Chapter 145: A Household of Loyal Martyrs

As these words fell, a terrifying aura surged out from within Ye Yan's body, instantly pressing down upon both Kaima Yoshito and Tang Miaoxing, causing the hair on their arms to stand on end.

This terrifying pressure felt like a crushing thundercloud, or the piercing gaze of a ferocious beast. A sense of danger blared through their minds like a continuous string of alarm bells.

With Ye Yan's abrupt intervention, the two previously confrontational men quickly reined in their thoughts. Abandoning their mutual hostility, their attention shifted entirely toward Ye Yan, their eyes filled with deep vigilance.

Tang Miaoxing fared slightly better. Being a local figure who had dealt with Ye Yan on numerous occasions, he at least had some psychological preparation and knew just how powerful Ye Yan was.

Kaima Yoshito, however, possessed no such psychological defense. Thrown completely off balance by the sudden surge of pressure, in the very first instant of its descent, he even harbored the fleeting thought that his own master had arrived.

Such terrifying pressure was something he had only ever experienced in the presence of his master, Fusang's greatest swordsman, Gomaru Gusan.

Fortunately, the pressure did not last long before Ye Yan reined it in, leaving the two enveloped individuals with a lingering sense of loosening muscles and drained strength.

"Alright, the two of you, such petty bickering is meaningless. Let's get down to business. After all, you didn't come here to start a brawl."

"Hmph!"

Hearing Ye Yan's words, the old lion curled his lip. Having no intention of prolonging the deadlock, he chose to take a step back.

Across from him, Kaima Yoshito hesitated for a moment before sheathing his long blade once more. Yet, as he put the weapon away, the look he cast toward Ye Yan remained fraught with lingering apprehension.

With Ye Yan stepping in, the two sides quickly returned to the starting point and began to converse.

This was likely why Zhao Fangxu had dispatched Ye Yan here. He needed someone capable of communicating with and pacifying the Tang Sect, while also possessing formidable strength.

And Ye Yan happened to fit those criteria perfectly.

After briefly introducing the relationship between the two sides, Saburo Kawasaki stated the purpose of their visit.

"Friends of the Tang Sect, regarding the events of several decades ago, we feel deeply apologetic. But now that the past is behind us, let it be buried alongside history... People should not live in the past."

"This time, our journey from Fusang is one of sincerity. We wish to settle our grievances with the members of the Tang Sect through friendly martial arts exchanges."

Before he could finish, Zhang Wang, seated in the secondary position nearby, let out a cold laugh. "Settle? Bury it in history? A mere flick of the upper and lower lips is all it takes to utter such words? Isn't that a bit too easy?"

Zhang Wang wore a stern expression, his words blunt and completely devoid of any courtesy toward Saburo Kawasaki.

One had to know that among all the members of the Tang Sect, his lingering resentment toward Fusang ran the deepest.

Back in the day, among the ten Tang Sect members who ventured out of Shu, his master, Gao Yingcai, had been one of them... yet in the end, he never returned.

Therefore, when it came to the matter of hatred, Zhang Wang's hatred burned far more intensely than anyone else's.

He was the very last person who could ever forgive them.

Such blunt words caused Saburo Kawasaki's expression to stiffen, his countenance turning quite ugly.

Ever since they had stepped through the door, this delegation had already suffered several snubs and had not received a single pleasant look.

The company's attitude was passable, or at least tolerable, but the Tang Sect side truly bore cold faces from top to bottom... elders and youths alike were the same, making it utterly unacceptable.

As a diplomat, Saburo Kawasaki considered himself well-traveled and accustomed to grand occasions. Even before setting out, he had mentally prepared himself... yet despite all that, this situation had nearly shattered his composure.

Still, he knew he could not easily give in to anger.

Thus, even though he was choked by Zhang Wang's remark, he could only maintain a brilliant smile; absolutely no sign of his true wrath could be allowed to show on his face.

"It is true that our ancestors brought suffering to your esteemed country, but that is all in the past now. It is better to resolve enmities than to perpetuate them... To quote a local proverb of the Dragon Country, it applies equally well here."

"We are well aware of our own native culture; you don't need to teach us principles."

Zhang Wang's cold snort caused the atmosphere to plummet instantly to freezing point.

"Everyone, perhaps we should return to the topic of friendly martial arts exchanges."

"Speaking of which, you should all be familiar with the process and rules of the tournament. Do you have any thoughts regarding the participating contestants?"

Seeing that the conversation was veering off course yet again, Bashan, standing nearby, rubbed his forehead in helplessness and forcefully steered the discussion back on track.

The two parties participating in the friendly exchanges were the Tang Sect Martial Arts School and Fusang outlanders. However, since it involved foreign outlanders, it was inevitable that the Company would be involved.

Therefore, the Company naturally assumed the role of the impartial arbiter for the matches... Even the tournament schedule and rules had been finalized by the Company's side.

The tournament consisted of five matches in total.

They would be completed over the course of two days.

Each side would field five representatives.

"Naturally. Regarding the five contestants participating in the schedule, our side has already selected them: Miyazaki Isshin, Yagyu Aiko, Abe Shimaka, Gomi Hyou, and Yamamaru Jiro..."

