Who is spreading rumors that my filial piety towards them has changed?

The next day, there were quite a few people near Tianya Tower, but not many came to watch the battle. Most of them were either there to participate in the competition or to accompany their companions.

The number of people who actually came to watch the battle was actually less than the number of people competing for the position of city lord. The reason for this is not hard to understand. People with power all know what the situation is like in the first few days. There is no need for them to come and watch. They basically just send one or two disciples to see who is worth paying attention to.

Those who are overly curious and lack access to information are the ones who invest too much enthusiasm in the first round, while those well-connected outsiders have already gone to brothels to experience the local customs and culture.

Chu Mingkong went to a breakfast stall near the training ground and found a place to sit down and wait for his number to be called.

Physically, he has returned to his normal physique. He traveled day and night to find a blacksmith in Tianya City to make a set of bone armor with a shamanic style.

Others conceal their identities by disguising themselves, but he conceals his identity by changing his armor, and Chu Mingkong himself is very satisfied with this.

Taking advantage of the lull, Chu Mingkong looked around to see if he could identify which forces had arrived.

"So there really are people from the Buddhist community here... I still have that black relic in my pocket. I wonder if I can get the complete Joyful Meditation from these bald guys, or maybe get some more of the Meditation Practice."

The first group of people entered quickly. The first round of the competition was like a preliminary selection. It was impossible for each person to go up on stage to compete one by one. Instead, the elders of Tianya Tower would put the two sides into the same secret realm to fight.

People outside can observe the situation inside the training ground by looking at the "bubbles" floating above it. As long as they focus their gaze and attention on the bubble, the corresponding competition in the secret realm will appear in the observer's mind.

Previously, this observation angle could be changed at will. Later, Chu Mingkong suggested that he could peek under Xiao Yunhan's skirt (in fact, she was wearing trousers under her skirt at the time). Since then, the elders of Tianya Tower have fixed this observation angle.

The current spectator perspective is somewhat similar to that of a certain fighting game, J.B., but serious people can immediately tell it's Street Fighter.

In the secret realm, groups of people first revealed their starting techniques, releasing their aura to the maximum extent. This process was somewhat like a "combat power comparison".

If the combat strength is similar, then let's fight and see who's the best.

If the combat strength is significantly different, the weaker side should surrender immediately without hesitation, saving everyone's time.

While fighting across ranks is certainly a remarkable feat, something to boast about for a lifetime, such things happen very rarely. Behind most of these stories lies a low-ranking cultivator adorned with weapons, magical treasures, and talismans, defeating a rogue cultivator of slightly higher cultivation level.

Next to Chu Mingkong, several people speaking in the official Beijing accent saw the rows of spectator bubbles bursting rapidly, and suddenly started shouting and raising their arms in front of the crowd.

"Something's not right, there's something fishy going on! Did you all see that? Those people surrendered the moment they met. They must have bribed their opponents beforehand, there's something fishy going on!"

"How could our city lord of Tianya City be selected through such shady dealings? We demand a halt and an investigation into the truth!"

"No wonder. I felt something was wrong a long time ago. After the King of Chu disappeared, Tianya Tower might have been infiltrated by outsiders. Shouldn't we let the capital take charge?"

"Makes sense!"

These people were shouting for a while, like they were performing a comedy routine, but they found that no one responded to them, and the people nearby were looking at them as if they were idiots.

The people performing the charade were being stared at with concern, so embarrassed that they dug their toes into the ground, almost wearing through the soles of their shoes, completely bewildered as to what was going on.

Chu Mingkong clicked his tongue and shook his head. Even from a distance, he could feel the awkwardness that gave him goosebumps, and couldn't help but complain:

"If the royal family is going to send people to stir up trouble, they should at least hire a few people with a Xiling accent. It's too unprofessional for them to come here speaking with a Beijing accent and pretend to be Xiling people... Could it be that the person in charge of public opinion has spent the money in brothels? Well, at least the money was spent in Xiling."

He shamelessly tossed over two copper coins as a reward, shouting:

"Those street performers need more practice. Anything else? Let's do another one!"

Many people who were getting impatient while waiting for the competition to begin threw over a few copper coins, treating it as paying to see a circus act.

"How about another one? Can you do a backflip or jump through a ring of fire? If not, how about you do a split for everyone?"

The spy in the capital: "..."

Chu Mingkong was so eager to go to a brothel that he was even considering spending some time there. Finally, the martial arts jade token in his hand started to shine – it was his turn!

