Clang! A violent clash of metal rang out. A dark Jing Zhong Yue appeared out of thin air, perfectly intercepting the descending Cai Jue. However, the head-on collision between the two heavy-duty weapons generated an astonishing shockwave of fighting spirit (Dou Qi), which still swept over us. I instinctively stepped in front of Qian Yue, simultaneously sizing up the person who had blocked the giant’s attack! Upon closer inspection, it was one of the four warriors allied with Yuan’er.

Roar! His attack thwarted, the big fellow went into a frenzy, swinging Cai Jue again toward the obstructing warrior. The warrior showed no weakness, meeting the blow with his blade. Clang! Another deafening impact. Both the big guy and the warrior were thrown back two steps by the shock.

Good heavens, these two have quite the strength! This big fellow was clearly a pure Strength-type warrior, yet the warrior facing him had a considerably smaller physique. He actually dared to meet the Cai Jue head-on with the Jing Zhong Yue. Considering that both Cai Jue and Jing Zhong Yue were heavy weapons, the Cai Jue weighed three times as much as the Jing Zhong Yue. Normally, no warrior would willingly engage a Strength-type warrior wielding the Cai Jue in a direct confrontation. Yet, this warrior not only took two heavy swings from the big guy but appeared rather unbothered by it.

This indicated that his cultivation level was far superior to the big warrior’s, allowing the intensity of his Dou Qi to compensate for the difference in physique. It was the same principle as when I used a wooden sword to flick away Garo’s axe back then.

The big guy’s swing missed.

“Hmph, you mountain boy, daring to meddle in my business,” the big guy grumbled, letting out a drunken burp as he stared intently at the warrior who had suddenly appeared. It seemed they knew each other.

“Miss, I am Hu Xiao Shan Lin, the ninth-generation disciple of the Tiger Roar Sect.” This warrior was quite amusing; instead of answering the big guy, he struck a very dashing pose: “Leave this drunkard to me.”

It seemed this fellow intended to play the hero saving the damsel. Cheers immediately erupted from the surroundings, interspersed with several clear, melodious female voices, which greatly pleased this hero. It seems heroes are always popular, no matter the place or time. His three companions, however, looked on with annoyance at the warrior on the field; it seemed they had also intended to step in just now, but this fellow named Hu Xiao Shan Lin had beaten them to it.

“So it is a senior brother from the Tiger Roar Sect. I trouble you,” Ying Zhen Fei Yan exclaimed happily.

“Phew, I nearly suffered an undeserved disaster!” I finally let out a sigh of relief. Since someone was playing the hero, I was naturally happy to see it happen. Honestly, I had been startled just now, considering half the people sitting here belonged to the Sabak faction. If things had escalated, I wouldn't have known how to resolve it. Now, it seemed Hu Xiao Shan Lin knew the big guy, so there shouldn't be too much trouble.

I had heard Jin Bo mention the Tiger Roar Sect. In Mengzhong, and indeed across the entire Mafa Continent, the Tiger Roar Sect was renowned as one of the foremost esteemed sects. Along with the Dragon Abyss Sect, Bear Power Sect, and Eagle True Sect, they were known as the Four Great Sects of Mengzhong. These four sects always stood together, and every two years, they would host a sparring tournament among their younger disciples. Their relationship was evidently very close. Thus, after Ying Zhen Fei Yan revealed her identity, Hu Xiao Shan Lin, as a disciple of the Tiger Roar Sect, naturally could not stand by idly, especially since he could use this opportunity to show off in front of a beauty and win her favor—truly gaining both renown and benefit.

Strictly speaking, I was now also a disciple of the Dragon Shadow Villa. The Dragon Shadow Villa in Biqi, the Scarlet Moon Villa in Bai Ri, and the Flowing Cloud Villa in Tu Cheng were known as the Three Great Villas of the world, and they shared deep ties with the Four Great Sects. Every four years, the Three Villas and Four Sects would hold a competitive martial arts tournament for their younger disciples. It was during such an event that Long Yuan Fei Xue of the Dragon Abyss Sect defeated disciples from the other three sects and two villas, rising to the top of the Mafa Top Ten Young Experts list, becoming an idol worshipped by all young rangers on the Mafa Continent.

