Chapter 2197 - 2194: Powerful Leader

Chapter 2197: Chapter 2194: Powerful Leader

"This time in the Ancient Martial arts competition, first the Kanglong Mace appeared, then the Mo Blade Technique emerged, and so many outstanding young talents showed up. It seems the Ancient Martial World is not as declining as we imagined. I’m truly looking forward to the following performances," Ling Zishan said with a slight smile, looking at Wang Wanxi in the distance.

Wang Wanxi nodded, her eyes also revealing joy, "It really echoes the saying, ’the masters are among the people.’ Besides the various Ancient Martial families, the Independent Ancient Martial Practitioners are not that weak either."

"That Liu Xiaoxiao’s Ancient Martial technique seems somewhat like Ying Fenglie from years ago, though Ying Fenglie appears to have offended some individuals, leading him to retirement. I didn’t expect to see this legacy here." Wang Wanxi seemed quite impressed with Liu Xiaoxiao.

Speaking of offending "certain people," the Situ family’s members looked somewhat unnatural, as if the subject was about them.

"The Independent Ancient Martial community also harbors concealed talents, yet their training environment isn’t favorable, and they lack resources, thereby limiting their accomplishments — genuinely regrettable. If resources were integrated to provide convenience for them, they would be an irrefutable force," Ling Zishan’s gaze subtly flickered, her words startling the other family representatives.

The various Ancient Martial families are akin to the upper tier of the pyramid, representing the pinnacle of power within the Ancient Martial World. However, the largest base lies still at the pyramid’s foundation.

Among these Independent Ancient Martial Practitioners, surely many with potential will emerge. If they were consolidated and resourced, they could become a newly formed, powerful force, perhaps growing enough to rival the Ancient Martial families.

This is why other Ancient Martial families were shocked — the Ancient Martial World’s structure has remained unchanged too long, and they are content with the current layout. What changes might occur if a family-level power emerges?

And changes, who are they beneficial for, and who could they harm?

"The Ling Pavilion Master makes a valid point, but Independent Practitioners remain scattered; they lack a sense of belonging, like loose sand — no matter how organized, they’re challenging to elevate to prominence," Situ Yuanzhong said calmly, the noble arrogance subtly present, while seemingly probing.

"Senior Situ has overlooked one thing; their lack of belonging and scattered nature results from missing a leader, a potent leader, a reputable leader," Ling Zishan rebutted.

"A powerful and reputable leader? Aren’t you making it difficult for them; is there truly such a person?" Situ Yuanzhong laughed, as if hearing a colossal joke.

Ling Zishan and Wang Wanxi didn’t refute this time but simultaneously looked in a certain direction. Situ Yuanzhong and others frowned and looked over to see Lin Tian sitting on a stretcher, surrounded by beautiful women.

"Him?" Situ Yuanzhong wanted to say something, but recalling the incidents from days ago, his face became unpleasant, and others wore various expressions, followed by unanimous silence.

The competition continued, and the results of Group B soon came out, with Xiao Manxue undoubtedly securing first place, while the second-place went to Hou Xinchang, whom no one initially anticipated.

"Next up, Group C..." The group matches continued.

The seed player for Group C was Situ Yufeng. Immediately after the draw concluded, he stepped onto the stage, and people noticed his complexion was off, seemingly in a bad mood, simmering internally.

Situ Yufeng was naturally frustrated. Although the Situ family had two contestants progressing to the knockout rounds, both were second-place finishers, losing to the Ling family was already unseemly. Situ Ruoling even lost to an Independent, which was utterly embarrassing.

So before entering the stage, Situ Yuanzhong issued a strict mandate; this match must be won as Group one’s champion, no matter what.

Situ Yufeng urgently needed to establish his authority, so as soon as the match began, he struck heavily, defeating the opponent with one move, causing them to vomit blood, and Independent Ancient Martial Practitioners dared not mock him further.

Due to Situ Yufeng’s ruthless approach, the Group C matches grew somewhat oppressive; whenever he appeared, his opponents in the ring would lose their battle power with a single move, unable to compete in subsequent matches.

Consequently, the Group C fight results quickly emerged, with Situ Yufeng taking first place and Zhao Lihe securing second, bringing some relief to the Situ family.

"That Zhao Lihe isn’t bad; he’s trained in the Long Fist Thirty-two Forms. It’s just a pity that his brilliance is overshadowed by Situ Yufeng," Miss remarked blandly.

"It turns out Independents truly lack resources, mentorship guidance, Ancient Martial techniques, environment, medicinal materials, even the water they drink and food they eat are far inferior to Ancient Martial families," Lin Tian spoke softly.

"Aunt Ling asks you to heal those Independent contestants, probably to boost your reputation, then make you their leader, maybe even form a new sect," Miss surmised with a smile.

Lin Tian chuckled and shook his head, "I don’t even want to be a shopkeeper for profit — why would I become an exhausting and thankless Sect Leader? Forget it, staying free and easy is better."

Miss laughed, indifferent, "You have your own company, Tianxuan Special Guard; isn’t such a company considered a sect in the Ancient Martial World? The Li Family aims to become an Ancient Martial family, using all means, yet you wish to continue pushing it away."

"Haha, if Lin Tian becomes the Sect Leader, will he recruit female disciples like me?" Xiao Manxuan chimed in, finding it all amusing.

Lin Tian glanced at the little girl, deliberately speaking seriously, "No need for Sect Leader’s disciples; considering the Sect Leader’s wife instead."

The twist was significant, leaving several beauties stunned for a few seconds before reacting, Xiao Manxuan’s beautiful face immediately turned red. However, Lin Tian earned consistent eye rolls from the beauties around him.

As the competition progressed, evening arrived at the summit, with the surroundings illuminated by the large fire basins.

A day of matches had concluded, with family disciples and Independent Ancient Martial Practitioners alternating on the stage. The Wang Family and Qingshuang Pavilion both secured first place in their groups, and Yuwen Family’s Yuwen Xingjian and Yuwen Luofei also advanced without surprise to the knockout stages.

"Next match, Li Wenfeng versus Luo Qisheng!"

Even after hosting all day, the elder’s voice remained loud and clear, while the competing names drew Lin Tian’s attention.

Li Wenfeng’s name reverberated prominently in the high society circles of the secular world, although in the Ancient Martial World, he remained silent and unknown. Yet, Lin Tian knew Li Wenfeng had become successful overseas as a Guardian.

Since neither contender had much reputation, the audience wasn’t noticeably excited; however, once Li Wenfeng appeared, the weapon on his back drew everyone’s attention.

It was a sword but unlike Huaxia’s swords, a two-handed giant sword with a wide, thick blade, broader and thicker than a large saber.

"What’s the origin of such a strange weapon, even the legendary Giant Que Sword isn’t this large?" Someone whispered.

"Indeed, how can one wield such a cumbersome sword?"

"This person seems to be quite close with the Yuwen Family; is he a live-in son-in-law?"

"If that’s the case, it’s truly regrettable. With Yuwen Luofei being such a beautiful girl, shouldn’t she be matched with an outstanding individual like Brother Lin Tian?"

...

Though quiet, these murmurs reached Li Wenfeng’s sensitive ears completely.