“You want to fight a life-or-death duel? Do you even know the rules?” The man with dead eyes spoke in an odd tone. It wasn’t just Li Yan and Sha Lifei, even Wang Daoxuan’s gaze turned slightly cold.

“The rules? I do!” Sha Lifei chuckled as he stood up and rubbed his bald head. “We can talk about duel rules later, but when speaking to someone, you state your name first. That’s how the jianghu works!

“That’s basic decency! If you don’t even understand how to behave like a person, what are you babbling about here?”

Sha Lifei did not have much in the way of martial skills, but he survived in the jianghu through his words. He had never lost an argument; how could he let someone step on him without talking back?

Unexpectedly, the man who came didn’t get angry. His attention shifted to Sha Lifei as he said flatly, “I do understand some rules. Everything should have a measure. Three parts smile, three parts reason, three parts wine. If you’re already flipping tables and calling for a life-and-death duel before anything even happens, do you really think your fists are that hard?”

Sha Lifei retorted, “Whether they’re hard or not, you’ll only know by trying!”

The man snapped back, “I’m afraid they’ll go soft before you even try!”

The two traded arguments evenly back and forth as the atmosphere grew tense. Sha Lifei’s eyes widened in anger as the fish-eyed man’s expression turned serious. They sized each other up like generals meeting worthy opponents before a battlefield.

Li Yan rubbed his brow and sighed, “What exactly do you want?”

He had a feeling that if these two kept arguing, the whole morning would be wasted.

The man looked slightly regretful at being interrupted mid-argument, but he finally introduced himself, cupping his hands casually. “I am Zhang Shitong from the Zhang Family Martial Arts Hall. I am an agent from the Xianyang Divine Fist Association.”

Li Yan narrowed his eyes. “Did Zhou Pan send you?”

Of course he knew the rules of a life-and-death duel. First, a formal challenge must be delivered, and since he issued it, he had to send it himself. Second, witnesses had to be present, whether officials or respected jianghu elders, to sign the life-and-death contract. Thus, killing in the ring would then not incur legal punishment. Third were the rules of the battle.

If someone accepted his challenge, they set the rules, arena type, stakes, whether they were to use weapons or bare hands. If he refused, he would have to admit defeat and leave Xianyang. That was pretty much how it worked.

As for an agent, it was a position within the Divine Fist Association. Such associations were usually formed by local martial halls. In the jianghu, they were part of the registered trades. Some were hired as guards by officials, others ran escort agencies, maintaining closer ties with the government.

They sometimes helped authorities settle disputes or suppress banditry, and were connected to local militias, often sending instructors to teach weapons. Their main responsibility was gathering intelligence.

He had planned to send the challenge today, so why had they come first?

“Heh.” Zhang Shitong sneered coldly. “The Divine Fist Association isn’t ruled by Zhou Pan alone. My father is the vice president. Zhou Pan doesn’t have the authority to command us.”

Li Yan frowned. “Then what does this have to do with you?”

“Originally, nothing.” Zhang Shitong’s expression turned serious. “Zhou Pan’s disciples have been running wild in Xianyang, disgracing the entire association. We can’t stand it, but there’s nothing we can do. If you had simply killed them outright, we would have secretly respected you as a hero.

“But you used the name of Li Hu’s son to issue a challenge. That makes it our business. My father wants you to come and exchange a few moves.”

The Zhang Family Martial Arts Hall was located near the Medicine King Temple in the northeast district. This was Xianyang’s old city. Unlike Li Yan’s previous life, it was still largely intact. Even a section of ancient Qin-era wall remained, reinforced to divide two streets.

The martial hall was large and old, its walls built of ancient Qin bricks. Paired with its faded signboard, it exuded a sense of age and weight. However, the stone lions at the entrance caught Li Yan’s eyes, which betrayed his surprise. Stone lions as protective objects originated in the Han dynasty.

At that time, lions were brought as tribute from Western Regions like Parthia and Yuezhi. Later, with the spread of Buddhism and Daoism, they were imbued with spiritual meaning and became common guardians.

This pair was ancient in style. Though worn smooth in places, they still radiated a fierce, domineering presence. They were clearly Han-era craftsmanship. With a glance, they were far from ordinary.

Activating his divine ability, Li Yan detected the scent of incense mixed with a dignified aura. Clearly, it had formed a small formation. It was a true protective treasure, far superior to the plaque in his own home. With such a guardian, no sinister thing would dare enter.

Zhang Shitong noticed his reaction and grunted, “This is the ancestral treasure of our hall. Even my father calls them grandmasters.

