Unavoidable

Chapter 47: Can't Dodge

The Martial Arts forces in Yunyang can be divided into three systems.

The first system is, of course, the undisputed Martial Academies system.

The Martial Academies are founded and managed by the Federation, representing official power. Due to abundant resources and strong financial backing, they have recruited many experts, making them very powerful. However, the Martial Academies system never participates in local disputes.

Therefore, the real Martial Arts power in Yunyang belongs to the second system: the five major Martial Arts Families.

The five Martial Arts Families all have deep family traditions and martial arts legacies. Furthermore, each family has produced Martial Artists at the Dan Jin level or above. They have been entrenched in Yunyang for many years with profound foundations, thus holding significant local influence.

They can be considered the true overlords, whom even the local officials dare not provoke lightly and often rely upon.

The third system is the Martial Arts School system. Yunyang City's seven districts and thirteen counties have hundreds of Martial Arts Schools of various sizes, forming a certain power structure with considerable influence.

Fortunately, the Martial Arts Schools are generally independent, with no single entity subservient to another, thus failing to form a unified force. Sometimes their collective strength is less than that of a few powerful gangs.

There are also various gangs in Yunyang, but they do not have many experts. Moreover, many gangs are affiliated with the five major families and must offer them benefits.

Therefore, the five major Martial Arts Families are the top powers in Yunyang's Martial Arts scene.

Their presence at this martial arts competition was enough to elevate its heat, making the atmosphere even more fervent.

Not many people came from the five families, only seven or eight per family, led by an elder, likely to gain experience.

When people from the five families entered, the masters of various Martial Arts Schools couldn't help but stand up and greet them. Even Hong Jiantong and Xiong Jiang stood up to respond, but the five families were truly arrogant.

The leaders merely nodded slightly in response and were then escorted by members of the Martial Arts Association to their designated seating area.

To everyone's surprise, only four of the five families appeared.

The Yue Family was absent. The Qin Family walked in alone, while the Shen, Zhou, and Chen families appeared closer, entering together.

Many people present knew some inside information. It seemed the rumors were true: the Qin Family had partnered with the Xiongying Martial Arts School to contend for Yunyang's territory, breaking ties with the other families.

"Heh, still so arrogant. Perhaps in a few days, only one family will remain!"

Xiong Jiang's eyes showed dissatisfaction. He was a Hua Jin Martial Artist, yet these families only gave a slight nod. It was too presumptuous!

Hong Jiantong glanced at Xiong Jiang and smiled faintly:

"Be careful with your words, Brother Xiong. We are only here to teach martial arts; nothing else concerns us!"

Xiong Jiang said gravely:

"I just can't stand their attitude!"

"The Xiongying Martial Arts School is here!"

Suddenly, a shout erupted from the crowd, followed by a commotion. Everyone turned to look. Xiong Jiang stopped talking and also looked over.

A group of people, about fifty to sixty in number, walked down the aisle. They were all wearing black training uniforms with golden soaring eagles embroidered on their chests. Each of them was powerfully built, exuding vitality and an aura of ferocity that made the onlookers involuntarily step back.

"My god, the Xiongying Martial Arts School's presence is so strong, I feel pressured!"

"Look at the disciples trained by the Xiongying Martial Arts School; they all seem powerful. I'll have my son go learn martial arts at the Xiongying Martial Arts School tomorrow!"

"Exactly! I'll go tell my elder brother to send my nephew there too. Look at their aura; it's much stronger than those from other Martial Arts Schools!"

"Much stronger is an understatement; they're a whole level above. No wonder the Xiongying Martial Arts School can sweep across the land; they must have real substance!"

The crowd buzzed with discussion. The members of the Xiongying Martial Arts School listened with pleased expressions, their heads held higher, and their steps more forceful.

However, this made the other Martial Arts Schools look somewhat displeased.

"The Tiger Might Martial Arts School is also here!"

At this moment, another shout came from outside the crowd, attracting many people's attention as they turned to look.

Indeed, the people from the Tiger Might Martial Arts School appeared behind them.

The Xiongying Martial Arts School members also stopped. Wei Zhendong looked back, his gaze falling on Guan Lie, who was walking at the forefront. Both teams halted.

