Martial Arts Competition

Today is the day of the Martial Arts Tournament, and the bustling streets of the capital are filled with excitement. As Lin Feng and his companions walk down the street, they draw a lot of attention and whispers.

"Haha, here comes the world's number one waste. Look, look!"

"Isn't it? I heard he even signed up for the Martial Arts Tournament. Do you think he's going to fight today?"

"Wow, now that's going to be interesting. Let's see how this world's biggest good-for-nothing will embarrass himself in front of everyone. It seems like he won't be happy until he's completely ruined his father's reputation.""How could he? He's not just ruining his father's face, he's embarrassing the entire people of Jin country!""Ah, I just hope he can at least show some dignity this time and not beg for mercy before the fight even starts.""I heard the princess will be attending in person. You know, although our Jin country is small, the princess is said to be extraordinarily beautiful. The emperor has been worried about her beauty being exposed to the world, so she hasn't shown herself in front of others for eighteen years. But now, she's come to organize this grand tournament.""Let's go, let's go! We have to admire our Jin country's little fairy. But please, don't let Lin Feng ruin the mood."…The discussions become more and more disparaging, but Lin Feng doesn't pay them any attention. He continues walking calmly, while Lin Rong has finally learned to ignore the idle gossip, knowing that today will be the day his young master sheds the label of waste.Lin Zheng says as they walk, "Young Master Feng, the years of humiliation, will they be washed away today?"Lin Feng smiles and replies, "Honestly, I'm curious to see if I can take off the 'world's biggest waste' label with these fists of mine."Lin Rong grits his teeth and says, "Don't worry, Young Master, you can definitely do it."When they arrive at the Royal Martial Arena, there's a long line of people entering, but this year there's a new rule: no relatives of the participants are allowed to enter, to prevent people from using their influence to pressure their opponents.After entering the arena, Lin Feng notices that the seats are already full, and many spectators are standing around. The Royal Martial Arena, which can hold thousands, is packed with people. He can't help but be amazed, "I didn't expect there to be so many people in Jin country. It seems we're not so small after all."Lin Zheng smirks and says, "That's because you haven't left Jin country. If you have the chance, go see the outside world, and you won't think this many people is a lot."Hearing Lin Zheng's words, Lin Feng glances at him. Lin Zheng's emotionless expression makes Lin Feng feel a slight surprise, thinking to himself, "Young Master Zheng's ambitions are really not small. Jin country is not his final destination. If he can leave, I'll be happy for him. I hope you succeed this time, Young Master Zheng."This year's tournament is different from previous ones. There are nearly two hundred participants, far more than in past years. If they followed the usual method, it would be impossible to finish in one day. Therefore, four stages are set up this time, each stage running simultaneously. This way, four winners will emerge, and then these four will fight each other to determine the final ranking.Lin Rong looks at the four large stages and breathes a sigh of relief, "This is good. We won't meet each other early in the competition. But I'm more concerned about the rewards."Lin Zheng responds, "Don't worry about the rewards. If you make it into the top four, you'll be able to walk out of the Lin family in style."Lin Rong exclaims, "Really?" Just as he says this, he notices Lin Feng's gaze on him, immediately shrinking his neck and giving a sheepish smile, walking off to the side.Lin Feng looks away with a chuckle and says, "Well, you'd better perform well today. If you don't make it into the top four, I'll show you how I'll treat you."Lin Rong, looking flustered, says, "No way, Young Master, I was just kidding!"At this moment, a commotion arises in the crowd, and Lin Feng thinks they are talking about him again. But actually, they are discussing the legendary Princess Mei Hua, who has always been just a rumor."Look, look, the princess is here!""She really is like a fairy descending to the mortal realm."…"I wondered why there were so many people participating this year. Turns out it's not just about selecting talent. Those who make it to the end might even become the prince consort of Jin. Tsk tsk, look, our princess truly is a fairy.""Ah… is there really such a beautiful woman in the world?""Exactly! That's why the emperor never allowed the princess to show her face for eighteen years—afraid that others would have impure thoughts."Lin Feng ignores them, only saying coldly, "Princess Mei Hua… Hmph… this bait is quite big. People can't even see her, yet they all call her beautiful. Is this really how they deceive people? Ah, the world is so shallow. This competition might not be as peaceful as it seems."Lin Zheng slightly tilts his head and says, "Power and beauty, they've always been a