In Silver Creek, news started to spread through the streets and alleys.

The disciples of two tributors from the Blood Saber Sect were going to have a duel in front of Wangxi Building.

These two tributors were a match for each other: one was Master Li, who managed the Black Market, and the other was Master Wu, who was in charge of Ming City.

As the stage was set, the reason behind it became known to everyone.

"No wonder Young Master Li has been with Master Li for more than three months and still hasn't received the token for the Inner Sect disciple. Turns out someone else took the opportunity."

"You just found out? I've known this for a while. Young Master Li is well aware of the situation himself; he's waited over a month and now has finally issued a challenge."

"Young Master Li is being a bit impulsive. He is an Entry Grade in using the bow, and I've heard Master Wu's disciple uses the sword."

"I know, Zhao Zimu, the sword genius from Evergreen Martial Arts Academy in Zichong Square.

His father is a Ninth Grade, and he himself achieved Ninth Grade. They joined the Blood Saber Sect at the same time as Young Master Li.

However, Zhao Zimu directly became an Outer Disciple while Young Master Li was only an Outer Disciple.

Later on, each was noticed by Master Wu and Master Li, becoming their respective disciples.

But in Silver Creek's top areas, the residences are limited... there's only one house left but two candidates vying for it.

They usually don't encounter this situation once a year, but now with two candidates, a contest is inevitable.

But, I don't think highly of Young Master Li...

Although Young Master Li is of Entry Grade, he allegedly learned a makeshift Cultivation Skill, which still needed modification.

Whereas Zhao Zimu hails from a proper martial arts school, and his original Cultivation Skill has a natural affinity with Master Wu's techniques, and even coincides with the Blood Saber Sect's skills.

Moreover, in a stage match, using a longbow is difficult, and if an arrow misses, there's no further opportunity.

Given the diminishing returns... Young Master Li has been impulsive indeed."

...

In the Celestial Fragrance Building, Yun Niang had just been swaying her hips out of a guest room when she caught some gossip and curiously listened in, quickly growing interested.

"A stage duel? Young Master Li against Zhao Zimu?"

"Young Master Li..." Yun Niang suddenly remembered the young man who had talked with her all night and giggled.

A girl nearby called out, "Yun Niang, I remember Young Master Li came looking for you before."

Yun Niang waved her scented handkerchief, "That was a long time ago, what are you mentioning it for? Back then, Young Master Li had just arrived. Don't talk nonsense."

Another girl called out, "Let's go take a look."

"What for? I can't leave," Yun Niang replied. After pondering a bit, she couldn't help but ask, "Who do you think will win?"

Celestial Fragrance Building, being somewhat of an information hub, had girls receiving guests from all over, so who couldn't chat a bit about everything?

One of them jumped in, "Surely Master Wu's disciple will win!"

Master Wu, who was in charge of Ming City, also managed this brothel.

The women of Celestial Fragrance Building naturally leaned toward supporting Zhao Zimu.

...

On the other hand, the miscellaneous task workers and vendors who had long mingled in the Black Market had no choice but to mostly support Li Yuan, as Li Yuan somewhat represented the face of the Black Market.

If they hadn't seen the slash that Li Yuan executed in Nameless Pavilion, these people would have thought Li Yuan was sure to lose.

But now, many embraced a mindset of watching a fierce contest and secured seats in Wangxi Building beforehand, ready to watch on the day.

...

In the Blood Saber Sect.

This morning, the regular weekly meeting was being held.

Sunshine pierced through the grand pavilions, shining in the central pavilion of an imposing architectural complex.

In the main hall, sitting in the second chair on the side was a middle-aged man with a fair and handsome appearance, slightly effeminate.

This was Vice Sect Leader of the Blood Saber Sect — Yu Chaoyin.

Seated in the center was a burly, bearded man, slightly tilting his head, resting his chin as he scanned the people below, eyes squinting like a sick tiger, exuding a distinctly authoritative aura.

This was the Sect Leader of the Blood Saber Sect — Tie Sha.

"The young ones are spirited. It's been a long time since I've seen a stage duel, what's the reason?" Tie Sha was apparently not very informed about the matter below, but indeed, stage duels within the sect were few since what's the point of fighting amongst the same sect?

