Chapter Twenty-Three: The Martial Arts School Ranking Tournament

The elegant chamber door opened once more, and a succession of exquisite dishes was placed upon the table.

Gazing at the dazzling array of delicacies, Ma Xue'e felt her mouth water, though it was merely a figure of speech. Noble blood flowed within her veins; even though she had grown up in remote mountains and forests, the innate grace and refinement she possessed could not be erased.

She was admittedly fond of food, but her manner of eating was never lacking in decorum. Instead, her appetite made her appear both charming and amusing.

The dishes on the table disappeared at an astonishing pace, with Ma Xue'e as the principal contributor. It wasn't that Luo Changning and Ma Qingyun were slower, but rather that they took their time, sipping wine between bites, occasionally picking up a peanut or shelling an edamame.

Luo Changning watched Ma Xue'e, who swept through the food like a little greedy cat, and was curious how such a slender girl could eat so much, and so quickly, yet still look so delightful as she did.

“Brother Ma, let’s have a toast and thank you for your guidance today,” Luo Changning raised his cup toward the silent Ma Qingyun.

Ma Qingyun lifted his cup as well, and the two touched glasses, exchanging smiles.

They drained their cups in one go, the bond of friendship imbued in the wine.

As they departed, Ma Xue'e told the waiter that she would certainly return next time, making the middle-aged attendant beam with a smile as bright as a chrysanthemum. He clearly adored this innocent and charming girl.

By the time they returned to the Su family’s courtyard, dusk was approaching. Luo Changning placed the pastries he had packed from the Gaosheng Restaurant on the pavilion table for Su Qinqin and Qing Gu. Everyone enjoyed the treats with tea, as well as lotus seeds picked from Beimuhu in the morning, while appreciating the flowers and plants.

Ma Xue'e, in order to comfort the sulking Big Bear, reluctantly parted with two pieces of pastry.

Soon, another day had passed. Luo Changning, as usual, sat on his bed to cultivate his internal strength. He dared not practice the Guiyi Heart Method indoors, lest he leave the room in disarray; Qing Gu had even complained to him that afternoon about the state of the courtyard.

Time flew by like a fleeting horse, and before long, the Ma siblings had been living in the Su family’s courtyard for over two months.

During this period, Ma Xue'e successfully befriended Su Meng; she spent her days indulging in food and amusement, or learning medical skills from her. Of course, the art of poison was a hereditary secret, not to be taught to outsiders.

Meanwhile, Ma Qingyun and Luo Changning often sparred in martial arts. Though they called it sparring, the difference between them was vast; more often than not, Ma Qingyun was instructing him.

Thanks to Luo Changning’s diligent cultivation, his martial arts improved rapidly. He succeeded in opening the Ren and Du meridians, and his internal strength reached new heights.

On this day, Luo Changning was meditating in the central courtyard, while Ma Xue'e, bored, sat at the stone table, resting her chin in her hand.

She watched Luo Changning meditate and nibbled on pastries, with Big Bear sitting on the grass before a plate of beef jerky. Both girl and bear enjoyed their feast.

Ma Xue'e called out playfully, “Brother Changning, when will you finish your cultivation? Come play with me.”

Luo Changning, deeply focused, did not hear her complaint.

Just as her cheeks puffed in frustration, Qing Gu came to the courtyard to announce that Xiang Yinglong had business with the young master and was waiting in the front hall.

---

Luo Changning slowly opened his eyes and smiled, “Alright, Qing Gu, I’ll go now.”

“Brother Changning, just now when I spoke to you, you didn’t hear me, but now you do!” Ma Xue'e stood and stomped her foot in protest.

Luo Changning was at a loss; he truly hadn’t heard her earlier.

“Little one, don’t be so petty. I’ll introduce you to a friend soon,” he said, walking toward the front hall.

Ma Xue'e snorted and followed him. Big Bear looked around, uncertain what was happening, shook its massive head, and continued its battle with the beef jerky.

Before reaching the hall, they heard Xiang Yinglong’s booming voice, rough and resonant.

“Where’s that brat Luo Changning? I’ve been waiting for him half the day!”

“Xiang, you big oaf, who are you calling a brat?” Luo Changning laughed and scolded as he stepped over the threshold into the hall.

“Heh, it’s not clear which brat hasn’t visited me in over two months,” Xiang Yinglong said from his seat.

He was about to tease Luo Changning further when he noticed Ma Xue'e, clad in pink, entering the hall.

Though still youthful and undeveloped, she exuded a lively charm reminiscent of peach blossoms in March. Her almond eyes sparkled with innocence and allure, captivating the soul and stirring the heart.

Since Ma Xue'e had not disguised herself while at the Su family courtyard, Xiang Yinglong saw her true appearance. Luo Changning was unconcerned; he and Xiang Yinglong were so close they might as well have grown up in the same pair of trousers, fully trusting each other.

