Chapter 38: The Commencement of the Martial Arts Competition (1/2)

Chapter 38: The Commencement of the Martial Arts Competition

There was a sea of people at the large practice arena in the City Master’s residence. All of the seats under the battle arena were occupied.

The influential powers of Luosang City and figures with fame and prestige occupied the front rows while the back seats were occupied by smaller powers and onlookers.

Opposite the arena was a platform that was approximately a meter taller than the arena. Stationed on the platform were the judges for the Martial Arts Competition. There were seven judges in total.

All of the seats reserved for the judges were filled, except for the empty seat in the middle, which belonged to the City Master, Ouyang Cheng.

The audience was on the edge of their seats as they waited eagerly for the City Master to set foot onto the platform and commence the Martial Arts Competition.

Some people in the audience couldn’t wait any longer as they started murmuring non-stop. “Why isn’t the City Master out yet? The time is almost up!”

“What’s the rush? Isn’t he arriving?” someone responded immediately.

“Oh, there he is. It’s really him! That’s great!”

The spectators became ebullient. They shifted their gazes onto the City Master, Ouyang Cheng, as he stepped onto the platform.

Ouyang Cheng’s appearance differed from everyone’s expectations. Those who could become a City Master were usually powerful, bold and imposing, yet he seemed like a scholarly and refined school teacher.

Ouyang Cheng stood on the platform and projected his gaze at the crowd below, smiling elegantly. He opened his mouth and spoke with a booming voice.

“Everyone, today is the Martial Arts Pre-Selection Test, which occurs only once every three years. This event is the focus of everyone in Luosang City. Furthermore, it is the day for our young talents to showcase their abilities and attain the glory that they deserve. Who will become the brightest star? Who will represent Luosang City and fight in the Capital? Let us all wait and see!”

Ouyang Cheng paused for a while before he continued.

“To ensure that the competition is fair and just, we invited those of noble character and high prestige within Luosang City as judges. I will now introduce them.

“The first person to my left is the best Tool Refiner in Luosang City, Master Tie Shou! The first person on my right is Luosang City’s top Pill Master, Master Gu Chen!”

These two were renowned within Luosang City. No one would object if they were appointed as judges.

“The second person seated on my left is the head of the Dugu Family, Dugu Congyun; and the second person seated on my right is the head of the Qin Family, Qin Zong! The third person seated on my left is the master of Modao Hall, Mo Tianwang; and the third person seated to my right is the master of Hidden Sword Mountain Villa, Li Nanshan!”

The people Ouyang Cheng had just introduced controlled the helm of Luosang City and were all first-class forces that were highly influential. Secondary forces that were inferior to them didn’t qualify to be on the platform, such as the head of the Lu family, Lu Jing.

“Other than these judges, the Capital has sent two officials, Official Wu and Official Song. They will oversee the entire Martial Arts Competition to ensure that the competition is absolutely fair. Now, let’s invite both judges onto the platform!”

As Ouyang Cheng finished his speech, two middle-aged men stepped onto the platform. They held their heads high and advanced with long strides. Those who were sent by the Capital really seemed to have a domineering influence. Behind the two, a few officials hoisted two high-legged chairs and set them down beside the judges’ seats.

“Please take a seat,” Ouyang Cheng said courteously to the officials.

The two officials grunted. “Hmph!”

“City Master Ouyang, we may now commence the competition!” After making the announcement, the two officials sat down pompously. Fragrant tea of high quality was immediately served.

Ouyang Cheng nodded and turned toward the crowd.

“I believe that everyone is aware of the competition’s rules so I shall not elaborate any further. All that I’m going to emphasize is that if anyone attempts to go against the rules or cause chaos, as the City Master, I will not tolerate it!”

Despite looking like a refined man, Ouyang Cheng spat out the last statement with a deadly aura, stunning the crowd.

“I hereby commence the opening of the Martial Arts Competition!” The end of his statement was immediately followed by thunderous noises that came from the spectator stands. The audience was extremely excited. It was finally happening!

Amidst the thunderous noises, the grand arena divided itself into three parts before lining up to form three smaller arenas which were labeled one, two and three respectively, from left to right.

Upon the formation of the smaller arenas, Ouyang Cheng’s loud voice resounded through the air once again.

“Now, may all of the competitors step onto the arena that corresponds to the number which you have drawn. After two hours, there should only be ten competitors in each arena. If the number of people left in the arena exceeds ten, everyone within that arena will be eliminated!”

The final rule was merciless because it forced every competitor to eliminate others.

“Competitors may now ascend onto their respective arena!”

Under Ouyang Cheng’s command, the young competitors jumped onto the arenas according to the number they had drawn beforehand.

Qin Yu stood within the crowd of spectators. Suddenly, he realized something extremely problematic. He hadn’t drawn any lots and therefore had no number, thus he had no idea which arena he was supposed to go to.