The Blade-Wielding Legend
Chapter 227 - 160 That Year, Standing Like a Minion_2

Chapter 227: Chapter 160 That Year, Standing Like a Minion_2

When we speak of it, it is essentially the court’s reach into the pugilistic world.

Some pure pugilists detested this intrusion and withdrew completely, while others needed this status and strove to integrate more deeply.

Thus, up to now, most members of the Divine Fist Association were local martial artists who, with this status, found it convenient to open escort agencies and martial arts schools.

Of course, the court didn’t just provide benefits without demands.

The Divine Fist Association, apart from maintaining stability in the pugilistic world and serving as instructors for local militias, sometimes had to cooperate with the government to capture thieves and eradicate bandits.

Consequently, the headquarters of the Divine Fist Association was built with great splendor.

Generally speaking, it was divided into three main courtyards: front, middle, and back.

The front courtyard, aside from dealing with office matters, also housed a huge round arena in its center, with a flat top and surrounded by stone carvings of the Eight Trigrams, dragons, tigers, and the like.

With age, it had developed a patchy appearance.

The middle courtyard was the largest; the main hall resembled an assembly hall of heroes, with "Snowy Tiger in a Night Attack" hanging above, symbolizing the initial resistance against the warriors of Golden Tent Wolf Country during a wintry night raid.

In that battle, many pugilistic experts fell, yet splendid achievements were obtained, as they successively slaughtered many nomadic eagles and wolf warriors, even killing a hidden prince who was a grand marshal.

Several subsequent battles that turned the tides were sparked by this incident.

The back courtyard, naturally, was a reception area for important figures.

"What are you looking at?"

Zhang Shitong walked a few steps, noticed that Li Yan was not following, and hurriedly turned back, only to see Li Yan standing motionless in front of the arena.

He quickly went over to look.

He saw a series of footprints on the initially flat surface of the arena, as if someone had stepped in mud, with even the imprints of the shoe soles clearly visible.

It should be noted that this arena was built with blue stones.

"This is extraordinary."

Zhang Shitong, intrigued, whispered, "The former president of the Xianyang Divine Fist Association was called Cui Donghai, a skilled Mantis Fist master who had achieved Dan Strength."

"He was overbearing and, under Lu Kang’s patronage and his relationship with Zhou Pan, his disciples too became arrogant. Five years ago, he offended a ’Dragon Across the River.’"

"That man, speaking with an accent from Shu, simply showed up to challenge the dojo, no small talk, just left these footprints on the arena, declaring that only someone who could replicate them would be worthy to fight him."

"How did it turn out?"

"No one stepped forward. My father said this was a technique only an Astral Force master could execute. Even if such a person existed in Shan State, they were hidden, and with Cui Donghai’s reputation, he couldn’t invite them to help."

"After waiting three days with no challengers, that man laughed heartily, turned, and left."

"The reputation of Shan State Divine Fist Association was thoroughly muddied; Cui Donghai, humiliated, fell gravely ill and soon resigned from the presidency, living in seclusion ever since."

"Why keep this thing here?"

"The new president of the Divine Fist Association, called Li Siping, a member of the Li family, stated upon assuming office that this imprint should remain as a warning, urging everyone to prioritize martial morality and not repeat past mistakes."

"Oh, clever!"

Li Yan nodded his head as he examined the footprints, feeling inwardly astonished.

Hidden Energy, when cultivated to a certain extent, can produce astonishing explosive power. If one isn’t afraid of skin tearing and flesh bursting, splitting stones and breaking steles can be achieved.

Yet a technique like this was somewhat mystical.

No wonder it’s said, "Once Astral Force is achieved, fists can reach the realm of divine and ghostly beings."

His visit this time was indeed an eye-opener.

Growing even more eager, he followed Zhang Shitong through the front yard to the middle courtyard.

Here, quite a few people had already gathered.

Just on entering, Zhang Shitong was immediately bombarded with inquiries.

"Shitong, isn’t Old Master Zhang coming?"

"Senior, there’s some business in Xianyang; he couldn’t leave."

"Alas, I was hoping to have a few drinks with him..."

"Shitong, have there been any emerging talents in Xianyang recently?"

"I’m not sure, Senior..."

"Tsk tsk, there is a child from Hua Mountain Fist who was escorting a caravan, encountered tough opponents, and all were killed; their incense offerings severed, and their lineage must not end. That old fellow asked me to find a promising successor to establish a household."

"Senior, I’ll keep an eye out."

Upon entering here, Zhang Shitong’s verbal crudeness seemed completely gone; he handled people and matters with ease, finally exhibiting a bit of the air expected of a successor to the Zhang family martial arts school.

Li Yan, pretending to be a follower, remained silent.

Using only his eyes and ears, he gathered a substantial amount of information.

Though Shan State seemed calm on the surface, various regions were far from peaceful.

In Longyou, a bandit organization "Towards the Mountain Society" had expanded rapidly this year, raiding on horseback and causing the merchant routes to be intermittently disrupted; the escort agencies there were barely coping...

