Luoyue Lake was located in Changhe County.
The lake was vast and the area around it bore abundant resources, sustaining countless fishing villages.
Close to the eastern shore of the lake stood Lake View Tower, built right by the water. On misty and rainy days, one could see the lake shrouded in a vast expanse of waves and fog, presenting a scene of innumerable wonders. Many poets and literati had left behind memorable poems about it, making it quite famous.
As the fifteenth drew near, and the date of the duel between two Great Grandmasters approached, the place was nearly booked out entirely by Martial Artists.
Those penniless literati, fellows who knew not a thing about martial arts, had long been tossed out.
When occasionally someone tried to reason, they couldn’t avoid receiving a few hefty slaps to the ear.
In this world, after all, Martial Arts reigned supreme!
Ink in your chest is no match for a pair of iron fists!
Of course, among the Martial Artists, there were also many accomplished in both scholarship and martial arts, who maintained the refined spirit of Lake View Tower by writing poetry, hardly different from before.
"At last, we’ve arrived."
That day, two travel-worn individuals arrived at the base of the tower, Duan Mingyu and Zhong Shenxiu.
Duan Mingyu had been roughing it for some time and had suffered quite a bit, so upon seeing an imposing tavern, he didn’t think twice before trying to barge in.
A waiter hurriedly pulled at him with a pained expression, "Please hold!"
"What’s the matter? Are you telling me your tavern opens its doors but refuses to do business? I have plenty of money!" Duan Mingyu’s young master temper flared as he huffed indignantly.
"How could that be? If our tavern is open, we must welcome our guests..." The waiter apologized profusely with continuous bows, "It’s just that in recent days, some Jianghu heroes arrived. One group named ’Qingcheng Villa’ has booked the entire tavern and has even stationed disciples to guard the door... They’ve put out a notice that only those who can withstand a move or half from them can enter for free food and lodging. Otherwise, they are advised to turn around and go home..."
Zhong Shenxiu followed the waiter’s pointed direction and indeed saw two green-clothed, vigorous young men standing guard with keen eyes like wolves or eagles.
Having heard this, Duan Mingyu scoffed, "Is that the emerging force that only rose to prominence by marrying off their daughter to curry favor with the Earth List Master—Thousand Mountains Swordman?"
As a disciple of the Su Yin Sword Sect, one of the top eight factions in the world with even a Human Ranking Expert among its elders, he naturally had the confidence to scoff.
However, the two guarding disciples knew nothing of this and were so infuriated they were almost bending their noses out of shape.
Indeed, their Villa had allied through marriage with an Earth List Master, which allowed them to expand their influence significantly. The Villa Master’s son, Yu Xiaoshan, was even taken as a disciple by the Thousand Mountains Swordman and had pushed his ranking to the one hundred and eight position on the Human Ranking, earning him the reputation of a rising star in the Jianghu.
Well, since the Human Ranking had exactly one hundred and eight slots for the young and talented, anyone unfortunate enough to rank behind Yu Xiaoshan could coin a new idiom—"To fall behind Yu."
Regardless, being on the list marked one as a Human Ranking Expert, even if it was the very last spot!
With one Earth List Master and one Human List Martial Artist, Qingcheng Villa had a formidable reputation in the Jianghu, not considering any of the small factions like the Nine Elements Sect; how could they let outsiders act rashly?
Not to mention that Duan Mingyu and Zhong Shenxiu appeared dusty and travel-weary, not at all presentable?
"The two of you, how dare you... Today, if not..."
One of the green-clothed disciples pointed at Duan Mingyu’s nose, about to shout angrily.
But his companion, a bit calmer and more observant, held him back and asked with a grave voice, "May I ask where the two of you come from?"
"Well said, well said... Shall you go first, or shall I?"
Duan Mingyu slapped Zhong Shenxiu on the shoulder with a grin.
"Why should I deal with the mess you’ve stirred up?" Zhong Shenxiu rolled his eyes in response.
