Forty-one kilometers away

Night gradually descended.

A thousand meters away from Bai Zongnan’s encampment, hidden deep within the forest, hundreds of fine steeds lay in wait. The man at their head was none other than Cao Hong. His face was twisted in a ferocious grimace, his eyes bloodshot.

Cao Cao’s son, Cao Pi, and grandson, Cao Ang, had both fallen on the battlefield. Most of his other sons had perished as well; only Cao Hong remained. Though Cao Cao had not rebuked him, Cao Hong felt as though he had lost favor, living each day in constant anxiety.

Cao Cao sent assassins after him! He ordered Cao Chun to lead five hundred elite guards to assassinate Bai Zongnan. He commanded Xu Sheng to lead five hundred Tiger and Leopard cavalry to raid Liu Bei’s stronghold. He further ordered Cao Hong to travel to Ji Province to mobilize troops, preparing to encircle and suppress Liu Bei.

Cao Hong was no fool; he understood these commands all targeted him alone. Yet he could not discern Cao Cao’s true intentions. All Cao Hong wished for was to no longer be relied upon by Cao Cao.

He hated Bai Zongnan to his very core. His father, Cao Cao, had once told him that Bai Zongnan was the man he most admired. Yet Cao Cao had never anticipated that his beloved youngest son, Cao Pi, would die at Bai Zongnan’s hands. Bai Zongnan was the most loathed figure in Cao Cao’s heart!

Cao Hong vowed to kill Bai Zongnan and avenge his son.

Leading five hundred elite guards, Cao Hong stealthily approached Liu Bei’s stronghold. His plan was to wait until the stronghold was vulnerable, then send men to breach it and slay Liu Bei.

He did not wish to alert Liu Bei’s defenders, so he brought only a manageable force.

“Brother, how shall we act tonight?” Cao Ren looked to Cao Hong for guidance.

“I will lead the charge myself tonight. You and your five hundred men will lie in ambush near Liu Bei’s camp. I’ll seize the moment to break through! Once I give the order, you will launch an all-out assault. Remember, our sole mission is to kill Liu Bei to the best of our ability!” Cao Hong said solemnly.

“Yes, elder brother!” Cao Ren nodded firmly.

Cao Hong led the five hundred elite toward Liu Bei’s stronghold. The defenses there were strict, sentries everywhere; it was impossible for Cao Cao’s men to enter unnoticed.

“Master! The enemy is approaching!” Dian Wei whispered a warning.

“Pay them no mind. Order all scouts to keep monitoring the enemy!” Liu Bei replied coolly, unfazed.

“Wise as ever, my lord!” Dian Wei flattered.

A faint smile hung on Liu Bei’s lips. He was now like a fish in a barrel—who could truly threaten him?

Cao Hong’s cavalry crept closer to Liu Bei’s camp.

“Master! Liu Bei’s patrols are few, likely because they see no need for extra manpower,” Cao Ren observed.

“Perfect. Now’s our chance! Brothers, follow me—charge!” Cao Hong drew his sword, spurred his horse, and shouted, leading his cavalry in a furious assault.

The five hundred riders encircled the camp from all sides, seeking to cut off Liu Bei’s reinforcements.

Liu Bei’s guards reacted quickly, drawing swords to resist. Outnumbered, they fell after only a few exchanges, cut down by Cao Hong’s men.

Cao Ren, seeing the tide, led his own cavalry forward, ordering his men to fire arrows at Liu Bei’s guards.

Shrieks of agony echoed through the night.

“Retreat!” Dian Wei, seeing the situation deteriorate, quickly ordered a withdrawal.

“Protect the lord! Archers, fire!” Dian Wei commanded.

Arrows whistled through the air, raining down on Cao’s cavalry, decimating their ranks—over two-thirds were lost in an instant.

“Withdraw!” Dian Wei shouted, fleeing with his men.

Cao’s cavalry resisted as they retreated. Cao Hong, realizing the danger, led his surviving forces away in haste.

“Hahaha, Liu Bei, you’re finished!” In Liu Bei’s mansion, Cao Cao laughed aloud.

