Zhang Clan Martial Hall

"Do you understand the rules?"

The man with dead fish eyes spoke in a strange tone. Not only Li Yan and Sha LiFei, but even Wang Dao Xuan's expression turned cold.

"Rules… Of course, I understand!"

Sha LiFei chuckled, stood up, and patted his bald head. "Setting aside the rules of the arena for now, when you speak to someone, you should introduce yourself. That's a rule of Jianghu…"

"It's a rule of being human!"

"If you don't even understand the rules of being human, what nonsense are you spouting here!"

Sha LiFei, despite his mediocre martial arts, relied entirely on his sharp tongue to navigate Jianghu. He had never lost an argument and wouldn't stand by and let someone trample on him without a retort.

Unexpectedly, the man with dead fish eyes didn't get angry. His attention merely shifted to Sha LiFei, and he said indifferently, "I do understand some rules of being human. Everything requires a certain measure."

"Show a bit of a smile, concede a bit of reason, drink a bit of wine. Before anything else, you're already flipping the table and challenging someone to a Life and Death Arena. Do you really think your fists are that tough?"

"Whether they're tough or not, we'll only know after trying!"

"I'm afraid you'll go soft before we even try!"

The two exchanged words, their banter reaching a stalemate.

And the atmosphere became inexplicably tense.

Sha LiFei's eyes widened.

The man with dead fish eyes wore a solemn expression.

They sized each other up, much like generals encountering a worthy opponent on the battlefield.

Li Yan rubbed his temples and asked, "What exactly do you want?"

He had a feeling that if he let these two continue their argument, the entire morning would be wasted.

Clearly regretting being interrupted in his verbal sparring, the man with dead fish eyes began to introduce himself, cupping his hands casually, "Zhang Clan Martial Hall, Zhang ShiTong, also a Patrolman of the Xianyang Divine Fist Society."

Li Yan's eyes narrowed. "Were you sent by Zhou Pan?"

He certainly understood the rules of the Life and Death Arena.

First, a formal challenge had to be issued. Since he had spoken, the responsibility of delivering this challenge fell on him.

Second, witnesses had to be invited. Whether from the Yamen or respected elders of Jianghu, someone had to be present to bear witness and sign the death pact, so that even if someone died, there would be no legal repercussions.

Third were the rules of the arena itself.

If he issued the challenge and the other party accepted, then rules would be set. During the match, whether it involved fighting on the circular platform, the Plum Blossom Poles, or engaging in unarmed combat or weapon duels, it would not be decided by him.

If he dared not accept, he would have no choice but to admit defeat and leave Xianyang.

This was called a back-and-forth, with a clear path in and out.

As for Patrolmen, they were a position within the Divine Fist Society.

The Divine Fist Societies in various regions were mostly composed of local martial halls. They were considered part of the Guazi Trade in Jianghu. Some were hired by officials and gentry as guards, while others opened Escort Agencies, thus maintaining close ties with the Imperial Court.

They sometimes assisted the Imperial Court in resolving disputes within Jianghu and quelling banditry, which also led to connections with local militias. They frequently sent people to teach martial arts like spears, sabers, staffs, and cudgels.

Patrolmen, therefore, were individuals responsible for traveling around different regions and gathering intelligence.

He had originally planned to deliver the challenge today, so why had the other party sent someone first?

"Heh heh."

The man with dead fish eyes let out a cold laugh. "The Divine Fist Society isn't dominated by him, surnamed Zhou. My father is the Vice President. Someone surnamed Zhou doesn't have the right to command us."

Li Yan was puzzled. "Then what does this have to do with you?"

"Originally, nothing." The man with dead fish eyes, Zhang ShiTong,'s gaze turned serious. "Those two disciples of the one surnamed Zhou have been acting recklessly in Xianyang City, disgracing the entire Divine Fist Society. We couldn't stand by and watch, but we were powerless."

"If you had directly killed them, we would have secretly admired you as a hero."

"But by using Li Hu's son's name to challenge, this matter now involves our martial hall."

"My father… wishes to invite you to his place for a spar!"

