These are the seats for the three top figures attending today’s competition.
Below them is a temporary fence made of bamboo poles, surrounding it are two waiting areas, both occupied by members of the Fishing Guild or Guild Cao.
The two guilds stand in stark opposition to each other, the atmosphere taut like drawn swords and ready crossbows.
Their underlings glare at each other, engaging in a silent standoff with their counterparts from the rival sect.
Meanwhile, not too far away in two separate tea houses.
The higher-ups of the Fishing Guild and those of Guild Cao are seated in their respective establishments.
On the Fishing Guild’s side.
Wu Zhong looks very weak as he bows to the middle-aged man seated in the place of honor, who is only five years Wu Zhong’s senior yet of incomparably higher status.
One is merely a Fishery Manager, the other is the Hall Master of one of the Fishing Guild’s four great halls, the White Tiger Hall.
He is also one of the Thirteen Grand Protectors of Mianshui County, the fisherman Peng Shizhong.
At this moment, Peng Shizhong leisurely sips his tea, flanked by two young men.
These are Peng Shizhong’s two adoptive sons, also the formidably ranked managers in the White Tiger Hall.
The one on the left is named Feng Xuan, and the one on the right is Zheng Chuan.
Taking a sip of tea, Peng Shizhong then looks at the somewhat nervous Wu Zhong and asks, "Old master, are you doing alright?"
Wu Zhong, startled, then replies, "I’m alright."
"Mmm, Wu Zhong, you truly acted impulsively this time. You know how important the Land Officer Competition is. Yet now you’ve sustained such a severe injury, leaving me somewhat caught off guard."
"Hall Master, this was my fault. Please punish me!"
"Heh, what good would punishing you do? Besides, as the old master’s son-in-law, considering the old master’s face, I couldn’t possibly be harsh."
"However, this time, in the Land Officer Competition, it’s acceptable to lose, but not to disgrace ourselves. The Gang Leader has already inquired about the matter."
"Hall Master, rest assured, I have already come up with a plan. But, I’ll need the Hall Master’s help!"
"Hall Master, the Second Ship Leader from my fishery in Xiantao Town, Li Sanding, wishes to fight in my stead. Moreover, for the sake of this battle, he sold off his property and bought a Blood and Flesh Pill to elevate his realm to Refining Body."
Upon hearing this, Peng Shizhong is slightly taken aback before he sighs and says, "I know of this Li Sanding, a long-time Second Ship Leader who’s willing to give up his prospects in martial arts for this contest. Alright, let him fight then. Also, tell him that win or lose, the position of Big Ship Leader is guaranteed to be his. If he wins, even further promotion isn’t out of the question."
"Thank you, Hall Master."
"But Hall Master, to have him fight in my place, don’t we need to change the competition rules?"
"Mmm, that’s simple. I’ll just mention it to Gu Qingfeng, and it’ll be settled."
"Then thank you, Hall Master. I will take my leave."
Wu Zhong bows to take his leave, and at this point, Zheng Chuan speaks, "Adoptive father, this Wu Zhong truly can’t tell right from wrong, getting injured at such a critical moment. If we lose face this time, the Gang Leader might start causing trouble again."
Peng Shizhong waves his hand and says, "It’s fine, he’s just anxious over his son."
At this point, Peng Shizhong turns to Feng Xuan and says, "Eldest son, has that traitor Zhao Xun been captured yet?"
Upon hearing this, Feng Xuan glances at Zheng Chuan before replying, "Adoptive father, I’ve been too busy lately. I’ve handed this matter over to Second Brother."
"Oh? Second Brother, have you caught him?"
Zheng Chuan’s expression darkens momentarily, but he quickly responds, "We’re close to catching him."
Peng Shizhong says, "Hmm, we can’t delay this matter. To betray us from within and plot against a superior, such actions cannot be tolerated. By the way, I remember that Zhao Xun is somewhat related to you, isn’t he?"
"Yes, he’s my brother-in-law, but rest assured, adoptive father. For such a grave offense, even if he were my blood brother, I wouldn’t show any mercy."
"Very well, sorry to trouble you with this."
"Rest assured, adoptive father."
Zheng Chuan responds and then looks toward Feng Xuan, who gives a slight smile.
Meanwhile, in another tea house, Yu Biao observes Gu Qingfeng, who is sitting there sipping tea.
Yu Biao calls out. His master is Gu Qingshan, Gu Qingfeng’s older brother, so calling him Uncle Master is fitting.
Gu Qingfeng sets down his teacup and asks, "How confident are you about this competition?"
"Uncle Master, please rest assured, there will be absolutely no problems. Xiantao Town is as good as yours."
Gu Qingfeng nods and says, "Confidence is good. Xiantao Town is vital, there can be no loss. Do you understand?"
"Rest assured, Uncle Master, there will be no mishaps."
Gu Qingfeng nods slightly, and Yu Biao speaks up, "Uncle Master, I have something else to report."
Gu Qingfeng looks at Yu Biao, who says, "Uncle Master, in this upcoming competition, there are several of my fellow uncle’s enemies. I wish to use this chance to avenge blood debts on the platform. I wonder if I could be ruthless in the fight."
Gu Qingfeng looks mildly surprised by this statement.
He then responds, "It’s allowed. In the arena, fists and feet could unwittingly cause harm or even fatality."
"Thank you, Uncle Master. With those words, I know what I must do."
Having said his piece, Gu Qingfeng drinks from his cup, offering one last reminder.
"Whether you seek revenge or otherwise, it’s not my concern; but you must win today’s battle. We cannot lose Xiantao Town."
"Rest assured, Uncle Master. My Heart Shattering Palm has achieved Small Success. No one in this competition will be a match for me."
"Oh, Heart Shattering Palm achieving Small Success, that is indeed noteworthy."
Gu Qingfeng can’t help but nod upon hearing this, Heart Shattering Palm being an easy to learn but difficult to master technique. If it has become moderately successful, then the practitioner’s strength is much greater than that of an average person at the Refining Body level.
After all, Heart Shattering Palm is a technique that touches upon the Peak of Dark Force.
Among the same level, beating him would require an Energy Transformation Technique. But could such a Top-level technique exist in this modest town of Xiantao?
With this thought, Gu Qingfeng feels at ease, confident in this match and certain of victory.
With such outlook, securing the dock of Xiantao Town for himself seemed assured, and then...
With these thoughts, Gu Qingfeng drinks his tea undisturbed, holding the winning ticket in his heart.
Thinking this, Gu Qingfeng drinks another sip of tea and says, "Go rest for now. I want to see the people of the Fishing Guild killed until they flee in disarray on the platform, securing the position of Land Officer!"
"Yes, Uncle Master. Rest assured, the position of Land Officer will be mine!"
Yu Biao bows and withdraws, stepping outside right in time to see the noisy members of Guild Cao. Through the crowd, he notices a young man with closed eyes.
As if sensing Yu Biao’s gaze, the youth opens his eyes and meets his look. Their eyes lock, and the air itself seems to freeze.
Then, both of them smirk coldly.