“I heard you’ve entered the mystic path? Let me remind you, though the mystic path stands above the jianghu, it still has its rules. And Zhou Pan’s family has even stronger protective objects. Don’t try anything, otherwise, someone else will come for you.”

“I know that.” Li Yan replied calmly.

The Great Xuan Dynasty was powerful. Whether experts of the mystic path or martial artists, all had to obey its laws. Openly killing someone would make one a wanted criminal. Of course, things were different in private.

They could hear the synchronized shouts of disciples training even before stepping inside. Zhang Shitong stopped at the gate and bowed respectfully to the stone lions, greeting them before leading Li Yan inside.

Li Yan’s heart stirred. Clearly, an expert had advised them of the method of the arts. Over time, the lions had likely developed a spirit, becoming guardians of the hall, similar to great sects.

There were two large training grounds inside. One was formed from packed earth with weapon racks of blades and staves. The other had plum blossom stakes, stone locks, and weights.

Though autumn had turned cold, the disciples wore short jackets. Their muscles coiled as they threw swift and powerful fists, steam rising from their bodies.

Xinyi Liuhe Fist?

Li Yan recognized it at a glance. This style emphasized intention guiding movement. It was derived from spear techniques, striking in six harmonies, hence its name. Though the Red Fist dominated the Guanzhong Plains, the Xinyi Liuhe Fist was also widespread.

The main hall was spacious, with an ancestral portrait at the back, flanked by grand chairs. Landscape paintings hung along the walls. A short old man in a blue cloth jacket sat in one chair, with heavy brows, greying hair, and the same fish-like eyes.

Li Yan cupped his hands. “Greetings, Senior Zhang.”

Though he was an unruly youngster who issued life-or-death duels, he understood etiquette.

The old man, Zhang Yuanshang, was the vice president of the Xianyang Divine Fist Association, head of the martial hall, and connected to escort agencies. He was a respected local figure.

Zhang Yuanshang puffed on his pipe, barely lifting his eyes. The disciples quietly left, closing the doors. The hall grew quiet as a series of thuds rang out. Only the father and son, and Li Yan remained.

Zhang Yuanshang stared at him coldly. “Li Hu may not have controlled his urges, but he was bold and formidable. How did he end up with a pretty boy like you?”

Though short, the old man’s presence was overwhelming. His gaze felt like a blade held to the forehead.

Li Yan remained calm, glancing at Zhang Shitong. “Senior is impressive. No wonder you’re father and son.”

The Zhangs clearly hadn’t called him over to fight, they just wanted to test him. It was just that their foul mouths were identical.

“Hmph. Got a temper at least.” Zhang Yuanshang leaned back and sighed, “If you had come to me first, it wouldn’t have come to this.

“Forget the duel. Leave Xianyang. At least you’ll manage to stay alive.”

Li Yan smiled. “What does my duel have to do with you?”

Zhang Yuanshang replied, “Your life doesn’t concern me. But as Li Hu’s son, if you die in Xianyang, it concerns me.”

Looking outside, he continued calmly, “The jianghu is simple, and complicated. It’s simple in that the stronger you are, the more you can flaunt your power. However, there are rules everywhere, along with human relations, making it complicated.

“Ten years ago, we supported your father, knowing Zhou Pan’s character. We worked hard to block him from becoming president. Just as success was near, your father died in a brothel in Chang’an. Zhou Pan rose easily after that and we were ridiculed.

“Others backed down. I didn’t. But if you die here under his name, that old monkey will gain a boost in reputation while I become an even bigger laughing stock, do you understand?”

“I do.” Li Yan nodded. “You’re afraid that once I’m judged, some truths won’t hold up.”

“Good.” Zhang Yuansheng nodded, lighting his pipe. “Once you call for a duel, it’s no longer about that scoundrel Meng Haichen. Win or lose, he’s finished. Zhou Pan is already at the Jin Transformation Realm. He values his reputation, so he won’t even show himself. Rather, he has eight famous disciples, all at the Dark Jin Realm. Even one could kill you.

“But he won’t send them. You’re too young, and they’re outsiders. Winning wouldn’t count. If I’m right, Zhou Bai, his best disciple, will fight. He’s already seventeen or eighteen years of age and at the Dark Jin Realm. He’s an experienced fighter.

“When the tiger’s away, the monkey rules. Only if Zhou Bai kills you will Zhou Pan’s pride be satisfied. Do you still dare to step on the stage?”

Li Yan raised a brow. “I think that old monkey will have to keep swallowing his pride.”

“Good. At least you are willing to keep your word.” Zhang Yuanshang clapped his hands. “Shitong, test him. If it’s just talk, break his legs and throw him out of Xianyang.”