Chen Tang casually chatted with a few boatmen, seemingly chatting about random topics, but in reality, he was testing the waters, yet he discovered no flaws.

He inspected the passenger boat all around but found nothing suspicious, so he returned to his seat.

When soldiers come, block them with generals; when water comes, cover with earth.

Tofu rolled a thousand times, fish rolled ten thousand times; this dish needs to stew a bit longer to bring out the best flavor.

The members of the Ba Mountain Sword Sect sat around the table, their mouths watering, yet they patiently waited.

Someone said, "Senior Brother Guo, Senior Sister Jade Flute, you’ve participated in the Martial Arts Assembly before. While we have time, tell us how lively it is."

Guo Heng glanced at Jade Flute Fairy, seeing she had no intention of speaking, he said, "The Martial Arts Assembly is mainly about martial artists finding a chance to gather, eat, drink, and get to know each other."

"Ah, nothing exciting to see?"

Lin Ling’Er seemed somewhat disappointed.

Guo Heng laughed, "To talk about excitement, there certainly is. The Jianghu inevitably has many grievances and feuds; unresolved ones may also seek fairness at the Martial Arts Assembly, with seniors of Jianghu and the sect leaders presiding over justice."

"However, these martial disputes often have everyone insisting on their own reasons, making it hard to determine right from wrong, and they may ultimately have to settle things in the arena."

After a pause, Guo Heng continued, "Moreover, the Wind and Cloud Ranking and the Celestial, Earth, and Human rankings will all be announced at the Martial Arts Assembly. Many skilled individuals in Jianghu, eager to climb the ranks, will engage in highly exciting matches."

"At that time, everyone should not just watch the excitement, but also observe the martial arts of each sect and various skilled individuals, and if you gain any insights, that would be best." 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

"Even if you don’t gain any insights, having seen these techniques will prepare you for future encounters."

Mentioning the Wind and Cloud Ranking and the Celestial, Earth, and Human rankings, everyone got excited.

"This time, our Ba Mountain Sword Sect has a chance to have members on all four rankings."

"Exactly, Senior Brother Luo Qi was originally seventeenth on the Human Ranking, but this time he should make it into the top ten."

"Junior Sister Lin can also make it to the Wind and Cloud Ranking, and the Sect Leader needs no mention, already a regular on the Celestial Ranking."

Jian Qiuchi, overhearing the mention of herself, merely smiled slightly and said, "Actually, the Earth Ranking is worth paying attention to this time, as Jade Flute has a chance to make the top ten, making it two with Guo Heng there."

Someone commented, "The top spots of the Wind and Cloud, Celestial, and Earth rankings should be set, though the Human Ranking’s top spot has been fiercely contested. However, I’ve heard of a ’Feng Xiao Fairy’ who has emerged out of nowhere, boasting an astonishing track record, defeating many top Human Ranking experts."

Another frowned, "Feng Xiao Fairy, that name sounds like an imitation of our Senior Sister Jade Flute."

Jian Qiuchi said, "This person is not to be underestimated, being He Shiyao’s sister, He Susu, skilled in the Flute Sword. Her flute has a background; it was salvaged from a raging fire, not completely burned, made from exceptionally unique parasol tree wood, producing a sound that captivates like a phoenix’s call."

Lin Ling’Er sighed, "The Drunken Immortal Tower is impressive indeed, with the siblings topping both the Human and Earth rankings. The Head Shopkeeper of the Drunken Immortal Tower is a top five expert on the Celestial Ranking, not to mention the grandmaster Drunken Elder."

Another added, "I’ve heard that this Martial Arts Assembly will elect an Alliance Leader, and Drunken Elder is the favored candidate."

The disciples of the Ba Mountain Sword Sect chatted enthusiastically, leaving Chen Tang to the side. Feeling somewhat neglectful, Guo Heng said, "Actually, if Brother Chen were not older and above the ranking age limit, with his strength, he’d be the top of the Human Ranking."

In reality, no one paid much attention to Chen Tang, enjoying his leisure and freedom.

Being unfamiliar with these people, he was disinclined to forcefully join in awkward chatter.

A few Ba Mountain Sword Sect disciples exchanged glances, one saying, "Senior Brother Guo, we often hear of Brother Chen’s great strength, yet we have never witnessed it."

"Yes, at this Martial Arts Assembly, he won’t have a chance to showcase due to age; why not show a move now?"

"Senior Brother Luo, you’re on the Human Ranking; it would be perfect for you to spar with him."

The crowd encouraged.

Lin Ling’Er frowned, "Senior Brother Guo already said he’s Human Ranking top strength; Senior Brother Luo can’t match that."

Luo Qi initially didn’t want to act, but hearing Lin Ling’Er’s words stirred his combativeness. He stood, cupping his fist, "I’ve heard Brother Chen excels in swordsmanship; I’d like to learn a move or two through swordsmanship."

He also remained cautious.

Having witnessed Chen Tang’s unarmed combat prowess firsthand, it was utterly astonishing.

Even with a sword, he felt no confidence.

However, if it were purely about swordsmanship, he could give it a try.

Guo Heng was about to intervene, but Jian Qiuchi signaled him to stay quiet.

Guo Heng had to comply.

Jian Qiuchi, highly proud and fond of her disciple, was curious about why this person is held in such regard, using this as an opportunity to see his skills firsthand.

In her observations over the past two months, this man hadn’t shown anything extraordinary.

Chen Tang showed disinterest, waving his hand, "Brother Luo should save his energy for sparring in the Martial Arts Assembly rather than wasting it on me."

"It’s just a friendly spar; it doesn’t matter."

"Right, don’t kill our vibe!"

Everyone urged.

The more they pressed, the more Chen Tang resisted, calmly stating, "What I learned are killing techniques, heavy-handed, not suitable for sparring."

His words sounded wildly arrogant to the listeners.

Even Jian Qiuchi expressed some discontent, lightly huffing, "With me here, I won’t let you accidentally hurt anyone!"

"Fish is ready, make way!"

At that moment, some boatmen were carrying several steaming pots, briskly approaching, shifting everyone’s focus.

The world is vast, but having a meal takes priority.

As the fish pot was placed on the table, still bubbling and fragrant, everyone couldn’t wait to dig in.

The burly man, known as ’Wang Xiang,’ stood by, smiling, saying, "Friends from Ba Mountain, try our Boat Gang’s craftsmanship. Sip the soup first, and let the fish stew a bit longer for better flavor."

"It looks promising."

Guo Heng stood, grabbed a bowl and spoon, serving Jian Qiuchi a bowl of fish soup first, saying, "Be careful, Master, it’s hot."

Then he served everyone at the table in turn.

Everyone carefully held their bowls, gently blowing on the hot surface.

Chen Tang took his bowl, not caring about the heat, nor waiting for the others, he sipped a mouthful first, disregarding etiquette.

After tasting the soup, Chen Tang furrowed his brows and declared, "The soup is poisoned."

Everyone’s expression changed, showing doubt, quickly putting down their bowls.

The atmosphere became tense and cold.

Many turned their gaze towards Wang Xiang.

Wang Xiang was initially stunned but then showed anger, loudly claiming, "Nonsense, these pots of fish soup were prepared under our watch, and we all drank it too, how could it be poisoned!"