temptation that men find hard to resist. Young Master Feng, if we both make it to the end, what will we do?"Lin Rong quickly jumps in, "If that happens, I'll be the first to lose in the final round. The rest will be up to you, Young Master, and Young Master Zheng."Lin Feng lightly shakes his head and says, "We'll have to see if Princess Mei Hua really has the beauty to attract me."Lin Zheng laughs and says, "Looks like Young Master Feng is interested in the beauty."Lin Feng replies, "We'll see. Let's go draw lots."Lin Zheng watches Lin Feng's back and says, "Young Master Feng, I hope to see you in the final."Lin Feng doesn't look back and calls out loudly, "I hope Young Master Zheng remembers this. Second Uncle has high expectations of you."Lin Rong heads towards another stage and says, "Young Master Zheng, I'm going to that side."Lin Zheng doesn't speak. His fist tightens as he silently thinks, "A small Jin country cannot stop me, Lin Zheng. The Taiyi Sect is my goal. I will not live an ordinary life. I'll rise above kings and princes. I won't be an ant, I will laugh at the world."Lin Feng's gaze moves around for a moment, then he spots Du Shilong's figure and walks towards him, heading to the easternmost stage. There, many of the participants are already gathered, most of whom are familiar to Lin Feng, and all of them had once bullied him.But now, they don't even bother to bully Lin Feng. Upon seeing him, they quickly avoid him, worried that being around him would bring bad luck. After all, getting rejected by a fiancée is no small matter. Everyone here sees it as a major issue. If someone is rejected by a fiancée, their life is basically over. No one will respect such a person, and even those who associate with him fear they might be affected by the bad luck.Lin Feng walks behind Du Shilong and gently coughs.Du Shilong doesn't notice at first. Xue Caier turns around, staring at Lin Feng with surprise. She thinks to herself, "This waste actually came."Lin Feng notices Xue Caier's flickering gaze and smiles, saying, "Caier, we meet again. Do you think there's really a fate between us, destined to be together?"Du Shilong and his entourage turn around, seeing Lin Feng, and Du Shilong suddenly laughs, "Isn't this Young Master Feng? You're looking quite decent today, huh."Lin Feng laughs and says, "Young Master Du doesn't look bad either. Though you're not exactly a model of a gentleman, you're close enough to a ghost or monster."Big Dog's eyes widen in anger, about to retaliate: "You..."Before Big Dog can speak, Lin Feng raises his hand, "Even dogs shouldn't bite people casually. Otherwise, it'll look like Young Master Du doesn't know manners. That would tarnish your reputation and the reputation of the Chancellor's family. Don't you agree, Young Master Du?"Lin Feng takes advantage and plays the good guy, but Du Shilong, seeing the flattering remark, turns to glare at Big Dog, saying, "No manners, you're embarrassing yourself."Lin Feng looks at Big Dog, nearly exploding with anger, and says, "Young Master Du, as expected of you. Well, I'll go draw lots now. See you on stage later." Lin Feng starts walking towards the lot drawing officials. Suddenly, as he passes behind Du Shilong, Lin Feng pauses, softly saying, "But be careful this time. All debts, old and new, will be settled on the stage." He then walks towards the officials in charge of drawing lots.Du Shilong freezes, then turns to look at Lin Feng's back, shouting, "You think you can beat me?"Xue Caier is stunned by Lin Feng's performance. In just one exchange, Lin Feng takes the upper hand, while Du Shilong is left unaware. She clutches her sleeve tightly and thinks, "Did I make the wrong decision with this marriage?""You may not believe it, but you'll have to face it." Lin Feng doesn't back down, stepping up to the official in charge of drawing lots. When the official doesn't look up, Lin Feng coughs lightly and says, "Sir, I'd like to draw lots."The official looks up and, seeing Lin Feng's righteous demeanor, stands up quickly. He says, "Young Hero, your name?""Lin Feng.""Lin Feng?" The official thinks he misheard and asks again, "Did you say you're Lin Feng?"Lin Feng smiles and nods, "Yes, I am Lin Feng. Is there a problem, Sir?"The official's eyes widen. He looks Lin Feng up and down, his mustache twitching in surprise. He thinks, "Everyone says Lin Feng is the biggest waste in Jin country. But why doesn't he seem like one? Hmm… Looks like the rumors are really unreliable. Today, I've finally learned how dangerous rumors can be." The official is Zhang Qian, the head instructor of the royal martial arts. Since he rarely leaves the palace, he didn't recognize Lin Feng.Zhang Qian smiles and shakes his head, stroking his mustache and saying, "It's hard to believe. Well then, Lin Feng, let's see what you can do. Show me how you'll shatter these rumors."Lin Feng knows what Zhang Qian is referring to and smiles lightly. He draws a bamboo slip with "Match 8" written on it.Lin Feng says, "Match 8.""Match 8…" Zhang Qian murmurs, then looks at his book and says, "Ah, your opponent is Li Yi, the son of the Minister of War. This will be a hard fight, so be careful."