Unavoidable

Yunyang's martial arts forces could be divided into three factions.

The first faction was, of course, unquestionably the Martial Academy.

The Martial Academy had been established and was run by the Federation, representing the power of the authorities. With abundant resources and deep pockets, it had recruited a great many skilled fighters, making it very powerful. However, the Martial Academy faction never took part in local disputes.

So the martial arts power truly controlling Yunyang belonged to the five great Martial Arts Families, the second faction.

The five great Martial Arts Families all had long-established family traditions and inherited martial arts. Each had produced a warrior at Dan Jin or above. They had been entrenched in Yunyang for many years, with deep foundations, and wielded tremendous influence locally.

They could be called the true overlords. Even the local authorities didn't dare offend them lightly and had to rely on them at every turn.

The third faction was the Martial Halls. Yunyang City had seven districts and thirteen counties, with more than a hundred Martial Halls of all sizes. Together, these halls formed a certain power structure and wielded enormous influence.

Fortunately, the Martial Halls usually acted independently, with none willing to submit to another. They had never formed a unified force, and sometimes their strength was no greater than that of a few powerful gangs.

There were gangs of all sizes in Yunyang, too, but they had few experts, and many were affiliated with the five great families, to whom they had to pay tribute.

Thus, the five great Martial Arts Families were the top forces in Yunyang's martial world.

They had actually come to watch this match, enough to drive its popularity to even greater heights. The atmosphere grew more and more heated.

The families hadn't sent many people. Each had brought only seven or eight, led by an elder. They had probably come to gain experience.

As people from the five families entered, the heads of the various Martial Halls stood to greet them. Even Hong Jiantong and Xiong Jiang rose to return their greetings. But the five families were truly arrogant.

Their leaders merely nodded in acknowledgment before being escorted by people from the Martial Arts Association to the places reserved for them.

To everyone's surprise, though, only four of the five families had come.

The Yue Family was nowhere to be seen. The Qin Family walked alone, while the Shen, Zhou, and Chen Families seemed noticeably closer, entering together.

Quite a few people present knew some of the inside story. It seemed the rumors were true: the Qin Family had joined forces with Xiongying Martial Arts School to seize territory in Yunyang, breaking with the other families.

"Heh, still acting so high and mighty. Maybe in a few days, there'll only be one family left!"

Xiong Jiang's eyes flashed with displeasure. He was a Hua Jin warrior, yet the families had barely even nodded at him. Weren't they a little too arrogant?

Hong Jiantong glanced at Xiong Jiang and smiled faintly.

"Watch your words, Brother Xiong. We're only here to teach martial arts. The rest has nothing to do with us!"

Xiong Jiang said in a low voice,

"I just can't stand the way they carry themselves!"

"Xiongying Martial Arts School is here!"

Suddenly, someone shouted from the crowd. A commotion followed, and everyone turned to look. Xiong Jiang fell silent and looked over as well.

A group came down the passageway, fifty or sixty people strong. They all wore black training uniforms, with golden eagles spreading their wings embroidered across their chests. Every one of them was powerfully built, brimming with energy and vigor, and exuded Killing Intent, making the onlookers instinctively retreat.

"My God, Xiongying Martial Arts School has such a powerful presence. I can feel the pressure!"

"Look at the disciples Xiongying Martial Arts School has trained. Every one of them looks incredibly strong. I'm going to send my little rascal there to learn martial arts!"

"Exactly. I'll tell my big brother when I get home and have him send my nephew there, too. Look at their presence—it's far stronger than those other Martial Halls!"

"Far stronger? They're head and shoulders above the others! No wonder Xiongying Martial Arts School can sweep all before it. Looks like they've got the real goods!"

The crowd buzzed with discussion. The people from Xiongying Martial Arts School wore pleased expressions, lifting their chins even higher and striding with greater force.

The other Martial Halls, however, looked rather displeased.

"Tiger Might Martial Arts School is here, too!"

Another shout came from outside the crowd, drawing plenty of eyes. People turned to look.

Sure enough, the people from Tiger Might Martial Arts School had arrived behind them.

The people from Xiongying Martial Arts School stopped as well. Wei Zhendong looked back, his gaze landing on Guan Lie at the head of the approaching group. Both groups came to a halt.

Dozens of meters separated the two sides as they faced off.

