96: Chapter 96 Suppressing the Entire Scene

The tragic scene on the ring, along with Lin Tian's calm posture as he sheathed his blade and turned to step off, was like a frozen moment in time, deeply etched into everyone's minds.

Just as Lin Tian's foot was about to step down onto the final stair—

"Ah——!!!"

A shrill roar, like that of a wounded and dying Vicious Beast, suddenly exploded, breaking the dead silence!

The roar contained endless fury, resentment, and unbelievable madness!

It was Hall Master Lie Fentian!

He had watched helplessly as his most valued eldest Disciple, Constable Lie Ming, whom he had spared no expense to Cultivate with the crimson flame demon pill and in whom he had placed high hopes, was decapitated by Lin Tian in two strikes before everyone's eyes!

That surge of rage that instantly shattered his reason, combined with the heart-wrenching pain, drove him completely insane!

"You little beast! You dare kill my Disciple! I want you to pay with your life——!!!"

Hall Master Lie Fentian's eyes were blood-red, his red hair stood on end, and the massive Qi and blood belonging to a Rank 3 Martial Artist erupted from his body, rising like tangible flames. The scorching wave of heat instantly blasted several people nearby backward!

His figure flickered, the bluestone beneath his feet shattered, and he shot forward like a burning meteor, carrying killing intent that threatened to incinerate everything, straight at Lin Tian, who was walking with his back to him toward the Qingfeng Martial Arts Hall seating area!

The speed and ferocity of his Aura far exceeded any of his previous attacks! He wanted to tear Lin Tian into pieces and grind his bones to dust!

However, the moment Hall Master Lie Fentian moved—

"Hall Revered Master Lie! Wait!"

"Do not be presumptuous!"

Two deep shouts rang out almost simultaneously! Two figures, one in green and one in white, flashed out from the sides like ghosts, perfectly blocking Hall Master Lie Fentian's path as he lunged at Lin Tian!

They were none other than Master Bai Song of the Baiyun Martial Arts Hall and Hall Master Chen Qingfeng of the Qingfeng Martial Arts Hall!

"Bang! Bang——!!!"

Two dull, thunderous sounds of colliding energy exploded! Master Bai Song's palms flew, creating dense, cloud-like palm shadows, flexible and filled with clever techniques to deflect force; Hall Master Chen Qingfeng delivered an incomparably fierce "Mountain-Opening Fist,"

the fist wind surging, striking straight at the center! Although the two had not discussed it beforehand, they were of one mind at this moment. One soft and one hard, they coordinated perfectly, striking simultaneously to solidly block Hall Master Lie Fentian's rage-filled attack!

"Boom——!"

The air waves rolled, and gravel flew! Hall Master Lie Fentian's forward momentum was forcibly halted; he staggered back three steps, leaving deep footprints on the ground, his chest roiling with Qi and blood.

Although he was strong, he had attacked in haste and was facing the combined obstruction of two experts of the same level, so he was actually forced back.

"Bai Song! Chen Qingfeng! You want to stop me?!" Hall Master Lie Fentian steadied himself and glared at the two men blocking his path, his voice hoarse, like a demon from Hell.

"Hall Revered Master Lie," Master Bai Song's face was as calm as water, his thin frame standing straight as a javelin, his voice cold, "The martial arts duel agreement dictates that the ring determines the outcome, and life and death are determined by fate!

Constable Lie Ming's skills were inferior, and his defeat and death on the ring are Jianghu rules! As a Hall Revered Master, can you not afford to lose, that you would destroy the rules in front of all the Martial Artists in the city and try to kill a Junior?!"

Hall Master Chen Qingfeng stepped forward, shielding Lin Tian completely behind him. His gaze was like lightning as he looked straight at Hall Master Lie Fentian, his tone carrying unconcealed grimness: "You want to touch my Disciple? Hall Master Lie Fentian, have you asked these fists in Chen's hands?!"

