Chapter 168

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Ou Peng spoke eloquently at length, and finally concluded: “Disciples of the Young Eagle Hall, the ‘Cloth Rank Stage’ marks the beginning of your journey as true disciples of the Piaomiao Sect. Only after passing this test will you be recognized as full-fledged members of our sect. Since the first martial arts competition was held, every sect master has announced the start of the conference from this very place, and today is no exception. Now, I declare the martial arts competition officially open! I hope you all perform well and do not disappoint those in the sect who care for you, nor the sweat you’ve shed!”

At this, the crowd erupted into loud cheers and applause.

In the midst of the applause, Zhang Xiaohua seemed to finally understand the strange expressions of He Tianshu, the behavior of Jiang, and the embarrassed faces of Shangguan Yun and Yu Deyi. The ‘Cloth Rank Stage’ was clearly a test for Piaomiao Sect disciples around ten years old. Why on earth were Lotus Escort Agency and Huanxi Villa getting involved in a children’s competition? Many of the children in the crowd looked even younger, perhaps only seven or eight years old, and these were clearly prodigies, likely possessing real martial skills. For Yu Deyi and the others to compete with these children—if they lost, they would lose face. Even if they won, what would be the point? Would there be any pride in that?

Zhang Xiaohua immediately understood why the Lotus Escort Agency and Huanxi Villa had refrained from participating in this martial arts competition for decades.

The previous Piaomiao Sect leaders who created these rules were truly devious. Who would want to compete in martial arts with children under the age of ten?

Were they really welcoming participants from Huanxi Villa and Lotus Escort Agency to participate? If not, they could just say so. Instead, they convolutedly allowed participation only in the ‘Cloth Rank Stage’ test!

Zhang Xiaohua was completely speechless.

However, looking at the group of children, all hyped up by Great Sect Master Ou’s speech, their eyes practically red with excitement, and comparing his own height to theirs, hehe, it seems that I am not that much taller than them anyway. Then, glancing over at Shangguan Yun and Yu Deyi awkwardly standing there, Zhang Xiaohua couldn’t help but secretly laugh.

Watch carefully, how they’re going to compete with these kids?

What could Yu Deyi do, break a child’s hand? What would Sect Master Ou’s expression be like then? Zhang Xiaohua thought maliciously.

Not mentioning the little devil in Zhang Xiaohua’s heart that was still chuckling to himself, he watched the hundreds of young disciples, neatly divided into groups by older disciples, moving toward their respective arenas. Meanwhile, Zhang Xiaohua and his two companions stood idly to the side, receiving blank looks from the young ones.

The main stage, which had been filled with people earlier, was now empty. Ou Peng had disappeared as well, likely off to rally the rest of the sect elsewhere. The only sound in the square was the hurried footsteps of the disciples, and not the typical noisy chatter Zhang Xiaohua had grown used to seeing with children in Guo Village. He couldn’t help but admire how composed these young sons of heaven were. If he had been their age, he would have been bouncing around with excitement, but these children exuded calm, as if this competition was routine for them. Perhaps, Zhang Xiaohua mused, they really did have the makings of great warriors.

Suddenly, Zhang Xiaohua remembered something, no wonder his second brother didn’t participate in this martial arts competition. How amusing would it be if his brother had to compete with these children in the “Cloth Rank Stage”?

Before long, the flow of disciples had settled, and they all took their places. Just then, Manager Xu hurried over, looking flustered and holding three small wooden tokens in his hand. With an apologetic expression, he said to Zhang Xiaohua and his companions: “Apologies for the wait. Since neither Huanxi Villa nor the Lotus Escort Agency has participated in this competition for decades, we couldn’t find your specific tokens. Fortunately, a few disciples fell ill and couldn’t participate, so we’ve reallocated their tokens for you three.”

With that, he handed the tokens to them. Zhang Xiaohua, having sharp eyes, immediately noticed the numbers on the tokens: 2, 250, and 111. As Steward Xu approached with the tokens, Zhang Xiaohua was just about to reach for the 111 token when, out of nowhere, Shangguan Yun and Yu Deyi stepped forward, blocking him completely. Compared to their tall statures, how could Zhang Xiaohua stand a chance? By the time the two had made their choices, only the token labeled 250 remained in Manager Xu’s hand. Holding it up with a smile in his eyes, Manager Xu looked at Zhang Xiaohua with a playful interest.

