Chapter Sixty-Five: The Martial Arts Tournament Begins

“Elder Liu, now that everyone is here—”

“Very well,” Liu Yunsheng nodded, then cast his gaze toward the three elders.

“The rules for this Martial Arts Tournament differ from previous years. Among the participants are some young heirs from the great families of the capital,” Liu Yunsheng said gravely.

The moment his words fell, the expressions of the three elders grew somber.

Families from the capital—those were not people they could afford to provoke.

“However, there’s no need for you to worry. These young scions from the capital’s noble clans are only here to broaden their horizons. As long as you maintain the status quo, there’s nothing to be concerned about.”

“Yes, sir!” The three elders nodded hastily in response.

…

The next morning, the Martial Arts Tournament finally commenced.

The venue was a luxurious hall occupying an entire floor, filled with rows of tables and chairs. Already, many people had gathered, whispering among themselves.

Qin Feng entered, accompanied by Liu Yunsheng.

As he surveyed the surroundings, surprise showed on his face.

“This year’s tournament is certainly lively. I hope to witness some truly spectacular battles,” Liu Yunsheng said, stroking his beard.

“Don’t worry, Elder Liu. Today is bound to be a clash of dragons and tigers,” Qin Feng replied with a smile.

Liu Yunsheng burst out laughing.

“Haha! You’d better make me proud, boy!”

Qin Feng only shrugged, offering no further comment.

At that moment, several dozen burly men in black suits entered from the doorway, heading straight for the central arena.

“Ladies and gentlemen!”

The host of the event stood atop the arena—a stunning woman with a curvaceous figure accentuated by a sleek black qipao.

With a sweet, sultry voice, she said, “Thank you, esteemed guests, for gracing us with your presence at this year’s Martial Arts Tournament. Today marks the opening of the Jiangnan Martial Arts Tournament. I imagine many of you are eager to take the stage, aren’t you?”

Her words were met with a thunderous cheer from the crowd.

The hostess playfully stuck out her tongue, then continued, “All right, I won’t waste any more time. Next, our judges will announce the list of this year’s participants!”

With that, she retreated to the edge of the arena.

“The first round begins!”

“Contestant Number One, step forward!”

The hostess’s voice rang out.

Suddenly, from a table in the eastern corner of the arena, a dark figure flashed, leaping swiftly onto the stage.

A collective gasp swept through the audience.

“How fast!”

“Look—it’s Yang Tianchen from the Yang family in the capital!”

“They say Yang Tianchen once served in the special forces of the capital’s military district. He’s a seasoned warrior with formidable strength!”

The crowd buzzed with speculation.

At the center of the arena, Yang Tianchen swept a cold gaze over the audience.

“If any of you wish to challenge me, come forward,” he said icily.

“Who dares to throw their life away?” His arrogant words sent the hall into an uproar.

The other contestants could hardly contain themselves. As martial artists, they were all proud and ambitious—who could endure such provocation?

“Yang Tianchen, don’t get ahead of yourself!” a burly, muscular young man shouted, rising to his feet and leaping onto the stage.

With a heavy thud, he landed, sending a gust of wind across the platform.

“That’s Wang Yong from the Wang family!”

“Both of them are formidable—who will come out on top?”

“Either way, this will be a show worth watching,” the crowd murmured.

Wang Yong’s imposing physique exuded a beastly aura, like a moving mountain—an awe-inspiring sight.

He fixed Yang Tianchen with a chilling glare, grinning savagely. “You think you’re tough, Yang Tianchen? Come on, hit me!”

Yang Tianchen shook his head with a cold smile. “With your skills, you’re not worthy to be my opponent.”

“How arrogant!” Enraged by Yang Tianchen’s words, Wang Yong lunged forward like a hunting leopard, fist swinging for Yang Tianchen’s abdomen.

Yang Tianchen snorted and swept his leg sideways.

A thunderous crack resounded as fist and foot collided, both men forced to stagger back nearly eight steps before halting.

“Not bad,” Yang Tianchen said, narrowing his eyes with a sinister grin.

Wang Yong glowered at him, murderous intent in his gaze.

“But this is as far as you go. Trash like you—I can crush with barely a thought.”

With that, Yang Tianchen clenched his right fist and swung a whip-like kick at Wang Yong.

“Courting death!” Wang Yong roared and crossed his arms before him, taking the blow head-on.

He staggered back several steps, nearly tumbling off the stage.

“Yang Tianchen is ruthless—he sent Wang Yong flying with a single move!”

“So the rumors are true,” the crowd murmured in astonishment.

“Damn it!” Wang Yong seethed after being struck back so easily.

“What’s wrong, admitting defeat already?” Yang Tianchen asked coldly.

“Hmph! I, Wang Yong, am not finished yet!”

With a furious roar, Wang Yong charged again, moving with the speed of thunder and closing the distance in a flash.

His massive fist swung down at Yang Tianchen’s head—a blow meant to kill.

But at the last moment, Yang Tianchen shifted slightly, evading the attack.

“What?” Wang Yong’s expression changed.

Yang Tianchen’s reactions were even faster than his own.

Not only had Yang Tianchen dodged, but he was already counterattacking. His right leg lashed out.

Wang Yong’s pupils contracted, and he hastily withdrew his fist to block.

A resounding crack—the powerful kick struck Wang Yong’s arm directly.

“Argh!” Wang Yong cried out in agony, his arm dangling uselessly at his side.

“Get off the stage!” Yang Tianchen grunted, driving his right knee into Wang Yong’s chest.

With a loud thud, Wang Yong was sent flying, vomiting blood as he crashed off the arena.

He was still alive but had lost all ability to fight.

The entire audience was stunned.

Wang Yong was from the capital’s Wang family—not the strongest, perhaps, but certainly among the best.

Yet he had been defeated so decisively.

Qin Feng, too, stared in surprise at the man onstage.

“Elder Liu, who is this fellow? And this Yang family from the capital—how do they compare to the Wen family?” Qin Feng asked curiously.

To his surprise, Liu Yunsheng only snorted.

“Hmph, what’s the Wen family compared to the Yang family? The Yangs have been a military family for generations—one of their elders is still alive and influential. The Wen family is nothing but a minor clan, barely scraping into third-rate status thanks to favors from their elders.”

Qin Feng raised an eyebrow in response.