Zhao Xuanqi’s expression was calm. He turned and gave a slight bow with clasped fists to Weng Xiaolin and the two True Inheritance Disciples.

The three of them stood there in silence.

The fight had taken everyone by surprise.

Despite the overwhelming difference in physique and strength, Zhao Qi had actually won.

Moreover, looking back at the fight, his responses had been effortless. He had controlled the flow of the battle from start to finish. Even when he appeared to be in a sorry state early on, it was all a ploy, concealing his killing intent. He had feigned weakness only to use his Finger Technique to catch his opponent off guard and secure victory.

Zhou Ze, on the other hand, had constantly exposed his own shortcomings and weaknesses under Zhao Xuanqi’s assault, leading to his utter defeat.

Recalling Zhao Xuanqi’s performance, his execution of the Finger Technique, his combination of the Nine Tiger Forms, his anticipation of his opponent’s moves, and his evasive Stepping Technique were all remarkable. He had shown a hint of a grandmaster’s flair, making this a textbook example of the weak defeating the strong, especially against a Cross-Training practitioner.

His fighting style wasn’t that of a novice. It was more like watching a veteran master who had been immersed in the Tiger Form Fist for over a decade.

Although Zhao Qi’s physique and innate constitution were somewhat lacking, his talent for combat was more than enough to compensate for these flaws.

"You’ve done very well. Effective immediately, you are promoted to Inner Sect Disciple of the Xiaolin Martial Arts Hall. In three days, at the Three-Hall Martial Competition, you will represent the Hall."

After a long moment of silence, Weng Xiaolin nodded slightly and spoke to Zhao Xuanqi.

Although the final outcome of the battle had far exceeded his expectations, the strength Zhao Xuanqi had shown already surpassed Zhou Ze’s, making him the best candidate to compete in Weng Xiaolin’s mind.

"Thank you, Hall Master."

Zhao Xuanqi said with a bow and clasped fists.

"Chang Feng, Moyou, go check on Zhou Ze’s injuries. Zhao Qi, you’re with me."

Weng Xiaolin said to Zhao Xuanqi.

Liu Changfeng and Luo Moyou exchanged a glance, watching as Zhao Xuanqi followed Weng Xiaolin into the study. Luo Moyou lowered his voice and said to Liu Changfeng, "This kid’s talent for fighting... it seems even greater than the Eldest Senior Brother’s. Where did you even find this guy, Senior Brother?"

Luo Moyou was no rookie; he could see things others missed. Someone with such a high degree of talent for combat was terrifying. Armed with a blade, he would be a deadly weapon.

He could tell that if the fight hadn’t taken place in a ring but had been a duel to the death with weapons, Zhou Ze probably wouldn’t have lasted for the time it takes half an incense stick to burn.

"What? Trying to poach him from me?"

Liu Changfeng said, glancing at Luo Moyou.

"Of course not. A ferocious guy like that is of most use in your security escort agency."

Luo Moyou said with a chuckle, but no one knew what he was truly thinking.

Meanwhile, Weng Xiaolin led Zhao Xuanqi into his study. After telling him to sit, Weng Xiaolin said, "Zhao Qi, I was negligent regarding your talent before. Otherwise, you could have developed much further in this time. But then again, that’s also because you hid your abilities so well."

"I understand. Because of your identity and family background, it’s not easy for you to trust others. But in this day and age, who isn’t carrying some kind of burden? No matter where you are or what you do in the future, as long as you sincerely call me ’Master,’ I will ensure your safety. From this day forward, you don’t need to hide anymore. An eagle is meant to spread its wings and soar."

"Yes, Master. I was wrong before."

Zhao Xuanqi understood immediately. He stood up, bowed with clasped fists to Weng Xiaolin, but didn’t take the man’s words to heart.

’It wasn’t that I wanted to be secretive,’ he thought, ’but some things are simply impossible to explain.’

"You did an excellent job this time. For the next three days, focus all your energy on preparing. The Martial Arts Hall will grant any request you have. I hope you can win us some glory at the Three-Hall Martial Competition."

