Chapter Thirty-Eight: At a Disadvantage

The appearance of the Zhao family naturally drew everyone’s attention; even the leading families of Linhai City were compelled to stand and offer greetings. The young man at the forefront was none other than Zhao Zheng, the direct heir of the Zhao family.

Jiang Xiaotian immediately noticed the difference. In Linhai, so-called prestigious families typically hired martial artists at great expense to serve as their figureheads, but the Zhao family was different—they themselves were martial artists, and not weak ones at that. He had originally thought that befriending them might benefit him.

Yet, as soon as they appeared, he was dealt a severe blow. Zhao Zheng seemed acquainted with Chen Yu, and judging by their manner of speaking, their relationship was likely close. Jiang Xiaotian pressed his lips together in silence, while Zhao Zheng cast him a seemingly casual glance, but lingered not a moment.

He was clearly a scion of wealth, but lacked the arrogant air of a typical second-generation rich kid; instead, he was refined and courteous, winning favor wherever he went.

As for those who had previously considered speaking up for Jiang Xiaotian, they now tacitly held their tongues. Everyone could see that Chen Yu and the Zhao family shared an unusual bond, and Jiang Xiaotian, as Chen Yu’s adversary, faced an obvious predicament.

No one wished to be the first to step forward, and those who had originally supported Chen Yu were now even more excited.

“So, Mister Chen was acquainted with the Zhao family all along! No wonder they suddenly descended upon Linhai—it was for him!”

“Indeed, Mister Chen’s strength is extraordinary, and now he has great families to shield him. If Jiang Xiaotian hopes for a comeback, it seems unlikely.”

The woman who had previously warned Jiang Xiaotian clenched her fists in the shadows, then let them fall, powerless. She knew what the arrival of the Zhao family signified.

At the same time, everyone understood why Chen Yu had so boldly issued a death challenge to Jiang Xiaotian. From the very beginning, he had wanted Jiang Xiaotian’s life!

Once this was clear, everyone shook their heads—Jiang Xiaotian was beyond saving. With the Zhao family now presiding, the death challenge would certainly be enforced.

Sure enough, after Zhao Zheng took his seat, he surveyed the martial artists below the stage. “Oh? So these are the ten strongest representatives of Linhai’s martial arts community? Tsk, tsk—a martial arts tournament in such a small place really is dull.”

He shook his head in disappointment.

The others’ expressions changed slightly; Zhao Zheng’s arrival had humiliated them all. Yet not one dared retort—some even sought to curry favor with him.

Chen Yu laughed heartily. “Haha, how could our humble place ever catch Young Master Zhao’s eye? Please forgive us!”

Zhao Zheng nodded. “If I weren’t interested in seeing your strength, I wouldn’t bother coming.”

With those words, he had subtly elevated Chen Yu, whose smile grew even broader.

“By the way, I heard you entered a death pact with someone here. Who could possibly have such nerve?” Zhao Zheng suddenly inquired.

Everyone’s gaze instantly settled on Jiang Xiaotian.

Chen Yu sighed lightly, feigning reluctance. “Young Master Zhao, it’s a trivial matter—we can resolve it ourselves.”

Jiang Xiaotian sneered. The two of them were clearly putting on a show.

The subsequent reactions were as he expected—Zhao Zheng would not allow the matter to be settled privately and insisted on digging to the root.

Chen Yu feigned difficulty and recounted the events. Upon hearing this, Zhao Zheng was furious. “Outrageous! To think there could be such a vicious person! Chen Yu’s disciples are friends of mine—if you kill her, you are making an enemy of me!”

Everyone present gasped.

What had once been a feud between Chen Yu and Jiang Xiaotian, with just a few words, became a grudge between Zhao Zheng and them. Who could withstand the Zhao family’s wrath?

Their gaze toward Jiang Xiaotian was no longer mocking, but filled with pity.

This young man would not survive the day.

“Hmph, it seems I arrived just in time! I will personally supervise this death challenge—no one is permitted to interfere!”

His voice rang out through the assembly, and not a soul dared contradict him.

Chen Yu promptly clasped his hands in thanks. “Then I must thank Young Master Zhao for granting me the chance to seek justice!”

Seeing all this, Jiang Xiaotian wanted to laugh, but could not manage it.

He finally understood why Zhang Guodong was so certain Chen Yu would come, and why Chen Yu was so arrogant.

He had found himself a powerful backer—a towering mountain.

Yet Jiang Xiaotian could not fathom how Chen Yu had managed to attach himself to the Zhao family.

But it was obvious: he intended to use Jiang Xiaotian to wash away his own disgrace.

With this declaration, no one dared have any dealings with Jiang Xiaotian.

Ling’er, seated among the spectators, looked equally grim.

She cared nothing for the so-called Zhao family, let alone feared them, but she worried they might plot against her in secret.

Given her assessment, Jiang Xiaotian was already at a disadvantage against Chen Yu—now, with the Zhao family involved, defeat was inevitable.

If something unexpected happened, she would protect Jiang Xiaotian.

Yet doing so in front of so many people risked exposing her whereabouts.

Should those people come seeking her, Jiang Xiaotian’s situation would also become dangerous.

Ling’er was now deeply conflicted. The sudden appearance of the Zhao family had complicated matters.

On stage, the ten martial artists had already split into two arenas, from which only two would emerge to contend for the final crown.

Zhao Zheng appeared uninterested. He sat with a tablet, watching television. “I hope this Jiang Xiaotian can last until the end—otherwise, it’s hardly worth the trouble.”

“Unlikely,” someone beside him analyzed. “Fang Ye ended up in the same group as Jiang Xiaotian.”

“Oh?” Zhao Zheng showed a hint of interest.

Fang Ye, close to his own age, had achieved mid-stage external strength—a far cry from the peak, but in Linhai, already a prodigy. Zhao Zheng had heard of him.

“What skill does Jiang Xiaotian possess? His aura seems odd—not like a martial artist. His strength isn’t impressive, either.” He stroked his chin, puzzled.

But these ordinary people could never discern the secrets of the Dragon Clan. They could only assume Jiang Xiaotian had employed a special technique to hide his true power.

Those still standing on the stage were determined to fight with everything they had. Even if they could not win, they hoped to impress the Zhao family—if chosen, their future would be secure.

No one aspired to first place anymore, for that seat belonged to Chen Yu.

Even as the tournament began, no one targeted Jiang Xiaotian; there was no sense in tangling with a man doomed to die.

“How pitiful. Who would have thought Chen Yu had such connections? Jiang Xiaotian, do you regret it now?” Fang Ye dispatched an opponent with ease and walked over to Jiang Xiaotian.

Jiang Xiaotian, in poor spirits, grew even more irritable upon seeing him.

“Get lost. Don’t bother me,” Jiang Xiaotian replied without mercy.

Fang Ye paused, his smile vanishing. “A dead man dares shout at me? I don’t need Senior Chen Yu’s hand—I can finish you myself. If we had signed a death pact, I’d have taken your miserable life!”

Jiang Xiaotian looked up, sneering at him. “If I kill you, would I be held responsible?”