“Yuanhao, you have rendered great service this time. I appoint you General of Chariots and Cavalry!” Cao Cao beamed at Cheng Yu.

“Thank you, Your Majesty, for your gracious favor!” Cheng Yu knelt, overwhelmed with emotion.

“Ha ha… Liu Xuande, you are unkind, so I shall be unrighteous! I will destroy your Liu clan and your kingdom!” Cao Cao laughed triumphantly.

Liu Bei shuddered at Cao Cao’s laughter.

“Your Majesty, may I speak?” Liu Bei asked cautiously.

“Oh? Speak freely, my valued advisor,” Cao Cao replied with a faint smile.

“Your Majesty, now that Liu Bei is a stray dog, why not press your advantage? If you strike and destroy him, your prestige will soar, and the gentry of the land will revere you even more!” Liu Bei advised.

“Indeed! Xuande, your words are wise. You are truly my pillar of support! Guards! Prepare the Prime Minister’s residence—I shall feast the ministers tonight!” Cao Cao rejoiced and gave orders.

“Brilliant, Your Majesty!” Cheng Yu praised.

Cao Cao proceeded to the Prime Minister’s residence.

Emperor Liu Xie was already seated, waiting.

“Long live the Emperor!” Cao Cao knelt respectfully before Liu Xie.

“Rise, dear Cao, please!” Liu Xie hastily helped him up.

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Cao Cao said as he rose.

Cao Cao looked around, puzzled. “Where is the Prime Minister?”

“Your Majesty, Zhang Rang, the traitor, plotted rebellion—a grave crime. I beseech Your Majesty to execute Zhang Rang as a warning!” Cao Cao declared.

Liu Xie frowned, sensing a trap, but being young and inexperienced, he could not fully grasp the intricacies.

Dream ended, and Bai Zongnan awoke to find the beautiful Zhen Mi before him, though he was still immersed in the blood and chaos of his dream.

“Master, you’re finally awake!” Zhen Mi smiled in delight.

“Mm,” Bai Zongnan nodded.

“You must be hungry—I’ll have someone prepare food at once!” Zhen Mi said with concern.

“Mm,” Bai Zongnan replied, nodding lightly.

She left the room. Soon after, a palace maid arrived, carrying a set of clothes.

The maid placed the clothes and silently stood by the door.

“Master, please change,” she said softly.

Bai Zongnan changed clothes and told the maid, “You may leave—I wish to rest a while.”

She agreed and departed.

Bai Zongnan lay on the bed, pondering his path ahead.

Now bearing two lives, he dared not take risks.

“Hmm? Is this a room?” Bai Zongnan suddenly realized it was an inn’s room.

He quickly checked and confirmed it was indeed an inn.

“No wonder I dreamed of Miss Zhen Mi—could it be real? Is this fate?” he muttered.

Seeing leftover food on the table, his stomach rumbled again.

He picked up the food and enjoyed it contentedly.

Knock, knock, knock! Suddenly, the door was rapped.

“There’s someone!” Bai Zongnan started.

“Master, I’ve brought you a hot meal. If you’re hungry, please open the door,” Zhen Mi’s gentle voice called.

“Oh!” Bai Zongnan blinked and opened the door.

Zhen Mi entered, carrying the tray.

“Let me help you wash up,” she smiled.

After arranging the dishes, she brought a basin and towel, assisting Bai Zongnan to wash his face, hands, and feet.

Bai Zongnan sat quietly, watching this virtuous woman.

“Aren’t you going to change clothes?” Zhen Mi looked up, her cheeks flushed as she saw him staring.

“Oh? I forgot to take off this robe. Help me with it, will you?” Bai Zongnan said with a grin.

“Alright,” Zhen Mi bit her lip, then began to untie his robe.

Moments later, they faced each other openly.

“So, we didn’t actually do anything, right?” Bai Zongnan asked weakly.

Zhen Mi giggled, covering her mouth. “Master, I only wished to bathe you.”

Bai Zongnan scratched his head in embarrassment. Feeling thirsty, he looked for water but found his cup empty.

“Oh, I forgot to make tea!” he exclaimed.