"Oh, by the way, I heard you and your sister are still renting? I have a vacant property under my name on Haitian Road. I’ll gift it to you. Consider it compensation for having overlooked you before. I’ll have Chang Feng help you with the paperwork later."

Weng Xiaolin said to Zhao Xuanqi with a smile.

"Thank you, Master."

Zhao Xuanqi appeared deeply grateful, but inwardly, he knew exactly why Weng Xiaolin was doing this.

’My origins, my talent... even though I’ve deliberately crafted a narrative to make it all seem plausible, it must still feel somewhat strange and sudden to others. As the saying goes, one must always be on guard. Besides, I’ve now achieved a certain status within the Martial Arts Hall.’

’On the surface, Weng Xiaolin was generously gifting him a property, but in reality, it meant that both he and Zhao Qin would now be constantly under Weng Xiaolin’s watch.’

’However, he didn’t particularly resent Weng Xiaolin’s methods. You have to be on guard to survive. In these chaotic times, anyone who reached Weng Xiaolin’s position would naturally be cautious. It was perfectly normal.’

’Besides, he genuinely held no ill will toward the Martial Arts Hall. In fact, he would need to rely on the Hall’s resources for many things in the future. Strictly speaking, the Hall had done him a favor. It just meant he would have to be more careful when he needed to do certain... unusual things later on.’

’This was even a good thing for Zhao Qin. In these chaotic times, it offered her a form of unseen protection.’

’To reap the benefits, one must pay the price. There’s no such thing as a free lunch. Zhao Xuanqi understood this principle well. Compared to the advantages he was gaining, this cost was negligible.’

Seeing Zhao Xuanqi accept so readily, Weng Xiaolin nodded in satisfaction. "If you need anything else, you can tell Chang Feng directly," he said to Zhao Xuanqi. "For the next three days, until the Three-Hall Martial Competition, I want you to report here to me daily. While we can’t do much more special training on your Training Method or fighting style, you still need to learn about the other two Martial Arts Halls, their Fist Technique Schools, and the characteristics of their techniques."

"Yes, Master."

...

...

「Three days passed in a flash.」

The night sky was clear and crisp, studded with countless stars and a bright, high-hanging moon.

「Haiyue Dance Hall.」

This was the largest and most high-class dance hall in all of Celestial Sea Prefecture.

Tonight, the Haiyue Dance Hall was closed to the public, as the three great Martial Arts Halls had booked the entire venue for themselves.

Inside, the dance hall was brilliantly lit. Glass chandeliers cast a radiant glow, making the hall look magnificent and splendid.

Pleasant music, fragrant wine, and delicate pastries...

Respectably dressed men and women chatted and laughed amongst themselves. It had all the trappings of a Western-style banquet for the upper crust of Celestial Sea Prefecture society.

However, in the center of the dance hall stood not a stage, but a fighting ring.

The three great Martial Arts Halls were very influential in Celestial Sea Prefecture. As a result, in the last two years, the Three-Hall Martial Competition had gradually evolved from a private, internal exchange into a highly anticipated banquet. Each time it was held, invitations were sent to influential figures from all corners of Celestial Sea society.

The rankings from the Three-Hall Martial Competition had a significant impact on a hall’s reputation, which was why Weng Xiaolin placed so much importance on it.

The news that Zhao Xuanqi was replacing Zhou Ze as the Hall’s representative had not yet been officially announced. Many of the disciples who had been invited to the banquet were already murmuring about it.

Because they had been shocked to see Zhou Ze himself appear at the venue!

As was customary, to avoid affecting the competitor’s condition, the designated fighter would rest in a private room within the dance hall before the competition officially began. Zhou Ze’s presence out here meant he was not the Xiaolin Martial Arts Hall’s representative for this year’s Three-Hall Martial Competition!!

The rumored challenge match... Zhou Ze lost?!

Who took his place?!

This news sent a ripple of shock through the disciples of the Martial Arts Hall. Even some of the guests who closely followed the Hall’s affairs were surprised and intensely curious.