"In that case, listen well..." Duan Mingyu cleared his throat, "I am but a disciple of the Su Yin Sword Sect, my meager name hardly worth mentioning, but this gentleman here is none other than Liu Yi, ranked one hundred and five on the Human Ranking with the Five Elements Palm. How about that?"
He did have a malicious thought in mind, fully aware of Zhong Shenxiu’s true strength, yet he deliberately withheld it.
This also suggests that Zhong Shenxiu was intent on climbing the ranks, with a bit of a fishing for competition vibe.
"Turns out it’s a disciple from the Su Yin Sword Sect... and the Five Elements Palm young hero has also graced us with his presence."
The two disciples’ faces grew exceedingly ugly, clearly understanding that there was no way they could regain their honor in this situation.
Although Qingcheng Villa was formidable, it paled in comparison to the Su Yin Sword Sect.
"Well? Do you still wish to stop us brothers, to have a match with us?" Duan Mingyu asked, fully displaying a classic example of borrowed authority.
"How could we dare to confront two young heroes? Please, go right in!" The two disciples exchanged looks and quickly put on a smile, showing a bit of a resigned attitude.
Those who mingled in the Jianghu were no fools; they knew better than to try pitting an egg against a rock.
And as lackeys, if they barked foolishly and caused trouble for their master, there was no need for someone else to act; the master could simply deal with them personally.
Duan Mingyu laughed heartily and swaggered into the restaurant with an expressionless Zhong Shenxiu.
They left behind a stunned server who slapped his forehead in amazement, "I thought they were just two paupers; who knew we had stumbled upon such distinguished guests..."
"Disciple from the Su Yin Sword Sect, accompanied by the Five Elements Palm, has arrived!"
As soon as Zhong Shenxiu stepped into the restaurant, he heard his name being announced and felt the gaze of the entire room upon him, yet he, accustomed to the spotlight, nonchalantly chose an empty table to sit at.
Duan Mingyu, ravenous as a starving ghost, loudly demanded that the server bring out fine wine and dishes.
Zhong Shenxiu picked up a wine cup and casually glanced at his status panel:
[Name: Xun Liuyi (Zhong Shenxiu)]
[Third Level of Martial Arts: Blood Exchange]
[Medicine Sand Palm: Fifth Level]
[Five Elements Thief Palm: Third Level]
[Heavenly Show Points: 16 (45%)]
[Door to Ten Thousand Paths: Awaiting Opening]
’Hmm... Finally, my Heavenly Show Points are no longer in the single digits, the largest haul was from the last time I climbed the Human Ranking. This time, I need to advance a few more ranks for sure, and that will inevitably bring another big harvest...’
Two Earth List Masters clashing might not attract other Grandmasters, but Human Ranking Experts upon hearing about it, seldom pass up the chance to attend.
The restaurant’s chef was skilled, quickly serving a meal consisting of eight cold, eight vegetarian, and eight meat dishes; Zhong Shenxiu picked up some with his chopsticks and nodded slightly in approval.
Beside him, Duan Mingyu attacked the dishes with gusto.
It was then that the two doorkeeping disciples walked over with a richly dressed young master.
The youth was about sixteen or seventeen, with a face as fair as jade and holding an ivory folding fan, exuding an elegant and dashing demeanor. He bowed first, "My name is Yu Xiaoshan, and it’s a pleasure to meet you both! Meeting by chance is fate indeed, and I hope you’d allow me the honor of treating you to this meal."
"Don’t mention it," Zhong Shenxiu said with a smile that was not quite a smile, "To give a gift, there is always something expected in return. What is it that you seek? Surely it’s not to have a match with me?"
"To have the opportunity to exchange moves with the Five Elements Palm is certainly something I yearn for," Yu Xiaoshan openly acknowledged.
He came specifically to challenge Zhong Shenxiu.
Being the last one on the Human Rankings was an awkward position for anyone; he certainly did not wish to keep holding onto the hundred-and-eighth place.
Zhong Shenxiu pointed to Duan Mingyu: "However, if you want to challenge me, you’ll have to defeat my underling here first..."