The two Hall Revered Masters stood together in confrontation. Three powerful Auras belonging to Rank 3 Martial Artists collided fiercely in the air, making it difficult for those with weaker cultivation nearby to breathe, their faces turning pale.

The entire scene fell into dead silence once again, and everyone held their breath, watching this sudden, higher-level conflict.

After a brief silence, there was an even more surging uproar and commotion!

"My God! Constable Lie Ming... is he really dead?!"

"That Lin Tian... he, those two strikes just now... they were too terrifying!"

"Constable Lie Ming was Second Grade Late Stage! And he was killed in two strikes?!"

"Could it be that Lin Tian has also broken through? Is he also Second Grade Late Stage?!"

"That's impossible, right? How old is he? How long has he been Cultivating? How could it be so fast?"

"If not, then how could he kill Constable Lie Ming? That blade technique just now was truly unfathomable!"

Exclamations, questioning, and unbelievable discussions swept across the scene like a tsunami.

Everyone's gaze was focused on the young man in black who was now standing calmly in front of the Qingfeng Martial Arts Hall seating area, shielded by his Revered Master.

Shock, horror, awe, curiosity... all sorts of complex emotions intertwined in countless gazes.

Who exactly is this Lin Tian? Why is his strength so unfathomable? How could he reach such a terrifying Realm in such a short time?

Liehuo Martial Arts Hall Revered Master Lie Fentian's expression twisted and changed, his chest heaving violently. He stared fixedly at Lin Tian, who was shielded by Hall Master Chen Qingfeng, his heart churning with stormy waves.

Beyond shock and anger, there was an indescribable sense of suspicion and confusion.

Constable Lie Ming was able to achieve a Breakthrough quickly because of the "crimson flame demon pill" bestowed by the Demon Cult! That was a potent medicine that overdrawn potential and damaged one's Foundation! But this Lin Tian... how did he do it? Could he also be from the Demon Cult? No, that's impossible!

If Lin Tian were from the Demon Cult, the Black-Robed Envoy would have told him long ago. Furthermore, it was absolutely impossible for the Demon Cult to let two of their pawns fight to the death on such an occasion, only to lose one!

Then how did he break through? Pure Genius? How could there be such Heaven-Defying talent in the world?!

Wait... the "red blood vermilion fruit"! That miraculous fruit of heaven and earth that Magistrate Zhou Wenhai lost, which could cleanse the marrow and drastically increase Qi and blood—the "red blood vermilion fruit"!

Could it be... could it be that the "red blood vermilion fruit" that Chief Constable Liu Heng originally sought after stealing the map was not swallowed by a strange fish or lost, but had fallen into the hands of this Lin Tian?!

! That's it! Only that explains it! Only by obtaining and consuming the "red blood vermilion fruit" could he have made such rapid progress in strength in such a short time, even surpassing Constable Lie Ming who had consumed the demon pill!

This thought flashed through his mind like lightning, making Hall Master Lie Fentian both shocked and angry, and filled with a sense of frustration and jealousy at having been intercepted!

Just as Hall Master Lie Fentian's thoughts were racing and his anger was overwhelming, Lin Tian's calm, waveless voice rang out clearly once again, breaking the tense standoff:

"Liehuo Martial Arts Hall, is there anyone else who wants to come up to the ring?"

His gaze, like two cold blades, slowly swept across the Liehuo Martial Arts Hall seating area.

Those newly promoted Second Grade Disciples, who had been arrogant and grinning maliciously just moments before, now felt as if they had been struck by lightning upon making eye contact with him. They all lowered their heads, not daring to meet his gaze, and some even subconsciously shrank their necks and took a half-step back.

Constable Lie Ming's miserable state of death and Lin Tian's terrifying blade technique had completely crushed their spirit.

A corner of Lin Tian's mouth curled into an unconcealed sneer: "A bunch of... trash."

"You——!" The Elders and Disciples of the Liehuo Martial Arts Hall were trembling with rage, but not one of them dared to shout a provocation again, let alone dare to step onto the ring.

