Chapter 97 Invitation Card
The news of the Golden Sword Tournament soon spread across the martial arts community like wildfire.
It was set to happen on the twenty-seventh of November.
There was still a month left to the tournament.
There were already many skilled fighters that had confirmed to participate. Among them was the Shadow Punch’s successor, Hector Cook of Cook Clan from Coldbridge. The Springing Kicks’ successor, Mason Walker from Horbah, and Spirit Fist’s successor, Stephen Green of the Green Clan, were also taking part in the tournament. Not forgetting Micah Hayes, who was the son of the Martial King of Fairlake, Morgan Hayes, and many more.
There were already more than twenty famous highly-skilled martial artists on the list.
Besides those well-known participants, other unknown experts would also be joining the Golden Sword Tournament. After all, many skillful people often kept themselves hidden.
Meanwhile, Strikezone Martial Arts had also indicated that their disciples would be joining the tournament.
As a prominent martial arts center, Strikezone Martial Arts was definitely included in the competition.
Other than that, the seniors of the tournament’s organizing committee were still sending out invitations to other experts.
Since the organizer had registered the participants, they knew who were the highly-skilled martial artists.
The Golden Sword Tournament was an underground battle. Every participant was required to sign a liability waiver form and would receive a sum of guarantee funds.
It was an actual tournament and not some fancy show put together by the organizer.
A real match between martial artists was a matter of life and death.
As it was known, martial arts involved life-threatening techniques. Not only could it determine one’s losses or wins, but it could also determine one’s life or death.
It was worth mentioning that Morgan, the Martial King of Fairlake, was the martial arts leader of Fairlake. Thus, he was invited to be one of the judges. At the same time, the head of the organizing committee, Edgar, had asked Morgan to invite Polly and Jonathan from Horington to participate in the Golden Sword Tournament.
Morgan was enthusiastic and excited about the competition. It was an important event in the martial arts world. Anyone who had a passion for martial arts would feel happy about the tournament.
Morgan knew Polly and Jonathan. He, too, felt that they were the real experts and should be involved in the tournament.
On that day, Morgan went to Horington personally. He had called Jonathan and Polly prior to his arrival.
They had agreed to meet at Horington International Hotel.
Jonathan had great respect for Morgan. Thus, he wanted to welcome Morgan properly.
Jessica was the happiest to hear about the Golden Sword Tournament. She had heard about the event from Morgan. Jessica was interested in martial arts and had asked Morgan if she could be a spectator.
He agreed in an instant as she was his beloved granddaughter. Jessica immediately thought about Yasmin and told her about the competition. As a young lady, Yasmin’s curiosity was piqued. She told Jessica that she was interested in watching the match as well. Hence, Jessica asked Morgan for another spot, and he happily agreed.
Jessica and Yasmin welcomed Morgan when he arrived. After they were reunited, Jessica ran into Morgan’s arm and acted coquettishly like a child. Yasmin, on the other hand, smiled at their interaction.
After that, all of them got into the car again. Elliot Yeager, Morgan’s apprentice, was the driver. Meanwhile, Yasmin sat on the passenger side, whereas Morgan and Jessica were in the backseat.
“Granddad, did you come here to invite Jonathan and Polly to the Golden Sword Tournament?” Jessica asked with excitement.
Morgan nodded. He laughed and said, “How many times have you asked this?” Jessica giggled and replied, “Jonathan is a really impressive martial artist. He’ll get the first place, for sure. Hehe. I can’t wait to see him show his skills, Granddad!”
Morgan patted Jessica’s head dotingly and smiled at her. “There are many other highly-skilled participants in this tournament. There’ll always be stronger and better martial artists out there. Even though Jonathan is good, I can’t say for sure that he’s the absolute champion. In short, this is a significant event in the martial arts world. Winning or losing is not the most important thing.”
“Then what is most important?” Jessica asked curiously.
Morgan answered word by word, “The spirit of martial arts!” He paused for a while and added, “Martial arts is the essence of our country. We must not lose it.”
Jessica did not quite understand what Morgan had said. However, she did not mind.
On the contrary, Yasmin was listening to Morgan’s explanation attentively. She suddenly turned toward him and asked, “Old Mr. Hayes, will Jonathan be in danger if he participates in the tournament?”
“This is a real martial arts battle. It’s a matter of life and death and showcases how powerful their skills are, so the danger is inevitable. We’re martial artists, and the purpose of martial arts is to end lives. It’s not to perform. If the Golden Sword Tournament is not dangerous, there’s no difference from the organizing committee’s other fancy show matches. There’s no need to waste everyone’s time with that,” Morgan explained with a smile and could not hide the pride in his voice.
As he spoke, he let out a long sigh. “The ring is where the fighters truly belong.”
Yasmin could not help but look worried after listening to what Morgan said.
Seeing that she was concerned about Jonathan, Jessica reassured her, “Yasmin, don’t worry. Jonathan is a good fighter. Nothing will happen to him.” Jessica had confidence in Jonathan.
Yasmin was not as optimistic as Jessica, yet she did not say anything.
Half an hour later, their car pulled up in front of Horington International Hotel. Elliot handed the keys to the parking valet after they got out of the car.
Before they stepped into the hotel, they saw Jonathan and Polly waiting to welcome them at the entrance.
