Chapter 488: Release

After stepping down from the ring, Li Mochen changed his clothes and waited quietly in the locker room. According to NHSAA rules, he still had to face a post-match press conference organized by the tournament committee.

He could roughly guess the热度 after this fight, and knew that many people were now paying attention, peering at him. So although Li Mochen was very curious about the changes in the Scarlet Dragon Armor afterward, he did not act rashly, planning to wait until returning to the hotel to observe.

Li Mochen did not wait long; soon a staff member came to invite him to the venue. When he arrived at the press conference site under the escort of many bodyguards, he found that the 300-square-meter space was packed with people.

What amused him was that even reporters from his own Southern Cable Television, America Political Television, and Georgia Sports Television had come. The Rising Sun Media logo was very conspicuous among the many media outlets. But aside from Georgia Sports Television, the first two were not really relevant.

Felton Williams, along with his agent and coach, had arrived before him. Li Mochen's opponent seemed to want to salvage some image and popularity through the post-match press conference, adopting a very proactive attitude, no longer as bewildered as in the final moments of their fight on the ring.

However, when Li Mochen arrived, the attention of the many reporters all focused on him.

And as soon as the officials announced that questions were allowed, someone immediately opened fire on Li Mochen.

"Mr. Wiltonshire, your bout with Mr. Williams today was unexpectedly brief. Was this within your expectations?"

"It should be said it was expected. Before the match, I answered reporters' questions on multiple occasions. I said I would win, and the process would be easy."

"Mr. Wiltonshire, are you aware that today, a total of over 15.4 billion shields in bets from major bookmakers were wiped out due to your quick victory? A large number of people lost everything."

"That has nothing to do with me. I have repeatedly called on my fans to stay away from gambling, especially not to participate in speculative betting."

"According to the latest list and statistics released by 'America Wealth Magazine,' your personal wealth reached 30 billion shields seven days ago. Surprisingly, this is the result of just eight months. There are different opinions in the outside world. Some say you relied on the help of the Wiltonshire family to obtain such astonishing wealth. Another view is that you are completely self-reliant, and this wealth was obtained through your own efforts. I want to ask, which situation do you think applies to you?"

"I estimated myself that if calculated by valuation, it has indeed exceeded 30 billion shields. But I only recently received funding from the Wiltonshire family, gaining access to 1.5 billion shields in support funds. A month ago, I relied on income from exclusive products and endorsement fees, as well as loans for investment, and happened to find two good projects. Next question—"

"Mr. Wiltonshire, I heard that you are already the first heir of the Wiltonshire Group, right? The Wiltonshire family has eight hundred years of heritage and glory in America. Your current status and position are almost equivalent to the crown prince of a small country, destined to be a tycoon with assets of several hundred billion shields. But why do you still participate in fighting competitions? What I mean is, this situation is very rare; few people of your status appear in the arena now."

"Becoming a professional fighter has been my aspiration and ideal since childhood."

Li Mochen lied through his teeth; he couldn't possibly say it was for 'money': "And now, I want to seek opponents on the ring, pursue the ultimate essence and truth of swordsmanship and combat. I hope that talented fighters across the country can give me motivation and inspiration. Next—"

"So will you join professional competitions in the future?"

"I'm considering it. I have a great interest in professional competitions, but I must also strike a balance between personal hobbies and career."

"—Just now, a veteran commentator named Bellam made a claim on a news program. He believes that your defeat of Williams in a single round was because Williams's strength forced you to be unable to precisely control the number of rounds to one hundred, making you go all out. Just like your previous encounters with James Lanster and Cadio Rod in the Atlanta city tournament. Do you agree with his speculation?"

After the reporter from 'Planet Fighting' finished asking, all the reporters present fixed their gazes intently on Li Mochen. Felton Williams also cast a hopeful, pleading look at Li Mochen from the small table beside him.

"If I only use the strength of a ninth-level magic energy professional, I indeed cannot control the match to win in one hundred rounds. He put a lot of pressure on me."

Li Mochen spoke truthfully, but a cold glint flashed in his eyes: "However, this situation usually only occurs when they resort to methods outside the rules that do not conform to the spirit of sportsmanship, just like Lanster and Cadio Rod. That makes me very angry."

At that moment, a buzz of shock rippled through the entire venue. All the reporters raised their arms high, their faces flushed with excitement as if they had taken stimulants.

"Mr. Wiltonstein, are you accusing Williams of cheating?"

"Do you have evidence?"

Felton Williams's face turned pale as paper at that moment.

"I have evidence!"

Li Mochen's tone remained calm and unruffled: "My friend Anthony Braden invented a monitoring device that can detect some abnormal movements of competitors within a range of five hundred meters. Of course, I don't know if the competition committee will adopt it."

...

After the post-match press conference ended, agent Edward Jeffries called immediately.

"You shouldn't have answered those last two questions that way, A-Mo. You backed the competition committee into a corner and came across as too aggressive."

"But based on what I know, the NHSAA committee is generally satisfied with your cooperation at the press conference. They made a lot of money this time, with broadcast fees alone reaching over a billion."

"I know you want to destroy that guy, but pushing him into a corner will also provoke some people's rebellious psychology. After all, as the first heir of a prestigious family, you are naturally at a disadvantage in the public eye. The stronger you appear, the more they will sympathize with your opponent."

After complaining to Li Mochen, Jeffries then said in a sentimental tone: "Here's some good news. Just now, Mr. Carl Holton told me that the Lucky Prince set recently released by their Nathan Group has received pre-orders for seventeen thousand sets—that's the result of just one hour after the match. And the three custom jewelry pieces made for you by Edward Jewelry have already sold seven thousand pieces. Keep in mind, these items are all valued at over one hundred thousand gold shields! Edward Jewelry's stores in major cities like Manhattan and Los Angeles are sold out. Andre, do you know what this means? You're about to have another big income coming in."