“I’ll make tea for you,” Zhen Mi said.

“No need to trouble yourself,” Bai Zongnan tried to stop her.

“I wish to serve you,” Zhen Mi insisted, shaking her head.

Bai Zongnan relented.

Zhen Mi went to the kitchen, boiled water, and poured it into the teapot.

She handed him the brewed tea, feeding him herself.

Bai Zongnan thought to himself how industrious she was, knowing all the proper customs.

“Master, shall I make your bed?” she smiled.

“No need! I’ll sleep as is,” Bai Zongnan said, lying down.

Zhen Mi hesitated, then approached the bed.

She gently lifted the quilt and slipped in beside him, hugging him.

“Ahem, I’m used to sleeping naked, so I don’t like sharing a blanket,” Bai Zongnan coughed.

Zhen Mi’s cheeks reddened; she had never been so close to a man.

Moreover, she could feel how strong and well-built he was.

“Don’t misunderstand, I have no improper intentions! Just hold me, let me feel your presence,” Bai Zongnan said hurriedly.

“I understand,” Zhen Mi whispered.

“Mmm,” Bai Zongnan closed his eyes, inwardly conflicted.

“Master, are you ill? You’re trembling all over—are you uncomfortable?” Zhen Mi asked suddenly.

Bai Zongnan paused, then smiled bitterly. “You guessed right. I am sick, and not lightly so.”

“What illness? Is it serious? Should I call a physician?” she asked, worried.

“No need,” Bai Zongnan refused.

“What should we do? I don’t want anything bad to happen to you,” Zhen Mi said affectionately.

“Aren’t you afraid? I’m a scoundrel!” Bai Zongnan suddenly flipped over, pinning Zhen Mi beneath him.

“I’m not afraid. As long as I can stay by your side, that’s enough.”

Bai Zongnan felt blessed—what more could a husband desire than such a wife?

He may not be Yuan Xi, but for this extraordinary woman, he would stand against the treacherous Cao.

At dawn, Bai Zongnan woke early.

Stretching, he felt something amiss in his chest. Looking down, he nearly spat blood.

Zhen Mi had attacked him last night while he slept, striking his chest.

She was bold beyond measure; if she had succeeded against an ordinary martial artist, he would have died on the spot.

Fortunately, Zhen Mi knew no martial arts and had limited strength. Bai Zongnan, with his robust physique, suffered only a minor surface injury.

“Hmph! Trying to challenge me?” Bai Zongnan scoffed.

“Who’s there?” Zhen Mi looked warily toward the window.

“It’s me! Get up, I have to attend the county examination today—time is precious!” Bai Zongnan said coldly.

“Master, it’s still early—three hours until the exam begins. Allow me to help you wash and dress first,” Zhen Mi replied softly.

“Fine, hurry up!” Bai Zongnan said.

Zhen Mi relaxed, relieved that Bai Zongnan was not angry over last night’s indiscretion.

After all, he had not only saved her life, but given her a home.

“Please wait, master. I’ll get you ready at once,” Zhen Mi said brightly.

Soon, she finished tidying him and sent Bai Zongnan out of the courtyard.

She watched him depart, then returned inside.

Bai Zongnan left the courtyard, heading straight for the north gate of the county town.

He intended to observe the candidates at the examination hall.

His ultimate goal was the provincial exam.

The county exam was held six times a year, with over eight hundred candidates. Each session lasted a full day, so Bai Zongnan resolved to sit the county exam today and proceed to the prefectural exam tomorrow.

He arrived at the county office, queued to register for the exam.

Because he was recommended by the county deputy Zhang Liang, the registration clerk was very respectful and led Bai Zongnan to the reception hall in the rear courtyard.

“My surname is Liu, given name Yong. May I ask your name, young friend?” Liu Yong greeted Bai Zongnan.

“Bai Zongnan. I am Bai Zongnan,” he replied.

“Oh, so you’re Brother Lin! Which subject would you like to register for?” Liu Yong asked.

“I choose the prefectural exam,” Bai Zongnan said without hesitation.

Liu Yong was startled.

