Two days passed in a flash. Nothing particularly pressing happened during these two days, so Xiao Yunlong remained mostly at home, spending most of his time in seclusion in the basement.
After two days of cultivation, he had successfully opened forty divine kingdoms in his Three Thousand Divine Kingdoms technique. Not only had his physical body been further strengthened, but the internal energy in his dantian had also more than doubled in power.
Through internal observation, Xiao Yunlong could clearly see that the internal energy in his dantian, which had been in a thin, gaseous state, had now become very dense. If he were to make a comparison, the internal energy in his dantian before was like smoke drifting in the wind, while now it was like clouds gathered together!
He opened his eyes and slowly clenched his fist, feeling the surging, boundless power within him. Xiao Yunlong was very excited; his combat strength was undoubtedly much greater than before he went into seclusion.
"If this continues, it won't be long before I can completely sweep aside not only Martial King experts but even those in the Innate Acupoint Realm!"
Xiao Yunlong snorted inwardly, then got up and walked out of the training room, heading to the first-floor hall.
By nine o'clock in the morning, the summer sun was already shining brightly in Jiangdong. Lin Zhechong, the Vice Alliance Leader of the Jiangdong Martial Alliance, had arrived at the villa half an hour earlier and was waiting.
Besides them, Jun Bufan, Tang Bowen, and Master Fo, among others, were all gathered in the courtyard. Each of them showed a hint of worry on their faces.
Today was the day of the decisive battle between the leader of the Jiangdong Martial Alliance and Xiao Yunlong, the fifth day of the fifth lunar month!
Liu Ruyan appeared quite relaxed. After experiencing many ups and downs, even if she was worried in her heart, she wouldn't easily show it on her face at this moment.
After lunch, Lin Zhechong stepped forward and said, "Mr. Xiao, the Martial Alliance is ready. The Alliance Leader has instructed me to pick you up. May I know..."
Before he could finish, Xiao Yunlong stood up and waved his hand, "In that case, let's go!"
Then, led by Lin Zhechong, the group, consisting of four cars, sped towards the direction of the Jiangdong Martial Alliance headquarters.
The Jiangdong Martial Alliance was located in the western district, converted from an old-fashioned school building. It occupied an area of three to four mu, not small. The layout was a three-courtyard structure, with side rooms on both sides, and a large martial arts training square in the center.
Today's duel would take place in the martial arts training square.
By a little past nine in the morning, the square was already packed with people. Not only had all the disciples and members of the Martial Alliance returned, but prominent families and influential figures from Jiangdong's upper society had also been invited to witness the match today.
The vast square was bustling with a dense crowd and a deafening clamor, appearing lively and noisy!
The elevated viewing seats near the arena were arranged with chairs. Of course, those qualified to sit there were basically the influential figures in Jiangdong, such as the top affluent families of Jiangdong, as well as important officials from the Jiangdong City Lord's Mansion.
An old man with a youthful complexion and white hair, dressed in a loose-fitting training robe, was mingling and chatting with the prominent figures of Jiangdong's upper society. This person was none other than the current leader of the Jiangdong Martial Alliance, Hua Xiaorong!
In terms of status and power as the Martial Alliance Leader, he was not comparable to the Jiangdong City Lord, let alone the Director of the Jiangdong Supervisory Department. However, Hua Xiaorong was different; he had the backing of the Kunlun Hidden Sect, so even the Jiangdong City Lord had to show him some respect.
Although Jiangdong City Lord Chu Huaimin was also present, he remained silent throughout the entire period. Hua Xiaorong approached him and struck up a conversation a few times, but the latter ignored him, so he walked away dejectedly.
"Alliance Leader Hua, I heard that the person you are challenging today is actually just a young brat in his early twenties. Is it not a bit of an overreaction for you, an elder, to personally deal with such an inexperienced kid?" someone present raised a question.
This was also the question in the minds of most of the prominent figures in Jiangdong present, so everyone turned their heads to look at the leader of the Jiangdong Martial Alliance when they heard it.
Hua Xiaorong just chuckled and said, "The opponent is indeed a young fellow in his early twenties, but his skills and martial arts are not simple. As the saying goes, one cannot judge a person by their appearance, and furthermore, our martial arts emphasize seniority!"
"Is the opponent really that strong?" someone else soon asked.
"It seems that most people present are not yet aware. Just a few days ago, not only did he defeat our Alliance's Vice Leader Lin Zhechong, but he also openly killed the Yin Yang Twin Fiends. If I hadn't been in seclusion at the time, why would I have waited until today to let him be so arrogant and presumptuous!"
Hua Xiaorong let out a heavy snort as he spoke, expressing his anger.
The numerous Jiangdong magnates present were all astonished, as many of them were aware of the Vice Leader and the Yin Yang Twin Fiends.
"If what Alliance Leader Hua says is true, then this person is not a simple character. To have such formidable martial arts cultivation in his early twenties, what is his background?"
Throughout this period, City Lord Chu Huaimin remained seated without saying a word, not even showing the slightest change in his expression.
