Martial Arts Tournament

Chapter 46: Martial Arts Tournament

The City God Temple, standing tall after a millennium.

Once a place of fervent worship, it now lay silent amidst the clamor of the interstellar age. Yet, today, this ancient temple was infused with new life.

A grand martial arts tournament was about to unfold.

The sky gradually turned a pale, milky white. The rising sun, like a leisurely referee making its entrance, landed on the newly erected stage in the plaza before the temple.

The stage was built from sturdy wood, over two meters high, with seating areas around it and protective barriers set up.

At this moment, a large crowd had already gathered outside the seating areas.

Many had arrived in the dead of night, just for this rare opportunity to witness an open martial arts competition.

The media swarm was not to be outdone, with television stations, live streamers, and print journalists arriving in droves, setting up various recording equipment, signaling that the influence of this tournament had far surpassed the usual small-scale exchanges between martial arts schools.

Clang clang clang!

As the City God Temple's melodious bell chimed, the roads surrounding the temple began to buzz with activity.

Teams from various martial arts schools converged like a tapestry, each team carrying its own banners and emblems, showcasing their unique sect's style.

First came the "Qingyang Martial Arts School," appearing in matching green training uniforms. Their disciplined formation of dozens of people moved in unison, exuding a powerful aura.

Closely following were the "North Leg Martial Arts School." Their members, dressed in white training uniforms, entered while performing their forms. Their synchronized movements and impressive spinning kicks drew waves of cheers.

Then, other martial arts schools appeared one after another, as if all the martial arts schools in Yunyang had come.

They all showcased their best skills. Some teams excelled in agility and nimbleness, while others impressed with sheer power. Their passionate displays seemed less like cheering and more like performances, advertising for their own schools.

Of course, there were also those who genuinely cheered for the Tiger Might Martial Arts School.

However, there probably weren't many. The relationship between martial arts schools was more often one of competition than friendship.

"Look over there, the Yunhe Martial Arts School is here too!"

A gasp erupted from the crowd, with many pointing towards the entrance.

The Yunhe Martial Arts School didn't have many people, only a dozen or so, also dressed in uniform blue martial arts attire. Two disciples at the front carried a banner, walking through the passage towards the venue.

Their small numbers were incomparable to teams of a hundred or more, and they didn't perform any displays, simply walking in.

"I heard the Yunhe Martial Arts School's master, Lin Xiangdong, is an inner disciple of the Yunhe Sect and once killed a peak Dark Strength Martial Artist with a single punch!"

"Nonsense, that was ages ago. He was just defeated by the Xiongying Martial Arts School not long ago. I can't believe he still has the nerve to show up today!"

"He lost and still came? Pfft... go home!"

"..."

Listening to the murmurs of the crowd, filled with mockery.

Lin Xiangdong's body trembled slightly with anger, but he didn't respond immediately. He simply took a deep breath, his chest rising and falling as he struggled to suppress the emotions about to erupt.

His gaze swept over each of his disciples, catching the hurt and struggle in their eyes.

Some disciples lowered their heads, avoiding the harsh words.

A flicker of heartache crossed Lin Xiangdong's eyes. He slowly raised his hand and gently patted the shoulder of a disciple beside him, a silent gesture of comfort and a transfer of strength.

The disciple looked up, meeting Lin Xiangdong's encouraging gaze, filled with trust and determination.

Like a warm light, it instantly illuminated the gloom in their hearts.

Lin Xiangdong raised his head, and his disciples followed suit, leading them into the venue.

"Quick, look, the Hongtong Martial Arts School is here too!" The crowd roared again.

Hong Jiantong, the master of the Hongtong Martial Arts School, along with Xiong Jiang of the Qingyun Martial Arts School and Guan Lie of the Tiger Might Martial Arts School, were known as the three great masters of the Yunyang martial arts scene. Their arrival naturally drew much attention.

Their entourage was grand and imposing, each member spirited and dignified. They also entered performing their forms and shouting slogans.

Although Hong Jiantong was nearing sixty, his posture was upright, and he walked with the bearing of a dragon. The pressure emanating from him as a Hua Jin Martial Artist unconsciously made those around him step aside.

As he entered the venue, many martial arts school masters rose and clasped their fists in greeting. He merely smiled and returned the gesture.

Led by staff, he was seated to Lin Xiangdong's side.

"Old Hong!" Lin Xiangdong quickly stood up and clasped his fists in respect.

"Xiangdong is here too. No need to be so formal, have a seat!"

Hong Jiantong nodded with a smile in response.

Seeing that Hong Jiantong hadn't even stood up, Lin Xiangdong gritted his teeth and sat back down. His expression was calm, but his fists were clenched tightly.