The prefectural exam was the most significant provincial test held across all counties and prefectures.

Candidates needed to register at the county office to prevent impersonation by out-of-region examinees.

If Bai Zongnan were not recommended by Zhang Liang, Liu Yong would have thought him a braggart.

The registration requirements for the prefectural exam were much stricter than for the county exam.

First, examinees must prepare a test question—this could be literary, mathematical, or otherwise.

Second, they had to present three sets of exam papers and an answer card.

Most importantly, a deposit of five thousand coins was required, with four types:

First, five thousand coins as a deposit (meaning fifty thousand coins).

Second, five thousand coins (meaning five thousand coins).

Third, one thousand coins as deposit.

Fourth, one hundred coins as deposit.

The initial deposit was calculated based on the applicant’s origin and age; the second based on the age and origin of the candidate.

In short, the more deposit paid, the greater the security for the candidate.

Thus, most applicants were from poor families or had lost parents early, possessing some skill—otherwise, they were not even eligible.

This led to fierce competition, with only a few ultimately qualifying for the prefectural exam.

“Young man, forgive my bluntness—you are too young to qualify as a scholar!” Liu Yong advised.

“Thank you for the warning, but my resolve is unwavering! Farewell!” Bai Zongnan bowed and took his leave.

Liu Yong shook his head as Bai Zongnan departed.

Upon exiting the county office, Bai Zongnan saw over ten constables in dark robes standing solemnly on either side of the street, watching him intently.

“Are they here to arrest me?” Bai Zongnan frowned and walked toward the other side.

Suddenly, a middle-aged man among them blocked his path.

“You are Bai Zongnan?” the man asked sternly.

“I am. And you are?” Bai Zongnan replied coolly.

“We act on Magistrate Zhang’s orders to arrest you!” the man barked.

“Such bold words. I’d like to see what qualifies you to arrest me,” Bai Zongnan said with a mocking smile.

“You’re courting death!”

The man charged at Bai Zongnan.

Bai Zongnan snorted, slammed his foot, and leaped high.

Boom!

He punched.

Bang!

With a loud crash, the man staggered back several meters and fell.

The other constables drew their swords and surrounded Bai Zongnan.

“You’re asking for it!”

They attacked, but Bai Zongnan moved lightly, sweeping his legs and sending several constables flying.

They were no match for him.

“Sir, this youth is formidable. We cannot defeat him. Please deal with him yourself!” the injured man crawled up, bowing.

“Who are you?” An old man with white hair approached, face full of arrogance.

“Are you the magistrate?” Bai Zongnan asked.

“I am. Do you admit your guilt?” The old man squinted at Bai Zongnan.

“Guilt? Ha… Your county office abuses power, beats civilians, and you don’t fear public scorn?” Bai Zongnan sneered.

“Insolence! I am the magistrate—how dare you question me? Arrest him!” the old man shouted.

Seven bailiffs emerged from the crowd.

“Wait!” Bai Zongnan stopped them.

“What do you want?” the old man asked in a sinister tone.

“Simple—let me sit the prefectural exam first, then arrest me. Otherwise, don’t blame me for being rude!” Bai Zongnan said coldly.

“Insolence!” the old man roared.

“Sir, let me teach this brat a lesson first!” The injured man stepped forward.

The old man nodded.

The man approached Bai Zongnan.

“Be careful not to damage my test papers,” Bai Zongnan cautioned.

“Don’t worry, your papers will remain intact!” the man grinned.

“Then be careful yourself!” Bai Zongnan laughed.

The man’s face darkened, recognizing the taunt.

“Young man, I’ll make you regret this!”

He lunged like a hungry wolf.

Bang, bang, bang…

Bai Zongnan moved nimbly, dodging every attack.

Though the man was strong, Bai Zongnan was faster, leaving him battered.

Soon, the man was bruised and battered, suspecting Bai Zongnan of cheating.

“Stop!” the old man yelled.

“You want me to stop just because you say so? Why should I obey?” Bai Zongnan smiled coldly.

“Scoundrel, dare you defy orders?” the old man raged.

