"Tap, tap, tap..."
Before anyone knew it, daylight had filled the sky, and the soft sound of claws kicking at the window rang out.
Ye Jingtang opened his eyes soundlessly, looked down at the bandages on his chest, then sat up, pulled on his shoes, and opened the window.
"Chirp..."
Outside the window, Niao Niao, who had stayed up all night, gave a thoroughly drowsy chirp, then toppled straight forward.
Ye Jingtang hurriedly caught the bird, rubbed Niao Niao soothingly, then settled the bird in his bamboo hat and turned to get dressed.
Trouble had broken out at Xiaoshan Fort last night, and as daylight came, word naturally spread further and further. Even standing in his room at the inn, he could hear wandering martial artists discussing it. Even the news of Long Zhengqing issuing a challenge had reached town at remarkable speed:
"...'With cloudy wine and a keen blade, I await the young dragon.' That was clearly a challenge. How many years has it been since Long Zhengqing last appeared? Why did he suddenly show himself at Sea-Viewing Tower..."
"Ye Jingtang ranks third among the Eight Chiefs, and he ranks second. Sooner or later, Ye Jingtang would come knocking for a fight. Long Zhengqing probably saw how fast Night Great Yama was charging ahead and figured that rather than wait for him to come beat him up, he might as well openly set up an arena for a match. That way, even if he loses, they just swap rankings. Nothing embarrassing about it..."
"True enough... Who do you think has the better chance?"
"Since Fengguancheng, Night Great Yama has more victories under his belt than any Martial Chief. Even Duansheng Ji and Hua Ling couldn't hold him down. Long Zhengqing's chances look shaky too..."
"Then Night Great Yama's toughest