Hall Master Chen Qingfeng took the opportunity to say loudly: "Hall Revered Master Lie, in the three rounds of the martial arts duel, our side has already won two. According to the agreement, does your Liehuo Martial Arts Hall want to continue fighting?"

Master Bai Song also said coldly: "If no one dares to come up to the ring again, then your Liehuo Martial Arts Hall will be considered to have conceded!"

Hall Master Lie Fentian turned his head abruptly, his gaze sweeping over the faces behind him, some fearful, some bewildered, some evasive.

Except for himself, there was no one left in the Liehuo Martial Arts Hall who had the courage or strength to step onto the ring and fight Lin Tian!

Unless... he himself took action! But Hall Master Chen Qingfeng and Master Bai Song were watching like tigers, and they would absolutely not sit idly by.

Moreover, if he were to take action, it would completely break the rules, effectively placing the Liehuo Martial Arts Hall in opposition to all his peers in the Jianghu, and might even attract the intervention of the County Yamen and the Imperial Guard.

"Damn it!!" Hall Master Lie Fentian roared in his heart, his nails digging deep into his palms, drawing blood.

He had originally wanted to use this martial arts duel to suppress both major martial arts halls in one stroke, completely establish the Liehuo Martial Arts Hall's position as the hegemon in Heishan City, solidify the "Little Martial Alliance," and pave the way for the Demon Cult's subsequent plans.

He hadn't expected Lin Tian to suddenly appear halfway through and kill Constable Lie Ming with thunderous means, not only causing his plan to fail and losing all face, but also causing him to lose a major general.

"I, Hall Master Lie Fentian, will remember today's humiliation!" Hall Master Lie Fentian squeezed the words out through his teeth, his voice hoarse and filled with resentment.

He stared at Lin Tian fixedly and deeply, his gaze like a venomous snake, as if he wanted to carve Lin Tian's appearance into the depths of his Soul. Then, he waved his hand abruptly, his voice like cold ice: "Let's go!"

Having said that, he no longer looked at anyone, turned around, and strode away, his back carrying an Aura of suppressed, extreme fury and gloom.

The crowd from Liehuo Martial Arts Hall, as if granted amnesty, hurriedly lifted the corpse of Constable Lie Ming. Looking disheveled and Soul-broken, they followed Hall Master Lie Fentian and retreated in a sorry state, no longer possessing the arrogant and domineering Aura they had upon arrival.

Watching the forces of Liehuo Martial Arts Hall recede like a tide and vanish at the edge of their vision, the Disciples of Qingfeng Martial Arts Hall and Baiyun Martial Arts Hall finally recovered from that extreme tension and shock.

"We won! We won!"

"Senior Brother Lin! Too amazing!"

"Hahaha! That bunch of scum from Liehuo Martial Arts Hall ran away with their tails between their legs!"

After a brief silence, thunderous cheers and shouts erupted!

The Disciples of Qingfeng Martial Arts Hall were so excited their faces flushed red; they swarmed toward Lin Tian, their eyes filled with worship and gratitude.

Senior Sister Chen Yu's eyes were slightly red; looking at the safe and sound Lin Tian, she let out a long sigh of relief, and a bright smile immediately blossomed on her face.

Liu Yunfeng and the others slapped Lin Tian's shoulders forcefully, incoherent with excitement.

Even the seriously injured Head Disciple Zhao Tiegang, supported by others, looked at Lin Tian with eyes full of complexity and admiration.

The Disciples of Baiyun Martial Arts Hall also gathered around, their gazes toward Lin Tian likewise filled with respect and amazement.

Although Tian Yun was seriously injured, he was still barely supporting himself and cast a grateful glance at Lin Tian.

If not for Lin Tian's intervention, the losses and humiliation of Baiyun Martial Arts Hall today would have been unimaginable.

