Chapter Five: Seven Walls

Black Tide held the challenge in the arena that had expelled Zhou. His old poster still hung by the entrance, his face painted black above new words: MATCH-FIXER, GET OUT. Boos pressed down when the crowd recognized him. At center court, Chen Feng stood beside star guard Luo Jia and Carlo, a six-foot-ten import. He offered a livestream waiver. “Losers retire publicly,” Chen said. “Will you sign?” “And if we win?” Su asked. “You take the international berth. We can even reopen the old case.” Zhou saw Heaven's gold emblem in the contract's corner. Black Tide was screening real-world talent for Zeus. He signed. “Reopening it isn't your decision.”