The young experts from the Seven Great Sects virtually monopolized the top ten spots on the Mafa Expert Ranking, which demonstrated the prestige and status of these seven sects within the Mafa Continent’s martial world. Although Sabak was also teeming with experts, it still fell slightly short when truly compared to the Seven Great Sects. The current Lord of Sabak City had even sent his three children to study under the Dragon Abyss Sect, one of the Four Great Sects of Mengzhong. Long Yuan Hua Yu, whom I killed, was the eldest son. This alone showed the immense strength of the Four Great Sects of Mengzhong. Of course, before Long Yuan Fei Xue appeared, the Dragon Shadow Villa and the Scarlet Moon Villa had consistently occupied the top four spots on the Young Expert Rankings; their deep foundation was self-evident. As I was lost in thought...

“You damn bastard, I hate your type of pampered young master the most. Get out of the way.” The drunken big guy retained his ferocious appearance and brought his club down again.

I had intended to chat a bit more with Ying Zhen Fei Yan, but the drunkard showed no respect and brought his club down. Hu Xiao Shan Lin quickly dodged aside.

Bang! With a tremendous sound, the Cai Jue club swung by the big guy smashed heavily into the ground, making even the bowls and chopsticks on the table rattle precariously.

My word, this strength is truly astounding.

“Big fellow, let’s go outside and settle this!” Hu Xiao Shan Lin chuckled lightly, seemingly unconcerned by the drunkard’s strength: “This is Uncle Mo Kong’s shed; be careful he doesn’t slaughter you if you break it.” Saying this, he sprang toward the doorway.

“Don’t run, boy!” Although the big guy was somewhat inebriated, his combative nature was fully evident. He immediately strode toward the door.

“Hehe, a fight is starting, a fight is starting.”

“Let’s go watch.”

“Beilong versus Hu Xiao Shan Lin, this will be interesting!”

“Damn it, this lunatic needed someone to teach him a lesson ages ago.”

Everyone chattered as they quickly rushed out of the wooden shed.

It seems fighting and brawling are commonplace here. But thinking about it, aren't all the cultivators training here high-spirited and proud? As the saying goes, in scholarly pursuits, there is no first, but in martial arts, there is no second. For martial practitioners, the instinct to compete and fight is innate. If training only involved killing monsters, it would be too monotonous. This explains why a huge flag dedicated to a duel arena was actually planted in the center of the empty space in the Zuma Hall. Indeed, theory connects with practice, and practice perfects theory. Occasionally engaging in a real-person PK when bored of monster slaying is a good recreational activity.

In another location, the dueling arena might not be much to see, but here, in the first level of the Zuma Temple, which was filled with masters, most people who could enter were experts at the Scarlet Moon level. This was a rare opportunity to observe and learn. Naturally, I didn't want to miss it, nor did Yan Luo. As for the beauty Ying Zhen Fei Yan, as the main party involved in the incident, her presence to cheer them on was a given. And although Qian Yue was reluctant to leave behind the huge spread of delicacies on the table, her curiosity and love for excitement won out. Even so, she hadn't forgotten to grab two large chicken legs before following us out.

“She can really eat!” Yuan’er muttered quietly, but Qian Yue happened to overhear her.

This time, Qian Yue was displeased.

“I’m happy, I want to, what business is it of yours?” Qian Yue threw caution to the wind, abandoning any pretense of being a lady. She deliberately took a huge bite of chicken, chewing and mumbling around the mouthful: “I think you’re just jealous because you’re greedy, little fatty, and afraid of getting fat if you eat too much.”

“You! You!” Yuan’er’s face changed, and she sputtered angrily: “You think everyone is like you, eating more than a pig.”

“Heh heh, I eat more than a pig,” Qian Yue said contentedly, swallowing the large chunk of meat: “It’s still better than looking like a pig.”

“What, you dare say I look like a pig?” Yuan’er jumped up in anger: “That’s an insult! I challenge you to a duel!” A dense killing intent permeated the air, as if several invisible lightning bolts were entangled and colliding.

“Good heavens, this is incredible, such strong killing intent!” I murmured.

Thwack! I felt someone tap the top of my head.

Ouch! I quickly turned around. It was Yan Luo, who had waved Gu Yu a few times right in front of my eyes.

“What killing intent? What killing intent can those two little girls muster! Let’s go watch the fight! This is a rare chance, watch closely!”