Hua Xiaorong deliberately glanced at him before chuckling and saying, "Regarding this person's background and identity, it is inconvenient for me to say. It is best that everyone present does not know!"
Chu Huaimin suddenly asked, "Hua Xiaorong, if you defeat the opponent in this duel, how do you plan to deal with him?"
"What else? He dared to openly kill our Martial Alliance's Yin Yang Twin Fiends, so naturally, we will directly end that brat's life!"
A prominent family magnate sitting in a corner suddenly said with a smile.
However, after he finished speaking, he noticed that both Chu Huaimin and Hua Xiaorong gave him cold stares. The surrounding magnates then suddenly realized they had spoken out of turn, and were so frightened that they covered their mouths and retracted their necks.
Chu Huaimin continued to stare at Hua Xiaorong and said word by word, "You should be very clear that this matter involves many parties behind the scenes, and it is by no means something you can handle. Once the matter escalates, and if the higher-ups need a scapegoat to quell their anger, they will definitely push you out. At that time, even your backing might not be able to save you!"
These last two sentences were deliberately spoken in a low voice by Chu Huaimin, so only the two of them could hear.
Hua Xiaorong's expression changed, and he finally realized the seriousness of the matter.
"Think about it carefully. Don't be used as a pawn without even knowing it. Of course, I'm just reminding you. With your martial arts cultivation, you might not even be a match for Mr. Xiao!"
Chu Huaimin said with a curl of his lips, then turned his head and stopped speaking.
Hua Xiaorong, feeling awkward, gave a wry smile and also turned away.
Seeing the awkward atmosphere, the numerous Jiangdong magnates also closed their mouths and stopped speaking.
Just then, four cars slowly drove in through the side gate and parked in the parking lot near a corner of the square.
Lin Zhechong got out of the car first, then quickly walked to the back and opened the car door, personally inviting Xiao Yunlong out of the car.
Seeing this, the prominent figures in the martial arts square all began to discuss, "Didn't they say that this young man named Xiao had defeated Vice Leader Lin Zhechong before? Why is Vice Leader Lin so respectful to him now?"
"Actually, that makes sense. Vice Leader Lin Zhechong is a martial arts fanatic and has always admired strong martial artists. Since the other party defeated him, Vice Leader Lin naturally respects him. There's nothing to be surprised about!"
"So that's how it is!" Only then did everyone nod in agreement.
"This brat, is he that scoundrel who broke Zhenyun's leg?" an old man with gray hair sitting in a corner stared in Xiao Yunlong's direction and snorted.
This person was Zhang Zhenyun's second grandfather. Although he was an elder of the Zhang family, he had always been relatively low-key. Even the prominent figures of Jiangdong did not know him. Seeing him sitting at the end, they thought he was just from a small family.
Hua Xiaorong, the leader of the Jiangdong Martial Alliance, tidied his clothes, placed his hands behind his back, and walked with a confident stride along the path in the middle of the square towards Xiao Yunlong.
Xiao Yunlong was also walking towards him, but they stopped when they were three meters apart.
"Alliance Leader Hua, this is Mr. Xiao Yunlong. As you instructed, I have brought him here. The rest is up to you!"
Lin Zhechong cupped his fists and said, then turned to leave.
"You are indeed very young!"
Hua Xiaorong remained standing with his hands behind his back, sizing up Xiao Yunlong from head to toe, with an indescribable look of arrogance in his expression.
Under the bright sunshine, the tall and slender leader of the Jiangdong Martial Alliance, wearing a training robe with a youthful complexion and white hair, exuded an air of a grandmaster.
The previously noisy square suddenly fell silent, and everyone looked up, staring intently at the two people in the center of the square.
Xiao Yunlong stood casually, smiled slightly, and said, "I originally thought someone from the hidden sect behind you would come. I didn't expect it to be just you. Do you think you alone can be my opponent?"
Hua Xiaorong chuckled and said, "I know Mr. Xiao is not an ordinary person, but I have this confidence. Otherwise, I wouldn't have issued the challenge!"
"Having confidence is a good thing, but I want to tell you that sometimes, when a person is overconfident, it can lead to disaster!" Xiao Yunlong said calmly.
"Thank you for the reminder, Mr. Xiao, but that is exactly what I want to say to you!" Hua Xiaorong chuckled, stroking his beard.
Xiao Yunlong's gaze sharpened, and he suddenly said with increased intensity, "Hua Xiaorong, do you know what it will mean for you if I step onto this stage today?"
"I know, but I have no choice!"
Hua Xiaorong's gaze remained firm, and he said in a deep voice, "You openly killed our Jiangdong Martial Alliance's Yin Yang Twin Fiends, and even had your subordinates carry their bodies back. This is a blatant act of provocation. As the leader of the Martial Alliance, I absolutely cannot stand idly by!"
"So, you intend to kill me?" Xiao Yunlong asked playfully.
"I know your identity is unusual, which is why I have set up this arena to duel you fairly today. Otherwise, I would have made a move to capture you three days ago!"