“Heh… Haven’t I already done so?” Bai Zongnan sneered.

“You’re dead today!” The man charged again.

“Out of my way!”

Bai Zongnan shouted, striking the man’s chest.

Blood spurted as the man crashed into a wall and fainted.

“You… you really dare resist?” The old man trembled.

“I not only dare resist, I’ll kill you all. Do you believe me?” Bai Zongnan’s gaze was icy, like a demon descending.

“You…”

The old man shivered, trying to flee.

Bai Zongnan appeared behind him, grabbed his neck, and lifted him.

“Help… let me go… I’m the magistrate!” the old man begged.

Bai Zongnan ignored him, threw him to the ground, then helped the injured man up.

“Let’s go!”

He supported the man toward town, the remaining constables stunned before giving chase.

“Hey! You need evidence to arrest someone!”

“This is illegal detention—where’s the law?”

“My back…”

Constables cried out in pain.

“Young man, please release my master,” the injured man pleaded.

“Uncle, I can save you, but you must promise me one thing!” Bai Zongnan stopped, looking seriously at him.

“What is it? If I can, I’ll help,” the man promised.

“I want you to join our martial academy!” Bai Zongnan said earnestly.

“Martial academy? What do you mean?” the man asked, confused.

“I mean, join our Tiger Mountain sect and learn martial arts,” Bai Zongnan explained.

“Oh, I see.” The man understood.

“I’ll think about it,” he said awkwardly. “I’m just a farmer…”

“No matter your choice, I won’t force you. Our Tiger Mountain sect offers five taels of silver a month, plus martial arts training,” Bai Zongnan said solemnly.

“Five taels? Are you robbing me?” the man stared wide-eyed.

“Did I say too little? Five taels is not much. Do you think everyone is as wealthy as me?” Bai Zongnan said.

“Uh, that’s not what I meant… I’m just not suited to martial arts, and training requires money…” the man said bitterly.

“No worries. If you join Tiger Mountain, I’ll provide funds, and you won’t pay for food, lodging, or training,” Bai Zongnan smiled.

“Really? You promise?” the man was excited.

“Do I look like a fraud? You’ll know soon enough,” Bai Zongnan replied.

“If you’re a fraud, you’ll see!” the old man suddenly snorted. “Arrest them both!”

A cold flash appeared in Bai Zongnan’s eyes.

Suddenly, more than ten masked men with weapons surrounded them.

“I advise you not to act rashly, or I’ll bury you all!” the old man threatened.

“Oh? You think you can kill me?” Bai Zongnan smiled.

“Hmph! Don’t think a little kung fu makes you invincible. I am a martial master—you’re nothing but an ant!” the old man boasted.

Bai Zongnan was shocked: Martial Master!?

He hadn’t expected such a high cultivation level.

Martial arts had nine levels: Disciple, Warrior, Adept, King, Emperor, Sage, Saint, and Venerable.

Each level split into early, middle, late stages—eight grades in total.

Bai Zongnan was now a junior disciple, at the peak of third-grade, equivalent to the ancient martial disciple’s peak.

Even so, he could defeat ordinary disciples.

Moreover, he trained in the supreme technique “Overlord Spear Formula,” with formidable power, coupled with a body tempered to the refinement stage, able to sweep ordinary disciples.

“Old fool, enough talk—attack!” Bai Zongnan’s voice was icy, murderous intent strong.

“You’re asking for it!”

The old man leapt, launching a barrage of thunderous punches.

Bai Zongnan blocked, then kicked, sending the old man sprawling.

“How can this be? He’s just a boy!” the old man exclaimed, getting up.

“That kick was a warning. Tiger Mountain does not accept evil. Now, leave!” Bai Zongnan said coldly.

“You… you’ll see!” The old man gritted his teeth and fled.

Bai Zongnan moved to stop him.

Suddenly, a dagger flew at Bai Zongnan’s throat.

“Watch out!” the injured man cried.

Bai Zongnan reacted swiftly, dodging the fatal strike.

The dagger grazed his right arm.

“Who are you, villain?” Bai Zongnan roared.

More arrows flew.

“Die, boy,” a sinister voice hissed.