I suddenly realized. Look where I was looking—good grief, when did Qian Yue ever possess such strong killing intent? So the real source was here! The two on the field glared at each other, neither daring to make the first move. It seemed they knew each other quite well. Although the big guy was drunk, his warrior instincts remained. He now leaned his Cai Jue club across his right shoulder, adopting a left-side bow stance optimized for cleaving strikes. The posture was somewhat similar to a baseball player batting—the most common stance for warriors wielding heavy weapons. No matter how the opponent attacked, they could bring the club down in one smash. It was a case of brute force conquering finesse; the advantage of great strength was far from minor. The Cai Jue club was large, sweeping across a wide area; the tactic relied on direct counter-attack. If this club swept down, unless the opponent was equally mighty, few would dare to clash head-on with a Strength-type warrior. If Dou Qi was added for support, the attack surface of this single strike could reach at least eight meters—an area that most opponents could not handle.

Six meters directly in front of the big fellow, Hu Xiao Shan Lin’s expression was grave, his blade held horizontally across his chest. This move was named Iron Chain Blocking the River, emphasizing both offense and defense, striking only after the opponent moves first. Success depended on how the opponent initiated their attack.

On the field! Killing intent filled the air; the duel was imminent!

And outside the field, Qian Yue and Yuan’er’s verbal battle had reached a boiling point. Unfortunately, everyone was captivated by the duel between the two masters on the field. Naturally, no one paid attention to the exciting contest between the two little girls.

Everyone was extremely excited, staring at the two on the field.

“Place your bets, place your bets! Hu Xiao Shan Lin pays one to one, Bei Long pays one to five! Final bets, this is a rare opportunity!” Several warriors near the tables outside had outrageously started an on-site gambling ring, and quite a few people were betting.

“Hey Qiao San, your odds are rigged.”

“Yeah, everyone knows Hu Xiao Shan Lin is guaranteed to win.”

“Exactly, I think we should change the betting structure.”

“I bet Hu Xiao Shan Lin wins within ten moves.”

“Damn it, then I bet twenty moves.”

“Damn it, I bet Bei Long won’t last fifteen moves.”

.........................................

Under the repeated pressure from the gamblers, the bookie had to change the odds.

“Roar!” With a muffled growl! The big fellow Bei Long suddenly swept out a crescent moon with his club.

“Good, go for it, big fellow! I bet you can last twenty moves!”

“Mountain Boy, put some effort in! Next month’s drinking money is riding on you!”

“Best if you both get injured!” The bookie Qiao San shouted with a booming voice: “That way I win everything!” This guy was quite vicious.

“Damn it, ruining a good show.”

“Take him down in ten moves for me!”

.................................................

Meanwhile, Ying Zhen Fei Yan beside us watched the field with a calm expression, her thoughts unknown.

“No need for three moves, one move is enough for me,” Hu Xiao Shan Lin sneered. After dodging Bei Long’s crescent-shaped energy wave, he glanced at Ying Zhen Fei Yan proudly. Then he suddenly opened his mouth wide and inhaled deeply.

“Ah! Not good, this kid is cheating!” Almost everyone around simultaneously covered their ears.

?????? What were they doing! I was slightly confused. I saw Yan Luo’s expression change drastically, and she covered her ears with extreme speed.

Ah, could this be the Tiger Roar Art! Suddenly, I remembered Jin Bo mentioning the supreme skill of the Tiger Roar Sect, the Tiger Roar Art (Hu Xiao Gong). Seeing everyone’s expression change drastically, I knew this Hu Xiao Gong must be terrifying.

And Yuan’er, who had been arguing fiercely with Qian Yue, had already covered her ears and turned away, looking terrified. Qian Yue, however, looked astonished, not understanding what was happening.

Disaster! Almost simultaneously, I realized the situation. Without time to think, I quickly covered Qian Yue’s ears. Her cultivation was the lowest here; if she took the full force of the Hu Xiao Gong, the consequences would be beyond my imagination.

“ROAR!” Like a sudden clap of thunder from a clear sky, a soul-shaking roar erupted. No, this sound had already far exceeded any sound I had ever heard, at least ten times louder than a massive thunderclap. I felt my head explode with a buzz, my heart beating uncontrollably, seeming desperate to break free from my chest. An irrepressible sense of dread suddenly washed over me. My vision went black, and it seemed my ears could hear nothing. I almost threw up the meal I had just eaten.

