Chapter 161: Begin!

Lin Xiao was aware that a fierce battle was imminent, a battle that would determine the survival of Chen’s Martial Arts Hall.

Despite his confidence in overcoming all challenges, he closed his eyes to clear his mind of all distractions, achieving a state of inner peace as still as water. Yet, beneath this tranquility, Lin Xiao’s desire to fight burned brighter, igniting like a flame.

What truly was the essence of martial arts?

Martial arts could not be mastered by silently cultivating in seclusion, away from the world. Without undergoing trials and facing challenges, even with the extraordinary technique Thunderbolt Decree, reaching such heights would be difficult.

His time in the military was spent sparring with various opponents, absorbing their strengths and integrating them into his style, which laid a profound foundation for his breakthrough, inspired by the plaque in the Chen’s Martial Arts Hall’s hall.

To Lin Xiao, the stronger the opponent, the more exhilarated he felt.

Meanwhile, Jiang Linfeng, with a smirk, proposed, “If we lose, we will never step into Jiangnan Province again. Our grievances with Chen’s Martial Arts Hall will be written off. We’ll no longer trouble you. How about that?”

“That’s not fair,” interjected Yang Yuanji, rising to his feet, “If you lose, each one of you must also pay an additional ten million in compensation.”

“No problem,” Jiang Linfeng agreed instantly. Confident of victory, he saw all conditions as equal.

“However, we need to change the rules of the match. One-on-one lacks challenge. Let’s adopt a gauntlet style, where the last side standing wins,” he suggested.

Old Master Chen and Yang Yuanji exchanged glances. Jiang Linfeng’s proposal aligned with their thoughts. They would have suggested it themselves, so they immediately agreed.

“Well, since everything has been agreed upon, let’s start now. Let’s not waste any more time,” Jiang Linfeng said, still smirking. “With so many fellow martial artists here, let them witness how Chen’s Martial Arts Hall will be destroyed.”

Elder Chen’s expression was as still as water, ignoring Jiang Linfeng’s provocations. He ordered the students to move the tables and chairs aside, clearing a large open area.

The crowd naturally formed a circle. As the atmosphere grew heavier, the previously whispered conversations stopped. Everyone was braced for the upcoming battle.

At this moment, Wei Chengxue of the Wei Martial Arts Hall made his way to Jiang Linfeng’s side, wearing a smile, and whispering something to him.

Chen Lingxin approached Elder Chen with a worried expression. The imprint of a slap still marked her face, but her resentment toward her grandfather had dissipated, “Grandfather, we’ll get through this today, right?”

Despite her usually thick-skinned and carefree demeanor, the sight of Jiang Linfeng and the surrounding whispers had made her anxious.

“Don’t worry. No matter what happens, I won’t let the Chen Martial Arts Hall fall,” Elder Chen replied warmly, gently touching Chen Lingxin’s hair. “I’m sorry for hitting you earlier. Does it still hurt?”

“It doesn’t hurt. I know you were just worried about me,” Chen Lingxin’s eyes welled up, and she said determinedly, “Grandfather, if we really can’t muster six people, let me take part.”

Chen Lingxin was ranked third in cultivation at Chen’s Martial Arts Hall, only surpassed by Elder Chen, before his decline, and her father, Chen Tianxing.

As for Wang Jinxin and Fan Xucui, the school’s two elite instructors, although they were martial artists, their cultivation was shallow, mainly teaching the ordinary students.

“There’s no need. Whether it’s you or them, the difference in cultivation is too vast. Just conceding directly would suffice. Moreover, it’s riskier for you to participate,” Elder Chen shook his head.

Wang Jinxin and Fan Xucui, standing not far from Elder Chen, smiled bitterly upon hearing his words.

They were well aware of their limitations, knowing they stood no chance against any of Jiang Linfeng’s group. Their participation was merely to fill the numbers.

The real deciders of the match’s outcome would be Yang Yuanji of Xuantian Martial Arts Hall, Zhou Chenguang of Wuxu Martial Arts Hall, and Lin Xiao.