He took the jade token and entered the martial arts secret realm. Another bubble rose on the martial arts stage.

Chu Mingkong's opponent was an outer disciple from Zhenlei Island, a year younger than him. His strength had reached the mid-stage of the fourth rank, and his cultivation aura was solid. He had cultivated steadily and surely, which was quite impressive for his age.

"Let me introduce myself. I am Luo Xiangming from Zhenlei Island. I scored full marks in the entrance examination and am ranked second in strength among the outer disciples. I will be promoted to an inner disciple in five years. I do not wish to disclose my family background to avoid putting psychological pressure on you. We are strangers who have met by chance. Let's keep our competition to a minimum and not hurt our friendship."

As he spoke, Luo Xiangming took out two high-quality pills and examined them in his hands. He then took out a Thunder Magic Talisman to wipe his sweat, placed the expensive weapon he had bought aside, and used a gleaming shield as a mirror to style his hair.

Without realizing it, he smiled and revealed his valuable storage bracelet, subtly displaying his various trump cards.

—Psychological pressure was applied.

Luo Xiangming's lips curled into a wide smile, then he apologetically flicked his bangs:

"Oh, sorry, I picked up the wrong weapon. I was just about to use this family heirloom heavy sword. My father said he has always regarded this heavy sword as his beloved, and now I will use his beloved to conquer Tianya City and win the championship."

Fellow Daoist, what about you?

If he hadn't been wearing a helmet, Chu Mingkong would definitely have given him a sweaty, smiling look.

He said tactfully, "I am Cao, from Tongquetai. I have seen that Fellow Daoist Luo's father's wife is quite nice. I wonder if I could borrow her to take a look?"

“No problem. My father also gave me the Thunderfire Cudgel, which he regarded as his childhood sweetheart. You may borrow this heavy sword from Fellow Daoist Cao for a look.”

Chu Mingkong took the other party's father's lover, controlled the strength of his sword strike, and swung it towards the open space beside him.

The martial arts training ground is trembling!

Luo Xiangming's face was stern, sweat beaded on his forehead, and his smile was frozen on his face.

"I didn't realize that Fellow Daoist Cao was actually the Great Sword Saint. It's a pleasure to meet you. I admired you from the very first glance. I could see that you are handsome, dashing, elegant, brave, and chivalrous!

Good, Fellow Daoist Cao, you have earned my approval. I did not expect to encounter someone I could not bear to fight in the first battle. How could I let Fellow Daoist Cao lose too much strength in my hands?

Don't make a move yet, I surrender—"

Chapter 204 The Bear Rules the World!

Chu Mingkong has been a tyrant for so many years, what kind of opponent hasn't he seen? Today he's really opened his eyes, actually encountering such an oddball.

He grasped the other man's father's beloved sword (heavy sword), examining it closely and channeling his spiritual power into it to feel its internal patterns and structure. Only by using a weapon seriously once can one know how wonderful it is. Chu Mingkong quietly released his Sword Immortal realm strength, letting the power fill every corner and internal gap, but he didn't dare to be too ruthless. After all, it belonged to someone else, and he dared not use it too much. He still had to return it to the other man.

"Ok!"

Chu Mingkong nodded. Although it was not as good as Zuo Qiuchi's Extinction Sword, this heavy sword was still quite good. It could withstand his handling and was very durable!

"Excellent, excellent. Brother Luo, this heavy sword is suitable for both Fire and Thunder elements. May I ask what your father's beloved's name is?"

“Brother Cao, you truly deserve to be called the Greatsword Saint. Your insight is indeed exceptional. These are a series of weapons that my family crafted at great expense many years ago. The staff in my hand is called the Thunderfire Staff, and the greatsword in your hand is called the Thunderfire Sword.”

"..." Chu Mingkong's expression was strange. The name seemed very familiar. He pressed on, "Does this sword also have elegant names like Hydrangea or Sunflower? Was the sword forged by someone named Takeda Hikaru?"

"Huh? What do you mean?" Luo Xiangyang looked bewildered, not quite understanding why the other party suddenly asked this.

"It's alright. I'll borrow this sword from your father's lover for a few days to see how far I can wield it. I'll return it to you afterward. But this is, after all, a family heirloom sword. Will your father have any objections?"

"You're too kind. Feel free to use it if you want. My father has plenty of weapons. Lending one out won't be a problem."

"Your father is very generous!"

"It is only right. It is a blessing for this sword to be used by a sword saint. However, I still hope that Brother Cao will treat my father's lover well."