Manager Xu handed him the token with a smile full of amusement, clearly entertained by the situation. Zhang Xiaohua had no choice but to take the 250 token, but he couldn’t help glancing at the other two’s tokens and thinking maliciously: “One is number 2, clearly an idiot, and the other is 111. Great, you’ll be lonely forever! You two dare compete with me?”

Seeing the three of them ready, Manager Xu clapped his hands and said: “Alright, the three of you, come with me. Follow me to join the martial arts competition.”

With that, he led them toward a small stage at the center of the square. There, a group of boys about the same size as Zhang Xiaohua were already gathered. To his surprise, half of them were even taller than him, which made Zhang Xiaohua feel relieved. If he was in this group, at least he wouldn’t stand out too much, and even if he lost, it wouldn’t be too embarrassing.

As luck would have it, Manager Xu announced: “This is the group for small numbers. Whoever has number two, stay here and join this group.”

Zhang Xiaohua was filled with regret as Yu Deyi reluctantly stepped forward to join the group of boys. He towered over them by at least a full head, sticking out like a sore thumb!

Zhang Xiaohua couldn’t help but laugh to himself, hehe, serves you right for snatching the number two token.

Next, Shangguan Yun’s turn came, and the situation was just as awkward. Although the boys in his group were a little younger and shorter, he still towered over them.

In the end, only Zhang Xiaohua remained, following Manager Xu toward a corner. In fact, from the moment he saw the group with Shangguan Yun, Zhang Xiaohua had a sense of foreboding. Now, looking at the other groups around him—their ages and statures—Zhang Xiaohua’s unease only deepened.

When Manager Xu stopped in front of a small arena tucked away in the corner, Zhang Xiaohua’s heart sank immediately. His worst fears had come true!

Before him stood a group of half-grown children, all at least a head shorter than him. Their faces still bore traces of childish innocence, making Zhang Xiaohua inwardly groan. Could these kids really be only seven or eight years old?

Watching over the children were two disciples around Manager Xu’s age. They were busy tidying up various tasks when Manager Xu addressed them: “Old Li, Old Ma, this is the candidate from Huanxi Villa for the written examination. Take care of him.”

One of the disciples raised his head in surprise and asked: “Someone from Huanxi Villa? Why is he in our group? Wouldn’t it be better to send him to the first group?”

Manager Xu chuckled and replied: “Every group is the same, Old Ma. His number is 250, so he’s placed in your group.”

Old Ma glanced at Zhang Xiaohua, shook his head, and said: “Alright, if you say so. It doesn’t matter to me which group he’s in.”

Manager Xu nodded at Zhang Xiaohua and said, “You’ll stay with this group then. Follow Group Leader Ma’s instructions.”

Zhang Xiaohua quickly cupped his fists and bowed in gratitude.

Manager Xu smiled slightly and then turned to leave.

Old Ma pointed at the group of children standing nearby and said to Zhang Xiaohua: “Go stand with them for now. We’ll begin shortly.”

Zhang Xiaohua acknowledged with a nod and obediently joined the group.

Standing among the children, all at least a head shorter than himself, Zhang Xiaohua glanced left and right, feeling utterly bored. He then called out in a low voice: “Little brothers.”

As soon as the words left his mouth, a child who looked slightly older, with bright, big eyes, turned to Zhang Xiaohua and asked curiously: “Is your surname Chang?”

Zhang Xiaohua was taken aback, then smiled and said: “Little brother, big brother’s surname isn’t Chang, it’s Zhang.”

Upon hearing this, the child immediately dropped his smile and said with a straight face: “If your surname isn’t Chang, don’t call me little brother. Come back when your surname is Chang.”

Suddenly, Zhang Xiaohua’s smile froze on his face, and he was left speechless. Just earlier, he had given that Jiang fellow a cold shoulder, and now he was getting the same treatment in return. He couldn’t even say anything about it.

With a hint of self-mockery, Zhang Xiaohua muttered: “Is there really no one here with the surname Zhang?”

The children remained silent, but the one surnamed Chang squinted and said: “There is, actually.”

Zhang Xiaohua’s eyes lit up, and he quickly asked: “Who is it?”

The child smirked and said: “There was one, but he snuck some food last night, got an upset stomach this morning, and couldn’t come for the competition. That’s why you ended up with the number 250.”

