repeated cheerfully, clapping his hands.

"Damn it, don’t say that! Forget those words!"

"Hehehe, forget those words, forget those words."

Da Huang shook his head. The boy was too far gone to understand life and death anyway.

"Pee-pee! I need to pee!" Suddenly, the youth stood up and began pulling down his pants.

Gu Xian'er gasped and vanished in a flash, retreating to her room in embarrassment.

Da Huang sighed. The kid had no sense of decency—even less than himself.

"Go to the outhouse."

But the youth paid no heed.

"Fine, I’ll take you."

Da Huang grabbed the youth by the scruff and dragged him to the latrine.

"Hmm?"

Da Huang glanced up as the brothel madam approached. "What do you want? Chen Chang'an isn’t here. Your usual tricks won’t work."

"I’m just delivering something."

"Someone asked me to bring these two items."

"They said Chen Chang'an instructed you to heal the boy first."

What?

Da Huang froze.

Chen Chang'an was back?

The innkeeper tossed the Spirit-Replenishing Grass and the Evil-Cleansing Grass to Da Huang, then said with a smile, "Chen Chang'an should have arrived at the Medal Battlefield by now. Aren’t you going to check on him?"

"Check on him? Nah, not interested. No point—the outcome’s already set in stone."

"You’re that confident in him?"

"None of your damn business. If you wanna see, go yourself. Don’t bother me while I’m handling important matters," Da Huang retorted rudely.

"Alright then, I won’t disturb you, Lord Dog, while you attend to your business."

The innkeeper didn’t take offense—after all, Da Huang was unfathomably powerful, and she knew better than to provoke him.

She turned her gaze toward the direction of the Medal Battlefield and murmured under her breath, "Chen Chang'an… just how many secrets are you still hiding?"