Chapter 355: Three Years Later, The Polo Match (Part 2)
Chapter 355: Chapter 190: Three Years Later, The Polo Match (Part 2)
It just went to show she was a favorite of the Celestial Dao. In theory, as long as a Spirit Beast’s master’s Cultivation improved, it could absorb its master’s Spiritual Attribute to grow. Lan Ying had been able to advance to the Qi Cultivation Stage so quickly only because Yang Wenqing was in the Marrow Cleansing Realm. If a Spirit Pet had to cultivate on its own, given their lazy nature, it would have taken over a decade, no matter how talented.
The past three years had left few marks on Yang Wenqing’s face, serving only to further refine his already composed demeanor. Lan Ying stood on his shoulder, looking around curiously. She was quite interested in the lively scene below, occasionally sending telepathic comments that only Yang Wenqing could understand.
Standing shoulder to shoulder with Yang Wenqing was a tall, middle-aged man. He wore casual clothes of a similar style to Yang Wenqing’s, but in a slightly lighter shade. This was Zuo Hong, the director of the Yuzhi County City Defense Bureau.
Zuo Hong was a well-known figure within the Coral City City Defense System. His style was decisive and firm, and public order in Yuzhi County had always been excellent under his governance. He and Yang Wenqing often interacted during municipal bureau meetings and could be considered colleagues who were both familiar and somewhat competitive with each other.
“Director Yang, it looks like your Lingshan County is determined to win this time.” Zuo Hong’s gaze swept over the sea of blue and white below, his tone unreadable. “County Magistrate Wang’s display is certainly impressive.”
Yang Wenqing replied, “Director Zuo, you’re too kind. It’s just that the county values culture and sports, and the people are passionate in their support. The Yuzhi Team has a deep foundation; it’s still anyone’s game.”
Their exchange seemed polite on the surface, but both men knew that for them, today’s polo match went far beyond a simple athletic competition.
It all stemmed from a joke made during a small get-together in the cafeteria after an internal municipal bureau meeting three months ago.
At the time, someone brought up the upcoming polo final. Zuo Hong half-jokingly said his Yuzhi Team was a sure win. Someone else, naturally unconvinced, casually suggested adding a little wager to the match, and Zuo Hong agreed in a heartbeat.
This was no longer just a wager on a game, but something that involved the honor of both counties.
Director Shen Wenyuan of the municipal bureau personally intervened, strictly ordering both sides to call it off. However, after mediation from various parties, the core agreement initiated by the directors was tacitly allowed to remain as an officially sanctioned side bet for the final.
The stakes would be paid by the losing party in the form of a public donation to the winning county’s public welfare and cultural and sports fund.
It was precisely because of this wager that today’s match attracted far more attention than usual. The deafening roars from the stands were not only in support of the teams but were likely mixed with the fervor of gamblers and rubberneckers.
“Director Yang is being modest.” Zuo Hong smiled, his gaze shifting to the green field where staff were beginning to make preparations. “But since the bet has been made, there must be a result.”
“Naturally,” Yang Wenqing replied calmly.
Lan Ying tilted her head on Yang Wenqing’s shoulder, her grumble echoing in his Spirit Sea: ‘Why donate so much money?’
Hearing this, Yang Wenqing reached out and gently stroked her feathers.
Just then, the clamor in the stadium suddenly rose a level. Stirring music blasted from the amplification Arrays spread throughout the venue, accompanied by the MC’s loud and rousing voice:
“Dear fans and friends! Welcome to the finals of the Donghai Province Polo League, Coral City Division! Now, let’s give our warmest applause and cheers to welcome the two teams of warriors competing for glory today!”
“First up, hailing from the land of jade-like beauty and surging white waves, the traditional powerhouse—the Yuzhi County Polo Team!”
A white wave surged through the stands, the massive cheers nearly blowing the roof off. A team of players dressed in green and white riding uniforms, mounted on magnificent white runic warhorses, trotted onto the field led by their captain, waving to the audience.
“And next to enter, from an up-and-coming land, the powerful challengers with ambitions as vast as the sea—the Lingshan County Polo Team!”
An even greater roar erupted. Blue and white flags waved frantically as the Lingshan County players entered, riding warhorses of various coat colors equipped with even more ornate and complex runic harnesses. Their eyes burned with sharpness and desire. Their formation seemed a bit overeager and lacked composure, but their explosive momentum was not to be underestimated.
The two teams lined up in the center of the field, saluting the VIP box and the audience. After a simple opening ceremony, the referee rode onto the field, announced the rules, and the captains chose sides.
TWEEET—!
With a sharp blow of the whistle, the polo ball was thrown into the air by the referee. The match officially began!
In an instant, a dozen or so highly trained runic warhorses with astonishing explosive power charged forward simultaneously. Their hooves thundered against the specially prepared soft field, producing a deep, rhythmic roar.
The riders leaned low, their long polo mallets moving like extensions of their arms, nimbly controlling the small hardwood ball on the ground.
The match launched into high-intensity conflict from the very start. The Yuzhi Team, as expected, was seasoned and experienced. Their passing was precise, their teamwork seamless, and they constantly pressured the Lingshan Team’s side of the field using skillful triangular passes and overlapping runs.
The Lingshan Team, however, displayed a completely different style. Their individual skills were outstanding and their offensive drive was powerful. They often launched fast counterattacks using solo charges and simple, direct passes. Although their teamwork was a bit unpracticed and they occasionally made mistakes, their tireless running and aggressive tackling also caused the Yuzhi Team a great deal of trouble.