Bai Zongnan frowned, using “Celestial Star Step” to flee.

“So, you’re a sixth-grade innate martial master—that explains your boldness,” the old man mused.

Bai Zongnan evaded the arrows, turned, but the old man was gone.

“Strange!” Bai Zongnan muttered.

The old man, though only sixth-grade innate, vanished mysteriously.

As Bai Zongnan wondered, a chilling danger struck his back.

A dagger pierced through his chest.

Blood splattered, staining his clothes.

Pain made him tremble.

“Hurts, doesn’t it?” the old man sneered.

“Despicable dog! If you’ve got guts, fight me fair and square!” Bai Zongnan roared.

“Haha, are you stupid?” the old man mocked.

“Today, I’ll rid the world of you!”

With a snarl, he pushed Bai Zongnan, sending him flying.

“Cough… ah…”

Landing, Bai Zongnan spat blood.

The old man held a poison needle, smiling coldly as he approached.

“Die, wretch!”

He struck Bai Zongnan’s chest.

Crack!

Bai Zongnan’s ribs shattered, pain coursing through him.

“You… bastard… ah…” Bai Zongnan cried, collapsing.

“Rest easy, I’ll take care of your so-called fiancée!” the old man laughed, reaching for Bai Zongnan’s neck.

Suddenly, a golden snake burst from Bai Zongnan’s body, biting the old man’s wrist, turning his fingers blue and swollen.

“Damn you! You dare bite me?” the old man raged.

“I’ll kill you!” He stabbed Bai Zongnan’s heart.

“Ha… you’re dead, you’re dead!” the old man laughed madly.

“You’re the dead one!” A cold voice rang out.

The old man turned, stunned to see Bai Zongnan standing unharmed.

“How… how is this possible?!” The old man’s eyes widened.

Bai Zongnan pulled out the dagger.

“Not good!” The old man panicked and fled.

“Trying to escape?” Bai Zongnan sneered, chasing like a ghost, much faster than before.

“Stay away… don’t touch me…” The old man fled in terror.

His cultivation, only sixth-grade innate, could not withstand Bai Zongnan’s attack. Soon, Bai Zongnan caught up and crushed his skull with a palm.

He tossed the corpse into a corner, wiped the blood from his hands and face.

“Hm?” Bai Zongnan’s expression grew serious as he stared at a dark house. “That’s the Li family. Is this a vendetta against them, or against me? Regardless, I must learn the truth.”

He slipped quietly to the Li residence, observing from the wall.

“So that’s it! This villain tried to frame me using this event. Luckily, I’m skilled in disguise, or I’d be in real trouble!”

Bai Zongnan quickly found clues left by the old man.

“Seems I had help from a master,” he murmured.

He guessed someone in Cao Cao’s camp secretly helped him; otherwise, with only fifth-grade innate cultivation, he could not have bested the old man.

Bai Zongnan did not linger, but returned to the inn to discuss the matter with Zhen Mi.

“The Li family’s enemies are sly, using such underhanded tactics. Lucky you noticed in time; otherwise you’d be in danger.”

Zhen Mi’s face was cold, her tone reproachful. “You’re not strong enough yet—don’t act rashly, understand?”

“I do. I’ll work hard to grow stronger,” Bai Zongnan nodded seriously.

“Alright, you must be tired. Rest, I’ll prepare medicine,” Zhen Mi said, leaving.

At midnight, wind howled and rain fell outside.

Bai Zongnan lay on the bed, eyes closed, mind wandering, thinking of Zhen Mi.

“Sigh!” Bai Zongnan sighed softly.

His origins were a mystery; he had no idea where to go.

He turned, gazing at a moonflower on the windowsill.

For some reason, he felt it was familiar.

Especially the white blossom—it stirred a sense of recognition.

“When I reach a certain level in cultivation, maybe I’ll remember the past. Then, no matter how far, I’ll find my mother.”

He vowed silently.

Knock, knock, knock…

Suddenly, the door was rapped urgently.

“Who is it?” Bai Zongnan asked.

