Chapter Forty-Four: Perhaps It Would Be Better to Cancel the Competition

Beneath the arena, Hai Tian Gao lounged back in his chair as a servant fed him grapes, spitting out the seeds with a disdainful snort. He leaned against the backrest and scoffed, “What’s so remarkable about it? It’s only because Chen Xiangru was so pathetic that he got flattened by that penniless brat from Baishui Martial Hall. What’s there to be proud of?”

Ling Yancheng, sitting nearby, tapped his fingers on the armrest thoughtfully. “That Er Bo isn’t impressive in most aspects, but his footwork is strangely profound. It’s certainly not something Bai Yuliang could have taught him.”

“Bah! A beggar teaching a beggar—what’s so special about that? If I run into him, Grandpa Gao will make him suffer. I won’t let him leave the arena unless he’s crawling and wetting himself!” Hai Tian Gao glared viciously at his senior brother, Ling Yancheng.

Hmph, so what if his skills are marginally better? Does he really think he’s someone? I’m the young master of the Gao family; in the entire Qiuhua Prefecture, who doesn’t bow before me? Ling Yancheng is just a lowly disciple—what’s he got to be proud of? If Father hadn’t forbidden me to touch him, I’d have killed him long ago! Hai Tian Gao was used to running roughshod over everyone except his own father, but Ling Yancheng was the only one he couldn’t outmatch. Obviously, he was the young master of Shengshou Martial Hall, yet a mere disciple overshadowed him! Aside from martial skills, what did Ling Yancheng have that was superior?

Even his cousin Wan Ting Qi refused to spare him a glance whenever Ling Yancheng was present. The thought of his cousin blushing shyly at Ling Yancheng made Hai Tian Gao seethe with frustration, though he dared not lay a finger on Ling Yancheng, thanks to Gao Ba’s strict orders.

Hai Tian Gao simmered with resentment, and the mood among the disciples of Luoyang Martial Hall was equally sour.

Xue E Ma pouted anxiously, gazing up at Chen Xiangru in the arena. “How did he lose? Er Bo didn’t seem that skilled before, but who could have guessed he’d have such footwork?”

“Perhaps his earlier performance was deliberate—to make people underestimate him, then wait for Chen to drop his guard and humiliate him in front of everyone,” Feng Mo stroked his chin, feigning seriousness.

“I don’t see it that way,” Chang Ning Luo said. “Er Bo only has that footwork to show. Maybe the person who taught him isn’t the hall master Bai, but someone else.”

None present had truly discerned Er Bo’s enigmatic movements. Of course, Qing Yun Ma was an exception—not only was he an innate martial artist, he knew that footwork intimately, for the secret guards beside his mother used it as well.

The existence of secret guards meant they could never appear openly; they lurked in the shadows to protect their master, only revealing themselves when danger loomed or their master required aid. Thus, they needed not only the ability to conceal themselves, but also the most agile, uncanny movement skills.

They came and went without a trace, leaving no shadow behind, confounding their enemies and evading pursuit.

The secret guards of his mother were among the elite of the entire Yaohua Continent. These guards bore no family name, nor did they adopt his mother’s surname. Instead, they were granted the surname Bo with numbers for their codenames: Bo One being the most capable of them all.

Bo Two’s footwork was clearly inherited from his father, Bo One. Though he’d only mastered the basics and lacked the support of true energy, reducing its power, it was more than enough against postnatal martial artists. With such swift and unpredictable movement, he could attack unexpectedly and subdue his opponent in one blow.

Unfortunately, aside from this guard-exclusive footwork, Bo Two’s martial skills were otherwise unremarkable. Whether in technique or inner strength, he couldn’t compare to Chen Xiangru, who was twice his size.

Up on the stage, Chen Xiangru, now recovered, climbed to his feet, his face flushed. Scratching his head, he gave Bo Two a hearty, honest smile. “I never thought you, looking so scrawny, would have such skill. I underestimated you. I accept my defeat wholeheartedly. I hope we’ll have another chance to spar in the future.”

Bo Two replied with a gentle smile, “I look forward to our next match as well, Senior Chen.”

