Chapter 98 Martial Arts Competition

 

Jonathan politely yet firmly refused the invitation. Although Morgan wished fervently for Jonathan’s participation, he was reluctant to force his wish onto Jonathan. Jessica opened her mouth, but Yasmin tugged her arm before she could say something, so she swallowed back her words.

 

Unwilling to give up, Morgan added, “Jonathan, I do hope you would give it another thought. Your cultivation in martial arts is considered top-tier now. If you join the competition, you may be able to break new ground in the martial arts world. That’s the only thing we old folks who hold this competition want to see.”

Jonathan smiled bitterly in response. He hated to reject Morgan’s ardent invitation, but at the same time, he had no interest in the tournament.

“I’m sorry, Old Mr. Hayes.” Jonathan remained unyielding.

 

Yasmin promptly added, “Old Mr. Hayes, let’s not push him if he really doesn’t feel up to it, is that okay?”

 

Warmth filled Jonathan’s heart. He knew she truly cared for him.

Morgan, however, continued his persuasion as something popped into his mind. “Tell me the truth, Jonathan. Is it because of Strikezone Martial Arts? Are you worried they will come after you during the tournament for revenge?” He stopped for a bit and went on, “Don’t worry about it. Edgar Dunn is the person in charge of the competition, and masters from all over the world are joining. Even Strikezone Martial Arts will be bound by the rules and fight fairly on the stage. Besides, with the level of your cultivation, I believe they will pose no harm to you.”

 

Contrary to his belief, Strikezone Martial Arts hadn’t crossed Jonathan’s mind even once. He replied, “Old Mr. Hayes, every person who joins the competition is motivated by their own goals and desires. It can be fame, cultivation, or anything. The thing is, there is nothing I want from this competition. Hence, I’m hesitant to participate.”

“There is nothing you want out of the competition?” Morgan was speechless. He knew that Jonathan did not fear for his life. The fact that Jonathan was capable of killing Randy was proof of his strength and power. He would not have feared a martial arts tournament.

“All right, then. Since you’ve made up your mind, let’s forget about it.” Morgan finally gave in.

 

Despite Jonathan’s refusal and Morgan’s subsequent acquiescence, the atmosphere of the lunch date did not turn cold. After all, Morgan was not a stubborn old man. He simply had a deep love for martial arts.

After they finished their drinks, Morgan left and rushed back to Fairlake right away. He had had many tasks waiting to be taken care of since the martial arts tournament was to take place in Fairlake.

Elliot was the only person who did not have a drop of alcohol during lunch. Therefore, he had no issues driving Morgan back to Fairlake, which wasn’t too far away from Horrington. The journey was only a two-hour drive on the highway.

The rest of them sent Morgan and Elliot off outside the hotel. Jessica, unable to contain her disappointment, thumped Jonathan’s arm and grumbled, “Why don’t you join the competition?”

Jonathan chuckled. “It’s easy for you to say. Do you know participants have to sign the liability waiver form? What if I get killed on stage? Do you want to be widowed for the rest of your life?”

The first half of his explanation sounded reasonable, but the second half nearly had Jessica blushing. She stuck out her tongue at him. “Nonsense! Don’t be too full of yourself! You coward!” Despite her words, Jessica realized the cruelty of the competition as well. Suddenly, she was glad that Jonathan opted out of it.

“Polly, why have you decided to participate?” Yasmin turned toward Polly.

She regarded Polly as a true friend and cared for her. Though she was not as close to Polly compared to Jonathan, she genuinely wished nothing bad would happen to Polly.

off between the passing cars. Later on, she muttered, “I’m a fighter. Fighters should fight, and the tournament is a good

 

as though I don’t deserve to be a fighter.” Jonathan

her eyes. Though she no longer wanted Jonathan to take part in the

 

his thick-skinned self,

don’t you guys go back first? I’d like to take a walk alone.” She then

with her?” Jessica nudged Jonathan as she stared at Polly’s dwindling silhouette. She

the

Jessica flushed red with embarrassment. “Idiot!

“You know what they say? If you hit or scold someone, that means you love them and care deeply for them. I guess you love

you?” Jessica aimed a kick at

and dodged the

filled her with the warmth of having friends and family, especially Jonathan, whom she found particularly affable. It was as if her

brother, Connor, and protect her with all his might. She let out a cough to interrupt their raillery and said, “Jonathan, I’ve made some smoothie at home. You’ve had quite some alcohol just now. Why don’t

else to do,

Do you know how many people would die just for a chance to enter our house? You’re a lucky man,

because of Yasmin. But if it’s

had Jessica flared up instantly.

“Haha!”

in the afternoon. The sun was shining brightly in the

that agreeable weather would definitely be wonderful. Had it been summer, the heat of

Maple Villa District, where Jonathan had visited several

the three of them

and Jessica sat together at the

Jessica blurted excitedly, “Before I forget, Jennifer and you seem rather odd lately, Jonathan. You haven’t been to the horror-themed bar for quite a while now, and Jennifer never asks about you. What happened?

Yasmin gazed at Jonathan intently

had never been together, to begin with.” Jonathan rubbed his

his reply and

won’t be subjected to disasters anymore.”

was, inquired softly, “Did

information, Jonathan gave a half-hearted laugh and shook

it was Jonathan’s privacy, Yasmin ceased to probe

the case, how about Yasmin and I make you dinner for tonight? Don’t get

more than

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