Once he finished speaking, a rather elegant middle-aged man, with long hands, stood up and said, "Sect Leader, the cause likely stems from Tributor Li being uneasy with my disciple's stable promotion, so he incited his disciple to duel."

"Is that really the case?"

Master Wu, named Wu Lian, this middle-aged man, continued recounting the events without withholding information, though his tone clearly emphasized certain aspects.

He dared to say as much because Li Yu needed to often sit in the Black Market and couldn't attend the morning meeting.

Tie Sha, being perceptive, directly made a decision, "Then let them fight. Whoever wins will be promoted to Inner Sect disciple first."

Saying that, he turned to look at Yu Chaoyin, "Vice Sect Leader Yu, do you have an opinion?"

Yu Chaoyin calmly replied, "Sect Leader's decision will suffice, I have no objections."

Tie Sha tweaked his nose, flicked it, and asked, "So who do you think will win?"

Yu Chaoyin, ignoring the Sect Leader's crude demeanor, replied, "Everyone knows Zhao Zimu is a talented young man.

His Cultivation Dharma comes from Evergreen Martial Arts Academy, which aligns with our Blood Saber Sect, even being compatible with Tributor Wu's Sword Skill, which is why he was accepted as a disciple by Tributor Wu.

As for Li Yuan, he comes from Little Ink Workshop, learning some local Cultivation Skill. He reached the Ninth Grade, using a bow.

Oh... I heard lately his blade skills have improved quite a bit, so he thinks he can come out and duel."

"Oh? Hearing you say that, are you favoring Zhao Zimu to win?" Tie Sha squinted at the Vice Sect Leader.

The tensions between the two were well known within the sect.

Now the atmosphere... had escalated again.

The elders and students didn't utter a word.

Yu Chaoyin raised his head, looking at the bearded man, and said softly, "Indeed."

Then, he stroked his chin, a slight curve on his lips, "Does the Sect Leader think Li Yuan might win?"

"Indeed!" Tie Sha's eyes widened like copper bells, looking down at Yu Chaoyin, and said slowly, "I indeed think he will win."

Yu Chaoyin rolled his eyes, his gaze sharp as a sword, counter-retorting, "Then...why not wager a bet?"

"Just bet on wine.

The loser drinks three cups of wine in public." Tie Sha concluded.

Yu Chaoyin naturally wouldn't make excessive demands in this context; a penalty of three cups was enough to put someone in an awkward position. He smiled, saying, "Deal."

Tie Sha asked, "When is the stage duel scheduled?"

Wu Lian quickly replied, "Sect Leader, it's set for three days later."

"Three days later, huh..."

Tie Sha tweaked his nose and said, "Postpone it a bit, push it to seven days later.

And then spread the word widely, informing all of Shanbao County...

Our Blood Saber Sect's two young heroes will battle it out at Wangxi Building.

Also, publicize the wager between Vice Sect Leader Yu and me; at that time, we'll all go have a look."

Saying the word "Vice," he smiled at Yu Chaoyin again.

Yu Chaoyin closed his eyes, lowered his head, a shadow cast over his face.

...

...

After the morning meeting.

Tie Sha slightly raised his head, standing alone by the window.

After waiting for a moment, an elder with white hair but a youthful appearance stepped over the threshold to meet him, saying, "Sect Leader."

"Elder Ding," Tie Sha turned back and said, "I've invited you to come down the mountain this time to ask you a favor."

"Between us, no need for formalities... you provide for my old age, so it's only right I help you remove some troubles." The elder smiled.

Tie Sha's eyes contained a cold glint; he leaned closer, whispering in detail...

The elder listened, then smiled, "Alright, I've always known you have grand ambitions and have been quietly amassing strength, waiting for the day to achieve a decisive victory. Now, seize this opportunity to unify Shanbao County in one swift action."

While they were speaking, footsteps approached from not far away, revealing five figures drawing closer.

Each of the four differed in height, build, and shape, but the person in the middle bore some resemblance to Tie Sha.

"Greetings, Sect Leader!" The five saluted, then turned to the elder, "Greetings, Elder Ding!"

Tie Sha laughed, "You've all arrived, perfect for discussing matters seven days from now.

If there's a task, it must be done well.

If there's someone to kill, kill thoroughly... hmph, hahahaha."

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