Chapter Forty-Four: Why Did You Stop Fighting?

Jiang Xiaotian's fist pierced through Chen Yu’s entire chest. The latter’s eyes widened in agony, staring fiercely at him. Soon, he expelled his final breath, his head tilting to the side as his body went limp.

His pupils gradually dilated, filled with resentment, terror, and shock; what disappeared was the spark of life. Even in death, Chen Yu could not believe Jiang Xiaotian dared to kill him—could kill him. His gaze remained full of disbelief.

Jiang Xiaotian felt calm within; to him, Chen Yu should have died long ago, and he bore no burden for what he had done.

Beneath the stage, the silence was suffocating. No one had expected the seemingly doomed Jiang Xiaotian to reverse the tide, disregarding Zhao Zheng’s threats, and kill Chen Yu outright!

They were more incredulous than anything else. The man who seemed poised to become the number one in Linhai—Chen Yu—was dead, just like that?

Everyone craned their necks to see for themselves, but those seated closer caught every detail.

“My God! Chen Yu is really dead!” After a brief silence, someone finally cried out in shock.

The scene erupted into chaos again. Jiang Xiaotian withdrew his hand and searched Chen Yu’s body, but found only a martial arts manual.

Just as curiosity sparked within him, a cold, frosty voice sounded from behind—Zhao Zheng: “Well, well… Jiang Xiaotian! You really don’t know what’s good for you! Do you know who I am?”

The crowd fell silent once more; no one dared gossip. Zhao Zheng’s fury was not something anyone could withstand.

Yet Jiang Xiaotian ignored him, tucked the martial arts manual into his coat, stretched lazily, and prepared to leave the stage.

His attitude of indifference stoked Zhao Zheng’s rage to its highest pitch.

“Zhao Yan! Kill him for me!” His command was murder; the Zhao family acted here without scruples.

Zhao Yan did not hesitate to strike! The blaze ignited by Jiang Xiaotian was no ordinary thing; so young, yet able to kill a martial artist at the early stage of Internal Strength. If he were allowed to grow, the consequences would be unimaginable!

Zhao Yan had to cut him down here.

But just as he was about to move, he felt himself locked by someone’s presence.

His opponent was also a master at the mid-stage of Internal Strength, so Zhao Yan dared not act rashly.

“Heh, didn’t you sign a life-and-death contract? What now—turning your back on the rules?” An elderly voice echoed.

A hunched old man slowly stepped forward, and the crowd gasped, “It’s Liu Changsheng! The guardian deity of the Liu family!”

The Liu family!

Although not as prominent as the Zhao family, this was Linhai—the Liu family’s territory! And Liu Changsheng was their strongest asset!

These top families had kept a low profile this time; no one expected Liu Changsheng to appear at such a critical moment. Was he here to protect Jiang Xiaotian?

When the old man shielded Jiang Xiaotian behind him, everything became clear.

The Liu family would protect Jiang Xiaotian!

Zhao Zheng’s expression turned ghastly, but he could not pretend he hadn’t heard of Liu Changsheng. He had to suppress his attitude: “Elder Liu, what do you mean by this?”

Liu Changsheng chuckled, “Young Master Zhao, please calm yourself. This is just a martial arts tournament in our small town. Chen Yu and Jiang Xiaotian had a mortal feud, so they signed a life-and-death contract. The outcome was left to fate. Now that Jiang Xiaotian has won, why make things difficult for him?”

“What, you think the Zhao family’s affairs are yours to comment on? Elder Liu, I respect you as a senior, so I advise you not to meddle. This is a personal grudge between me and Jiang Xiaotian. Otherwise, I won’t mind adding another name to my visitor list!” Zhao Zheng’s tone was icy, brimming with suppressed anger, especially since he saw Jiang Xiaotian take a second martial arts manual—

Originally, Chen Yu had promised it to him after the tournament!

He not only wanted that manual back, but also to kill Jiang Xiaotian. Otherwise, why had he come here—just to be humiliated?

His threats were effective, or rather, it was the Zhao family’s pressure.

Liu Changsheng’s expression shifted, showing hesitance.

But as he glanced around, he spotted Ling’er seated beneath the stage, and his confidence returned.

