Taking the Arena

The elders of the Qingshou Association are divided into two categories: civil elders and Elder Wu.

Tang Peigong is Elder Wen.

Wu Decheng is Elder Wu.

The main difference between the two is that Elder Wu, Wu Decheng, has cultivation.

Wu Decheng is a sixth-level cultivator and a top-tier expert in the city of Black Stone Slope.

Li Banfeng had Ma Wu conduct a thorough investigation of the Qingshou Association. He knew that there was a person named Wu Decheng in the Qingshou Association of Black Stone Slope, and he had taken precautions against him. However, he did not expect that Wu Decheng would not show up in front of the movie theater.

There were some hidden details that Li Banfeng was unaware of.

At the beginning of the year, Tang Peigong and Wu Decheng had a quarrel. Tang Peigong reprimanded Wu Decheng in public, and Wu Decheng lost face and recuperated in his residence outside the city for a period of time.

Both being elders of the Qingshou Association, Wu Decheng also possessed cultivation, so why was Tang Peigong able to reprimand Wu Decheng?

This is a unique tradition of the Qingshou Association.

There are differences in status among the elders. What determines an elder's status is not their cultivation level, but their character and ability.

Although Tang Peigong lacked cultivation and other special skills, he possessed both De Cai, and his status was above Wu Decheng's. It was only right that he reprimand Wu Decheng.

Unexpectedly, smashing up a movie theater resulted in being splashed with gold juice. Helpless, Tang Peigong could only ask Wu Decheng to step in and deal with the Ye Lai Xiang newspaper.

But why did Tang Peigong conclude that Ye Lai Xiang was the mastermind behind so many newspapers and magazines publishing the same news?

Because only this one newspaper published the news of the movie screening.

Following this lead, Tang Peigong discovered a mysterious figure— Night Boss.

"It was this guy surnamed Ye who bought the Sanfu Cinema, showed those indecent films, and even spread rumors and slander against me in the newspapers."

The ambush we suffered in front of the cinema was clearly orchestrated by this guy.

Wu Decheng didn't mince words. After finding out what had happened, he went to the Ye Lai Xiang newspaper office alone.

Upon arriving at the newspaper office, Wu Decheng first had a worker go in to announce, "Wu Decheng of the Qingshou Association has come to see Night Boss."

Ma Wu reminded him, "Elder Wu is here."

Li Banfeng asked, "How many people did he bring?"

The worker replied, "Just one."

Li Banfeng nodded and said, "The Jianghu Rules emphasize fairness. Since he came alone, I will receive him alone."

"You've all been lying in wait. Wait until I make my move, then you all attack together. We can't let him say we're ganging up on him."

Zuo Wugang didn't understand. "If we all attack together, won't he say we're bullying the few with the many?"

Li Banfeng said, "I meant I wouldn't let him talk, not that I wouldn't bully him!"

Ma Wu had a factory room specially cleaned out, where Li Banfeng and Wu Decheng sat and talked face-to-face.

"Night Boss, I heard you just arrived in Black Stone Slope?"

Li Banfeng nodded and said, "The business has just started, and I haven't had a chance to pay my respects to Elder Wu yet."

Wu Decheng laughed and said, "You don't seem like someone who'd be in this business."

Li Banfeng was taken aback. "What makes you say that?"

Wu Decheng felt thirsty, picked up his teacup, smelled it, and put it back on the table. He looked at Li Banfeng and said, "This tea is poisoned."

Li Banfeng explained, "The medicine was just added and wasn't stirred properly."

Wu Decheng sighed, "I came with sincerity."

"I am ashamed, I am ashamed. I was wrong to do this. I will get Elder Wu a new cup of tea right away."

Before long, a waiter brought up another cup of tea.

Wu Decheng said to Li Banfeng, "Night Boss, I'm here today to discuss two things with you, and I can only discuss them with you."

Li Banfeng said very frankly, "I'm all alone here."

Wu Decheng sighed softly and said, "I am Nianxiu."