Zhang Xiaohua couldn’t help but wail inwardly. Poor kid! Of all the times to sneak food, why did it have to be now? What terrible luck!

But then again, he couldn’t tell, did the bad luck belong to himself? Or to the mischievous kid he hadn’t met yet?

Not long after, Group Leader Ma and Group Leader Li finished their preparations and walked over to Zhang Xiaohua and the others, saying: “Alright, is everyone ready? This year’s competition will follow the same as in previous years. Our group consists of ten participants, and we will use a round-robin system. Each person will face the other nine in combat. If you are knocked off the ring or can no longer fight back, you lose. If the match exceeds the time it takes for one stick of incense to burn without a clear winner, it’s considered a draw. A victory earns you three points, a draw one point, and a loss deducts one point. The top five scorers will advance to the next stage of the competition. Also, during the match, you are not allowed to take lives. Killing will result in automatic disqualification from the trial. Be mindful of your strikes, and try not to injure others. If your opponent concedes or loses the ability to fight back, you must stop immediately. If you continue and injure them, you will be deemed to have lost, and one point will be deducted. Is that clear?”

The children responded in unison: “Understood!”

And so, the martial arts competition Zhang Xiaohua was participating in officially began.

Group Leader Li stepped aside and lit a stick of incense. He then called out two numbers. Immediately, two children emerged from the group and quickly made their way to the platform. With a single leap, they displayed their Qinggong skills, easily vaulting onto the stage, which was more than a man’s height off the ground.

Seeing this, Zhang Xiaohua immediately understood the strange feeling he had earlier while watching the platforms in the outer square. None of these platforms had stairs!

Zhang Xiaohua couldn’t help but groan inwardly. What was he going to do when it was his turn? How was he supposed to get up there?

However, the matches on the platform quickly made him forget his worries.

As the ancients said: to value your enemy is to value yourself. From beginning to end, Zhang Xiaohua had never underestimated the opponents from the Piaomiao Sect. Even when he first decided to participate in the martial arts competition, he had always regarded them as formidable adversaries. Yet, facing these younger children, who were not only shorter but also significantly younger than him, he found it hard to view them as genuine threats.

To be honest, he had underestimated this group of Piaomiao Sect children!

Yet, the kids on the platform delivered Zhang Xiaohua a harsh lesson: one should never judge a person by their appearance, just as one cannot gauge the sea by its surface!

The two children on the platform, though young, showcased their martial arts skills without reservation. One unleashed powerful and straightforward punches, his fists heavy and full of inner energy, while the other displayed exceptional Qinggong skills, darting around like a swallow taking flight or a butterfly dancing among flowers, effortlessly evading attacks with grace.

Watching from below the platform, Zhang Xiaohua was left dumbfounded. Could these truly be children under ten years old?

The movements were so skillful, and the footwork so light, it was evident they must have trained rigorously for years. Moreover, look at their punches and palm strikes, filled with fierce energy, clearly demonstrated the presence of inner energy. How could such young kids possess such remarkable internal skills? Was it even fair to ordinary folk?

Zhang Xiaohua, however, forgot that the Piaomiao Sect only recruited disciples once a year, selecting only the cream of the crop from countless candidates. How could an ordinary country boy like him possibly compare?

Moreover, the Piaomiao Sect’s Young Eagle Hall was known to nurture the next generation of disciples of the Piaomiao Sect without engaging in the affairs of the sect. The hall was filled with martial arts masters with rich experience in instructing people. They provided tailored training according to their aptitude, backed by abundant precious herbs and rare internal martial arts, fist techniques, as well as various advantageous resources. How could they not produce such formidable martial arts skills?

In truth, this was the real reason why the Lotus Escort Agency and Huanxi Villa had not participated in the martial arts competition for decades!

Most of the porters and escorts from the Lotus Escort Agency are skilled individuals who joined for their expertise, but their talents and conditions were nowhere near those of these gifted youths. If they were to compete, it would be hard to say who would win. As for Huanxi Villa, those who could participate in the competition were even less capable than those from the Lutos Escort Agency, putting them at a disadvantage in the competition. Over time, they simply stopped participating.

Sigh, thinking about it, no matter how old you are, if they couldn’t match a group of ten-year-olds, whose self-esteem would not be seriously affected?

