Wandering Swordsman |

Zhao Xue smiled slightly and said softly, "After I went out, I learned that Jingtian Pavilion would serve breakfast. In order not to disturb your rest, I didn't go back to my room, but went for a stroll. This place is really beautiful. I accidentally walked into a small courtyard and saw many beautiful plum blossoms."

He Yun nodded after hearing this and continued to eat his noodles heartily, clearly he was starving. Zhao Xue watched him wolf down his food, feeling a warmth in her heart, but also a little amused. She said softly, "Brother He Yun, eat slowly, don't choke."

Then, as Zhao Xue was about to recount her encounter with Situ Meng in that small courtyard, He Yun had already finished his bowl of noodles. He Yun said excitedly, "Ah Xue, after you finish eating, let's go watch those young heroes' martial arts competition together. Let's broaden our horizons."

Zhao Xue looked up at He Yun and saw the expectation on his face. She felt a warmth in her heart, then nodded gently and quickened her pace of eating noodles.

Seeing that Zhao Xue had agreed, He Yun smiled with satisfaction. He gently patted Zhao Xue's shoulder and encouraged her, "Ah Xue, take your time eating, don't rush. The martial arts competition won't start so soon."

Zhao Xue nodded and continued eating her noodles. Although she still wanted to tell He Yun about meeting Situ Meng, seeing how excited He Yun was, she temporarily kept it to herself and didn't tell him.

......

After breakfast, Zhao Xue and He Yun went outside and saw a large group of people heading in one direction. Seeing this, they naturally understood that these people were most likely going to the martial arts competition, so they followed the flow of people. The snow along the way glistened in the sunlight, and the air was fresh and cold, as if foreshadowing a grand martial arts competition about to begin.

Before long, the two arrived at the central square of Jingtian Pavilion. In the middle of the square was a raised bluestone training ground, which, judging by its size, could accommodate a hundred people practicing martial arts at the same time. The snow on the training ground had been cleared clean, suggesting that it had been carefully prepared as the venue for the upcoming martial arts competition.

Zhao Xue and He Yun stood at the edge of the square, looking around. The training platform was empty, but the area around it was already crowded with martial arts practitioners. These people were dressed in various styles, some in gorgeous brocade robes, others in simple cloth, but without exception, everyone's eyes shone with excitement and anticipation.

Tables and chairs were set up on the stands surrounding the square, clearly intended for those with a certain status in the martial arts world. These tables and chairs were arranged neatly, covered with red silk, giving them an air of solemnity. However, these seats were still empty, indicating that the important figures had not yet arrived.

To the north of the central square is a stone staircase leading to the main hall of Jingtian Pavilion. The staircase is wide and magnificent, with exquisite dragon and phoenix carvings on both sides, giving it a solemn and dignified appearance. At this moment, two chairs, one large and one small, have been placed at the entrance of the main hall. Sitting in those two seats, one can overlook the entire central square, especially those in the martial arts training ground, whose view is completely visible. Presumably, those two chairs are for Situ Dengfeng and his daughter, Situ Meng.

He Yun and Zhao Xue found a relatively clear spot in the training ground and stood there, waiting for the competition to begin. Meanwhile, martial arts practitioners from the surrounding area were gradually entering the arena, occasionally whispering amongst themselves about the upcoming match. Excitement and anticipation filled the air, and a tense yet enthusiastic atmosphere permeated the entire square.

Suddenly, footsteps sounded, and everyone waiting for the competition to begin looked up. Several dignified elders, led by disciples of the Jing Tian Pavilion, entered the arena. Among these elders were several elders and abbots from the Nine Sects and One Group whom he had met in the rest room yesterday. He Yun thought to himself, "The other unfamiliar seniors must be from the Eight Great Families and the Four Great Academies."

As the elders were led to the surrounding stands and taken their seats, the atmosphere in the entire square became even more solemn. All eyes turned back to the main hall. At that moment, a group of Jing Tian Pavilion disciples, led by Situ Dengfeng, emerged from the main hall, with Situ Meng following beside him. Her appearance was ethereal and otherworldly, like a fairy descending to earth, drawing the attention of everyone present.

Situ Meng's appearance captivated everyone, from unaffiliated young martial artists to disciples of prestigious sects. For a moment, the entire plaza seemed to fall silent, save for the soft sounds of breathing and heartbeats. Each of Situ Meng's steps was so light, as if her footsteps carried the fragrance of plum blossoms, intoxicating all who heard them.

Situ Dengfeng walked to the large chair and sat down. Situ Meng sat on a small chair beside him, the two of them looking down over the entire square. Situ Dengfeng glanced around, a satisfied smile on his face, and said softly, "Fellow martial artists, and all the young heroes who have come to participate in the competition, welcome to Jingtian Pavilion for this martial arts tournament. I hope that all of you young heroes can demonstrate your true martial arts skills and win a top-three finish."

The martial arts practitioners below the stage responded with enthusiastic applause, expressing their respect and support for Situ Dengfeng. Zhao Xue and He Yun also clapped, their hearts filled with anticipation for the upcoming competition.

Then, at Situ Dengfeng's signal, a Jingtian Pavilion disciple standing behind him displayed his light-footed skill, leaping gracefully like a swallow to the center of the training ground. He landed steadily, surveyed the surroundings, and loudly announced the competition rules:

"Fellow martial arts practitioners, the competition will be divided into sixteen groups, with sixteen people in each group. Each group will conduct one-on-one duels by drawing lots, and the winners will advance. Finally, a single winner will be determined for each group. After the sixteen winners of the sixteen groups are determined, these sixteen people will qualify for the finals."

Zhao Xue and He Yun exchanged a glance, both feeling a mix of nervousness and excitement. The disciple continued:

"Now announcing the first group's list: Li Fanglin, Mo Tianchong, Long Zaitian... The second group: Yi Fengzheng, Li Zhaoyue, Zhang Hu..."

The disciple continued, "The above list, along with the schedule for this martial arts tournament, will be posted on the bulletin board on the south side of the square later. Next, we will begin the first match of the first group: Li Fanglin versus Mo Tianchong. Please, the two heroes whose names have been called, come to the stage. During the match, only weapons are permitted; hidden weapons are not allowed."

As his words fell, the atmosphere reached a climax. Li Fanglin and Mo Tianchong stepped out from the crowd and walked firmly toward the training platform. They bowed to each other, then stood at attention, ready to begin their duel.

"Ah Xue, look! Brother Li is the first one to go up." He Yun was excited as he watched Li Fanglin walk onto the training platform.