The three Daoist paths of literary cultivation, moral cultivation, and mindfulness cultivation are very similar, but the perception of literary cultivation and moral cultivation is not very strong, while the perception of mindfulness cultivation is extremely strong.

Wu Decheng could clearly sense the thoughts of those around him. "Night Boss, I have come with sincerity and will never harm you."

Li Banfeng shouted to those around him, "Did you hear that? Elder Wu came with sincerity. Everyone, stay away and find a place where you can't hear us!"

There was some noise coming from around the factory.

Zuo Wugang.

Aqin was on the roof beam, is gone.

The Street Scolding Woman pretending to clean and cursing also left.

Sensing that the others were far enough away, Wu Decheng lowered his voice and said to Li Banfeng, "First, could you please stop showing the movie 'Blood Spear Detective'? And could you please stop publishing the newspaper 'Night Fragrance'?"

Li Banfeng shook his head and said, "The movie has to be shown, and the newspaper has to be published. There's no room for discussion."

This was within Wu Decheng's expectations.

"Then let's discuss the second thing: let's play three matches."

Li Banfeng asked in surprise, "What do you mean by playing three matches?"

"It's like a duel, best two out of three. We've faced off three times."

Let me win the first match, you win the second, and we'll tie the third.

I 'Qingshou Association, and you've made a fortune in Black Stone Slope. Is there any room for negotiation on this matter?

Li Banfeng pondered for a moment and said, "We can discuss it, but I have to win the first match."

Wu Decheng frowned and said, "This is a gentleman's agreement, why are you making such a fuss about this?"

Li Banfeng said, "Since you don't mind, then give me the first match."

Wu Decheng said, "I volunteered to fight in the Qingshou Association. If I fail to win, it will be difficult to explain to others."

Li Banfeng said, "My momentum was just right, but this sudden crushing defeat has severely damaged morale!"

Wu Decheng looked displeased and remained silent for a long time before saying, "Fine, as you wish, you win the first match."

Li Banfeng nodded and said, "Shall we sign a contract?"

Wu Decheng waved his hands repeatedly and said, "I won't sign the contract."

Li Banfeng knew that he couldn't possibly sign a contract, stage a contest, make a tacit agreement beforehand, or fix the match; he couldn't let others know about such things.

"Then let's settle this with tea instead of wine," Li Banfeng said, raising his teacup.

Wu Decheng also raised his teacup. "A gentleman's promise, a gentleman's tea, to be drunk in one gulp."

Li Banfeng drank the cup of tea in one gulp.

Wu Decheng drank the tea, then spat it out.

"Is this tea still poisoned?"

"No way!" Li Banfeng exclaimed in surprise.

Wu Decheng sneered, "I've been in the underworld for decades, I've seen it all. I've drunk my way through it all, and you still won't admit it?"

Li Banfeng was still shocked. "When I bought the poison, they said it was tasteless and colorless, so you shouldn't have been able to taste it!"

"I..." Wu Decheng was so angry that he didn't speak for a long time.

Li Banfeng comforted him, "Don't be angry. I'll have someone get you another cup. Try this one and see if it's poisoned."

Wu Decheng laughed in exasperation, "Young man, I really like your temperament. What we've agreed on can't be taken back."

"Don't worry, I won't go back on my word." Li Banfeng stood up to see the guest off.

After leaving the Ye Lai Xiang newspaper office, Wu Decheng went to Tang Peigong's residence.

"Pei Gong, I met with the manager of the 'Night Fragrance' newspaper, exchanged a few blows with him, and beat him up."

I wanted to beat him to death, but I was afraid people would say I was bullying a junior and ruin my reputation.

I took pity on him and spared his life, but he was still not satisfied, accusing me of bullying the weak and insisting on a duel with us, a Scholar Arena at that.

"When will the war begin?" Tang Peigong asked excitedly.

The Qingshou Association are moral exemplars who act with integrity and honesty. They generally do not resort to underhanded tactics and often resolve conflicts by arranging duels.