Across a distance of dozens of meters, the two groups stood facing each other.

Guan Lie stood before his group. His eyes met Wei Zhendong's, and a cold glint flashed in their pupils, like sparks flying.

Wei Zhendong narrowed his eyes. He felt pressure. Guan Lie's spirit and energy showed no signs of decline. This time, there was likely to be a fierce battle.

"We're going in!"

He said calmly, then turned and led the way into the arena.

Guan Lie had brought all the personnel from his Martial Arts School.

Firstly, to cheer them on, and secondly, he wanted his students to gain some experience. Even Pharmacist Xie had come, following behind Guan Lie.

Fang Mo walked among the crowd. Honestly, he didn't really want to come. The morning would take up a significant amount of his cultivation time.

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

Upon arrival, he was also somewhat surprised.

So many people had come to watch. They were packed in layers, truly a sea of people.

Guan Lie's eyes were also solemn. Just moments ago, during his gaze with Wei Zhendong, he had also felt pressure. The opponent was very strong, and he had no complete confidence.

"We're going in!"

Guan Lie waved his hand, leading his group towards the center of the arena.

"Master Guan!"

Hong Jiantong and Xiong Jiang both stood up and cupped their fists towards Guan Lie.

"Elder Hong, Brother Xiong, you've come too!"

Guan Lie cupped his fists towards the two of them.

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

"Master Guan, this battle is up to you. You must bring honor to our Yunyang Martial Arts School!"

"I'll do my best!"

Guan Lie smiled slightly, shook his hand, and let go.

"Master Guan, you must win!"

Lin Xiangdong also walked over, cupped his fists towards Guan Lie, his eyes flashing with light.

Guan Lie met Lin Xiangdong's earnest gaze, nodded solemnly, cupped his fists again, and led his disciples to the main stage.

The Tiger Might Martial Arts School and the Xiongying Martial Arts School were situated on either side of the arbitration seats. The Martial Arts Association had invited three experts from the Martial Arts Academy to serve as arbitrators, demonstrating the fairness of this competition.

The two sides took their seats. Although separated by several meters, the students on both sides were like drawn swords, glaring at each other with hostility in their eyes.

Fang Mo was also observing. He saw people from the four great families, but unfortunately, he didn't see anyone from the Yue Family.

He thought for a moment and understood. The Yue Family likely didn't come because they didn't want to participate in this conflict and intended to stay completely out of it!

Just then, he suddenly saw a different gaze looking at him.

"Qin Lang!"

His gaze met the other's, and his eyes suddenly narrowed.

Qin Lang was looking at him, a cold smile playing on his lips, and he made a throat-slitting gesture towards him.

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

The people who had tried to intercept him before must have been sent by Qin Lang, not some gang. As for why they didn't make a move later, it was probably because he had hidden in the Martial Arts School, making it difficult for them to act.

He couldn't help but think about today's martial arts competition. His heart grew heavy. Was this also related to the Qin Family?

Lingering like a ghost!

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

He only wanted to pursue Martial Arts, but it seemed the Qin Family wouldn't let him go.

It seemed that sometimes, hiding wasn't enough. You might not seek revenge, but others wouldn't let you be. Some dangers had to be eliminated!

A killing intent rose in his heart!

But the Qin Family was far stronger than him. How could he deal with them?

"The time has come!"

Just then, a loud shout from the stage interrupted Fang Mo's thoughts.

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

Bai Hongsheng was fair-skinned and plump, wearing gold-rimmed glasses. Although he should have been the center of attention today, sweat beaded on his forehead.

He was put in charge of this matter, essentially forced into it, with the backing of the Qin Family and the intentions of the Chen, Shen, and Zhou families. He clearly understood the complexities involved. Even Fang Sheng wouldn't have an easy time, and this was a thankless task.

He wiped his sweat and shouted again:

"This battle is a friendly martial arts exchange and sparring session. No one is to be killed. The battle ends when one party concedes or falls off the stage. Attacks must cease immediately, or it will be considered a loss. If both parties have no objections, please come to the stage to sign the competition agreement!"