"Brother Chen, Brother Bai, thanks to my nephew Lin for turning the tide today!" Master Bai Song of Baiyun Martial Arts Hall walked up to Hall Master Chen Qingfeng, solemnly cupped his fists, his tone sincere.

"Brother Bai, you are too polite; we are of the same spirit and branches, it is only right." Hall Master Chen Qingfeng returned the salute, a look of relief also appearing on his face. He looked at Lin Tian with eyes filled with gratification and pride, "Tian'er, you've worked hard."

"Revered Master, you are too kind; it is my duty." Lin Tian bowed slightly.

"Let's go! A great victory today, we must drink to our hearts' content!" Hall Master Chen Qingfeng waved his hand heroically, "Brothers of Baiyun Martial Arts Hall, come along too! To Zuixian Restaurant, we won't return until we're drunk!"

"Good!"

"Hall Revered Master is wise!"

The Disciples of both halls cheered in unison, the atmosphere heated. Currently, the two major martial arts halls joined forces, a vast and mighty crowd, and under the gaze of countless awe-filled, amazed, and envious eyes, they left the training grounds and headed straight for the best restaurant in the city, "Zuixian Restaurant."

Inside the largest private room of Zuixian Restaurant, a sumptuous banquet had long been laid out. The Core Disciples and Elders of both martial arts halls gathered together, clinking glasses, with a heated atmosphere.

People constantly came forward to toast Lin Tian, their words full of respect and flattery. Especially those young female Disciples, whose gazes toward Lin Tian were filled with radiance, their eyes flowing with emotion, unreservedly showing their admiration.

Lin Tian did not refuse anyone, his manners were appropriate, and he did not speak much, yet he possessed an air that was captivating.

After this battle, the name of Lin Tian would surely resound throughout Heishan City!

Forcibly slaying the Genius of Liehuo Martial Arts Hall, Constable Lie Ming, and thwarting their ambition to annex the two major martial arts halls, this battle record and prestige had already made Lin Tian the undisputed number one among the younger generation of Heishan City!

Four

Just as cups were being pushed and exchanged in celebration of victory inside Zuixian Restaurant, the shocking result of this fist-fighting match, as if it had sprouted wings, spread at the fastest speed through the streets and alleys of Heishan City.

"Have you heard? The fist-fighting match in the west of the city, Liehuo Martial Arts Hall suffered a miserable defeat!"

"More than just a miserable defeat! Their Genius Disciple, Constable Lie Ming, was cut down by Lin Tian of Qingfeng Martial Arts Hall in just two slashes!"

"Two slashes?! My god! Hasn't that Lin Tian only joined the Imperial Guard not long ago? How is he so powerful?"

"Who knows! They all say he is a martial arts Genius rarely seen in a hundred years! Liehuo Martial Arts Hall has really embarrassed themselves this time!"

"Serves them right! Letting them be so arrogant! Still wanting to annex other martial arts halls?"

"Now the martial arts landscape of Heishan City is likely to be reshuffled..."

Tea houses, taverns, street corners, workshops—everyone was excitedly discussing this Heaven-Defying reversal.

Lin Tian's name was mentioned again and again, accompanied by terms like "slaying the enemy in two slashes," "young hero," and "turning the tide," quickly becoming the new legend of Heishan City.

The news naturally spread back to the Jinyiwei Company Office at the first opportunity.

Deep inside the Jinyiwei Company Office, in that seemingly ordinary yet heavily guarded quiet room.

The candlelight cast the straight, seated figure of Centurion Shen Lian onto the wall. Squad Leader Zhao stood to the side with his hands hanging down, reporting the detailed situation regarding the fist-fighting match in the west of the city that he had just received, word for word.

The room was completely silent.

Centurion Shen Lian's distinct knuckles tapped gently on the smooth rosewood tabletop, emitting a rhythmic "da, da" sound.

There was no expression on his face; only in those eyes, deep as a cold pool, did a trace of extremely subtle, imperceptible surprise flash across.