But Tang Peigong has no cultivation, so what is he excited about?

As Wu Decheng said, the two sides agreed to Scholar Arena, which is equivalent to a debate.

Wu Decheng said, "Pei Gong, you know I'm not good with words, while this young man surnamed Ye is eloquent. I'm afraid I'll suffer a loss on the stage and lose face."

Tang Peigong got out of bed.

He had been bedridden for several days and couldn't get up, but today he finally got out of bed.

"De Cheng, that's a rather Outer Dao statement. Do you really need to get involved in a duel? Do you think I, Tang, am afraid of him?"

When Tang Peigong said "afraid," he spat out some saliva, which drifted into Wu Decheng's face.

Wu Decheng forced himself not to vomit, adjusted his stance to try and get into an upwind position, and sighed, "Then this matter will have to be handled by you."

"What kind of relationship do we have? Why be so polite!"

Wu Decheng smiled and nodded.

That's right, he really isn't good at speaking.

He was helping Tang Peigong with his business, and in just a few words, it turned into him asking Tang Peigong for a favor.

He had suffered similar grievances countless times.

Now you don't have to suffer anymore.

He made a deal with Night Shopkeeper to have a contest, but it wasn't Scholar Arena.

Tang Peigong was proud and arrogant, and he would never lower himself to contact Night Shopkeeper.

That's where things get interesting.

Tang Peigong found four of his most eloquent disciples, making a total of five people including himself, to prepare for the competition.

This was a golden opportunity to turn things around, so Tang Peigong specially instructed his disciples to contact newspapers and make a big splash.

Black Stone Slope is bustling again, as someone wants to challenge the Qingshou Association!

"Do you know what this Night Shopkeeper does?"

"I heard they run a newspaper, and that's where 'Night Fragrance' comes from."

"A newspaper publisher challenging the Qingshou Association —how audacious!"

"We need to go check this out. Those bastards from the Qingshou Association, beating up an old lady in the street—they don't seem to have any real skills!"

"No, let's not talk about skill yet. Are they competing in Scholar Arena or a Martial Arena?"

"The newspaper didn't say anything about it either, but whether it's Scholar Arena or Martial Arena, 'Night Fragrance' is likely to be in grave danger..."

The day before the competition started, Wu Decheng handed a list to Tang Peigong.

This group of people were all renowned figures from Black Stone Slope and witnesses to the arena.

For Scholar Arena contests, the role of witnesses is very important, because unlike Martial Arena Scholar Arena, the outcome is not so clear, and witnesses often have to act as referees.

Tang Peigong had seen the list; he knew all these people, and they all had to be extremely respectful to him. As long as things went smoothly, Tang Peigong would definitely be the winner.

"Old Wu, you've done a good job. I don't need to personally greet these people anymore, right?" Tang Peigong was quite satisfied with the list.

"No need, I've already made arrangements."

"Okay, I trust you to handle things."

Wu Decheng smiled bitterly to himself.

The situation changed that quickly.

He had asked me to settle things before.

Now I'm the one doing things for him.

I even exchanged two words of praise from him.

How shameless can this person be?

Alright, let's see if you can withstand it in the ring tomorrow!

The competition began the next day.

Tang Peigong, carrying the banner of the Qingshou Association, led four disciples to stand on the arena first.

Li Banfeng didn't quite understand the rules.

Five people attacking at once, is this a gang fight?

The key issue is that the arena isn't very big, so it seems like there's not much room to maneuver.

Bai Qiusheng sensed something was wrong and lowered his voice to ask Li Banfeng, "Seventh Master, is this Scholar Arena?"

"What is Scholar Arena?" Li Banfeng asked, looking completely bewildered.

"Scholar Arena is about words, not fists!"

A verbal duel?

Li Banfeng did not prepare according to this plan.

As they were talking, Wu Decheng had the first whistle sounded, a signal for both sides to prepare for battle.