“Master Lin, our young lord invites you to view the lotus in the garden. Dinner is ready!” a servant called from outside.

“Very well,” Bai Zongnan replied, rising and dressing.

…

In Yuan Mansion’s garden, lanterns illuminated the pavilions.

Hundreds of guests were seated, both men and women, ages ranging from eight or nine to over twenty.

Among them, four youths stood out—handsome, with extraordinary bearing.

“Hmph! Only arrogant because their father is a direct descendant of the royal Xiahou clan!” a tall youth sneered at Bai Zongnan.

“Yes, I’ve heard this wastrel bullies others, relying on his father’s power, rampaging through the countryside! He’s a disgrace to the Huangfu family!” another youth in red mocked.

“Xiahou Yuan, mind your words!” Bai Zongnan said angrily.

“Well, if it isn’t the little prince of the Yuan family! What, did I say anything wrong? Don’t you rely on your father’s might?” the red-clad youth teased.

“I’ll tell you plainly: my father won’t discipline me, so you’d better watch yourselves! Or I’ll have him send troops to flatten your families!” Bai Zongnan declared, his gaze sharp as a blade.

“You… you’re too outrageous!”

“Unbelievable, I’ll fight you!”

“Bai Zongnan, you think your father’s backing makes you special? You’re just a mere commoner!”

“If you don’t rein in, you’ll suffer worse than death!”

Members of the Yuan and Xiahou clans shouted angrily, wishing to tear Bai Zongnan apart.

But none dared act—his background was formidable.

“Hmph, if you’re not convinced, try it. I’ll send you to the grave!” Bai Zongnan snorted.

“All members of the Yuan and Xiahou clans, quiet! Anyone causing trouble will answer to me!” came a sharp command from the head table.

The clans immediately fell silent, trembling.

All eyes turned to the head table.

Though the elders of the Yuan clans were over eighty, frail and sallow, their authority remained.

Bai Zongnan observed them, inwardly astonished.

Yuan Shao stood, respectfully greeting Bai Zongnan.

“Clan leader Yuan, you are too courteous. I bear no ill will toward your young lord—it was only a friendly bout,” Bai Zongnan smiled, showing no blame.

Yuan Shao Yuan relaxed.

“Thank you for your magnanimity, Master Lin! Our Yuan clans are grateful!” Yuan Shao bowed.

Yuan Shao Ren also rose, apologizing to Gongsun Zan: “Earlier my son offended you; please forgive him!”

“No matter, Yuan Gong, it’s nothing,” Gongsun Zan replied with a mild smile.

Though hot-tempered, he was reasonable.

Yuan Shao Ren nodded and sat.

Gongsun Zan looked at Bai Zongnan, eyes narrowed, smiling. “Young friend, I admire you! Let’s have a match—don’t hold back; give it your all.”

“Brother Gongsun, let’s do it!” Bai Zongnan readily agreed.

“In that case, let’s begin now—no need to delay!” Gongsun Zan laughed, leaping from the head table.

Bai Zongnan followed.

They faced each other three yards apart.

“Hahaha… splendid, truly splendid!” Gongsun Zan laughed. “Last time I lost to your father; today, if I defeat you, it will be a joy! Come, show me your skills!”

Bai Zongnan stood tall, muscles taut, his clothes billowing.

Boom!

Gongsun Zan stamped the floor, shooting forward like an arrow.

His palm struck like lightning.

A whirlwind roared.

The force was terrifying, enough to crush mountains.

Boom!

The two clashed.

Both staggered back seven or eight steps.

“Not bad!”

“Impressive!”

They exchanged glances, praised each other, then resumed the fight.

They battled fiercely, becoming two blurred shadows, their movements hard to follow.

Bai Zongnan used “Ghost” footwork, unpredictable and swift.

Gongsun Zan employed “Thousand-Jin Leg,” powerful and rapid, with immense force.

The fight grew ever more intense.

Boom!

Suddenly, both were thrown back.

Bai Zongnan and Gongsun Zan spat blood and fell.

“I lost!” Gongsun Zan wiped his mouth, shaking his head with a wry smile. “I never imagined such genius could exist in this world!”