The Zhang Clan Martial Hall was located in the northeastern area, near the Medicine King Temple.

This was the old city of Xianyang. Unlike in his previous life, it was relatively well-preserved. There was even a section of the old Qin capital's wall, which, after being reinforced, separated two streets.

The martial hall was not small and had a long history. It was also built with old Qin bricks for its walls. Coupled with the faded plaque, it exuded a sense of ancient grandeur.

What was even more captivating were the pair of stone lions at the entrance.

Before Li Yan even got close, his eyes showed a strange light.

Stone lions, as protective totems, originated in the Han Dynasty.

At that time, Parthia in the Western Regions and the Yuezhi ruler presented lions as tribute. Later, they were introduced along with Buddhism and Taoism, imbued with divine significance, and the tradition of stone lions as household guardians began.

This pair of stone lions had an ancient and simple form. Many parts were worn smooth, but a fierce and domineering aura still emanated from them. They were clearly in the Han style and were no ordinary objects.

Indeed, upon activating his Olfactory Mystical Power, Li Yan immediately detected a scent, a mixture of incense and majesty, clearly a condensation of Firm Qi, possessing a small "domain."

It's a treasure to guard the house, much better than the plaque in his family's home.

With this thing guarding the place, I bet no evil spirits would dare come in.

Zhang ShiTong, with his sharp eyes, noticed Li Yan's strange expression and immediately sneered, "This is a treasure passed down from our martial hall's ancestors. Even my father has to call it 'Master'."

"I heard you've also joined the Xuan Gate?"

"Consider this an early warning: while the Xuan Gate is the leader of Jianghu, it has its own rules. Furthermore, Zhou Pan's family has an even stronger guardian item. Don't try any tricks."

"Otherwise, it will be others who come looking for you..."

"I know that, of course!"

Li Yan replied calmly.

The Great Xuan Dynasty was powerful. Whether it was the Xuan Gate or Jianghu, everyone had to abide by its laws. Killing someone openly, regardless of whether you were a Jianghu blade wielder or a Taoist, would result in you being hunted.

Of course, things were different in private.

Before they even got close to the martial hall, neat shouting sounds could be heard from inside, clearly indicating that disciples were practicing their fists.

Zhang ShiTong arrived at the entrance and first respectfully bowed to the two stone lions, saying, "Greetings, sirs," before leading Li Yan inside.

Li Yan's heart tightened at the sound.

Well, this must be advice from an insider.

He suspected that over the years, these stone lions had become spirits, serving as guardian deities for the Zhang Clan Martial Hall, similar to the methods used by some major sects on famous mountains.

Upon entering, there were two large training grounds.

One was paved with yellow earth, with racks holding various weapons like sabers, spears, staffs, and clubs.

The other had Plum Blossom Poles set up, along with stone locks, stone balls, and other training equipment.

Autumn had already arrived, and after a few autumn rains, the weather had turned cold. However, the disciples in the training grounds were all wearing short tunics, their muscles bulging, their fist winds swift and powerful, with steam rising from their heads.

Xinyi Liuhe Fist?

Li Yan recognized the martial art at a glance.

This fist technique's principle was "the movement of the mind is intention, the direction of intention is the fist." It was derived from the spear, yet used as a fist, striking in six directions, hence the name Xinyi Liuhe Fist.

In Guanzhong, although Red Fist was the mainstream, Xinyi Liuhe Fist was widely practiced, and it wasn't unusual for there to be martial halls specifically teaching it.

The main hall of the martial hall was also quite spacious. On the wall directly behind the main seat, a statue of the Zhang Family Old Ancestor was enshrined, with two Grand Tutor chairs below it. There was also a row of chairs on each side of the hall, and several imposing landscape paintings hung on the walls.

An old man sat in one of the Grand Tutor chairs. He was not tall, dressed in a blue cloth tunic, with connected eyebrows and somewhat graying hair. He also had a pair of dead fish eyes.

"Greetings, Senior Zhang," Li Yan said, cupping his fist in salute.

Although he was arrogant and unrestrained, he was not unmannamed.