"...Slaying Constable Lie Ming, who had taken a crimson flame demon pill and forcibly elevated to the Second Grade Late Stage, in two slashes?" Centurion Shen Lian opened his mouth slowly, his voice flat, "This Lin Tian has truly given this seat a not-so-small... surprise."

"My lord," Squad Leader Zhao said in a low voice with a trace of worry on his face, "This Lin Tian's Breakthrough speed is simply too fast. Previously he was at the Second Grade Middle Stage, overpowering Constable Lie Ming. How many days have passed? And he can already frontally slay Constable Lie Ming, who took a crimson flame demon pill and was already at the Second Grade Late Stage? He himself... is likely also at the Second Grade Late Stage, or even approaching the Peak! With such speed, could it be... also related to this matter?" He pointed vaguely in a certain direction, implying the Demonic Sect.

Hearing this, Centurion Shen Lian suddenly laughed softly, his laughter carrying a trace of amusement and understanding.

"Him? Related to the Demonic Sect?" Centurion Shen Lian shook his head, his tone firm, "No, he has no problems. My secret guards have long investigated his background thoroughly. From Lin Family Village to Qingfeng Martial Arts Hall, and then joining the Imperial Guard, every step is crystal clear. He has no connection with the Demonic Sect."

"Then... why can he break through so quickly?" Squad Leader Zhao was still puzzled. Such talent was simply unheard of.

Centurion Shen Lian cast his gaze outside the window, as if penetrating the heavy walls, seeing the black-clothed youth who was accepting toasts from everyone at Zuixian Restaurant, and said slowly: "Have you forgotten... that 'red blood vermilion fruit' that Magistrate Zhou Wenhai lost?"

Squad Leader Zhao was stunned at first, then suddenly reacted, gasping a breath of cold air: "My lord means... that red blood vermilion fruit actually fell into Lin Tian's hands?!"

"Nine times out of ten." Centurion Shen Lian nodded, a sharp light flashing in his eyes, "Chief Constable Liu Heng stole the map to find the treasure but mysteriously died at the water pool. The treasure was missing. At that time, our attention was entirely on the death of Chief Constable Liu Heng and the Demonic Sect stronghold, so we did not investigate further. Now it seems, when the snipe and the clam fight, the fisherman gains. This Lin Tian is likely that 'fisherman.' He obtained the red blood vermilion fruit, and by the power of this treasure, he was able to make his cultivation advance by leaps and bounds in a short time, even surpassing Constable Lie Ming, who had taken the crimson flame demon pill, in one fell swoop."

Squad Leader Zhao suddenly understood, then frowned and said: "In that case, he can be considered to have embezzled the treasure from the mission? According to the law..."

"According to the law, he should naturally be punished." Centurion Shen Lian interrupted him, his tone carrying a trace of imperceptible softening, "However, this time he forcibly slew Constable Lie Ming in the fist-fighting match and thwarted the Liehuo Martial Arts Hall's plot to annex the two halls, which is equivalent to indirectly disrupting the Demonic Sect's expansion plan, so it can be considered making up for his faults with his merits. Moreover, this child's talent and Heart-Nature are both top-notch; he is a talent that can be molded. I... will no longer pursue this matter."

He paused, his gaze becoming sharp as a knife again as he looked at Squad Leader Zhao: "After this defeat, Hall Master Lie Fentian will definitely restrain himself temporarily and act low-key. But this is precisely the time when they are most vulnerable and most likely to reveal flaws. Order the secret guards to intensify their investigation! You must find out all the details of the collusion between Liehuo Martial Arts Hall and the Demonic Sect in the shortest possible time, find their true lair in Heishan City, and... how many shady dealings they have with Magistrate Zhou Wenhai!"

"This time, I want to take advantage of their fresh defeat and unsteady footing to take this group of monsters and demons hiding in Heishan City..."

Centurion Shen Lian slowly clenched his fist, his knuckles emitting a slight cracking sound, his eyes filled with intense killing intent: "...Wipe them all out! Leave none behind!"