At first, the news about the mysterious game created by the Dust Valley Sect’s son did not spread throughout the Western Region.
But with each passing day, the Flame Tiger gang’s strange actions caught the attention of everyone.
Early in the morning, they formed two lines and ran around Dust Valley City without using their cultivation.
That was bizarre. Everyone knew the infamous Flame Tiger gang and how ruthless they were, especially their leader.
And yet, the leader of the Flame Tiger gang was leading the pack, shouting various slogans and rhymes to his men.
At first, they thought it would be a single-day thing, only to realize they were wrong. Before sunrise, the Flame Tiger team would be up once again, running around the city.
When everyone thought things wouldn’t get more bizarre, they discovered them playing a ball outside the city gate.
While playing the ball, the Flame Tiger gang leader would berate and curse his men when they failed to listen to his instructions.
"Your mother! Why don’t you pass the ball?"
"Idiot! Use your leg. Your hand must not touch it. Where did I see this son of a cow?"
"Bastard! Start running to the right side! Don’t stand like a fool."
"You fucking shit! Play together as a team. Do you need me to cut open your fucking skull before you understand?"
"Yes! Yes! Run! Run! Pass the ball. Bastard, pass the ball."
"Good! Good. Hit the shot!"
"SON OF A SHIT. How can you face the goalpost and play the ball into the forest?"
"Come here. I’ll break your useless leg."
With such a ruckus and seeing how serious the infamous Flame Tiger gang leader was taking the strange game—
Even a fool would realize this game was important to the Flame Tiger gang. Slowly, people began to gather around the mini training field, watching their actions.
At first, they were confused, but as they watched and listened to the furious yells from the Flame Tiger gang leader, they began to understand the rules of the game.
And just like that, the news of the new game called Football gradually spread throughout Dust Valley City and beyond.
Just like that, hundreds of people would wake up early to watch the Flame Tiger team practice the game of Football.
The aversion the people had toward the Flame Tiger reduced greatly under the influence of football.
What made everyone love this game was it could be played by anyone.
Thus, many enthusiastic young men had willingly gone to the Flame Tiger gang leader to sign up to be part of the team.
Apart from that, the Flame Tiger team’s fan base began to grow steadily.
In just over three weeks, everyone in the city knew about the game of Football. It became the talk of the people.
Even though the Flame Tiger team had not had a real match, that didn’t lessen its attention.
Every training, many young men would talk about it, blaming and praising their favourite player.
Suddenly, a rumor spread throughout the city.
"Yes. Why do you think the Flame Tiger team was training very hard?"
"Really?! I can’t wait to watch the match between the Dust Valley team and the Flame Tiger team."
"Who do you think will win?"
"Do you need to ask? Of course, it is the Dust Valley Sect team."
"Nonsense! How could you say that? Don’t forget they are not going to use their cultivation. Everyone is going to play the game like a mortal."
"So what! Can you compare the talent of the Dust Valley Sect team to a mere gangster?"
Slowly, Dust Valley City was divided into two factions. One supported the Flame Tiger team, while the others supported the Dust Valley Sect team.
With each passing day, the argument between the teams’ fans grew stronger.
In many clans, servants gathered in twos and threes discussing the team that would win the now famous Football.
Previously, the various clans did not take the football game seriously. But now, they did not dare look down on it.
Since this concerns the Dust Valley Sect.
Meanwhile, inside the Dust Valley Sect at a secluded corner, Elder Kang shouted angrily at the disciples.
"This is a game of wit and accuracy. Play as a team."
"No one cares how strong and talented you are if you do not play as a team."
He had voluntarily taken the role of a coach when he saw Wang Jun struggling with the team.
At first, when he saw Wang Jun trying to teach his fellow teammates how to play the game of football, he thought the game was easy and could be learned easily.
Eleven players playing as a team is easier said than done. Moreover, the various formations available make it complicated and strategic.
Wrong formation, and you won’t bring the best out of the players.
What made him more serious was when he learned their opponent was the Flame Tiger gang.
They can’t afford to lose.
Thus, he put his blood and sweat into training the disciples.
Now that the rumor had spread, all was on him and the team. What he took as leisure had become something important that he didn’t dare fail.
"Wang Jun, you’re the central midfielder. You must support both the striker and the winger," Elder Kang corrected.
"Elder Kang, I’m trying..." Wang Jun responded, trying to catch his breath.
Just as Elder Kang prepared to lecture his player, a servant approached. Looking at the servant, everyone knew she came from the Thousand Wealth Chamber.
"Elder Kang, the Young Master wants to see you immediately," the female said respectfully before she left.
"Ah! Is the first match going to start?" he muttered with a look of realization. He turned to look at his team and was furious.
"What are you all doing? Start practising your shots!"
With that, he followed the servant to the Thousand Wealth Chamber.
Inside the meeting room, Mo Jian sat at the main seat while the Flame Tiger gang leader sat on his left.
The door was pushed open, and Elder Kang entered. He gave a slight nod to Mo Jian before he took his seat.
"Now that both coaches have arrived, let’s start the meeting," Mo Jian began slowly.
"Your teams shall face each other in three days’ time," he announced casually, but he could see the shock on each other’s faces.
Without waiting for them to recover from their shock, he clapped his hands twice. Instantly, the door was pushed open, and many servants entered carrying a box.
"These are your team jerseys, socks, and boots. I hope you won’t disappoint your fans."