She was dressed in moon-white, sitting alone in a corner with a dejected look on her face.

As if sensing his gaze, Zhao Yuman looked up abruptly. A flicker of panic crossed her eyes before she quickly pressed her lips together, trying to force a polite smile.

But before her smile could even form, Yang Jing’s gaze had already drifted away indifferently, as if it were just a casual glance. He either hadn’t recognized her or simply paid her no mind.

The smile on Zhao Yuman’s face froze instantly. An indescribable sense of disappointment welled up within her, and her fingertips tightened on the hem of her dress. Even her breathing grew labored.

Yang Jing paid her reaction no mind. His gaze continued to sweep across the viewing stands, but his brow furrowed slightly. He didn’t see Li Tieyun, the Gang Leader of the River Gang.

The River Gang was a considerable force in Yuhe County, one of its more prominent factions. As its Gang Leader, Li Tieyun’s status warranted a seat in the first three rows.

Since they had joined forces to eliminate the Flying Horse Thieves, Li Tieyun had sought him out twice. His attitude had been quite friendly, and he had even invited Yang Jing to visit the River Gang as a guest. They could be considered friends.

Yang Jing had expected him to be here for the ceremony today, but there was no sign of him.

’Has he not arrived yet, or is he caught up with something important?’ Yang Jing wondered, but he didn’t dwell on it.

Right now, the most important thing was the upcoming duel.

Just then, a loud commotion erupted from the west side of the plaza, even more boisterous than when the Sun’s Martial Arts Hall had arrived.

The crowd parted like the tide, revealing a large procession marching forward under two black flags embroidered with the Li family name. The Li Family had arrived.

"It’s the Li Family!"

"Patriarch Li and the Grand Elder are both here!"

Amid the murmurs, many people stepped forward to bow and greet the two men at the head of the procession, their attitude even more deferential than it had been toward Sun Yong.

After all, the Li Family was a clan with a centuries-old legacy and one of the six great families. Their roots and influence in Yuhe County far surpassed those of Sun’s Martial Arts Hall.

The Li Family’s Patriarch, Li Haitao, wore a brocade robe. He had a square face and sharp eyes that held the authority of one long accustomed to power.

The Grand Elder beside him wore a simple long robe. His hair and beard were white, but he was hale and full of vigor. No one dared meet his sweeping gaze.

Following the two were eight members of the Li Family, each immaculately dressed with a profound aura. They were clearly hand-picked experts. Li Mengchao stood at their head, a faint, knowing smile playing on his lips, the very picture of confidence.

As the procession reached the viewing stands, Li Haitao first smiled and exchanged pleasantries with the patriarchs of the other great families and the Huajin Powerhouses seated in the front row.

His words were flawless, perfectly displaying the poise of a great clan’s patriarch.

After the greetings, his gaze finally fell upon Sun Yong. He plastered a courteous smile on his face. "Hall Master Sun, we meet again."

Sun Yong remained seated, merely giving a slight nod. He didn’t rise, and his tone was flat. "Clan Leader Li."

This rather cold reception caused an almost imperceptible, cold glint to flash in Li Haitao’s eyes.

He sneered inwardly, all the more eager to see the look of terror on Sun Yong’s face when he learned that his son, Meng Chao, had reached the Half-Step Huajin realm!

Yet the smile on his face never faltered as he and the Grand Elder took their seats to the left of the central chairs in the front row.

The atmosphere in the viewing stands instantly grew delicate.

Sun Yong and Li Haitao faced each other from across the way. Though no words were exchanged, it felt as if their invisible auras were clashing, and even the surrounding whispers died down considerably.

Li Mengchao’s gaze traveled over the crowd and landed squarely on Yang Jing.

His eyes held undisguised derision, like a predator watching prey that was about to walk into a trap. It was a look of utter condescension.

In his eyes, this so-called "unrivaled at the Dark Jin realm" Yang Jing was nothing more than a buffoon. Today, he would show him that there was an insurmountable chasm between Half-Step Huajin and Dark Jin.

Yang Jing’s brow twitched almost imperceptibly under such a stare.

Once Li Haitao and the Grand Elder were seated, Li Mengchao withdrew his gaze from Yang Jing. He led the other seven members of the Li Family straight to the opposite side of the fighting stage, facing Yang Jing’s group from across the platform.

The two groups stood on opposite sides of the stage. As their gazes met, the will to fight began to simmer between them.

Just as the tension between the two sides was about to boil over, the sound of orderly footsteps came from the plaza entrance, followed by an Official’s loud cry: "The Lord County Magistrate has arrived—"

The crowd fell silent in an instant. At the edge of the plaza, some of the common folk who had never seen the County Magistrate before held their breath in nervousness. A few of the older ones even instinctively moved to kneel, only to be quietly held back by those beside them.

Zhou Wenbin appeared, dressed in a brocade robe and surrounded by black-armored guards. He walked slowly, accompanied by Lady Liu and Zhou Ling’er, his bearing calm and naturally majestic.

"Lord County Magistrate!"

Everyone in the viewing stands rose to their feet and bowed. Sun Yong, Li Haitao, Wang Kui, and the others were no exception, all cupping their fists in unison. "Greetings, County Magistrate."

Zhou Wenbin waved a hand. "There is no need for such ceremony, everyone," he said, his voice calm. "We are all here to watch the duel. Please, be at ease."

He walked directly to an empty seat in the center of the front row and sat down. The position was perfectly situated between Sun Yong and Li Haitao, physically separating their clashing auras.

Lady Liu and Zhou Ling’er, meanwhile, were guided by an attendant to seats in the center of the second row.

Zhou Ling’er craned her neck curiously, her eyes darting back and forth between the groups on either side of the stage, her little face alight with excitement.

Once everyone was seated again, they exchanged a few more pleasantries, but the atmosphere grew even more solemn. Now that the County Magistrate was present, the duel was about to begin in earnest.

Li Haitao glanced at the sun. Seeing that the time was right, he leaned over and spoke to Zhou Wenbin in a low voice, "Lord County Magistrate, the hour grows late. In this subordinate’s opinion, perhaps it is time for the duel to begin?"