Free Web NovelChapter 182: Chapter 173: Competition
Sparring matches were a common affair at gatherings of martial artists, often used as a way to liven up the atmosphere.
The moment Liu Kaishan spoke, many people immediately voiced their agreement.
"An excellent proposal, Master Liu. Just sitting here is dreadfully dull."
"Indeed. Everyone says the Liuhe Sect’s Fist Skill is exceptionally refined. Let us see it for ourselves today."
Gao Yuan considered for a moment, then nodded. "Very well. However, I have one small request: whoever steps into the ring, please exercise restraint. We wouldn’t want to harm the friendly atmosphere."
Martial artists are hot-blooded. It’s common for what starts as a friendly exchange to end in bloodshed and enmity. A reminder beforehand was necessary.
"Don’t worry, Master Gao. We’ll just let the junior disciples have a bit of fun."
"Yes, yes. We’ll pull our punches."
The Liuhe Sect’s courtyard was spacious. The banquet tables occupied only one half, leaving the other side empty—a perfect space for a sparring ground.
Since Liu Kaishan had been the first to suggest it, it was only right for the Kaisan Martial Arts Hall to send someone out first.
Liu Kaishan shot a look at one of the disciples beside him.
Understanding the signal, the disciple rose from his table and walked to the center of the clearing. He cupped his fist and said, "I am Fang Jun of the Kaisan Martial Arts Hall, at the Second Layer of the Power Realm. I have come to witness the famed techniques of the Liuhe Sect."
In sparring, it was customary for opponents to be of roughly equal cultivation realms, so he announced his level right away.
As the hosts, the Liuhe Sect naturally had to participate in the first match.
Gao Yuan’s gaze swept over his apprentices, finally landing on Sun Xiaofan.
Sun Xiaofan immediately stood up. "Sect Leader, let me take this one."
"Good..."
Zhao Lin nodded to himself. ’Gao Yuan has a good eye for picking people.’
Sun Xiaofan was agile but lacked raw power. While this was a major disadvantage in a life-or-death duel, it made him perfect for a sparring match like this—he was unlikely to get hurt, and just as unlikely to hurt his opponent.
"I am Sun Xiaofan of the Liuhe Sect, at the Second Layer of the Power Realm. I ask for Senior Brother Fang’s guidance."
Sun Xiaofan said, cupping his fist as he came to stand opposite Fang Jun.
Fang Jun returned the salute. "Brother Sun, you are too kind."
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the two took their stances.
"Watch out."
Fang Jun lunged forward. With his arms curved as if holding a large jar, he sent one fist high and one low, attacking Sun Xiaofan’s upper and middle body simultaneously.
The Kaisan Martial Arts Hall’s Fist Skill was known for being fierce and powerful, with wide, sweeping movements. Fang Jun’s sturdy build complemented this style perfectly.
Sun Xiaofan slid backward a step before surging forward, using the Soaring Dragon Flying Step of the Six Harmonies Fist. In a single motion, he neutralized his opponent’s attack and sent a palm strike toward his chest.
Fang Jun raised an arm to block the palm, then, with a flip of his wrist, tried to grab Sun Xiaofan’s elbow.
Sun Xiaofan dipped his shoulder, once again dodging nimbly before snapping out a side kick.
Both fighters had shown their skill right from the start, instantly capturing the attention of everyone present.
Disciples in the Power Realm had not yet cultivated Qi Strength; their fights were decided by pure martial skill.
Fang Jun was fierce and Sun Xiaofan was nimble. Their vastly different Fist Skill styles made for a fascinating watch.
After more than twenty exchanges, a dull THUD echoed across the clearing as the two fighters separated.
Fang Jun clutched his shoulder, his face etched with reluctance. "Senior Brother Sun’s Fist Skill is superior. I have lost."
A flash of pride crossed Sun Xiaofan’s eyes. "You went easy on me."
With the ice broken, the younger disciples from the various sects and halls grew eager, clamoring for a chance to compete.
Sun Xiaofan fought again and won a second match. But in his third bout, he was finally defeated by a disciple at the Third Layer of the Power Realm from the Shizi Sect.
After that, one disciple took the stage as another left, with victories and defeats on all sides. Everyone managed to pull their punches as agreed.
Overall, the Liuhe Sect had the best record. While this was partly due to the other guests showing deference to their hosts, it still proved that the Liuhe Sect’s strength was considerable.
All the apprentices of the Liuhe Sect felt a surge of pride. freēwēbηovel.c૦m
Just then, a snide voice cut through the air. "All this sparring is just between new apprentices and rookies. It’s dreadfully boring. Are those of us in the Qi Realm supposed to just sit here and watch?"
All eyes turned to the source of the voice. The speaker was at the Lingshan Sect’s table—one of the three disciples Zheng Yuanzhuo had brought with him, a man named Hou Gui.
Hou Gui was handsome and elegant, with a face like polished jade. However, his chin was a bit too sharp, and his arrogant expression held a hint of spite.
Gao Yuan didn’t show any anger. He asked calmly, "I’m not sure what Senior Brother Hou means by that."
Hou Gui gave a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. "The Liuhe Sect’s Fist Skill is certainly impressive. I just wonder, how is your Cultivation Technique for Qi Strength?"
He cupped his hands as he spoke. "This humble one is untalented, but I would like to ask for a lesson."
The smile on Gao Yuan’s face slowly faded. The other members of the Liuhe Sect frowned as well.
In a place like Qinghe County, a martial artist at the Qi Realm held a special status. They would not casually spar in public.
Regardless of who lost, it would be a huge loss of face.
On a joyous occasion like today, sparring between junior disciples was one thing. But for Qi Realm martial artists to fight was tantamount to challenging the sect on its own territory.
Zhao Lin and Yuan Cheng exchanged a look. They both recognized Hou Gui; he was the Lingshan Sect disciple who had clashed with Chu Liu at a brothel last year.
Not only had the Lingshan Sect sent a Qi Realm disciple to issue a challenge, but this particular disciple also had a grudge against the Liuhe Sect. No matter how you looked at it, his intentions were malicious.
The courtyard fell silent. Most of the guests from the other sects and halls understood the situation: the Lingshan Sect had come looking for trouble.
However, the Lingshan Sect was currently the dominant power in Qinghe County. No one was willing to get involved in this mess.
Knowing the stakes, Gao Yuan ignored Hou Gui and rose to address Zheng Yuanzhuo directly. "Sect Leader Zheng..."
Zheng Yuanzhuo just laughed, waving it off. "Just now, every other sect sent someone to spar, while my Lingshan Sect merely watched from the sidelines."
"Everyone here knows that I only brought three Qi Realm disciples with me today. But if word of this gets out, those who don’t know any better might think my Lingshan Sect has no one to send!"
"But... the sparring was just a warm-up, a harmless diversion."
