274: Martial Arts Contest for Marriage

The first ray of morning sunlight pierced through the thin mist above Juyan City and shone upon the massive Bluestone Plaza in the city center.

Qin Feng and his group arrived early at the viewing stand beside the plaza. This spot, reserved by Xia Xue through her Chiyan Guard connections, offered an excellent view, allowing them to clearly see the entire arena and observe the movements of the City Lord and various forces on the high platform.

The Martial Arts Competition for Marriage had not yet begun, but the plaza was already packed with people. The cries of vendors, the discussions of Martial Artists, and the playful noises of children intertwined, creating a boiling clamor. The air was filled with various energies—the True Essence fluctuations of Martial Artists, the greasy smell of snacks, and even the faint scent of blood from some individuals.

Qin Feng closed his eyes and concentrated. The System intelligence, refreshed at the zi hour, clearly surfaced in his mind:

[Daily Intelligence Refreshed] (zi hour):

1. [White Intelligence]: City Lord Yan Di was handsome and dashing in his youth, leaving behind many romantic debts during his travels. According to incomplete statistics, he has at least twenty-three illegitimate children outside, half of whom he is completely unaware of. Several of these scattered descendants have already made a name for themselves in the Northern Territory based on their own talent, and some are even secretly plotting to return to the City Lord's Mansion.

2. [Yellow Intelligence]: In today's Martial Arts Competition for Marriage, Young Lord Flower Without Intent of the Hehuan Sect will challenge the arena. This person's cultivation is Late Stage Martial King, but his Foundation is unstable, built entirely on medicine and Dual Cultivation Techniques. His true intention is not to marry, but to use the opportunity to infiltrate Juyan City and pave the way for the Hehuan Sect's expansion in the Northern Territory. Overall assessment: his chance of defeating Yan Chi is less than fifty percent, but caution is needed regarding his hidden methods.

3. [Yellow Intelligence]: The four major Evil Schools of the Qian Kingdom—the Yin Demon Sect, the Hehuan Sect, the Corpse Refining Sect, and the Blood Spirit Gate—have seen significant shifts in power in recent years. The Yin Demon Sect suffered severe damage to its Origin Qi due to the combined efforts of the Host and the Medicine King Valley; the high-level members of the Corpse Refining Sect were completely wiped out in a battle against the Host and the Medicine King Valley experts, and their remaining forces have been annexed by the Blood Spirit Gate; the Hehuan Sect has taken the opportunity to expand, embedding Secret Spies in many cities in the Northern Territory. The Blood Spirit Gate's strength has surged after annexing the Corpse Refining Sect, and its actions are becoming increasingly mysterious, warranting close attention.

All three pieces of intelligence were quite valuable.

Although the first piece was White Intelligence, it revealed an unknown side of City Lord Yan Di. Twenty-three illegitimate children... this number left Qin Feng secretly speechless. No wonder Yan Di was so concerned about Yan Chi's marriage; perhaps he wanted at least one of his legitimate children to settle down safely.

The second piece of Yellow Intelligence directly pointed to today's variable—the Young Lord of the Hehuan Sect. A win rate of less than fifty percent, but capable of dirty tricks... Qin Feng firmly committed this name to memory.

The third piece of intelligence outlined the new landscape of the Qian Kingdom's Evil School forces. The news that the Blood Spirit Gate had annexed the Corpse Refining Sect made his heart tighten. Although the high-level members of the Corpse Refining Sect were all dead, a starved camel is still bigger than a horse; its annexation by the Blood Spirit Gate indicates that the latter's strength should not be underestimated. He must be more vigilant in the future.

"Clang—!"

The loud sound of a gong shook the plaza, and the clamoring crowd instantly fell silent.

Qin Feng opened his eyes and saw City Lord Yan Di standing on the high platform to the north. This Late Stage Martial Emperor expert, with red hair and a red beard, wore a dark red City Lord's robe today, carrying a scarlet gold longsword at his waist, commanding respect without anger. He surveyed the entire venue, his voice like a great bell:

"Today, my daughter Yan Chi has set up an arena here for a Martial Arts Competition for Marriage!"

"The rules are simple: anyone under thirty, regardless of their School background, who can defeat my daughter in a frontal confrontation, may marry her, join my City Lord's Mansion, and enjoy Stipends!"

When his voice fell, the entire audience erupted in an uproar. Joining the City Lord's Mansion and receiving Stipends—for many Loose Cultivators and members of small Families, this was an excellent opportunity to Leap over the Dragon Gate.

"Now, let the challenges begin!" Yan Di waved his large hand and returned to his main seat.

"Boom!"

A scarlet figure leaped down from the side of the high platform like a flaming meteor, landing heavily in the center of the arena, making the bluestone slab hum.

Yan Chi wore a set of scarlet battle armor today, engraved with flame patterns that reflected a metallic sheen in the sunlight. Her long hair was tied into a high ponytail, and she held a twelve-foot scarlet spear, the tip pointing obliquely toward the ground. She looked like a blazing fire. Her Phoenix eyes swept over the crowd, her Battle Intent boiling:

"Who will come first?!"