In Pu County, a notable bladesman nicknamed Yuan Zhetian had emerged, domineering and disdainful of the business of escorting, preferring to target Ge Nian businesses, taking money for assassinations, and his fierce reputation was on the rise...

Several large Merchant Tickets in Jinzhou had already begun to intervene in maritime trade and currency exchange, establishing new trade routes. All the escort agencies in each state didn’t want to miss out on this lucrative opportunity...

In Weinan, a "rubber-cutting" bladesman was unknowingly attacked by some wild beast from the Qinling mountains, resulting in heavy losses...

Such were the times.

Even during the prosperous era of the Great Xuan Dynasty, the imperial power did not extend into the countryside. The authority allocated locally was limited and could not cover all areas.

Chang’an, being the center of Shan State, was naturally stable.

Yet even so, establishments like the Law Enforcement Hall of the City God Temple in Chang’an only had a hundred people. When they were busy, many matters were neglected.

The Captain Bureau had a sufficient number of personnel; three garrison units with three thousand men in total, but thrown into the entirety of Shan State, they wouldn’t even make a splash.

The real maintainers of local stability were the garrisons, the government catchers, the Divine Fist associations, and those side door magicians.

Of course, in those places, masters were even fewer.

The pugilistic world there was more pure, all knife lights and bloodshed, and only those who survived were qualified to speak.

"Is this the ’Sick Tiger’s Son’?"

As Li Yan was deep in thought, someone suddenly asked.

Li Yan looked up and saw a grey-haired elder dressed in dark green brocade, his hand adorned with a jade bead string, appearing dignified and luxurious.

Zhang Shitong hurriedly introduced, "Li Yan, this is Du Qing, the president of your Lantian Divine Fist Association."

"Nice to meet you, Elder Du."

Li Yan’s expression remained calm as he cupped his hands in a salute.

Du Qing, the old man, smiled and said, "Not bad, young and promising. I heard you’ve made quite a name for yourself in Chang’an. The Lantian Divine Fist Association really needs young talents like you."

Li Yan shook his head, "Thank you for your kind intentions, Elder, but I have already joined the Mystical Sect, aiming to cultivate, and I will not join any Divine Fist Association."

"What a pity,"

Du Qing said, his face showing helplessness before he continued, "After all, we are fellow villagers. If there’s anything you need, just let me know; I still have some connections in Lantian."

"Thank you, Elder."

The old man shook his head and sighed, then turned away.

Li Yan and Zhang Shitong exchanged a look and smiled, saying nothing.

It was evident to anyone that the old man had other intentions.

Li Yan had already gained a reputation in Chang’an; if he ever considered leading the Lantian Divine Fist Association, this old man would likely show a different face.

This was the current state of the Divine Fist Association.

Some places were bitterly contested, while others, such as the Lantian Divine Fist Association, had almost become family property.

Du Qing, though seemingly amiable, had used the association to rally many subordinates and form guard teams to monopolize several Lantian jade mines, making the old man unbelievably wealthy.

Soon, the master of ceremonies called for the representatives from various Divine Fist Associations to take their seats; the atmosphere was filled with respectful greetings, strict in protocol.

Li Yan naturally blended in behind the members of the Xianyang Divine Fist Association.

Their seats were located behind the main hall.

"Gentlemen, please!"

As everyone had just settled, the continuous sound of footsteps was heard from outside; an elder in brocade smiled and raised his hand, politely allowing a group of people to enter.

"Nice to meet you, President Li!"

Everyone rose and greeted with cupped fists.

Li Yan discreetly observed, noting that President Li, rather than appearing like a person from the pugilistic world, seemed more like a businessman, affable and with a Confucian aura.

Since the Great Xing Dynasty, the Li family had been a major clan in Guanzhong; though they had their ups and downs, they had now returned to their peak with the aid of maritime trade and the position of Governor.

This president of the Divine Fist Association was proficient only in Force Transformation; rumored to rarely engage in combat, yet no one dared to underestimate him.

He had invited, of course, those high-level practitioners of Dan Strength.

Zhang Shitong whispered nearby:

"That one, is Luo Yingchuan of the Chang’an Eight Trigrams Palm, famous in Chang’an ten years ago, who later traveled abroad; no one knew when he returned..."

"This one is Wu Chengzong from the Wu Family’s Mind-and-Heart Six Harmonies Fist. I hear you met Wu Mao on Niubei Ridge, that guy is really cunning..."

"This one is Wang Mu of the Mantis Fist, also proficient in Pigeonhook; if you encounter him in the future, make sure to avoid him..."

Zhang Shitong’s murmurs weren’t considered impolite.

Almost every Divine Fist Association had people explaining to the younger generation behind them, apparently all brought here for exposure.

Those high-level Dan Strength masters were unconcerned, chatting and laughing with one another, clearly a different circle recognized by all.

As for the few high-level masters from other places, they weren’t even introduced to the crowd.

Listening to Zhang Shitong’s introductions, Li Yan calmly watched it all unfold, and suddenly a thought flashed through his mind:

That year, at the Shan State pugilistic meeting, I stood there like a lackey...