Chapter 2 The Second Day
The Martial Arts Tournament officially began.
Lin Qingge and her entourage were guided by attendants to the open space in front of the main hall, situated halfway up the mountain.
Looking at the plaque hung at the entrance of the hall bearing the three characters 'Wolong Hall', Lin Qingge couldn't help but quietly ask Hua Jinrong beside her:
"I say, is it really okay to so brazenly name the hall with the character 'Dragon'?"
"The Great Xia Kingdom does not have very strict requirements on the use of characters, especially when it comes to the martial world, where they rarely interfere.
And 'Wolong' inherently means to bow down or lie in wait, hence it is permitted."
"I see, as expected of the knowledgeable one of the martial world."
Hua Jinrong: ...
Having resolved her confusion, Lin Qingge shifted her gaze to Ling Han, who was wearing a black mask, "What, did you get your face beaten up last night for doing something bad?"
Knowing full well that the other party was teasing, Ling Han still replied with two words:
"No."
Yan Tinghao, realizing this point after the fact, scratched his chin, "That's right, why would the usually fine Ling Han wear a mask?"
"Most likely has too many enemies and fears being pursued?"
The one speaking was Ye Shengxiao, who, though not wearing a mask, had a very large veil hat on his head.
Fortunately, there were many eccentric dressers among martial artists, so gathering together did not appear too out of place.
Soon, a middle-aged man with an imposing aura, flanked by the 'Wolong F4', walked onto the high platform.
"Welcome everyone who has traveled from afar. I am Long Xiaotian, the Master of Wolong Villa!
This Martial Arts Tournament has gathered heroes and renowned figures from all walks of life.
And our Wolong Villa has decided to offer its treasured heirloom as the grand prize for this Martial Arts Tournament."
As Long Xiaotian spoke, he nodded slightly to the disciples beside him.
The eldest disciple, Lan Yishi, brought out a tray covered with red cloth. Long Xiaotian pointed at the tray and continued:
"Beneath this red cloth lies a treasure map that our Wolong Villa has safeguarded for many years.
This treasure map is said to have been hidden by the royal family of the previous dynasty during its downfall, to prevent their accumulated wealth from falling into the hands of outsiders.
To exaggerate, it would not be an overstatement to say that this item concerns the safety of the entire Great Xia Kingdom!"
As soon as Long Xiaotian finished speaking, the entire venue erupted in a clamor, and everyone's gaze towards the tray became fervent.
Lin Qingge also took the opportunity to nudge Hua Jinrong with her elbow, "Is this also permitted?"
"Um—
This does indeed pose a problem..."
"And the problem is not a small one."
Lin Qingge, who had mentally completed the second half of the sentence, narrowed her eyes slightly:
"Since it is a treasure, it would be too late to hide it and conceal it. How could they kindly offer it as a prize?
If there were no issues with this, brother Yan wouldn't believe it!"
Although Yan Tinghao felt that there was nothing wrong with these words, for some reason, hearing them from his lord felt like they held deeper meanings. He tilted his head and thought, but couldn't come up with anything.
Although many in the martial world were rough and unrefined, being rough and unrefined did not mean they lacked brains.
Besides Lin Qingge, many others present also showed signs of doubt.
Seeing this, Long Xiaotian on the stage coughed twice and explained:
"Esteemed guests, to be frank.
Although Wolong Villa has always guarded this treasure map as its most prized possession.
This treasure map is not complete; or rather, it is merely a fragment of the treasure map.
I have also been secretly investigating for many years, but I have never found any clues to the other fragments.
In order for the long-sealed treasure to see the light of day, after much consideration, I have finally decided to offer it as the grand prize for this Martial Arts Tournament, to find its destined recipient."
Although Long Xiaotian's explanation was somewhat far-fetched, it could barely be considered a reason.
After all, to the onlookers, the Master of Wolong Villa had both wealth and power, so there was no need for him to lie for a treasure map that might not even be completed.
However, some still remained skeptical.
"Once news of the treasure map gets out, it will surely stir up a bloody storm in the martial world."
Lu Mingxuan said, frowning, and then stepped back behind Ling Han, minimizing his presence as much as possible.
Meanwhile.
Lin Qingge's expression was somewhat peculiar. Noticing this, Leng Ningyue asked softly:
"What's wrong? Is something amiss?"
"It's just that this seems a bit too coincidental..."
Whether Lin Qingge was overthinking it or not, the treasure map fragment described by Long Xiaotian, the Master of Wolong Villa, sounded more and more like the sheepskin fragment she possessed.
"Coincidental?"
Upon hearing Leng Ningyue's question, Lin Qingge shook her head, "It's nothing, I just find it strange.
The Martial Arts Tournament is held every three years, so why is Wolong Villa only bringing out that treasure map this year?
And it just so happens that we stumbled upon this place..."
Although Lin Qingge's words were somewhat disjointed, Leng Ningyue understood the general meaning.
"You want it?"
She stared at the red-cloth-covered tray on the stage and asked the question with absolute certainty.
Lin Qingge nodded almost subconsciously, then, realizing her reaction, she quickly shook her head, "I don't want it, not at all."
"Really?"
"Of course. It's just a treasure map fragment of unknown authenticity.
Even if I can't win it, I have other ways to obtain it."
"I understand."
"No, madam, what do you understand?
The participants in the Martial Arts Tournament are all rough fellows. Madam, please don't be brave for my sake; it wouldn't be good if you were injured."
Leng Ningyue did not reply, but the beautiful eyes visible outside showed an unquestionable resolve.
"Esteemed guests, I shall now announce the rules for this Martial Arts Tournament.
Considering the importance of the treasure map, the main objective of this Martial Arts Tournament is to select the person who is most outstanding in both martial arts and character.
Therefore, this Martial Arts Tournament will deviate from the previous arena-style competitions and will be contested in three aspects: Virtue, Knowledge, and Strength.
I shall now explain the first trial, 'Virtue'.
Before noon tomorrow, please perform an act that you believe to be the most virtuous, and report it to one of the esteemed elders from Wolong Villa, Shaolin Temple, Tang Sect, or Jade Maiden Sect present below the stage. They will then decide whether you pass."
As soon as Long Xiaotian finished speaking, the complaints from the entire audience became even more intense, but due to the prestige of Wolong Villa and the six major forces, no one was foolish enough to cause trouble on the spot.
"Hey, the first competition is an open-ended question?
But since it's an open-ended question, it means there's no fixed answer.
No fixed answer means that even if several people complete it simultaneously, it's still fine.
As for the most virtuous deed, isn't that something readily available!"
Lin Qingge muttered to herself, and as she reached the end, her eyes lit up, and a sly curve appeared on her lips.