There was a commotion in the waiting area. Eleven challengers stood there, all under thirty years old, with cultivations ranging from Grand Martial Master to Martial King. Most were young talents from Juyan City or nearby towns, and a few were Loose Cultivators who had rushed over upon hearing the news.

After a moment of silence, a robust young man holding dual hammers leaped onto the arena, cupped his fists, and said: "Third Miss, I am Wang Meng, instructor of the Martial Hall on West Street in Juyan City, Late-stage Grand Martial Master. Please enlighten me!"

Before he finished speaking, Yan Chi moved.

Her figure was like lightning, her scarlet spear transforming into a streak of light, stabbing straight toward Wang Meng's chest. This spear strike was without flourish, only speed and ferocity!

Wang Meng was shocked and crossed his dual hammers to block—

"Clang!"

Amidst the deafening clang of metal colliding, Wang Meng, along with his hammers, was sent flying ten meters, crashing heavily onto the edge of the arena. He struggled to get up but "wah" spat out a mouthful of fresh blood, his vision went dark, and he passed out.

The entire venue was dead silent.

One move! Just one move!

Yan Chi stood holding her spear, the tip unstained by blood. She said coldly: "Too weak. Next."

The waiting area instantly exploded into chaos. Some people quietly backed away with fear in their eyes, while others were even more excited—defeating such a powerful expert would be even more valuable!

For the next half hour, the arena became a one-sided crushing ground.

The second challenger, Peak Grand Martial Master, held a Low Grade Earth Rank shield called the "Dark Iron Heavy Shield," intending to rely on defense to withstand the attacks. After stepping onto the stage, he immediately planted the shield on the ground, shrinking behind it, and shouted: "Third Miss, if you cannot break this shield within three moves, then I..."

Before he finished speaking, Yan Chi's spear had arrived.

"Raging Flame Break!"

Scarlet flames surged from the spear tip, transforming into a flame drill that fiercely pierced the center of the shield.

"Crack!"

The Dark Iron Heavy Shield, rumored to withstand Martial King attacks, was actually pierced by a single spear strike! The flames passed through the shield, burning a charred hole in the man's chest. The challenger screamed and rolled off the arena, the shield having a fist-sized hole in the middle, with molten iron dripping from the edges.

"A Low Grade Earth Rank shield... just ruined like that?" Someone on the viewing stand gasped.

The third challenger learned his lesson. He was an Early Stage Martial King who specialized in Movement Techniques, intending to use guerrilla tactics to wear her down. After stepping onto the stage, he immediately widened the distance, his footwork shifting like a nimble snake gliding.

Yan Chi did not rush to attack this time. Instead, she stood holding her spear, quietly watching her opponent circle the arena.

After ten breaths, the challenger felt his Movement Technique had reached its peak, and he suddenly launched a sneak attack from the side, stabbing a sword toward Yan Chi's ribs.

Just as the sword tip was still three feet away from the battle armor, Yan Chi moved.

She didn't even turn around. Her spear swept backward, the shaft whipping the opponent's waist like an iron rod.

"Bang!"

The challenger flew out horizontally like a kite with a broken string, crashing into the Protective Light Barrier at the edge of the arena. When he slid to the ground, he was spitting up blood, having broken seven or eight ribs.

The fourth, the fifth... Yan Chi struck with great precision. Although not fatal, her attacks were enough to render the challengers combat-ineffective for a short time. She seemed intent on establishing her prestige, finishing every match quickly, never exceeding three moves.

By the eighth challenger, only three people remained in the waiting area.

The eighth challenger was a lean man, Mid-stage Martial King cultivation, holding a pair of Short Halberds. After stepping onto the stage, he didn't rush to attack, but said in a deep voice: "Third Miss, I know I am no match for you. But my master commanded that I must take three of your moves. After three moves, regardless of the outcome, I will immediately concede."

Yan Chi gave him a rare direct look: "You are quite honest. Make your move."

The lean man took a deep breath, crossed his halberds in front of his chest, and a yellowish-brown Protective Aura appeared around him—it was a rare Earth-element Cultivation Technique, specializing in defense.

"First move!" Yan Chi thrust her spear straight out, flames condensing at the tip, turning into a point of scarlet light.

"Earth Fiend Body Protection!" The man spun his dual halberds in a circle, and the yellowish-brown Protective Aura formed a thick shield wall.

"Puff!"

The spear tip penetrated three inches into the shield wall but could not advance further. The flames and the Earth-element Protective Aura fiercely consumed each other, making "hissing" sounds.

A trace of surprise flashed in Yan Chi's eyes. She retracted her spear and stepped back: "To withstand my move 'Scarlet Flame Dotting the Stars,' not bad."

Sweat beaded on the man's forehead, but his expression was firm: "Please execute the second move!"

"Good!" Yan Chi raised her spear high, the shaft blazing with scarlet flames. "Take my 'Flame Dragon Whips Its Tail'!"

The spear swept horizontally, and the flames transformed into a Spectral Scarlet Dragon, its tail whipping fiercely toward the opponent.