Guan Lie stood at the front of his group. His gaze met Wei Zhendong's, cold light flickering in both their eyes, as if sparks were flying between them.

Wei Zhendong narrowed his eyes. He could feel the pressure. Guan Lie's energy and spirit showed no sign of waning. This time, there would likely be a fierce battle.

"Let's go in."

He said it flatly, turned, and led the way into the arena.

Guan Lie had brought everyone from his Martial Hall.

First, to cheer him on; second, to let the students broaden their horizons. Even Pharmacist Xie had come, following behind Guan Lie.

Fang Mo walked among the crowd. To be honest, he hadn't really wanted to come; a whole morning would eat into his training time.

But Guan Lie had required everyone to attend, so he had no choice but to come.

Once there, he was a little surprised.

So many people had come to watch. The place was packed three layers deep, truly a sea of people.

Guan Lie's expression was equally grave. Just now, when his eyes met Wei Zhendong's, he had felt the pressure too. His opponent was powerful, and he had no confidence of victory at all.

"Let's go in!"

Guan Lie waved his hand and led everyone toward the arena.

"Master Guan!"

Hong Jiantong and Xiong Jiang both stood and clasped their fists toward Guan Lie.

"Old Hong, Brother Xiong, you're here too!"

Guan Lie clasped his fists toward them.

Xiong Jiang stepped forward, took Guan Lie's hand, and said in a low voice,

"Master Guan, this battle rests on you. You have to win one for our Yunyang Martial Halls!"

"I'll do my best."

Guan Lie smiled faintly, shook his hand, then let go.

"Master Guan, you have to win!"

Lin Xiangdong came over as well and clasped his fists toward Guan Lie, his eyes shining.

Guan Lie met Lin Xiangdong's earnest gaze and nodded solemnly. He clasped his fists once more, then led his disciples to the main stand.

Tiger Might Martial Arts School and Xiongying Martial Arts School were seated on opposite sides of the judges' stand. The Martial Arts Association had invited three experts from a martial arts academy to serve as judges, ensuring the fairness of the match.

The two sides took their seats. Though they were several meters apart, the students on both sides were poised for a fight, their eyes hostile as they stared each other down.

Fang Mo looked around, too. He spotted people from four families, but not a single person from the Yue Family.

He understood after a moment's thought. The Yue Family's absence meant they didn't want to get involved in the conflict and intended to stay completely out of it.

Just then, he suddenly noticed a gaze unlike the others fixed on him.

"Qin Lang!"

His eyes met the other man's, and they suddenly narrowed.

Qin Lang was watching him, the corner of his mouth lifting in a cold smile as he made a throat-slitting gesture.

Fang Mo's eyes narrowed. Sure enough, the Qin Family already knew he was at Tiger Might Martial Arts School.

That meant the people who had ambushed him earlier had probably been sent by Qin Lang, not the gangs. As for why they hadn't attacked again, perhaps it was because he was hiding in the Martial Hall, where it was hard for them to make a move.

He couldn't help thinking of today's match. His heart tightened. Could it have something to do with the Qin Family, too?

Like a lingering ghost!

Fang Mo's gaze turned cold. He had kept hiding, wanting nothing to do with either the Fang Family or the Qin Family.

All he wanted was to pursue the martial way, but it seemed the Qin Family refused to let him go.

It seemed that simply hiding wouldn't solve anything. He didn't want to hold a grudge, but the other side wouldn't leave him alone. Some dangers had to be dealt with!

A murderous impulse rose in his heart.

But the Qin Family was far stronger than he was. How was he supposed to deal with them?

"The time has come!"

A loud shout rang out from the ring, interrupting Fang Mo's thoughts.

On the ring, Bai Hongsheng, the vice president of the Martial Arts Association, held a microphone.

Bai Hongsheng was plump and fair, with gold-rimmed glasses. He should have been the center of attention today, but instead, sweat beaded on his forehead.

He had been pushed into handling this matter. The Qin Family had ordered it, and the Chen, Shen, and Zhou Families had also wanted it. He knew all the ins and outs. That winner would have a hard time, no matter who it was. This was thankless work.

He wiped away his sweat and shouted again,

"This match is for the exchange of martial arts and friendly competition. Neither side may cause the other's death. A fighter loses by admitting defeat or falling out of the ring, and attacks must stop immediately. Otherwise, that fighter will be ruled the loser. If neither side objects, please come up and sign the match agreement!"