After refusing the task to clear out the troublesome folk outside the city, two more shops came to the door seeking the protection of the martial arts hall.
They would pay the protective fee on time, only asking for Liao Ya's aid at critical moments.
This was just a standard affiliation, essentially like picking up money for nothing. Yet, Lu Yao still refused them all.
"We have enough resources. We will slowly cultivate and improve our strengths. By remaining unchanging, we can handle any changes that come our way, and there is no need to trouble ourselves for a tiny bit of insignificant gain."
He wanted to keep a low profile and level up, and then come out of seclusion to crush any opposition. The idea was good, but sadly his adversaries wouldn't indulge him.
Early the next day, a group of people made a beeline for the martial arts hall.
The man at the front, wearing yellow clothes and walking on tiptoes, had a frivolous expression: "If the Liao Family's cheap wretches don't know their place, then let's have them die miserably in front of a crowd!"
~~~~~~~
Meanwhile, Lu Yao and the three others were practicing as usual in the courtyard.
It was the third day of their medicinal bath, and after soaking three times, Lu Yao and the Liao Family Sisters had reaped huge benefits.
Lu Yao's Carp Stance was becoming increasingly skilled, and he could now practice it in a meditative state. His spine energized his entire body, making him more agile. His ability to dodge and weave in close quarters had become incredibly deft.
When Liao Ya was refining her organs, it was as if thunder rolled inside her, and her occasional "huffs and puffs" started carrying the momentum of thunder.
Liao Qe could create an explosive sound with her punches and kicks without needing to build up force. As the saying goes, a resonant strike is priceless; the girl's kung fu had penetrated deep into her bones, and the power coming straight from her bones could tear through the air to create that sound.
This was a sign of mastery in the Bone Tempering Realm! After stabilizing her progress, she could consider making a breakthrough in Organ Refining.
All three were quite satisfied with their progress.
Liao Qe's excited face gleamed, and her braids bounced energetically.
Out of every 20 martial practitioners, only one could succeed in Organ Refining. Martial masters held a prestigious status, enjoying special privileges. With two martial masters, the Liao Family Fist would have truly secured its foundation.
But just then, a familiar voice rang out: "Master Liao, Ninth Grade Official Wang Yuan of the Armed Forces Authority requests an audience!"
The visitor was the very Ninth Grade Official of the Armed Forces Authority whom they had just met the day before.
~~~~~~~
"Master Liao, we meet again."
"Official Wang, what brings you here?"
Wang Yuan's eyes shifted as he feigned composure, "The Armed Forces Authority received an official challenge. Someone wants to compete with you in a duel."
Having said this, he stepped aside swiftly to reveal the man in yellow behind him.
Gu Li, hand on his waist, taunted, "The remains of the Blood-Exchange Realm are valuable. Even the foreigners offered a high price. If you don't want them, I'll sell them to the foreigners to dissect for fun."
Lu Yao realized he had vastly underestimated these scoundrels' depravity. The sisters, coming from a culture that greatly respects ancestors, would never abandon their father's remains.
Liao Ya signed her life away on a dueling contract, accepting the challenge.
Seeing his goal achieved, Gu Li's mouth twisted into a smile and he exclaimed gleefully, "Noon sharp, I'll be waiting for the grand arrival of the Liao Family Fist at the Four Seas Tower!"
Having said that, he turned and left, unaware of the cold smile on Liao Ya's face.
~~~~~~~~
The time was already 11 a.m. sharp, with only one hour left before the duel, the preparation seemed rushed.
The sisters donned their combat gear, with Liao Ya even taking her Great Lance. The young lady showed no signs of distress; she was confident and declared,
"Haoran Martial Arts Hall has miscalculated this time! Our strength has surged incredibly. They are courting death!"
Liao Qe also overflowed with confidence, "Eating tonics and soaking in medicinal baths every day, I've been itching to find an opponent to test my skills! This couldn't come at a better time!"
The sisters focused on their breathing and put themselves into the best state of mind.
With nothing particular to do, Lu Yao thought about it and went to the kitchen to slip a kitchen knife into his clothing. His own attack power was too low; he needed to carry a handy tool just in case.
~~~~~~~~
The news of the duel spread through the city like wildfire.
However, many commoners were unable to enjoy the spectacle this time, as the duel's location was set in one of Yunzhou's most luxurious restaurants—the Four Seas Tower.
Lu Yao and the others hurried over, surveying the opulent restaurant.
The Four Seas Tower boasted three floors, featuring an ancient charm. The entrance was decked with colorful wooden arches and painted in vermilion and emerald.
But the most unique aspect was the central courtyard of the restaurant.
This courtyard was about the size of two basketball courts, covered in green bricks, and served perfectly as an arena. The light and angles were perfect for the guests to enjoy the fight.
At the moment, there was an eight immortals table in the middle of the arena with a man in white writing vigorously—
[Today's competitors shall pull no punches and fight with all their might, with no disputes over life and death after the match. We shall bear witness!]
The writer was none other than the master of Haoran Martial Arts Hall—Sun Haoran.
After finishing, he signed his own name on this "testimony document" and pressed his handprint.
Following this, two other dignified individuals of Yunzhou's Martial Faction also signed, becoming witnesses to the duel.
This was an important procedure for an official duel—the witnesses would also act as judges and were often respected members of the local Martial Faction.