This old man was Zhang YuanShang, the vice president of the Xianyang Divine Fist Society, who also ran a martial hall and had connections with several escort agencies. He was considered a senior figure in the local martial arts world.

Old Man Zhang was smoking a water pipe. When he saw Li Yan enter, he merely raised his eyebrows slightly. The disciples in the hall immediately withdrew, closing the door behind them.

With the clanging sound of the door closing, the light in the main hall immediately dimmed.

Only the Zhang father and son and Li Yan remained in the hall.

Zhang YuanShang looked at Li Yan with his dead fish eyes, a cold, eerie light flashing within them. He said in a hoarse voice, "Although Li Hu couldn't control his crotch, he was still a heroic and imposing man. How did he end up with such a pale-faced son?"

The old man was not tall, but his presence was incredibly imposing.

As his icy gaze fell upon Li Yan, it felt like knives were pressed against his forehead.

Li Yan's expression remained unchanged. He glanced at Zhang ShiTong, who was standing beside him, and shook his head, "Senior is formidable. You truly are family."

The Zhang family was at odds with Zhou Pan. They wouldn't have invited him here to fight.

This old man was merely trying to intimidate him, to test his courage.

But his mouth was as foul as his son's.

"Fool, you've got some spirit after all."

The old man didn't get angry. He leaned back in his chair and sighed, "If you had come to me first, things wouldn't have turned out like this."

"Don't fight in the Life and Death Arena anymore. Leave Xianyang. At least you can save your life!"

Li Yan chuckled, "My fighting in the arena has something to do with you, Senior?"

The old man replied, "Your fight has nothing to do with me, but you are Li Hu's son. Fighting in the Life and Death Arena in Xianyang concerns me!"

He then looked out the window and said calmly, "This Jianghu, it's not simple if you say it's simple, and not complicated if you say it's complicated."

"It's simple: whoever has the bigger fist has the stronger back!"

"It's complicated: there are rules inside and out, and social niceties everywhere."

"Ten years ago, a few old friends and I thought highly of your father. We also knew Zhou Pan's character and didn't want him to become the president of the Xianyang Divine Fist Society, so we pulled strings and made plans, which took a lot of effort."

"Just as things were about to succeed, your father died in Chang'an, and in a brothel no less. That allowed Zhou Pan to take over easily, and we were all laughed at."

"The other old friends backed down. I, however, did not. But if you, carrying the name of Li Hu's son, were to be killed in Xianyang, that old monkey would have grounds to speak boldly, and I would have no face to go out."

"This logic... do you understand?"

"Understood!"

Li Yan nodded calmly, "It's just that they're afraid I'll get on the scale. Once the true strength is revealed, some things can't be said anymore."

"Good that you understand."

Zhang YuanShang nodded slightly, then picked up his water pipe and lit it. "No matter what you plan to do, once you say you want to fight in the Life and Death Arena, you'll have nothing to do with that scumbag Meng Hai Chen. Win or lose, he won't be able to save his life."

"Zhou Pan has already entered Transformed Strength, and he's extremely concerned about his reputation. Forget about fighting, he probably won't even show his face..."

"He has famous disciples among his subordinates, the Eight Great Vajras, all of whom are at Hidden Strength. The leaders of the Iron Saber and White Ape gangs are among them. Any one of them could kill you..."

"But Zhou Pan won't let them fight. Because you're too young, and they are disciples from outside the family, and they've been famous for a long time. Winning against them wouldn't count as a win."

"If this old man's guess is correct, the one who will fight you is Zhou Bai. He's the most outstanding disciple of the Zhou Family of this generation, only seventeen or eighteen years old. He entered Hidden Strength last year, and he's a martial arts fanatic who spars with people everywhere and has rich experience."

"When the cat's away, the mice will play. Only when Zhou Bai kills you can that old monkey's anger be appeased."

"So... do you still have the guts to get on the stage?"

Li Yan raised an eyebrow and said lightly, "I think that old monkey will have to keep holding his breath!"

"Good, at least your mouth is tough!"

Zhang YuanShang clapped his hands and nodded, "Shi Tong, test his strength."

"If he's just all talk, break his legs and throw him out of Xianyang!"