Chapter 59: 59 Arriving in Time

Chapter 59: Chapter 59 Arriving in Time

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The martial arts competition in the field involved Zhao Nanshan’s top disciple, Guo Xu, with Blood Refining Cultivation. His opponent, surnamed Ye, was a strong martial master from the largest martial arts hall in Ping’an County, Changming Boxing Hall.

Employing the Changming Fist, he forced Guo Xu into constant retreat, stumbling in his steps, only able to defend but not capable of launching a counterattack.

The disciples of the Sanhe Boxing Club watched with intense nervousness, their eyes glued to Guo Xu, dreading his defeat. They had already lost three matches in a row, and another loss would likely mean that Sanhe Boxing Club would have to leave Ping’an County for good!

However, in contrast to the disciples’ tension, the true owner of the boxing club, Zhao Nanshan, was leisurely sipping Spiritual Tea as if the outcome of the fight was of no consequence.

Sitting next to Zhao Nanshan were three individuals: an elderly man in white robes and two middle-aged strong men with smiling faces. They were the leaders of the other three major martial arts halls in Ping’an County.

...

“Brother Zhao, it’s not that we are unkind, but Ping’an County is just too small to accommodate four martial arts halls…” The elder in white stroked his gray beard, chuckling lightly.

The two strong men next to him chimed in:

“Indeed, if it were past years, it might have been different, but now with the drought in Qingzhou worsening, our martial arts halls can hardly recruit any new disciples.”

Zhao Nanshan’s expression remained unchanged as he set down his teacup:

“I can understand your points. The weak are prey to the strong; it’s simply the natural order. It is right for Sanhe Boxing Club to give way if it cannot withstand the others, but… Although that’s said, I can’t help but feel unwilling to concede.”

“Oh? So, Elder Zhao, what would you have us do?”

The tone of the strong man beside him carried a hint of mockery, particularly on the word ‘elder’.

As soon as his words fell, a muffled grunt exploded. The martial master surnamed Ye landed a punch squarely in Guo Xu’s chest, the powerful force directly sending him staggering back several steps.

Before Guo Xu could recover, the martial master advanced once more, leveraging his momentum to leap forward and kick, sending Guo Xu flying several meters before tumbling on the ground.

And with that, he was knocked outside the designated white circle, meaning, Guo Xu had lost.

Sanhe Boxing Club, four battles, four defeats!

“Big Brother.”

“Brother Guo…”

The disciples of Sanhe Boxing Club rushed forward to help Guo Xu to his feet. Guo Xu glanced at Zhao Nanshan, wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, and with a sense of shame, he bowed his head.

Meanwhile, the victorious Master Ye from Changming Boxing Hall smugly made a gesture of respect to the surrounding onlookers.

“Thanks for letting me win.”

Next, Master Ye’s gaze fell on Guo Xu, his voice dripping with sarcasm as he said,

“You…”

A disciple beside Guo Xu wanted to rush forward but was firmly held back by Guo Xu.

“We can’t afford to disrupt matters any further now; all depends on master now,” Guo Xu whispered.

He had joined the Sanhe Boxing Club because he had been inspired by Zhao Nanshan’s skills, but at the same time, he knew that the master was getting old, and in the world of martial arts, the young and strong prevail. He had, in truth, already lost most of his confidence.

He was, after all, only trying to console his junior brothers.

“Elder Zhao, with Sanhe Boxing Club having lost four battles in a row, you are the last one left. Do you wish to continue the competition?” One of the strong men in a yellow robe looked intently at Zhao Nanshan.

“Elder Zhao is advanced in years; if you concede, we won’t press you too hard. You just need to leave Ping’an County within seven days,” another person added.

“Brother Zhao, what are your thoughts?” the elder in white inquired.

Zhao Nanshan chuckled lightly:

“This old body of mine hasn’t seen action in over a decade. If I were to leave just like this, this martial arts hall would struggle to remain open. Well then, let this old man have the pleasure of experiencing your esteemed moves.”

He stood up, and the aura around him began to change gradually. Internally though, he cursed Chen Yuan for not keeping his word and for the useless waste of his family’s Six Harmonies Saber Technique.

If there’s a chance, he’d make sure to backstab that youngster.

The strong man in the yellow gown stood up, took off his clothes, revealing a robust and muscular body, and said in a low voice:

“`

“Good, since Elder Zhao seems so inclined, I shall test Elder Zhao’s skills first.”

“Brother Sun, Elder Zhao is advanced in age, you should show some restraint. It’d be troublesome if someone loses their life…” another middle-aged man shouted.

“There’s no trouble, we’ve all signed the life-and-death agreement anyway!”

Zhao Nanshan, expressionless, stepped forward with hands behind his back. One could hardly notice that his stooped back had straightened a bit.

“Gathering so many people, what, planning a rebellion?”

Suddenly, a faint voice echoed in everyone’s ears.

The disciples of the surrounding martial arts halls looked back and then… saw dozens of Government Officials, calm and collected, following behind a young-faced man.

He exuded a faint killing aura, and the disciples unconsciously made way for him.

Chen Yuan, with an indifferent expression and saber at his waist, stepped into the circle marked by a white line, glanced at Zhao Nanshan, and said:

“Elder Zhao, I’m a bit late.”

“Just in time, not late…” Zhao Nanshan nodded, and thought to himself:

“This young man is trustworthy, a promising seed. Perhaps one day, the grievances of the Dragon Tiger Sect will indeed fall upon him.”

He had completely forgotten how he had previously criticized Chen Yuan for lacking credibility.

Seeing that the person in front of them seemed well-acquainted with Zhao Nanshan, the white-clothed elder and the other two leaders exchanged glances, revealing a trace of seriousness in their eyes.

They scrutinized Chen Yuan from head to toe but couldn’t recognize who he was.

But to bring so many Government Officials, he must be extraordinary, and moreover, he was not dressed in the usual attire of a Government Official.

Suddenly, one of the burly men’s pupils shrank as if he realized something and cupped his hands towards Chen Yuan, asking:

“Is this lord surnamed Chen?”

“Indeed, I am surnamed Chen,” Chen Yuan replied with a slight nod.

He continued to ask, “Are you the newly appointed arrest officer Chen Yuan?”

Chen Yuan arched his eyebrows slightly:

“You’ve heard of my story?”

“The great name of Officer Chen has long been known throughout Ping’an County; naturally, I have heard of it,”

“Is that so? If you hadn’t mentioned it, I wouldn’t have known I was that impressive,” Chen Yuan said with a sideways glance.

The burly man chuckled awkwardly, then continued:

“May I ask the purpose of Officer Chen’s visit?”

“Isn’t it obvious? I’m here to stand up for Sanhe Boxing Club.”

“Officer Chen, this is a private matter between our four martial arts halls, and we’ve already signed the life-and-death agreement. Even the Government cannot intervene…” another burly man in a yellow robe muttered from beside the white-clothed elder.

“Who do you think you are, daring to speak out of turn while I am speaking!” Chen Yuan glared coldly at the burly man.

“You…”

The burly man’s heart flared up, and he clenched his fists so tightly that they cracked, but after taking a deep breath, he ultimately repressed his anger. Attacking a County Government arrest officer in broad daylight was no petty crime!

“Officer Chen, I, Xu Changming, am also somewhat known in Ping’an County, may I be permitted to speak a word?”

The white-clothed elder stepped forward.

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