When Jessica saw Jonathan, she jokingly said, “Hey, Jonathan, you’re still alive!” It was apparent that she was delighted to see the latter.
Jonathan sighed. This little girl.
Morgan furrowed his brows and admonished, “Jessy, don’t be rude.”
Jessica stuck out her tongue at Morgan cheekily. Whenever she was with Morgan, she was like a cheeky little girl. There was no trace of her usual independent and strong demeanor.
Jonathan and Polly walked toward them. Jonathan greeted Morgan, “Hello, Old Mr. Hayes.”
Polly followed suit. “Greetings, Old Mr. Hayes.”
Morgan and Elliot greeted them with the same degree of reverence. “Hello, Master Lawson, Master McDaniels.”
“Just call us by our names, Old Mr. Hayes. As good friends of Jessy and Yasmin, we’re the younger generation, just like them. There’s no need to be so formal,” Polly said with a smile.
Jonathan immediately agreed with what she said.
Morgan let out a chuckle. “Let’s talk inside.”
The group of people entered the hotel cheerfully.
Winter in Horington was sunny. Thus, even though it was already the beginning of November, it was still warm and bright.
Jessica and Yasmin were clad in beautiful dresses, while Polly looked refreshed in a set of white sportswear.
Jonathan appeared casual with his black T-shirt and jeans, the kind of outfit a boy-next-door would wear.
After everyone took their seats in the private room on the second floor, Jonathan requested the waiter to serve their food.
Jonathan felt guilty for the past few days and did not dare go to the horror-themed bar. Jennifer did not call Jonathan nor did she ask about him. The former carried on with her life as usual. However, she was utterly disappointed in Jonathan.
An unseen distance and estrangement grew between them.
Therefore, Jonathan had stayed in Polly’s seaside mansion. He had nothing to do every day.
At that moment, Jonathan opened a bottle of wine that Polly had brought along.
It was a bottle of aged wine. After removing the cork, the room was filled with the aroma of the wine. Moreover, the golden wine resembled the texture of honey. When picked with a fork, it looked like silk threads.
Jonathan poured a glass of wine for Morgan. As he was about to pour for Elliot, Yasmin rose to her feet and took the bottle from Jonathan. She then filled everyone’s glasses.
When Morgan saw her sensible action, he could not stop himself from saying, “Jessy, you have to learn from Yasmin, okay?”
“Yasmin, why must you be so perfect? Do you know you’re making me look bad?” Jessica sighed helplessly.
Upon hearing her child-like complaint, everyone burst into laughter.
Yasmin grinned in response. She saw herself as Jonathan’s younger sister. After Yasmin filled everyone’s glasses with wine, she raised her own and said, “Old Mr. Hayes, since you’re our guest, let us give you a toast.”
With that, the others raised their glasses too.
They sat down after they finished their glass of wine.
Right after that, a sumptuous meal was served.
The group of people ate merrily in the private room. Morgan did not mention a word about the Golden Sword Tournament either.
When everyone was somewhat tipsy, Morgan cleared his throat and said, “Ms. McDaniels, Jonathan, I’m sure you both have heard about the Golden Sword Tournament.”
Jonathan and Polly knew that Morgan was finally getting down to business. They had guessed that this was the reason for his visit to Horington. Both of them nodded.
Morgan stood up with a serious look on his face.
Seeing that, Polly and Jonathan quickly rose to their feet.
Jessica and Yasmin could also feel the tense atmosphere in the room.
Elliot stood up as well.
Morgan said solemnly, “I am here today to formally invite you both on behalf of the Golden Sword Tournament organizing committee. I hope that you can participate in the competition.” After he finished his words, Morgan took out two gold-embossed invitation cards.
Polly smiled and answered, “I am grateful that you think well of me, Old Mr. Hayes. All right, I will take part in the Golden Sword Tournament.” She was surprisingly quick to accept the invitation.
Jonathan was taken aback by how fast she agreed.
“What about you, Jonathan?” Morgan looked toward him. His gaze was filled with an earnest expectation.
Jonathan and Polly did not discuss this prior to the meal. Both of them had their own worries, so Polly did not ask him anything.
Jonathan did not expect Polly to accept Morgan’s invitation and participate in the Golden Sword Tournament.
Polly cast a look at him. She did not know what was going through Jonathan’s mind.
Jessica, Yasmin, and Elliot were staring at Jonathan too.
“Granddad, is there a need to ask? Of course, Jonathan will participate in the tournament,” Jessica chirped in naturally.
“Jessy, don’t spout nonsense.” Yasmin stopped Jessica from saying more as she fixed her gaze on Jonathan. Yasmin was hoping he would not partake in the competition.
After a moment of silence, Jonathan raised his head and glanced at Morgan. He opened his mouth to answer, “I’m sorry, Old Mr. Hayes, but I don’t want to participate in the tournament.”
Morgan, Jessica, and Elliot were taken aback by his response, whereas Yasmin and Polly were deep in thought.
Morgan’s expression turned sullen. “Why?”
“There’s no specific reason. I’m just not interested. I’m willing to do anything if you need my help. However, I’m not keen on joining the tournament. Please forgive me, Old Mr. Hayes,” Jonathan explained with a wry smile.
