Chapter 1045: Chapter 166: Congratulations to the Jianghu of Great Qin

It was because of his good nature, lack of experience, and the events of the past two days that he held the Blade Madman in such high regard and respect. In his heart, the Blade Madman’s status was only beneath that of teachers and parents. Had it been another more experienced Martial Artist in the Jianghu, they definitely wouldn’t have proactively involved themselves in this matter, but would have let it pass without interference.

If nothing else worked, he could release his own aura. Although surrounded by a crowd, a little pressure from his aura would make them disperse, unobstructing his path, and he could leave effortlessly.

The middle-aged man had never found an opportunity to influence the opinion of the crowd before, and found himself elated as if ascending to heaven, feeling immensely proud, he said:

“Hey, Shark Tooth Sword, even though your martial arts are strong, we are not afraid of you.”

“You must know that justice resides in people’s hearts. The heavy snow the other day might have been Heaven’s response, perceiving the filth on earth, thus sending a snowstorm. Why was it that only our Xiong City and nearby hundreds of miles were covered in snow, while other places remained clear with not a cloud in sight?”

“What, are you unconvinced?”

“If you’re unconvinced, produce evidence. Otherwise, it remains mere baseless words.”

Ma Yihong clenched his knife tighter with his right hand.

The Shark Tooth Sword faintly growled, its sound low yet unending, never overshadowed by other noises, akin to a tiger’s soft murmur.

A sense of unease began to rise in that man’s heart.

At this moment, he realized the problem. While basking in his temporary glory, he had forgotten that this seemingly naive young man before him was actually a renowned master of the Sixth Rank in Jianghu. His face paled slightly, and he suddenly felt a sense of fear.

As he prepared to quit while ahead and leave, a crowd suddenly surged from the east side of the street.

Leading was a tall and sturdy man, wearing the usual sect attire of the Huangfu Family, far more elaborate than that of the ordinary disciples. He carried a long knife on his back, and with hurried steps, he leaped forward, covering several meters in each stride at a pace comparable to galloping horses, holding something in his right hand as he rushed over.

Behind him followed more than ten others.

Ma Yihong, with discerning eyes and a good memory, immediately recognized the man as a superior steward of the Sixth Rank from the Huangfu Family, and behind him were young disciples from various families and sects. Judging by their excited expressions, it seemed something significant had occurred.

The Huangfu Family swordsman revealed their identity and arrived in just a dozen seconds.

The previous crowd surrounding them could recognize the attire of the prestigious Jianghu family dominating Xiong City. They naturally made way for them, and after the Huangfu Family swordsman entered, noticing Ma Yihong facing someone, with his sword already drawn, he hesitated momentarily before stopping to inquire:

“Young Master Ma, what is this…”

Though Ma Yihong was heavy-hearted and straightforward, he was not foolish. He smoothly sheathed the drawn Shark Tooth Sword and shook his head, saying, “Someone slandered Blade Madman senior. I was momentarily angered and drew my sword, but did not truly engage in conflict.”

“Is that so?”

The Huangfu Family swordsman swept his gaze around, already understanding the developments, raised the item in his right hand, and with a smile said:

“Since it’s related to Blade Madman, then it’s right that I came here. No matter why a conflict arose, I believe what’s in my hand should solve the doubts for everyone.”

Ma Yihong had noticed the item in his hand as he approached. Now, closer, he saw it more clearly; bright yellow all over with some visible marks, it bore resemblance to the two lists posted on the city walls of Xiong City. He hence surmised what it might be and asked:

“Is this list the Famous List?”

“Did it include Blade Madman senior?”

The Huangfu Family swordsman did not answer but smiled and said, “Young Master Ma is half right. But as for the truth, please be patient, for once I post this list, it’ll be clear.”

At this point, those disciples from noble backgrounds that followed the Huangfu Family swordsman also arrived by utilizing Qinggong, each wearing splendid attire with jade pendants and precious ornaments, lacking none. Even their sword scabbards bore elaborate engravings.

Anyone could see at a glance that these were descendants of renowned Jianghu families, a stark contrast to Ma Yihong, simply dressed, with only the Shark Tooth Sword on his back worth mentioning.

However, upon arrival, these elegantly dressed Jianghu youths respectfully adjusted their attire, bowed, and addressed the simple and somewhat naive Ma Yihong as “Senior Brother.”

The earlier boastful middle-aged man was drenched in cold sweat but remained somewhat unconvinced, thinking that Blade Madman and the list editors must have colluded, urgently crafting a new list.

The Northwest Martial Arts Delegation had been ongoing for unknown years.

Yet never before had a newly posted list been promptly altered.

The Huangfu Family steward seemingly guessed his thoughts and smiled, saying:

“The Martial Arts List has never been subject to revision.”

“Never before and not today.”

The surrounding spectators were slightly stunned and increasingly puzzled.

……

People moved to and fro in the city, with many food stalls gathered within three streets.