After a long while, I regained my senses and saw everyone around covering their ears, staring at the field.

On the field, Bei Long’s small mountain of a body lay stiffly on the ground.

“Roar! Since he didn't draw his weapon, it doesn't count as one move. None of you guessed right!” The bookie Qiao San shouted excitedly: “Damn it, the house wins everything! Hahahaha!”

“That counts as a move!” Someone immediately voiced their displeasure.

“Damn it, what kind of skill is this? Just a shout and it’s over.”

“Don’t care, don’t care, in any case, none of you guessed right, so the house takes it all, hahaha!” Bookie Qiao San glared with eyes wide like brass bells. Judging by his look, if anyone dared to default on their bet, he would fight them to the death.

“Damn, this is unbelievable. I’ve never seen this kid so fierce before.”

“You wouldn’t understand. The power of a beauty is infinite.”

“Worthy of the Tiger Roar Divine Art; I lost my money well!”

I still felt dizzy, slowly releasing the hands covering Qian Yue’s ears. My whole body felt weak. It seemed I had been quite seriously injured by the sound wave of the roar. Damn it, I had heard of the frightening power of the Tiger Roar Art, and now I knew it wasn't exaggerated. I was at least fifty meters away, yet I was almost internally injured by the shockwave. One could imagine what Bei Long, who was within mere feet of the source, must have endured.

“Hey! Kid, what’s wrong with you?” Qian Yue quickly noticed my unusual expression.

“Nothing,” I managed to shake my head laboriously, my ears still filled with a buzzing echo: “I’ll be fine after a rest.”

“You really... I don't know what to say about you,” Yan Luo looked at me and Qian Yue with some apology: “If you encounter someone from the Tiger Roar Sect in the future, be sure to protect your ears.”

“Yes, I think from now on I’ll never forget today’s lesson,” I said with a wry smile. It seemed that the world was vast, with wonders everywhere. As the saying goes, there is always someone better. Although I had accidentally gained the title of Blue Lightning in the past, I was somewhat complacent, believing myself to be a master. Now, the roar of Hu Xiao Shan Lin had jolted me awake: never underestimate others, or you will pay the price one day. Although I knew arrogance was a major taboo for martial artists, I had subconsciously made this mistake. I had been overly reliant on my speed and technique; at least, I thought my sword speed was unmatched by few. However, I hadn't realized there was an acoustic attack that disregarded distance, angle, or any defense. Against such an opponent, I wouldn't have a chance of winning.

If I had faced Hu Xiao Shan Lin earlier, my outcome would probably have been no different from the drunkard Bei Long’s.

For a moment, my heart felt heavy.

“Are you alright?” Qian Yue quickly supported me: “I’m sorry, I’ve caused you trouble again,” Qian Yue whispered.

“It’s nothing, don’t worry about it,” I comforted her with a forced smile: “But you need to be smarter from now on.”

“Look at your face—it’s pale, and you still say you’re fine,” Qian Yue apologized.

“Don’t worry, this guy isn’t that fragile,” Yan Luo said: “I think he’s just stunned.”

“Stunned!” Qian Yue murmured: “That sound was really loud. Even with my ears covered, I felt dizzy from the shock.”

“............” I was somewhat taken aback. I hadn't expected Yan Luo to see through my thoughts so easily. Indeed, I was utterly shaken.

“Junior Sister Fei Yan.” As I was spacing out, Hu Xiao Shan Lin had approached our group. Behind him followed four other young men, and Yuan’er, that brat, was also looking at Qian Yue with smug provocation. The white-haired old man stood by with a smile, seemingly enjoying the minor friction between Qian Yue and Yuan’er.

“I’ve long heard that the Tiger Roar Art of the Tiger Roar Sect is astonishingly powerful!” Ying Zhen Fei Yan chuckled lightly: “Now that I’ve seen it, it truly lives up to its name.”

“Junior Sister Fei Yan flatters me,” Hu Xiao Shan Lin seemed a bit embarrassed: “My Tiger Roar Art is only in the first layer; it’s nothing much.”

“That’s true,” Yuan’er added: “If Senior Brother Shan Ye unleashes the Tiger Roar Art, I guarantee everyone here would collapse, hehe, even covering their ears would be useless.”

“Hu Xiao Shan Ye.” Ying Zhen Fei Yan showed a trace of admiration in her expression.