Proving God begins with the principle that no effort is wasted.

For the next few days, Jiang Lan stayed indoors and did not leave the courtyard.

He practices boxing in the early morning under the dim light, his movements deep and controlled, without revealing a single bit of strength; in the afternoon, he sits cross-legged and regulates his breathing, guiding the internal energy of the nine acupoints to circulate throughout his body; at night, he studies the methods of cultivating the internal organs, pondering every word, daring not to slack off in the slightest.

With all nine acupoints mastered, the internal strength is several times greater than when only five acupoints were used. Before the force of the punch is even released, a withered leaf falls on the shoulder and remains firmly suspended without falling even a fraction.

Liu Changqing had come once before. He stood under the eaves and silently watched him practice the three basic boxing moves. He didn't offer any extra guidance, but only said four words in a deep voice: "Control your strength."

Jiang Lan bowed with his hands at his sides, understanding the situation perfectly.

The Golden Scale Gathering is never just a simple sparring match between martial arts friends; it is a reshuffling ground for the martial arts forces in Yu City, and a life-or-death arena for settling scores and grudges.

He has just broken through nine acupoints, his reputation is not yet stable, and his sharp edge is too great, which will inevitably make him a target of public criticism. Even if he cannot hide it, he must suppress it at all costs.

Several days passed in the blink of an eye during the daily practice.

On the day of the Golden Scales Gathering, the heavy snow that had lasted all night finally stopped.

As dawn broke, the cold wind grew even stronger, sweeping through the streets and alleys with a biting chill.

The open space in front of the command platform was already teeming with people. Martial artists, local gentry and dignitaries from all walks of life had gathered. The cold wind whipped the flags of various martial arts schools, making them flutter and vibrate so loudly that it made people's eardrums tighten.

Liu Yun clutched the banner of Guangchang Martial Arts School tightly, the cloth embroidered with the character "Chang" stretched taut by the strong wind.

Liu Changqing walked at the front, dressed in a plain martial arts robe, his back ramrod straight, his aura deep and composed. His usual affable demeanor was completely gone, replaced by the imposing presence of a martial arts school master.

Sun Gengsan and Shen Qing followed closely behind, their expressions solemn. Li Yan lagged behind at the end of the group, his face as dark as the bottom of a pot, filled with unease.

Jiang Lan followed half a step behind Liu Changqing, dressed in a faded gray cloth outfit. She was unarmed, with her eyes downcast, looking unremarkable, yet exuding composure.

The Command Platform is an ancient arched stone gate with three characters carved on the lintel, half of which is covered by thick snow, giving it a somber feel.

Two people were already standing in front of the door, clearly having been waiting for a long time.

The man on the left was dressed in an ochre-colored outfit with a worn leather vest over it. He had a square face and sharp, piercing eyes. He carried a thick-backed broadsword at his waist, its scabbard worn and showing the wear and tear of years of escorting goods. He was Wu Peng, the chief镖头 (bodyguard) of Wangyuan镖局 (escort agency), whose swordsmanship was renowned throughout Yucheng.

The man on the right was sturdy and wore a long blue silk robe. His fingers were thick and calloused, with iron filings still stuck between them. He had the amiable smile typical of a businessman on his face, but his eyes held a shrewdness. He was Cao Tieshan, the manager of Zhufeng Hall, whose weapons were highly sought after by people in the martial arts world.

Both men are prominent figures in Yu City, and they were invited to serve as witnesses and notaries for the Golden Scale Society.

"Master Liu, we've finally arrived. We're just waiting for Guangchang Martial Arts School."

Wu Peng clasped his hands in greeting first, his voice booming like a bell, causing the snow on the lintel to fall in a flurry.

"I am ashamed to have troubled Chief Escort Wu and Manager Cao to wait for so long." Liu Changqing returned the greeting with a cupped hand, showing proper manners. He then stepped aside to let Jiang Lan stand in front of him. His tone was calm but carried weight. "This is my unworthy disciple, Jiang Lan. He was fortunate enough to break through to the ninth level of the acupoint. I brought him to the Golden Scale Gathering to meet you seniors and broaden his horizons."

In short, Guangchang demonstrated its confidence while adopting a humble attitude and avoiding offending anyone.

Wu Peng's gaze instantly fell on Jiang Lan, scrutinizing him from head to toe. With a barely perceptible twitch of his fingertips, he had already sensed the profound internal strength hidden within Jiang Lan's body, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.

Cao Tieshan narrowed his eyes, his gaze sharp as he scrutinized Jiang Lan, his smile deepening.

Jiang Lan bowed and clasped his hands in greeting, his back straight, neither humble nor arrogant: "Junior Jiang Lan greets the two seniors."

"Excellent! What a young talent! At the ninth level of the martial arts realm, you're the first among the younger generation in Yu City to achieve this!" Wu Peng stepped forward and patted Jiang Lan's shoulder heavily, the force deep and firm, subtly testing his resolve. "Master Liu, you've taken on a fine disciple. Guangchang Martial Arts School is poised for a future rise!"

Cao Tieshan stroked his beard and chuckled, his words carrying a hidden meaning, full of reminders: "Nine-point martial artists are rare, but golden scales follow deep waters. Young man, too much brilliance is easily broken, remember to act with composure."

Jiang Lan lowered his head and agreed, a cold smile playing on his lips.

That's how it's always been in this world. When you're weak, everyone wants to kick you while you're down; when you're strong, everyone tries to test you with polite words, every sentence is full of human kindness, but every sentence is also full of calculation.

The brief exchange of pleasantries concealed a great deal of probing. Wu Peng and Cao Tieshan exchanged a glance and stepped aside to make way for each other.

Liu Changqing led everyone through the stone gate and officially entered the Golden Scales Gathering venue.

