Chapter Eighty: The Martial Arts Tournament!

The next day dawned clear and bright, not a cloud in the endless blue sky, casting a fresh and invigorating light across the land. Beneath the azure dome, as if liquid could drip from the heavens, the city of Changling was beginning to stir, growing livelier by the minute.

Though the hour was still early, many people were already on the move. The sun, warm and gentle, caressed their bodies, filling them with a comfortable sense of ease. Everything appeared as it did on any ordinary day, but everyone knew that today was no ordinary day by any measure.

Today marked the commencement of the triennial Martial Trials Tournament.

The Martial Trials weren’t merely a contest of strength among the younger generation of Changling; they were also a measure of each family’s ability to cultivate its heirs. For the great families, replenishing their ranks with fresh blood was vital to their continued vitality; without successors, even the mightiest lineage would inevitably wither and fade into obscurity.

Of even greater importance was that those who ranked among the top five would earn the right to journey to the imperial capital, where unforeseen opportunities might await. After all, the audience at the capital’s tournament would surely include representatives of the empire’s most powerful families.

A strong performance and a little favor from the right people could bring immense benefits, not only to the individual but to their entire family.

Traditionally, the top five spots in the Martial Trials had belonged to the Lie and Auburn families, but this year, things had changed. Several strong contenders had been injured unexpectedly, opening the door for other families to vie for glory. As a result, anticipation and ambition ran higher than ever among the city’s elite.

Crowds surged through Changling’s streets, voices rising in waves as people made their way toward the Chet City Lord’s Manor, the tournament’s customary, if unofficial, venue.

Within the manor, atop a colossal circular viewing platform, a sea of people had already gathered. Murmurs and whispers rippled through the assembly.

“Looks like this year’s Martial Trials are livelier than usual…”

“Of course! So much has happened recently—who knows what surprises today might bring?”

“You mean that business with Su Yi? I heard he’s competing this year, though I can’t say if it’s true. There’s been so many rumors about him lately. Honestly, I’m curious if they’re real…”

“Haha, it’s all so mysterious and hard to believe. I bet loads of people are here just to see for themselves… Oh, look! The Lie family has arrived!”

On the eastern side of the platform, a row of spacious seats, adorned with intricate ebony inlays, stood out in regal splendor—clearly reserved for the city’s most distinguished families.

Two groups approached these seats: the Lie and Auburn families, each led by their respective patriarchs and accompanied by their contestants and elders.

“Hey, look—Lie Feifei, Lie Ren, Lie Zhi… and Lie Que, too? Is the Lie family really sending so many this year? Isn’t that a bit much?”

“You don’t get it. The Lie family’s power allows for more entries, but strength is what counts. Of these four, only Lie Que really stands a chance, so the other families don’t mind… Still, I can’t believe their prodigy, Lie Yan, hasn’t returned. If he had, he’d probably take first place.”

“Lie Que’s no slouch, though. I heard he’s already a Level Six Fighter—there aren’t many who can beat him, except maybe Auburn Yu… Wait, is Auburn Yu here? Wasn’t his right hand injured?”

“It’s true. There’s no one else in Auburn Shan’s generation. Are they really letting Auburn Yu compete, even after a serious injury? Is he fully recovered?”

Auburn Shan and Lie Chen exchanged glances that seemed to spark with fire. Lie family oppression had left Auburn Shan simmering with resentment; if not for the Lie family’s overwhelming strength, he might have struck back already.

“Heh, Lie Chen, your eldest son isn’t here. I doubt you’ll keep all your seats in the top five this year,” Auburn Shan said coldly, glancing at the contestants behind Lie Chen.

Lie Chen replied with a calm, mocking smile, settling into his seat. “I’d say your son’s prospects are even slimmer.”

“Then let’s just wait and see!” Auburn Shan narrowed his eyes and snorted, taking his seat.

Soon, the other families arrived in turn. Looking around, the only ones yet to appear were the city lord and the auction house representatives, prompting a flicker of surprise among the family heads. Though the city lord and the auction house had seldom competed in recent years, as two of Changling’s dominant powers, they would never miss the spectacle—especially Chet, the host, who was unusually late.

As questions hung in the air, a gentle laugh rang out: “It seems I’m late.”

All eyes turned to see the City Lord Chet and Miss Gree escorting an unfamiliar elder, treating him with the utmost respect.

This scene startled the assembled patriarchs. The elderly man was a stranger, yet from Chet’s deference, it was clear he was no ordinary figure. Who could he be?

Though the city lord caught the questioning glances, he merely smiled and offered no explanation, ushering the old man to the best seat, then sitting respectfully beside him.

With Chet silent and both Lie Chen and Auburn Shan sensing a dangerous aura from the elderly guest, none dared inquire further.

“Hmm, the auction house hasn’t arrived yet?” Chet asked, glancing at the last empty seat.

The patriarchs shook their heads. Just then, a beguiling, melodious voice drifted in: “It seems Maya is the last to arrive…”

It was as if a stream of water flowed gracefully into the hall. Maya entered in a sky-blue cheongsam, the color and fabric harmonizing perfectly, gracing her with both elegance and allure. She instantly drew every gaze in the room, so much so that few noticed Moben and Su Yi following quietly behind her.

Upon Maya’s entrance, the elder—who had sat expressionless until now—suddenly showed a flicker of surprise. His eyes shifted briefly to Moben, and then, with a subtle change in expression, lingered on Su Yi, a trace of curiosity flickering in his gaze.

Yet his composure swiftly returned, and few caught the fleeting moment, except Moben, whose eyes flashed before returning to calm.

Chet smiled and nodded. “Miss Maya is beautiful as ever. Now that we’re all here, let the Martial Trials begin.”

Maya returned his smile and took her seat. Moben whispered behind her, “Miss, that man…”

“I know,” Maya replied softly, betraying nothing.

Just then, as Su Yi was about to ask what they were discussing, he felt several gazes settle upon him. Looking up, he met the eyes of Arena Master Kina, who hesitated and then turned away. Su Yi followed the direction with his own gaze and found Auburn Yu staring at him with murderous intensity.

Su Yi was taken aback. He hadn’t noticed Auburn Yu’s arrival, nor did he expect him to compete. Was his right hand truly healed? Su Yi had confidence in his own strength, but as his gaze drifted to Auburn Yu’s hand, still swathed in bandages, he shook his head in mock regret. Auburn Yu’s determination to fight clearly targeted him, yet Su Yi knew he wasn’t so easily defeated by a wounded opponent.

Even if Auburn Yu had somehow advanced from a Level Five to a Level Ten Fighter in these few days, he still might not be able to do anything to Su Yi.

Ignoring Auburn Yu’s murderous glare, Su Yi discreetly winked at Lie Feifei, who was stealing glances his way, then turned his attention to the surging crowds within the circular arena.

With a wave of City Lord Chet’s hand and the proclamation, “Let the Martial Trials begin!” the atmosphere exploded; cheers and cries soared to the heavens.

Su Yi’s eyes sharpened, his heart beating with anticipation. At last, the day had come to wash away the name of ‘worthless’—his chance had arrived.