As time passed, more martial arts schools arrived.

Hong Jiantong sat serenely, his eyes half-closed as if lost in thought, responding to the greetings around him only with clasped fists.

"The Qingyun Martial Arts School has arrived!"

At this moment, a loud announcement rang out. Hong Jiantong's eyes opened, and his gaze was drawn to the newcomers.

A large group of people entered, all wearing red training uniforms and carrying a banner that read, "Qingyun Martial Arts School wishes Tiger Might Martial Arts School great victory!" Such a direct declaration caused a stir.

Xiong Jiang, stout with a bald head, strode ahead of the group with an imposing presence, completely unfazed by the surrounding controversy.

He led dozens of disciples, striding purposefully into the venue, laughing heartily and interacting enthusiastically with everyone.

"Brother Hong, you're here early!"

Xiong Jiang strode forward upon seeing Hong Jiantong, cupped his fists, and said with a smile.

Hong Jiantong rose to return the greeting, and asked with a smile, "Brother Xiong, I heard you were away, why did you rush back?"

Xiong Jiang laughed heartily, "How could I miss such a big event? I want to witness firsthand how certain people will end up. Is the Yunyang martial arts world a place that can be trampled on at will!"

His voice was extremely loud, with no intention of hiding it.

Hong Jiantong chuckled and gestured to the side, saying:

"Brother Xiong, sit here! Let's chat!"

"Sure! I'd also like to chat with Brother Hong!"

Xiong Jiang readily agreed, waved his disciples to their designated spots in the martial arts school, and pulled a chair to sit next to Hong Jiantong.

"Brother Hong, who do you think will win?" Xiong Jiang asked in a low voice as soon as he sat down.

Hong Jiantong pondered, "It's hard to say. One side is a dragon crossing the river, and the other is a fierce tiger on a mountain. However, Guan Lie has been keeping a low profile in recent years, and his disciples' strength might not match that of the Xiongying Martial Arts School!"

Xiong Jiang nodded in agreement, his expression grave, "Brother Hong's analysis is thorough. I am also worried about this. Once Guan Lie is defeated, the next target will likely be us."

Hong Jiantong smiled, "This old body of mine probably can't fight anymore. We'll have to rely on you, Brother Xiong, then."

Xiong Jiang responded with hearty laughter, "Brother Hong is too humble. Everyone knows your strength; you've likely already reached Hua Jin. I don't have that confidence; I'll have to rely on you, Brother!"

"Haha, Brother Xiong is too modest. Your Cloud Holding Hand has become more refined in recent years," Hong Jiantong replied with a smile.

As the two chatted and made polite refusals, neither of them felt confident about competing with the Xiongying Martial Arts School. If they lost, their reputations, built over many years, would be ruined.

"The Five Great Families are here!"

At this moment, the crowd erupted.

"The Five Great Families are here?"

Hong Jiantong's expression changed slightly. He turned his gaze towards the entrance and saw several groups of people walking towards the arena.

"Why are they here too?"

Xiong Jiang's eyes also flickered, and he exclaimed in surprise. Then, his eyes narrowed, and he said in a low voice, "As expected, this competition is related to them!" He looked at Hong Jiantong and whispered, "Brother Hong, I heard that the Qin Family and the Ningjiang He Family of the Eagle Claw Sect have joined forces, wanting to monopolize Yunyang, is that true?"

Hong Jiantong stroked his beard, a knowing expression on his face, "That's right. Now, the Qin Family and the Zhou, Chen, and Shen families are at loggerheads. This martial arts competition is a test of strength. Otherwise, do you think so many people would be here!"

Xiong Jiang's face darkened, "Then aren't we just cannon fodder? What does their family feud have to do with us?"

Hong Jiantong's expression was wistful, "The Ningjiang He Family has a motive. If the Xiongying Martial Arts School unifies the Yunyang martial arts world, a more powerful force will be formed, enough to crush the several great families!"

"So that's how it is!"

Xiong Jiang's face showed a look of realization, "The Ningjiang He Family has a good plan, using our Yunyang's strength to fight against Yunyang's strength!"

Hong Jiantong sighed slightly, lamenting, "Over the years, I've been trying to get the martial arts schools to form an alliance and create a powerful force, but no one was willing. Now, we can't just be slaughtered at will!"

"Times have changed!"

Xiong Jiang showed a hint of embarrassment on his face, then his expression turned serious, "Brother Hong, after this is over, we need to discuss this matter. We can't be scattered like this anymore and be bullied by others!"

Hong Jiantong's eyes brightened slightly, then lowered, "Alright! We do need to discuss it!!"