"Immovable as a Mountain!" The man plunged his dual halberds into the arena floor, and the yellowish-brown Protective Aura surged, condensing into a Spectral Mountain in front of him.

"Rumble!"

The Scarlet Dragon's tail whipped the Spectral Mountain, erupting in a sky-shaking crash. The Spectral Mountain shook violently, countless cracks appearing on its surface, but ultimately, it did not collapse.

Blood spilled from the corner of the man's mouth; he had clearly suffered internal injuries, but he straightened his back: "The third move!"

Admiration finally appeared in Yan Chi's eyes. She put away her spear, clenched her right fist, and scarlet flames condensed on her knuckles: "The final move. If you can take it, you win."

"Scarlet Sun Fist!"

She punched out, and the fist wind transformed into a scarlet sun, smashing toward the opponent with the momentum of Burning the Heavens and Boiling the Seas.

The man's face changed drastically. He knew he absolutely could not withstand this punch. But instead of retreating, he roared, poured all his Protective Aura into his dual halberds, and thrust them toward the scarlet sun—

"Earth Splitting Heaven Collapse!"

"Boom—!!!!"

A terrifying explosion of Qi waves swept across the entire arena, and the Protective Light Barrier violently shook. After the smoke and dust cleared, the man was seen kneeling on one knee, his dual halberds broken, his body charred black, but his eyes shone with unyielding light.

He struggled to stand up, cupped his fists, and said: "Third Miss... the three moves have passed."

Yan Chi nodded: "You passed. Go down and treat your injuries."

The man grinned, showing teeth stained red with blood, and staggered off the arena. Medics immediately stepped forward and carried him toward the Clinic beside the venue.

The entire audience burst into warm applause. This was the first person today who had completely withstood three moves; though defeated, he was honored.

The ninth challenger was the Vice Curator of Juyan City's "Quaking Peak Martial Hall," a Late Stage Martial King cultivation, and quite famous locally. He carried a two-handed heavy sword called "Mountain Splitter," its blade thick and weighing three hundred catties.

"Third Miss, I am Liu Zhenshan. Please give me guidance!" The Vice Curator's voice was loud, and his Aura was steady.

A hint of seriousness flashed in Yan Chi's eyes: "Please."

The two wasted no words and attacked simultaneously.

As Liu Zhenshan swung his heavy sword, Protective Aura winds whistled, and every strike carried the force to split mountains and crack stones. The Thick Earth Sword Art he Cultivated relied on brute force to overcome skill, perfectly countering most Light and Agile Cultivation Techniques.

Yan Chi's spear technique changed; she no longer pursued speed but met strength with strength. The spear and heavy sword collided repeatedly, erupting in deafening clashes of metal, sending sparks flying.

"Good!" Someone on the viewing stand cheered. "This is a true expert showdown!"

Qin Feng carefully observed the battle between the two. Liu Zhenshan indeed possessed considerable strength; his heavy sword was powerful and weighty, and he was rich in combat experience, always able to predict Yan Chi's attack trajectory. However, Yan Chi's spear technique was more exquisite, especially her control over fire, which had reached a state of perfection.

After twenty moves, Liu Zhenshan gradually fell into a disadvantage. It wasn't due to insufficient strength, but because Yan Chi's Flame Protective Aura was too overbearing. Each time their weapons clashed, a scorching Fire Force passed through the heavy sword into his body. Although he neutralized most of it with his Earth-element Protective Aura, the cumulative effect caused his Meridians to start aching faintly.

"I can't drag this out!" Resolve flashed in Liu Zhenshan's eyes. He raised his heavy sword above his head, pouring his entire body's Protective Aura into the blade. "Third Miss, take my final strike—Mountain Collapse Earth Split!"

The heavy sword chopped down with terrifying might. Before the sword arrived, the Protective Aura wind had already cracked the arena stone slabs inch by inch.

Yan Chi did not dodge or evade. The scarlet flames on her spear surged up to ten meters, and the spear shaft faintly emitted a Dragon roar: "A good attack! Fire Dragon Piercing the Heart!"

With one thrust, the flames transformed into a Scarlet Dragon, its mouth wide open, directly devouring the sword's edge.

"Boom—!!!"

An explosion even more violent than before sounded. The Protective Light Barrier shook intensely, and even fine cracks appeared. The faces of the Formation Masters maintaining the Formation beside the venue turned pale, and they hurriedly reinforced the Formation.

Amidst the smoke and dust, a figure flew backward—it was Liu Zhenshan. He crashed heavily onto the edge of the arena, his heavy sword slipping from his grasp, the webbing between his thumb and forefinger split and bloody. Yan Chi, however, only retreated three steps, steadying herself with her spear. Her breathing was slightly erratic, but her Battle Intent was even stronger.

The entire venue was silent for a moment, then erupted in thunderous cheers.

Yan Chi had won again!

She slammed her spear onto the ground and surveyed the waiting area. There had originally been eleven challengers; now only two remained.

"Who else?!" Her voice was clear, carrying undeniable dominance.

The waiting area was silent. The remaining two looked at each other, both seeing fear in the other's eyes.