He had lived many years and was a shrewd old fox. He knew the depths of the Zhao family’s power—and how terrifying they were.

But the girl accompanying Jiang Xiaotian was even more mysterious!

Especially after witnessing Jiang Xiaotian’s miraculous recovery, he was certain Ling’er’s identity was extraordinary.

So, he firmed his resolve, stepping in front of Jiang Xiaotian, unmoving: “You are the victor of our martial arts tournament; today, no one will touch you. Your rewards will not be withheld!”

Jiang Xiaotian did not know him, but sensing his aura, he understood this was a formidable figure. To stand up for him, risking Zhao family retaliation, Jiang Xiaotian was honestly moved. He cupped his fists, “Thank you, elder! But the Zhao family holds no interest for me, nor do I wish to go; whoever wants to go can go!”

The crowd drew sharp breaths—Jiang Xiaotian was so arrogant! He utterly disregarded Zhao Zheng!

“Good! Good! Good!” Zhao Zheng snarled the word thrice, “Martial artists of Linhai, a bunch of worthless fools, dare to defy my Zhao family! Do you really think my family is a pushover? You think Liu Changsheng alone can reach the heavens?”

As he spoke, he waved his hand; another man stepped forward, his internal energy erupting, causing nearby people to stumble back several steps!

Another martial artist at the early stage of Internal Strength!

Zhao Zheng had two Internal Strength experts as protectors!

Apart from Jiang Xiaotian and Liu Changsheng, everyone present changed color.

If a fight broke out, Liu Changsheng, with his advanced age, would struggle against the combined force of those two!

Zhao Zheng, exceedingly pleased, jumped down from the viewing platform, drawling, “I don’t know what freak you are—even after dying, you managed to come back to life. I don’t believe you didn’t cheat! And didn’t I say you weren’t allowed to kill him? You dare defy my orders?”

Jiang Xiaotian looked at him, baffled, “Who do you think you are? I have to listen to you?”

His impression of Zhao Zheng was utterly negative—just an arrogant young lord, nothing more.

But his words enraged Zhao Zheng further, “Who do I think I am? Jiang Xiaotian, you really have a death wish! And you, Liu Changsheng! I don’t want to tear things apart, so if you’re smart, step aside now!”

Liu Changsheng ignored his attitude, addressing the crowd, “Are Linhai’s martial artists so lacking in backbone? Letting outsiders insult us at our doorstep, afraid to respond?”

Some were stunned, then began whispering among themselves.

“Elder Liu, to be honest, Jiang Xiaotian isn’t worth it.” In the end, they were cowards.

But Liu Changsheng shook his head, “You all know what kind of person Chen Yu was. Now that he’s dead, there’s no need to pretend anymore.”

His words struck a nerve, and many faces flushed.

Liu Changsheng continued, “Chen Yu’s disciple died under strange circumstances, and he himself happened to break through to Internal Strength at just this moment. You all know what martial arts he practiced. Don’t you find it odd?”

His words changed the atmosphere.

Zhao Zheng, sensing things turning against him, stopped talking and ordered, “Enough dithering! You two, kill Jiang Xiaotian. If anyone stands in your way, kill them too! Whatever happens, I’ll take responsibility!”

Zhao Yan and his companion hesitated; after all, this was Linhai, not Dragon City, and Liu Changsheng was not to be trifled with. Who knew what other forces might be present?

“Don’t understand? I told you to act! Damn it!” Zhao Zheng exploded with rage, now wanting nothing more than to see Jiang Xiaotian’s head roll.

Zhao Yan dared not delay; whatever the young master said, he would do.

Liu Changsheng sighed; he knew he would now completely offend the Zhao family.

But the chance to befriend that mysterious girl made it worthwhile.

Both sides were on the brink of confrontation.

Yet a fit of coughing interrupted, halting all strife.

Everyone turned to the entrance, where an elderly man in formal attire entered, followed by several young people.

Even Zhao Zheng restrained himself upon seeing him.

“Why aren’t you fighting? Go on—continue! I want to see how many people leave here today! Zhao Zheng, is it? You want to kill Jiang Xiaotian—do you dare kill a government official?”