“Teachers Wang and Fan will not participate. Brother Zhou will lead the first round, Yuanji the second, and Lin Xiao will be our final contestant,” Elder Chen declared solemnly. “If Lin Xiao loses, we will concede immediately.”

“Master Chen, even though our cultivation isn’t strong, we can still wear down some of the opponent’s internal energy,” Wang Jinxin interjected. “Not allowing us to fight now, isn’t that slapping our faces?”

“Yeah, Master Chen, let us two take the lead. As long as we’re not dead, there’s nothing to fear,” Fan Xucui added.

“Teacher Wang, Master Fan, no more discussion is necessary. This situation is unlike any before. The opponents come bearing killing intent, and I cannot gamble with your lives,” Elder Chen stated with gravity.

Then, Elder Chen cast a significant look at Lin Xiao, who remained unmoved, “Lin Xiao, I’m counting on you to be the last to take the stage. Is that alright?”

Lin Xiao appeared serene, yet the fervor in his eyes betrayed his inner eagerness, “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Indeed, he was more than ready, even eager for the challenge.

Elder Chen nodded, turned, and offered a formal bow to Zhou Chenguang, the master of Wuxu Martial Arts Hall, “Brother Zhou, I’m counting on you this time.”

Zhou Chenguang’s face bore a semblance of solemnity, fully aware of the significant burden he carried. Already at a disadvantage, if he, being the first to fight, lost, it would essentially mean conceding half the battle from the outset.

Whether they could establish dominance and seize the initial advantage depended on his success in the opening bout.

“Worry not, Brother Chen. The four major schools have always been as one. I will fight with all my strength and won’t let you down,” Zhou Chenguang assured heartily.

“Your assurance is all I need, Brother Zhou.”

Elder Chen didn’t want to overburden Zhou Chenguang. Considering Zhou Chenguang’s willingness to help in such dangerous times was out of their long-standing friendship, Elder Chen felt content without asking for more.

Elder Chen’s gaze shifted towards Jiang Linfeng and his group in the distance. Jiang Linfeng, too, looked back, their gazes meeting in midair, sparking an intense exchange.

From the warriors behind Jiang Linfeng, a portly man stepped forth, bounding forward with the agility of a large, nimble ape, and landed confidently in the center of the arena.

With his arms crossed over his chest and his chin slightly uplifted, his eyes radiated disdain, “Today, your defeat is certain. The name Han Lin will soon echo throughout Jiangnan Province.”

“Really?” Zhou Chenguang stepped forward leisurely, positioning himself two meters in front of Han Lin, with his hands hanging relaxed at his sides. “I just hope you won’t be pleading for mercy later.”

At these words, a sinister glint flashed in Han Lin’s eyes as he suddenly surged forward, hand shooting out to grab.

This move was swift for his build, resembling a monkey snatching food, his speed astonishingly fast inconsistent with his body. In virtually a blink, he had closed the distance to Zhou Chenguang. His fingers, slightly curved, aimed straight at Zhou Chenguang’s face.

His fingers, imbued with internal energy, sliced through the air with a piercing whistling sound. A successful grab would leave Zhou Chenguang’s face torn open, possibly even blinding him.

Zhou Chenguang hadn’t anticipated such a deceitful, sudden attack without a hint of forewarning.

Yet, as a seasoned martial artist, he remained composed. Stepping back just enough to dodge the brunt of the attack, he twisted his body with the nimbleness of a river fish.

Zhou Chenguang moved like a phantom to Han Lin’s side, delivering a silent, swift palm strike aimed at Han Lin’s waist.

Confronted with Zhou Chenguang’s evasion and counter, Han Lin showed no panic. With a swift sidestep, he rolled to Zhou Chenguang’s feet in an instant, not only avoiding the counterattack but also aiming a direct strike at Zhou Chenguang’s abdomen.

At this critical moment, Zhou Chenguang was precisely at the critical juncture where his old energy had been depleted in the counterattack and his new energy had not yet gathered, leaving him unable to dodge.

The audience watched with bated breath, surprised by the fierce intensity of the match from the get-go.

When high-level martial arts compete, it’s never a mere street fight. Life and death, victory and defeat, often hinge on a fleeting moment.