Bai Qiusheng asked, "Seventh Master, what should we do? Who should we send in?"

Li Banfeng said, "Let's proceed according to the previous plan. The people we've chosen are quite eloquent."

In the drama "Night Fragrance", Zuo Wugang started, and Cao Zhida, Zhen Jincheng and Ma Wu have both taken on supporting roles.

Bai Qiusheng was very nervous. "Seventh Master, these people aren't cut out for a war of words!"

Li Banfeng said, "They're all good at arguing, especially Zuo Wugang, who's particularly good at it."

While Bai Qiusheng was still worried, a second whistle sounded on the stage.

The second blast of the whistle signifies that the personnel have been selected, and no one can back out now.

Bai Qiusheng turned around anxiously, and in the blink of an eye, the whistle sounded for the third time.

According to the rules of Black Stone Slope, this marks the official start of the war.

Tang Peigong was the first to step forward, standing in the center of the arena. He glared at Zuo Wugang and said, "You arrogant brat, spouting nonsense, spreading rumors, and causing trouble, you have no shame..."

Look at his eloquence, he speaks so fluently, four words at a time, so perfectly phrased.

Several witnesses in the audience covered their noses and exclaimed in admiration:

"The elder is right."

"The smell is just too strong."

These words stunned Zuo Wugang. He turned to look at Li Banfeng and asked, "Has the fight started yet?"

Li Banfeng said, "The fight has started!"

Zuo Wugang turned his head and saw Tang Peigong still cursing angrily. "Red-mouthed venomous snake, how wicked your heart is, how vicious and cruel your actions are..."

Bang!

Zuo Wugang punched Tang Peigong in the mouth, knocking out his front teeth.

Tang Peigong, with his gaping teeth, looked at Zuo Wugang, then at Wu Decheng.

Wu Decheng remained expressionless and silent.

The disciples were stunned and shouted, "Scholar Arena, why are you hitting people?"

The group of witnesses were stunned for a moment before looking at Wu Decheng and asking, "Elder Wu, is today's Scholar Arena or Martial Arena?"

Wu Decheng's expression was complicated.

With a hint of surprise and confusion, it seemed as if something had gone wrong.

Tang Peigong didn't want to fight anymore; he felt he was about to collapse.

"You..." He wanted to argue with Zuo Wugang a few more times, but Zuo Wugang punched him in the face, followed by two kicks to his chest and stomach, throwing him off the stage.

That was a really hard hit.

Zuo Wugang could have knocked him down with one punch, but he got annoyed by what he said earlier, so he used some tricks to make Tang Peigong take a couple more kicks.

"The smell is so strong, and you still keep babbling on and on!" Zuo Wugang spat at Tang Peigong.

Tang Peigong lay on the ground, his jawbone shattered, his sternum shattered, and his ribs broken, unable to speak.

The remaining four disciples were still arguing. "It's Scholar Arena, you can't hit people!"

The cheers from the audience drowned out the voices of the four disciples.

"Good, well done!"

"These bastards deserve a beating!"

"Elder Tang, give me a few of your concubines; you won't need them anymore!"

Amid cheers, Cao Zhida, Zhen Jincheng, and others pinned down Tang Peigong's disciple and gave him a thorough beating, punching him in the mouth with every blow.

Li Banfeng said to Bai Qiusheng, "See? They're all good at arguing."

Bai Qiusheng was unsure how to evaluate the situation.

Li Banfeng bowed slightly to Wu Decheng.

Elder Wu is a good man; he let us have the first match.

But this is a bit too obvious. Why not at least find some people who can fight? Why send up these useless guys?

Wu Decheng also clasped his hands in a fist salute to Li Banfeng.

Young man, did you enjoy that?

I'll let you win the first battle.

The second battle is mine to win.

As for the third battle...

There will be no third battle.

Young man, you're still too young. Don't blame me for being ruthless.

PS: Elder Wu is very cunning, but Ban Feng is an honest and kind person, so he probably won't hold a grudge against him.