The next second, a clamor surged forth like a tidal wave, and gazes from all directions converged upon him. There was curiosity, scrutiny, jealousy, and even more undisguised hostility and apprehension, each gaze falling upon Jiang Lan as if to pierce him through.

Jiang Lan remained expressionless, his eyes lowered, his gaze unwavering, his steps as steady as a rock. He ignored the scrutinizing gazes, his mind clear and focused. He silently circulated his inner energy, suppressing his aura to its lowest point, appearing as if he were just an ordinary martial arts disciple, revealing no trace of the prowess of a nine-point martial artist.

Liu Changqing walked slowly forward, his voice extremely low, just loud enough for the few people beside him to hear, as he introduced each of the various forces one by one:

"On the left side of the stands, there is Li Guishan of Kaishan Martial Arts School. His Tortoise Shell Fist is fierce and domineering, and his external martial arts are extremely strong. He is a tyrannical person and not easy to mess with."

Not far away, a burly middle-aged man sat with his arms crossed, sitting like an iron tower, his cold and hard gaze sweeping over, carrying a strong sense of pressure.

"On the right is Hongyun Martial Arts School, headed by Lin Hongyu, the only female school owner. She is meticulous, ruthless, and has extensive connections. We must not offend her."

The woman in the red outfit was chatting and laughing with someone. She stood straight and her voice was not loud, but it could accurately drown out the surrounding noise. Her eyes swept across the room, revealing a hidden sharpness.

"That man in the corner is Master Liu from Changxing Martial Arts School. He is a veteran nine-point martial artist. Although he is quite old, his prestige is still considerable. He has many disciples and former subordinates. He should not be underestimated."

Jiang Lan remained silent, memorizing every face, every force, and every hidden hostility. He knew these people would be his future adversaries; only by knowing himself and his enemy could he escape unscathed from the Golden Scale Society.

"Brother Liu!"

A gentle voice came from the side. Chen Zhenggang walked slowly with Chen Nian, dressed in a newly made gray silk robe, meticulously groomed, looking more energetic and aloof than when they sparred.

Chen Nian followed behind him. The moment he saw Jiang Lan, he nodded slightly, all the sharpness in his eyes disappearing, leaving only deep fear—he knew that he was no longer Jiang Lan's match.

"Master Chen." Liu Changqing bowed respectfully.

"Congratulations, Brother Liu, on acquiring nine outstanding talents. Guangchang Martial Arts School is likely to take the lead in this Golden Scale Gathering and seize the initiative in Yucheng's martial arts scene." Chen Zhenggang smiled at Jiang Lan, his tone polite, but his eyes held a hint of probing. "Young Brother Jiang, we look forward to seeing your skills at this grand event. However, in martial arts sparring, it's best to stop when you've made your point."

Jiang Lan returned the greeting with a cupped hand, his lips slightly pursed. He offered no further words, only a simple gesture of courtesy, distant yet composed. He knew in his heart that Chen Zhenggang's seemingly well-intentioned reminder was actually out of fear that Jiang Lan would act ruthlessly and disrupt the balance of the martial arts world in Yu City, and also because he feared that Jiang Lan's rise to prominence would threaten his own forces.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Chen Zhenggang led Chen Nian back to their seats. As they sat down, he couldn't help but glance back at Jiang Lan with a complicated expression.

Just as Liu Changqing was about to take a step, the previously noisy crowd suddenly fell into an eerie silence.

From the entrance of the venue, silence rolled outwards layer by layer, like a tide, the noise was abruptly cut off, and the air froze instantly.

All eyes were drawn to the entrance.

The people from Cangsong Martial Arts School have arrived.

Shi Yunshan walked at the front of the group, dressed in a dark blue brocade robe, his hair neatly combed, his face full of smiles, and he bowed to all directions, showing his friendliness and generosity, just like the leader of the Yucheng Martial Arts Troupe.

The disciples behind him stood in neat rows, their steps synchronized, their spirits high, showcasing the formidable strength of the Cangsong Martial Arts School.

Zhou Liang stood in the middle of the group, dressed in black, tall and straight, expressionless, with his eyes lowered as if looking at the remaining snow at his feet. Yet, he exuded a chilling aura, like a deadly blade hidden in its sheath, keeping strangers at bay.

Shi Yunshan's gaze swept across the main stands, landing precisely on Liu Changqing. His smile grew even more enthusiastic as he strode forward and said loudly, "Brother Liu, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting! I was tied up with worldly affairs and arrived a little late, please forgive me!"

He stopped, clasped his hands deeply, and his voice echoed throughout the surroundings: "I've heard that your esteemed school has produced nine extraordinary talents; this is truly a great joy! My Cangsong Martial Arts School is honored to share in this glory!"

His voice was loud and clear, and his expression was earnest, as if he and Liu Changqing were old friends, like brothers.

Jiang Lan stood behind Liu Changqing, looking calmly at Shi Yunshan.

He could see it clearly—beneath that warm, almost hypocritical smile lay a razor-sharp chill, which vanished in an instant.

Like a dog that bites without barking, the more it wags its tail, the more wary it is of biting you.

Jiang Lan's heart was filled with alarm bells, but she remained calm on the surface, only nodding slightly, her eyes still showing no emotion.

Following behind Liu Changqing, Sun Gengsan, Shen Qing, and other Guangchang disciples glanced at Shi Yunshan's smiling face, but their gazes finally settled on the black-clad figure behind him—Zhou Liang.

Upon seeing Zhou Liang's nonchalant expression, a chill instantly ran from the soles of all the Guangchang disciples to the top of their heads.

The once spirited and exceptionally talented Zhao Heng was brutally beaten on the martial arts stage by this person in front of him, who used the most insidious and vicious methods to shatter his spine and cripple his tendons, leaving him unable to clench his fist ever again.