Fortunately, Zhang Xiaohua had always been on the receiving end of such blows, so he didn’t mind this one. Whether it was against youths or even children, it was just another instance of being humbled.

Soon enough, the incense stick burned out, and since the two children on the platform hadn’t determined a winner, Group Leader Ma called it a draw. Then, two more children stepped onto the stage.

In the next match, there was a clear victor. The two combatants were closely matched in skill, but in the end, a slightly older child executed a clever feint, distracting his opponent, and swept his leg to send him crashing to the ground for the win.

In the third match, it was the child with the surname Chang who took the stage. Zhang Xiaohua watched closely as the boy employed a set of palm techniques, circling around his opponent and launching continuous attacks. His adversary was clearly outmatched, only able to counter with a single style of punches. Within moments, he was overwhelmed, unable to defend properly, and fell victim to a surprise attack from Chang, receiving a decisive strike to the chest and ultimately conceding.

After winning, the Chang boy didn’t revel in his victory; instead, he cast a challenging glance at Zhang Xiaohua before gracefully leaping off the platform, landing silently like a willow catkin. Zhang Xiaohua couldn’t help but feel a pang of admiration for the boy’s exquisite Qinggong.

After watching the previous four matches, Zhang Xiaohua began to form a rough impression of the other eight children in his group. There were three who were the strongest, followed by two who were slightly weaker, and then three more who he felt were about on par with Zhang Xiaohua—likely the weakest.

But what of the last child who would face him?

When Zhang Xiaohua glanced at the child beside him, he was surprised to find the boy staring back at him.

Zhang Xiaohua couldn’t help but chuckle. This little brat!

However, he didn’t consider that among ten well-prepared participants, there were five spots for advancement. He was trying to barge in and snatch one for himself only to leave, without any real benefits from it. Such a selfish act of harming others without any gain for oneself—what right did he have to complain if others stared at him?

Next, it was time for the last two from Zhang Xiaohua’s group to step up. After receiving a nod from Group Leader Ma, one of the boys immediately leaped forward and executed a “sparrow flip”, soaring onto the platform. His form was remarkably light, clearly indicating his adeptness in Qinggong. Zhang Xiaohua felt a surge of admiration as he watched, but the sixteen pairs of eyes around him remained unfazed, as if this was something they were all used to.

Zhang Xiaohua quickly approached the platform, glancing left and right and occasionally stroking his chin in contemplation. Then, he walked to a corner beneath the platform, braced himself against a support beam, and prepared to climb up!

Group Leader Ma immediately shouted: “Number 250, what are you doing?”

Zhang Xiaohua turned back and said: “Group Leader Ma, aren’t I going up onto the platform?”

“Going up?” Group Leader Ma was momentarily taken aback, asking curiously: “Then why are you down there?”

Zhang Xiaohua looked innocent and replied: “I’m trying to climb up. If I’m not under the platform, where else would I go? You Piaomiao Sect folks are something else. Such a tall platform and not a ladder in sight? Even the opera stage in our Lu Town has a ladder!”

“Bang~” Group Leader Chang, nearly stumbled over in shock.

[TL_Note: Starting from here Group Leader Ma is referred to as Group Leader Chang]

His voice trembled as he tentatively asked, still in disbelief: “Number 250, you mean to say you’ve never learned Qinggong?”

Zhang Xiaohua looked at Group Leader Chang in confusion and said: “Nope, never learned it. Is that strange?”

Group Leader Chang stared at Zhang Xiaohua as if he were a monster, scrutinizing him for a long moment before asking: “Then how long have you been practicing martial arts?”

Zhang Xiaohua tilted his head, thinking it over. “About a year, I suppose.”

“Puh!” Group Leader Chang spat out a mouthful of blood. Oh no, it was a heavy sigh of disbelief. Then, with a weak voice, he asked: “And you dare to participate in the martial arts competition?”

Zhang Xiaohua was even more puzzled. “Why can’t I participate? It’s not like anyone gets hurt or dies. I’m just here to learn.”

Group Leader Chang, was at a loss for words. He weakly waved his hand and said: “Forget it, don’t bother trying to climb up anymore. This martial arts competition has been held for countless years, and not a single contestant has ever crawled onto the platform. You’ll be the first. After this, I’ll go find Manager Xu. We need to revise the tournament rules—anyone who climbs onto the platform like that will be disqualified!”

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