Chapter 61: The Martial Arts Tournament I

Chapter 61: Martial Arts Tournament 1

Three days remained before the Martial Arts Tournament, yet Qingmang Town was already bustling with excitement.

Martial artists and enthusiasts from across the nation and even the world had flocked here, all eager to witness the once-every-four-years spectacle.

This year’s tournament carried an added allure: rumors of a reclusive master emerging from seclusion to avenge their disciple’s grievances, sparking widespread curiosity.

At this moment, an unassuming old man strolling down Qingmang’s main street might well be a renowned martial arts master.

Every inn and hotel was fully booked; the proprietors beamed with delight, wishing the tournament would come every day.

In front of the Yuelai Hotel, a Land Rover came to a slow stop. A young man and woman stepped out.

Both were impeccably dressed, radiating an air of haughty confidence. The man glanced up at the hotel with a sneer.

“Well, after searching around, this is the only hotel that’s somewhat decent. We’ll just make do.”

The girl was quite beautiful but bore a cold, aloof expression. Upon hearing this, she frowned slightly before nodding.

“Fine, brother. I don’t expect much from this dump anyway.”

The two were siblings from the provincial capital—he was Shi Hao, and she, Shi Zhuli.

Their purpose in coming to Qingmang Town was naturally to attend the Martial Arts Tournament.

Shi Hao had trained under a renowned master since childhood, mastering internal martial arts to a profound degree.

Shi Zhuli was no less impressive; her Wing Chun skills ranked among the best for women, just one step away from entering the True Martial Realm.

They entered the hotel lobby, where Xue Lan happened to be present. Spotting guests, she stepped forward.

“What’s your best suite? We want two of them,” Shi Zhuli demanded coldly.

Xue Lan shook her head apologetically. “Sorry, only standard suites are left, and just one at that.”

Shi Hao’s eyes brightened upon seeing Xue Lan—he hadn’t expected such an elegant and refined woman in this remote, impoverished town.

Shi Zhuli, displeased, arrogantly insisted, “Money’s no issue. We must have the best suites! Get them ready immediately!”

Before Xue Lan could respond, Song Yi approached. “Ladies, all rooms are fully booked. It’s not a matter of money, you see…”

Shi Zhuli sneered, “I don’t care what tactics you use; get those rooms ready now, or I’ll smash your hotel!”

The Shi family was well-known in the provincial capital, and Shi Zhuli had been pampered since childhood, acting with brazen arrogance.

Song Yi’s smile darkened. “Ladies, I’m afraid that won’t be possible.”

Shi Hao then sneered coldly, “Didn’t you hear my sister? If it’s full, make the others leave—we’re staying here no matter what.”

At that moment, the hotel security, sensing trouble, gathered around.

Shi Hao looked arrogant and unconcerned.

He had grand ambitions for Qingmang Town, aiming to break into the Elite Rankings.

He was confident in his abilities.

Back in the provincial capital, he had fought numerous underground arena battles undefeated, earning the title “Little Fist King of Jingnan.”

Thus, he looked down on these security guards.

As the atmosphere tensed, a convoy of black Audis arrived at the hotel entrance. From the vehicles descended a group of people.

Upon entering the lobby, Xue Lan’s eyes lit up, and she hurried forward.

“Brother Xiao An.”

The group included Xue An, Tan Xiaoyu, and Hua Tingting.

Qin Yu had intended to come as well, but urgent matters prevented her.

Seeing Xue Lan, Xue An smiled gently. The two young girls called out in unison, “Aunt Lan!”

Song Yi also approached with respectful bows. “Greetings, Mr. Xue!”

This effectively sidelined Shi Hao and his sister, whose expressions darkened as they stared at Xue An.

Who was this man? Why such a grand entourage?

Moreover, every woman accompanying him was stunningly beautiful.

Shi Hao’s eyes were dazzled, fueling his growing displeasure.

He sized up Xue An, who appeared slender and frail—one punch from him could likely send him flying, possibly not even a martial artist.

Why did this guy have so many beauties by his side?

Meanwhile, Tan Xiaoyu noticed Shi Zhuli and was surprised.

“You’re… Zhuli?”

Shi Zhuli paused, then recognized Tan Xiaoyu.

Tan Xiaoyu had spent some time at the provincial capital’s martial arts school and had even shared a dorm with Shi Zhuli, so they knew each other.

Though their relationship wasn’t close, meeting here was unexpected.

Shi Zhuli nodded haughtily. “So it’s you, Xiaoyu. What are you all doing here?”

“Oh, this is my father, and Tingting, my younger sister. We’re here just to watch the excitement,” Tan Xiaoyu said carefully, deliberately not introducing Xue An.

She felt that, with many investigating who killed Yu Qing, it was better to keep Xue An’s identity under wraps.

“So you’re the director of the Northern Town Martial Arts School, Director Tan!” Shi Hao acknowledged lightly, bowing perfunctorily.

“Have the rooms been arranged?” Xue An inquired of Song Yi.

Song Yi nodded. “Mr. Xue, knowing you would come, we’ve prepared a presidential suite especially for you and your two daughters.”

Xue An nodded approvingly; Song Yi was indeed meticulous.

Just as they were about to head upstairs, Shi Zhuli, annoyed, said, “But didn’t you say there were no presidential suites? Why does he get one?”

Her question darkened Song Yi’s expression.

Back in Zhongdu, he had been a man of influence, respected by many powerful figures; now, being scolded by a spoiled brat was humiliating.

“Because he’s the owner here. Any problem with that?” Song Yi retorted coldly.

Shi Zhuli was about to argue further, but Tan Xiaoyu intervened to avoid escalation.

“Forget it, we’ll arrange another suite for you!”

Shi Hao cast a cold glance at Xue An as he went upstairs.

From start to finish, Xue An hadn’t even glanced at them.

In Xue An’s eyes, these two weren’t even worthy of his attention.

But to Shi Hao, it seemed Xue An was afraid.

Probably just some rustic with a bit of money in this backwater town.

Yet the women by Xue An’s side were quite attractive—Hua Tingting, for example, exuded intellectual charm and suited Shi Hao’s taste perfectly.

Lost in thought, Shi Hao made up his mind.

Back in their room, he asked his sister, “How’s your relationship with Tan Xiaoyu?”

Shi Zhuli shook her head. “Just so-so.”

“Then invite her out for dinner tonight.”

Shi Zhuli looked puzzled. “Brother, you don’t mean you fancy Tan Xiaoyu, do you?”

A proud smile curled Shi Hao’s lips. “Just for fun. Her father’s only the director of the Northern Town Martial Arts School—no match for me!”

(End of chapter)