"I'll handle it gently."

Both sides bowed to each other, and Chu Mingkong left the martial arts secret realm with the other party's precious sword, completing the first round of the competition.

If enough people come this time, he might have to compete a second time today, which means reducing the number of participants as much as possible in the first round.

However, after leaving, Chu Mingkong did not find any follow-up reminders, which meant that the second round would be held in a few days.

It's a bit of a shame; I thought I could get more weapons and magical treasures from other people.

After leaving the secret realm, Luo Xiangyang sat down in an open space, his back drenched in sweat, and his hands, which were holding talismans to wipe away the sweat, trembled uncontrollably.

His father rushed over, and seeing his son's condition, asked with concern:

"Son, are you alright? Don't scare your father like that!"

"It's alright. It was really dangerous just now. Father, you don't know, the first opponent I encountered was actually a greatsword sword saint!"

"Huh?! They ran into such a tough opponent in their first battle?" He thought his son would at least encounter some easy opponents, but he was unlucky enough to run into this kind of trouble.

Luo Xiangyang nodded, still shaken, and said:

"This man is very dangerous and extremely ferocious. He felt my pressure and swung his sword the moment we met. Fortunately, I used words to persuade him, making him understand that I also have my own strengths, and that if he didn't want to lose combat power, he'd better not act rashly. And so, he watched helplessly as I left, unable to do anything about it!"

I wanted to leave, and even the Sword Saint couldn't stop me! Father, your son is already your pride, and I've earned you a chance to be proud!

"He truly is my son!" Mr. Luo decided to take his son out for a good drink. "We may have lost this battle, but we are still honorable!"

"You're wrong!" Luo Xiangyang corrected him seriously, "I didn't lose, I just didn't want to win!"

Chu Mingkong watched the father and son from afar, speechless.

He remembered that Zhenlei Island had an elder who participated in the siege of Zuo Qiuchi. He didn't expect Zhenlei Island to have such a talent.

He didn't leave the scene immediately because he knew he hadn't spent much time in the martial arts secret realm and shouldn't have missed Xiao Fengnan.

Since the Xiao family wants him to rest and recover from his injuries, they should finish the fight as soon as possible so he can return to Qingxin Mansion to rest. This morning's batch is the fastest, so he should be among them.

After looking around for a long time, a group of servants came to clear the way, and Chu Mingkong knew that the person in charge had finally arrived.

Xiao Fengnan stepped down from the carriage, accompanied by several elders and maids of the Xiao family.

Not long after they arrived, the jade token held by the maid in both hands lit up, and she quickly handed it to Xiao Fengnan. Xiao Fengnan took it and walked straight towards the entrance of the martial arts arena.

"No wonder he's a relative. I had to come early to wait, but Xiao Fengnan even booked a time. He'll come over after breakfast, right?"

Chu Mingkong felt deeply envious. Along with his envy, he also felt a little regretful that he would not have the opportunity to continue his compassionate work as a doctor and be Xiao Fengnan's father again.

Xiao Fengnan's left arm has recovered well, probably because the Xiao family went to great lengths to find medicine to treat his injury. It's possible that Xiao Chengren even took out the bottom of his coffin, which he used to survive, for his grandson.

Judging from the current situation, he should recover in another seven or eight days, at which point the Xiao family will no longer seek out "Zuo Ge Ge".

"What a pity, what a pity."

Chu Mingkong sighed and shook his head. He turned to leave, but after a few steps, he turned back, thinking that he could take a look at who Xiao Fengnan's opponent was, and that a few more glances wouldn't hurt.

After finding Xiao Fengnan's name among the many spectator bubbles, Chu Mingkong stared at it intently and was immediately stunned.

"This opponent looks familiar..."

Opposite Xiao Fengnan stood a demon opponent, a giant panda whose clothing style was similar to Chu Mingkong's.

His head was covered by a helmet, and his limbs were wrapped in armor, but his fat body was not covered by armor because he was too fat to fit into it, revealing his round belly.

If Chu Mingkong is an armored man, then this is an armored bear.

If it were just a beastman panda, Chu Mingkong might not recognize it, but the style of clothing was unmistakable.

This was the giant panda that Yun Han had given him as a birthday present years ago. It had been kept by the Wei family for a long time. Later, Chu Mingkong was constantly active around the Abyss and it wasn't convenient to take the creature with him, so the Wei family sent it back to the area where the demon race lived.