Hua Xiaorong let out a heavy cold snort as he said this, and then continued, "In today's battle, if I win, I will demand one of your arms as compensation to the Jiangdong Martial Alliance, and then I will take you to Kunlun to be dealt with by them!"
Xiao Yunlong couldn't help but laugh, throwing his head back and laughing heartily.
"What are you laughing at?" Hua Xiaorong asked in a deep voice.
"Of course, I'm laughing at your ignorance. A mere worm like you dares to speak so presumptuously in front of me. If you can defeat me later, let alone take an arm, I'll give you my life!"
After saying this, Xiao Yunlong immediately stepped forward and walked onto the stage with great spirit.
"You named Xiao, you were indeed very capable before, but you should be very clear about your current predicament. Do you really think I don't dare to touch you?"
Hua Xiaorong also snorted, waved his hand, and turned to step onto the stage with powerful strides.
Master Fo muttered, "This leader of the Jiangdong Martial Alliance seems very confident. Could it be that Mr. Xiao is not his opponent?"
They had just preliminarily integrated the Jiangdong Pavilion, and many matters, especially those in the high-tech development zone, had not yet been carried out. Master Fo knew very well that the reason the various guardians were cooperating and obeying so obediently was largely due to Xiao Yunlong's deterrence.
The entire Jiangdong Pavilion was paying attention to this martial arts match today. One could imagine that once Xiao Yunlong was defeated and captured by Kunlun, the influential figures in the Jiangdong Pavilion would inevitably turn against them, and even Master Fo and Tang Shanbao would be held accountable.
Tang Bowen frowned and said, "I can't see Hua Xiaorong's internal energy. It seems this guy is indeed very strong."
"He is indeed very strong, but compared to Big Brother, he is still far behind. Everyone, put your minds at ease and just watch this good show!" Jun Bufan said with a curl of his lips.
At this time, the two had already walked onto the stage. Since it was being broadcast live, not only were the people in the square watching, but many interested individuals in Jiangdong were also watching through various media channels.
It could be said that nearly one-third of the people in Jiangdong were paying attention to this duel today, and the discussions were unprecedented.
"Please!" Hua Xiaorong suddenly waved.
Xiao Yunlong saw this and chuckled, "If I attack first, you probably won't even have a chance to make a move!"
"You are indeed arrogant. Since that's the case, this Alliance Leader will curb your arrogance today!"
Hua Xiaorong said in a deep voice, clenched his fist, and his aura suddenly erupted. The square was immediately swept by a gust of wind.
However, just as he was about to make a move, five or six Japanese warriors wearing colorful, peculiar clothing and wooden clogs forcefully pushed through the crowd and walked under the stage.
These sudden Japanese warriors immediately attracted the attention of many people present, causing a considerable stir.
Hua Xiaorong had to stop his movement and retract his aura, turning to look at these Japanese warriors and shouting, "Warriors from Fusang Island, why are you suddenly barging into our Martial Alliance?"
A Japanese warrior with a samurai sword at his waist and a small braid at the back of his head grinned and said, "We're not doing anything. We just heard that your Jiangdong Martial Alliance has a duel today, so we came specifically to take a look and see if your Dragon Country's martial arts are just for show!"
"How dare you say our martial arts are just for show? Are you provoking our Dragon Country's martial arts?" Hua Xiaorong immediately gritted his teeth and shouted angrily. Many Martial Alliance disciples around him were also angered.
"It's not provocation. As for whether it's just for show, we'll have to see to know!"
The Japanese warrior with the braid grinned dismissively, then said mockingly, "After your duel is over, if it turns out not to be just for show, then you will be qualified to compete with us. But if you are just some third-rate practitioners, then we naturally have no interest in fighting with cats, dogs, and useless people, right?"
As he finished speaking, several Japanese warriors burst into laughter.
"Simply outrageous! With just a few of you, you dare to cause trouble in my Jiangdong and provoke my Dragon Country's martial arts? Fine, after I defeat this fellow named Xiao, I'll deal with you!"
Hua Xiaorong said in a deep, cold voice. The leading warrior with the braid among these Japanese warriors was only at the Huajin Grandmaster level, and the others were only at the Neijin level, posing no threat.
Xiao Yunlong glanced at them and withdrew his gaze, saying nothing more. However, although these Japanese warriors were not of high caliber, for some reason, he felt a strange sensation, as if these Japanese warriors had come with ulterior motives today, and it was not as simple as it appeared on the surface.
Of course, Xiao Yunlong, with his superior skills and bold confidence, was absolutely sure of crushing and shattering any conspiracy they might have!
Hua Xiaorong turned back and said, "You named Xiao, watch closely, I'm about to make my move!"
As his voice fell, Hua Xiaorong's robe suddenly billowed as if in a strong wind, and his entire aura was incredibly daunting.
Suddenly, he tapped his foot, rose into the air, and unleashed both palms. Invisible palm energy surged towards Xiao Yunlong like a violent storm.