"While that may be true, martial artists have many grievances. If they cause trouble using martial arts, it will also stir up quite a bit of commotion," Yang Xing Tian said earnestly.
Lu Fan nodded slightly, being quite aware of some matters within the martial world.
After the birthday banquet concluded and everyone left the Gu family, Old Master Gu was beaming with pride. Being congratulated by so many prominent figures in the martial world was a great honor for the Gu family.
Three days later, on Baiyun Peak in Zhongzhou, figures stood tall.
Baiyun Peak soared into the clouds, reaching over two thousand meters, known as the tallest mountain in Zhongzhou and the venue for the martial arts大会 (dàhuì - grand gathering/大会).
"Is this Baiyun Peak?" Han Qiu Shui exclaimed in shock. "Why choose this place for the martial arts大会? If one were to slip and fall, wouldn't they be shattered to pieces!"
"This place is far from the city. Even with heavenly means, it won't threaten ordinary people!" the Han family head stated directly. "Moreover, this location is perfect for experts to battle!"
"It truly is a good place!"
Lu Fan nodded slightly. "Only those who dare to fight on Baiyun Peak, besides Grandmasters, would dare to do so!"
The Gu family head and others also nodded. What Lu Fan said was indeed true. Baiyun Peak was so high it pierced the clouds, and ordinary martial artists would not dare to spar here.
At the summit of Baiyun Peak, the site of the final battles, an old man already stood, seemingly awaiting challengers.
"Ninety-eighth on the Heavenly Ranking from the previous session, Ren Tian Xing!"
Several martial arts experts exclaimed. This person had entered the Heavenly Ranking three years ago. Now occupying the summit of Baiyun Peak, he was likely aiming for a higher position.
Many martial arts experts had already arrived. Around Baiyun Peak, numerous individuals from the City Lord's Mansion were also present. They were not here to participate in the martial arts大会 but to prevent any unforeseen incidents.
"Fellow Daoists, it seems most of you have arrived. Who wishes to be the first to exchange pointers?" Ren Tian Xing cupped his fists and scanned the crowd.
As a participant on the Heavenly Ranking from the previous session, he naturally possessed a certain deterrent force.
Many Grandmaster-level experts observed, but none stepped forward. This was a Heavenly Ranking expert, and dealing with him would not be simple.
"If one can defeat him, they will become ninety-eighth on the Heavenly Ranking!" an old man remarked. "This is a great opportunity!"
Following these words, other Grandmasters became eager, especially those who had recently broken through to the Grandmaster realm, who were even more keen to test their skills.
To enter the martial arts Heavenly Ranking would bring immense glory to one's family in the future. This held significant meaning for martial arts families.
"This old man will have a go!"
An elder stepped forward and ascended to the summit of Baiyun Peak. He was already quite advanced in years, and even if he were to die here today, he would not have the slightest regret.
The onlookers instantly became interested, their gazes turning towards the summit of Baiyun Peak. This was the first battle of the martial arts大会, and they would not miss it.
"Master, who do you think will win?" Han Qiu Shui asked.
"Although the latter appears refined and dignified, he has only recently broken through to the Grandmaster realm and is no match for Ren Tian Xing!" Lu Fan stated directly. "If he didn't have some strength, how could he become a Heavenly Ranking expert!"
Han Qiu Shui quickly nodded, finding Lu Fan's prediction quite convincing.
After all, if Heavenly Ranking experts were so easily defeated, they wouldn't be called Heavenly Ranking experts.
After a brief exchange, the latter was instantly defeated. However, Ren Tian Xing did not press his advantage and dared not easily take his life.
As a Heavenly Ranking expert, he was well aware that members of the Dragon Group were present. If he were to use killing moves, the Dragon Group would not let him off easily.
Following the elder's defeat, one expert after another stepped up, aiming to seize the ninety-eighth spot on the Heavenly Ranking, but they were all defeated one by one.
For a time, everyone was speechless, and their apprehension towards Ren Tian Xing grew. With a single effort, he had consecutively defeated several Grandmasters. Such formidable skill was not something ordinary people could contend with.
"This old man's hands are itching for a match!"
Just then, Old Master Han stepped forward and made his way to the summit of Baiyun Peak.
"Grandfather!" Han Qiu Shui cried out, his concern evident.
His grandfather had only recently broken through, and facing a Heavenly Ranking Grandmaster would likely be quite strenuous.
However, Han Qiu Shui also knew that participating in the martial arts大会 was his grandfather's lifelong aspiration. If he missed this opportunity, there might not be another chance.
"Don't worry, with me here, the Old Master will be fine!" Lu Fan reassured him. "You don't need to worry too much!"
Han Qiu Shui nodded, feeling much more at ease. With Lu Fan's words, it was enough to ensure Old Master Han's safety.
"Forgive my intrusion!"
The Han family head cupped his fists and simultaneously stepped forward with great force. To be able to participate in the martial arts大会 in this lifetime was already satisfying for him. As for whether he could defeat a Heavenly Ranking Grandmaster, it seemed not as important in his heart.
Ren Tian Xing nodded and also unleashed his techniques, but he did not hold back at all.
In the blink of an eye, Old Master Han was at a disadvantage and showed signs of being unable to resist.
Many martial arts experts were shocked. The Grandmaster from the previous Heavenly Ranking was indeed formidable. Several Grandmasters had already made their move but were still unable to suppress Ren Tian Xing.
"Old Master, be careful!"
Ren Tian Xing shouted, unleashing a powerful internal energy from his palm.
The Han family head, caught off guard, was violently sent flying. He was positioned near a sheer cliff, and due to his carelessness, he lost his footing and plummeted from the summit of Baiyun Peak.
"Grandfather!"
Han Qiu Shui screamed, his face drained of all color. Falling from such a high cliff, there was likely no possibility of survival.
Everyone was astonished. A Grandmaster had perished just like that. Even with Dragon Group experts watching from the shadows, they might not dare to jump down to rescue him.
Just as everyone was in shock, Lu Fan was no longer in his original spot. He transformed into a streak of light and leaped towards the cliff.
Seeing Lu Fan jump down, Han Yun Hai and the others exclaimed in alarm, "Sir!"
"How could this happen!"
The Gu family head's expression shifted. He had never imagined things would turn out this way.
From such a high cliff, even a Grandmaster at the Great Completion stage would be shattered to pieces.
"It wasn't intentional!" Ren Tian Xing said helplessly. "It was a momentary slip!"
However, everyone understood that during battles on Baiyun Peak, if there was intentional severe injury, the Dragon Group would intervene. If one accidentally fell off a cliff, they could only accept their fate.
While everyone was surprised, Lu Fan reappeared, carrying the Han family head, and leaped back to face the crowd.
This caused countless people present to gasp. To fall off a cliff and then leap back up – what kind of feat was this?
In the history of the martial arts大会, such a maneuver had never occurred.
"As expected, a monster!"
Hidden within Baiyun Peak, Bei Dou marveled, "I thought he was risking his life, but it turns out he was so confident!"
"He wouldn't do anything without confidence!" Han Bing stated directly. "He hasn't disappointed me!"
"You're quite calm now!" Jian Ying narrowed his eyes. "Judging by your expression just now, you seemed quite concerned about him!"
"Don't talk nonsense!" Han Bing shot him a glare. "Otherwise, don't blame me for being impolite!"
"I'm speaking the truth, I'm not talking nonsense!" Jian Ying rolled his eyes. "I've never seen you care so much about someone!"