At that moment, the judge atop the platform announced, “This round goes to Bo Two of Baishui Martial Hall.”

Chen Xiangru and Bo Two exchanged respectful salutes, then left the arena for their seats.

On the high platform, Gao Ba laughed heartily. “Bai Yuliang, I never imagined you’d produce such a fine disciple. He’s outshined the hall master’s own star pupil!”

Seated beside Gao Ba, Bai Yuliang glanced at Xiang Ao, noting that his expression remained unchanged, before replying, “You flatter me, Hall Master. I only have one disciple worth mentioning. Unlike Hall Master Xiang, whose disciples are all exceptional and destined for greatness.”

The other hall masters each had their own thoughts upon hearing Bai Yuliang’s words.

Gao Ba’s face darkened, a surge of displeasure rising in his heart. He mused, “You arrogant Bai Yuliang, I praise you and you really think you’re something? How ungrateful. If not for your cousin at Baishui Valley, I’d have put you in your place long ago…”

Everyone in Qiuhua Prefecture knew that Xiang Ao and Gao Ba were outwardly amicable but secretly at odds with one another. One detested Gao Ba’s and his disciples’ misconduct, while the other was irritated by Xiang Ao’s constant suppression, forcing him to act cautiously. After all, Xiang Ao had the backing of both Buddhist and secular disciples.

The magistrate, An Li, yawned, bored and listless. “This is so tedious. Just a bunch of kids brawling—what’s the point? I’d rather go to the Red Pavilion and watch the girls dance, now that’s entertainment!”

With An Li’s remark, everyone was reminded of his presence, but his words left them speechless and contemptuous.

Seeing no one echoed his sentiments, An Li’s expression soured. Though he was a gluttonous, idle official, his rank was considerable, and now a group of martial artists looked down on him. How could he be pleased?

Back in Xiangnan Province, he’d seen all manner of experts. But here in rundown Annan Province, even these postnatal martial artists dared ignore him.

“In my opinion, this martial hall ranking tournament is utterly dull. Why not cancel it entirely? Save the government’s resources and effort.”

Many hall masters secretly agreed, since their disciples only ever got thrashed by others, never winning the top prize or even reaching the third round. The top ten spots were always monopolized by disciples of Luoyang Martial Hall and Shengshou Martial Hall, leaving no room for anyone else. Coming to Heishui County for the matches was little more than a public humiliation.

Gao Ba’s face instantly showed his displeasure. He thought, “You shameless cur, how much money do you siphon from me every year? You indulge in pleasure every day, living carefree, yet you want to block my path…”

Every year, Shengshou Martial Hall took the top prize in the ranking tournament, accumulating immense prestige. Even those who knew Gao Ba’s questionable character hoped their children would be chosen as his disciples, joining Shengshou Martial Hall.

That way, they could avoid being bullied by the Gao family and boast to relatives and neighbors. If their children became innate experts, it would bring honor to the family—and wealth and status would be within easy reach.

Because the people of Heishui County cherished this dream, Shengshou Martial Hall continued to grow, accepting more disciples every year. Even discounting those out on training, there were several hundred.

Gao Ba recruited disciples not only to expand Shengshou Martial Hall, but to further the Gao family’s business. With these disciples, he could have them trade goods between Wuling Province and Annan Province without fear of bandits or pirates.

Gao Ba’s ambitions extended far beyond Qiuhua Prefecture; his goal was to establish a foothold outside Annan Province one day. Thus, expanding his influence was an urgent priority. Only by leaving Annan Province could he rise faster.

Rising meant longer life. Gao Ba wanted to live, and live long. So the ranking tournament could never be canceled.

“Master An, you jest. The ranking tournament is a tradition in Qiuhua Prefecture—how can it be canceled so casually? Without a chance for young disciples to compete and see their own strengths, how can they improve?”

Hearing Gao Ba’s words, An Li rubbed his nose and laughed awkwardly. “Hall Master Gao is right. I was only joking just now, nothing serious, nothing serious…”

Seeing An Li’s demeanor, the other hall masters felt even greater disdain. To be an official of his caliber was truly a rarity.