The one competing in the arena was Guo Xu, Zhao Nanshan's eldest disciple, a Refinement Blood cultivator. His opponent, surnamed Ye, was a formidable martial artist from Changming Fist Hall, the largest martial arts school in Ping'an County.

With his Changming Fist, he forced Guo Xu into a series of retreats, his steps faltering. He could only defend, not attack.

The disciples of the Sanhe Fist Hall looked on with tense expressions, their eyes glued to Guo Xu, fearing his defeat. They had already lost three matches in a row. If they lost again, Sanhe Fist Hall might really have to leave Ping'an County!

But in contrast to the disciples' anxiety, Zhao Nanshan, the true master of the Fist Hall, leisurely sipped spiritual tea, seemingly unconcerned about winning or losing.

Sitting beside Zhao Nanshan were three people: an old man in white robes and two middle-aged men with smiles on their faces. They were the helmsmen of the other three major martial arts schools in Ping'an County.

"Brother Zhao, it's not that we are being unreasonable, but Ping'an County is too small to accommodate four martial arts schools..." The old man in white stroked his gray beard and chuckled lightly.

The two burly men beside him echoed:

"Indeed, it would have been fine in previous years, but with the drought in Qingzhou getting worse, our martial arts schools are not able to recruit many disciples."

Zhao Nanshan's expression remained unchanged as he put down his teacup:

"I understand, gentlemen. The law of the jungle is the way of the world. Sanhe Fist Hall cannot compete with you, and retreat is the proper course. But... even so, I am not reconciled."

"Oh? What would the venerable Senior Zhao like to do?"

The burly man next to him spoke with a hint of mockery, emphasizing the word "old".

As soon as his words fell, a muffled groan echoed. The martial artist surnamed Ye punched Guo Xu in the chest, the force sending him staggering back several steps.

Before Guo Xu could react, the martial artist pressed forward again, using the momentum to leap up and kick Guo Xu several meters away, sending him tumbling across the ground.

The force knocked him out of the designated white line, signifying Guo Xu's defeat.

Sanhe Fist Hall, four losses in four matches!

"Senior Brother."

"Brother Guo..."

A group of Sanhe Fist Hall disciples rushed forward to help Guo Xu up. Guo Xu glanced at Zhao Nanshan, wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, and lowered his head in shame.

The martial artist Ye, on the other hand, smugly cupped his hands at the crowd.

"Thank you for the match."

Finally, martial artist Ye looked at Guo Xu and said mockingly.

"You..."

The disciple next to Guo Xu wanted to rush forward, but Guo Xu held him back firmly.

"We can't mess things up now. Everything depends on Master," Guo Xu whispered.

He had joined Sanhe Fist Hall because Zhao Nanshan had shown him a skill that inspired his admiration. But he also knew that his master was old, and what was said about fists being stronger in the young was true. He had actually lost most of his confidence.

He was just trying to comfort his fellow disciples.

"Senior Zhao, Sanhe Fist Hall has lost all four matches. Now you're the only one left. Do you want to continue the competition?" One of the burly men in yellow robes stared at Zhao Nanshan.

"Senior Zhao is getting on in years. If you concede, we won't press you too hard. Just withdraw from Ping'an County within seven days," another man added.

"Brother Zhao, what are your thoughts?" the old man in white asked.

Zhao Nanshan chuckled lightly:

"This old bone of mine hasn't moved in decades. If I retreat just like that, this martial arts school won't be able to continue. Very well, I will learn from you all."

He stood up, his aura gradually changing, but in his heart, he cursed Chen Yuan for not keeping his word, wasting his family's Six Harmony Saber Technique.

If he had the chance, he would definitely get back at that kid.

The middle-aged man in yellow robes stood up, took off his coat, revealing a muscular body, and said in a low voice:

"Very well, since Senior Zhao is so eager, then Sun will test Senior Zhao's skills first."

"Brother Sun, Senior Zhao is getting old, you have to be a little lenient. It would be troublesome if someone died..." Another middle-aged man called out.

"There's no trouble, we've already signed the life-and-death agreement anyway!"

Zhao Nanshan stepped forward expressionlessly, his hands clasped behind his back. If you didn't look closely, you wouldn't notice that his previously hunched back was now a little straighter.

"Gathering so many people, what, are you planning a rebellion?"

Suddenly, a faint voice echoed in everyone's ears.

The disciples of the major martial arts schools who were watching all turned their heads and then... they saw dozens of constables, quietly following behind a young man.

He exuded a faint air of killing intent, and the disciples unconsciously made way for him.

Chen Yuan walked calmly with a long saber at his waist into the circle marked by white lines, glanced at Zhao Nanshan, and said:

"Senior Zhao, I'm a little late."

"It's fine, not too late..." Zhao Nanshan nodded, thinking to himself:

"This young man keeps his word, he's a good seed. Maybe the revenge against Dragon-Tiger Gate will really have to be placed on him."

He had completely forgotten how he had criticized Chen Yuan for not keeping his word earlier.

Seeing that the man in front of them seemed to be familiar with Zhao Nanshan, the old man in white and the other two leaders exchanged glances, their eyes revealing a hint of seriousness.

They sized Chen Yuan up, but they couldn't recognize who he was.

But to be able to bring so many constables must mean he was no ordinary person, and the clothes he wore were not those of an ordinary constable.

Suddenly, one of the burly men's pupils contracted slightly, as if he had thought of something. He cupped his hands at Chen Yuan and asked:

"May I ask if this sir is surnamed Chen?"

"Indeed, this constable is surnamed Chen," Chen Yuan nodded slightly.

He continued, "Could you be the new constable Chen Yuan, sir?"

Chen Yuan raised his eyebrows slightly:

"You've heard of my story?"

"Constable Chen's name has long spread throughout Ping'an County. I have heard of you, of course."

"Is that so? If you didn't say so, I wouldn't have known I was so amazing," Chen Yuan glanced at him.

The burly man chuckled dryly and continued, "May I ask what brings Constable Chen here?"

"Isn't it obvious? This constable is here to stand up for Sanhe Fist Hall."

"Constable Chen, this is a private matter between our four martial arts schools. We have already signed a life-and-death agreement. Even the yamen cannot interfere..." another burly man in yellow robes next to the old man in white said in a muffled voice.

"What are you? How dare you interrupt when this constable is speaking!" Chen Yuan glared at the burly man coldly.

"You..."

The burly man was furious and clenched his fists tightly, making cracking sounds, but he took a deep breath and ultimately suppressed his anger. Attacking a county yamen constable in broad daylight was no small crime!

"Constable Chen, this old man is Xu Changming. I have a little reputation in Ping'an County. May I say a word?"

The old man in white stepped forward.