Xiang Yinglong’s face flushed red as he awkwardly rose and rubbed his hands, “Um… who might this young lady be?”

Luo Changning looked at his friend in confusion, wondering what had gotten into him. Normally boisterous and bold, now he seemed shy. Glancing at Ma Xue'e behind him, he mused: Could it be because of the little girl?

Ma Xue'e also noticed Xiang Yinglong’s awkwardness and sized him up curiously. He looked upright and honest, not like a villain.

She approached with a bright smile, “My name is Ma Xue'e, and you?”

“I… I… Miss Ma, long time no see—no, it’s our first meeting. Heh. I’m Xiang Yinglong, Luo Changning’s good friend. Please take care of me,” he stammered, scratching his head, more embarrassed than ever, his face as red as a monkey’s rump, stumbling over his words and unsure what he was saying.

Xue'e, Ma Xue'e… what a lovely name, surely the daughter of a distinguished family.

Unable to bear his friend’s awkwardness, Luo Changning interjected, “Tell me, what brings you here?”

Xiang Yinglong slapped his head in annoyance, “Oh, look at me, forgetting the main reason. Heh, Luo Changning, do you remember the martial academy ranking contest I mentioned before? Our academy isn’t as large as the Sage Hands Martial Academy. The quality of our disciples isn’t great, and the few strong seniors are too old for the contest. So, I thought of you—would you join me and my father in Heishui County for the ranking competition?”

Luo Changning inwardly mused: I knew you came for this.

---

He turned the thought over in his mind, intending to tease his simple-minded friend. So he feigned displeasure, “Brother Xiang, you haven’t shown your face in two months, and now you ask for my help as soon as you arrive.”

Xiang Yinglong, ever straightforward, couldn’t tell Luo Changning was teasing him.

He glared and protested, “I’ve been preparing for the ranking contest these past two months, training so hard I’ve shed layers of skin. It’s been exhausting, not that I deliberately avoided seeing you. Why are you so stingy?”

Luo Changning was about to respond when Ma Xue'e interrupted, her cheeks puffed in indignation, “Brother Changning, how can you be so petty? We’re all good friends; what’s wrong with helping out?”

“Yes, exactly!” Xiang Yinglong nodded vigorously, agreeing with Ma Xue'e.

Seeing the two of them scolding him, Luo Changning felt helpless and hurried to explain, “Haha, I was just teasing Brother Xiang. We’re brothers, of course I’ll help. The ranking contest? I’ll go. It’ll be good to test my skills and see where I stand.”

Despite Xiang Yinglong’s usual goofy demeanor, he knew the importance of the occasion.

He spoke seriously, “This ranking contest is crucial for both me, my father, and the Luoyang Martial Academy. The past few contests have been won by Sage Hands, boosting their prestige and power in Autumn River Prefecture—far beyond ours. If we lose again, even my father may not be able to hold off Gao Ba.”

Gao Ba, relying on the Gao family and Sage Hands Martial Academy, as well as his peak innate martial arts, presented a facade of righteousness, but secretly committed many heinous deeds.

He also indulged his only son, Gao Haitian, in his crimes—bullying men and women, wreaking havoc among the people.

Xiang Yinglong’s father, Xiang Ao, master of Luoyang Martial Academy, was a lay disciple from the Buddhist sect. He was forthright and just, unable to tolerate Gao Ba’s hypocritical ways. Unfortunately, he was no match for Gao Ba, and could not restrain him.

Yet Gao Ba could not harm Xiang Ao or the Luoyang Martial Academy either. As a lay Buddhist disciple, Gao Ba knew the sect would protect its own, and that lay disciples were united and supportive; provoking one meant provoking many.

If Gao Ba moved against Xiang Ao, retaliation would be inevitable—something he could not afford. Besides, the two academies had little real conflict; Gao Ba would have to be bored out of his mind to provoke the Luoyang Martial Academy.

Still, distant water cannot quench a nearby fire. Xiang Ao felt it necessary to quickly strengthen the academy, so they could face Sage Hands and the Gao family, and restore peace.

The ranking contest was a pivotal opportunity—even though Xiang Ao knew their chances of victory were slim, he was determined to give it his all. How could he know defeat without trying?

So, Xiang Yinglong thought of his good brother Luo Changning. In recent months, Luo Changning had made remarkable progress, now an internal martial artist, and perhaps could win a few matches in the contest.

Having grown up together, Luo Changning understood all too well.

He pondered: My skills have improved swiftly of late, but it still may not be enough. Sage Hands Martial Academy has a long history, Gao Ba is an innate martial artist, and his disciples are exceptional. Even with me, victory is uncertain.