The martial arts duelists entered the distinctive courtyard of Four Seas Tower, and the spectators, having taken their seats, widened their eyes in focused attention. A life-and-death fight between high-ranking fighters was a rare sight, an invaluable opportunity for observation.
To everyone's surprise, both duelists wielded long spears, though Sun Haoran's was silver, while Liao Ya's was black.
"Liao Family girl, back then your father sank a cargo ship, 100,000 catties of opium fed to the fish, causing countless people to lose their fortunes.
I was just a petty smuggler of opium, luckily I found one of your father's arms and that helped me advance rapidly, leading to today!
You dying by my hand can also be credited to your father!"
After finishing with his biting words, Sun Haoran didn't say more and took the initiative to attack. The silver spear shimmered into countless cold flashes, accompanied by a whistling sound as it struck the air, raining down on Liao Ya like a meteor shower.
Some in the crowd recognized it—that was the famous 'Soaring Dragon Skyward Style' of Haoran Martial Arts Hall. To be hit by even a single strike would mean more than a chilling touch; it could tear one apart with its massive force.
Liao Ya fought fiercely, with a piercing battle cry she thrust her spear directly. The clangor of metal on metal rang out as sparks flew from the head-on clash of the two spears!
The girl actually chose not to dodge or evade, engaging in a head-on confrontation with an opponent a whole cultivation level higher!
Sun Haoran was certainly not afraid, instead he was overjoyed in his heart! You, in the Organ Refining Realm, trying to compete in strength with me in the Marrow-Cleansing Realm!
Their battle sped up, the spears whipped through the air so fast only two dark shadows could barely be seen, and the force of the blows whipped up strong winds painful to the face.
Liao Ya didn't show even a hint of fatigue, her performance at a lower cultivation level was remarkable during the fight.
But Duan Pei shook his head and said, "Sun Haoran may be morally corrupt, but his skills are real. Master Liao has become somewhat impatient. An initial burst of energy is followed by quick depletion, with such fierce attacks, she likely won't last long."
At the next table, Master Pang also said, "The energy of someone in the Organ Refining Realm is inherently weaker; it would be wiser to use hit-and-run tactics to look for a lethal opportunity than to confront head-on which is foolish."
Just when things looked grim for her, a thunderous 'humph' and 'ha' erupted from Liao Ya's mouth and nose, and the power and speed of her Black Dragon spear surged, starting to overpower her opponent.
Sun Haoran gritted his teeth, his face flushed red. His own spear felt as if it were striking a mountain, and each collision sent a numbing shock through both of his arms!
"Her strength is not less than mine!"
Even with all his strength, he couldn't reverse the tide and was instead forced to retreat.
He couldn't believe it, he was in the Marrow-Cleansing Realm! How could he be at a disadvantage in this battle of strength!? But the reality before his eyes was indisputable!
Even those in the Marrow-Cleansing Realm are not perpetual motion machines, gradually Sun Haoran's strength began to decline, it was no longer just a retreat, he couldn't even block her spear anymore. His face and throat were sliced open one after another, and if he hadn't dodged quickly, the duel could have ended already.
The spectators also sensed his decline, and Duan Pei exclaimed in surprise, "Organ Refining suppressing Marrow-Cleansing!?"
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The crowd thought they were seeing things wrong or that Sun Haoran had some tactic in play, but as the fight dragged on and his situation worsened, it was clear he was no match in a head-on clash.
Managing all the martial artists in Yunzhou, the three directors would undoubtedly hold high authority, not to mention the rank of a Seventh Grade official.
At this point, Duan Pei and Master Pang looked serious yet hopeful. As owners of some of the biggest martial arts halls present, they naturally expected some honor for themselves.
Li Pei paused for a moment, then continued, "The position of director will not be based on one's power or level of kung fu. Since everyone is here today, I will set a standard—"
Her expression became serious, and she spoke solemnly:
"The late Liao Qigong was unmatched in loyalty and bravery, sacrificing his life for the nation. His descendant, Liao Ya, with a heart of kindness and a spirit of courage and wisdom, can certainly be a role model for all martial artists!
Master Liao, would you be willing to take on the role of a director for the Yunzhou National Martial Arts Association?"
Liao Ya cupped her fists in salute and said, "I am honored by the chairman's affection, and I am willing!"
Li Pei's face broke into a smile, "Very well, the first director of the Yunzhou National Martial Arts Association is born."
After her speech, she began to clap, initiating scattered applause.
Those martial artists who had just praised Liao Ya's talent were now somewhat displeased, and the elderly Master Pang had an especially sour expression on his face.
By rights, as the most respected among them, the first director's position should have gone to him. Yet, it was given to an obscure young girl.
Master Pang made a covert signal, and immediately, someone in the crowd started to heckle, "There are two more director positions, who might they be?"
"Yeah, let's choose them quickly~"
Li Pei maintained a composed smile, "As someone new here, of course, I must pick the best of the best, the most suitable candidates. Everyone, please be patient."
This was like dangling a carrot in front of a donkey. Many people saw through it but couldn't do much about it.
Li Pei slowly cupped her fists in salute to those all around and said:
"Ladies and gentlemen, on my first day of practicing fists, my master taught me this salute, and there is one thing I remember very clearly—left palm with four fingers together, symbolizing unity and striving forward for all in our community.
In today's world, we martial artists must relentlessly strengthen ourselves, to serve our nation above and bring peace to the people below, daring to lead the world!"
...
As Li Pei called out this rousing slogan, the young martial artists below energetically cheered her on.
The current Shun Dynasty was not only righteous but also carried the mandate of expelling the Tartars, which was more appealing to the people than the fallen feudal dynasty of Blue Star.
Yet, there were many who were lackluster, disdainful, or even openly scoffing.