Saburo Kawasaki glanced at Zhang Wang before instructing his secretary to hand over the roster.

Nearby, Tang Ming, under Tang Miaoxing's tacit approval, also handed over a list.

"Brother Yan, would you care to take a look?"

After taking the rosters from both sides, Bashan gave them a cursory glance before handing them over to Ye Yan.

After all, Ye Yan was the truly responsible principal for this meeting. Bashan at most served as an assistant, and the final decisions still rested with Ye Yan.

"Let me see then..."

Ye Yan did not decline, taking the roster from Bashan. He was indeed quite curious about the contestants chosen by both sides...

Regarding the participants from Fusang Island, Ye Yan felt no surprise whatsoever; the three major surnames were all represented... As for the other two, though less renowned, they were presumably far from ordinary.

Compared to Fusang Island's roster, it was actually the Tang Sect's lineup that left Ye Yan stunned.

[Tang Zichuan, Song Yuzhe, Tang Wenlong, Li Lianxing, Tang Qingshuai...]

Aside from Tang Wenlong, whom he knew relatively well, the rest were completely unfamiliar names.

However, Ye Yan did know a thing or two about this Tang Qingshuai. He truly never expected that this little madman would be included in the roster.

The Tang Sect was certainly willing to take risks.

With these thoughts in mind, Ye Yan lowered the roster and looked toward Tang Miaoxing, a trace of doubt in his eyes.

"Sect Master Tang, this roster seems a bit inappropriate... If I remember correctly, this Tang Qingshuai should not yet be seventeen years old, right?"

"Correct!"

Tang Miaoxing nodded.

"Since he is under seventeen, he still falls under the category of a minor... Elder Sect Master Tang, you might want to reconsider and replace him."

"Director Ye, if I recall correctly, there is no rule in this martial arts tournament stating that minors are barred from participating, is there?"

"No," Ye Yan shook his head.

"In that case, there is no need to alter anything in this roster..."

"But..."

Ye Yan frowned, just as he was about to speak, he was interrupted by Tang Miaoxing beside him.

"Director Ye, there is no need to bring up the matter of replacing the roster... This lineup was selected through martial arts trials among all Tang Sect disciples. It is completely fair and just, with everything decided solely by strength."

"Furthermore, within our Tang Sect, neither the old nor the young are weaklings, and there is no such thing as 'mere children'."

"Fine."

Seeing Tang Miaoxing's resolute tone, Ye Yan sighed and stopped trying to persuade him further.

After all, he was not a member of the Tang Sect himself, and thus he had no way of overriding the decisions made by the martial school's people.

"Everyone, since the rosters have been submitted, there will be no further opportunities for changes."

"The match venue will be set right here in the Tang Sect, and the opening draw will take place this afternoon. We hope everyone will arrive punctually for the drawing ceremony."

"Additionally, the contestants should prepare themselves well. If they fail to participate on time before the matches begin, they will be treated as having forfeited."

"..."

"The draw is scheduled for one o'clock this afternoon, and the matches will officially begin tomorrow. If there are no other questions, you may all prepare now."

With the rosters submitted, Bashan timely reiterated the match times and rules to everyone before announcing that those present could disperse.

After all, today was merely an introductory meeting between the two sides... a minor preamble.

"Then we will take our leave."

With matters handled, Saburo Kawasaki had no desire to stay here and endure any more cold shoulders. Dropping a brief remark, he turned and led his group slowly away, while Bashan arranged for people to see them off.

Just as the Fusang delegation was marching grandly toward the exit, Miyazaki Isshin, walking at the very rear of the group, suddenly halted his steps. Fixing his gaze on Tang Miaoxing seated in the main seat, he let out a cold laugh.

"We have certainly had a taste of your esteemed sect's hardline style. Hopefully, on the ring, your disciples will be able to maintain this toughness as well."

"..."

With that parting remark, he swaggered out of the reception room without a moment's linger.

...

...

Ye Yan and the others departed not long after the Fusang group left.

The Ba brothers still had plenty of matters to attend to, mostly managing different affairs immediately after concluding things here, so they did not accompany Ye Yan and Liu Han.

Left with nothing to do, Ye Yan and Liu Han strolled leisurely through the martial school campus.

"Ye-zi..."

As they walked, Ye Yan felt someone call out to him with a familiar voice. Turning his head, he spotted Tang Wenlong and Tao Tao standing not far away.

"You two are so idle?"

Seeing acquaintances, Ye Yan couldn't help teasing them. "Speaking of which, Wenlong managed to secure a spot this time... Congratulations."

"Still, if I remember correctly, Tao Tao signed up as well. What happened to you? You didn't even make the roster, that shouldn't be right."

Neither of their strengths was low; even if they weren't at the very top of the younger generation of the Tang Sect, they were solidly in the upper tier. Since they had registered, it made no sense for them to miss the final roster entirely.

Hearing Ye Yan's words, Tao Tao instantly flared up, making playful claws at him. "Ugh, don't even mention it! I just had bad luck... During the draw, I ran straight into that little martial lunatic Tang Qingshuai... so I had to forfeit."

Tao Tao poked out her tongue in frustration.

"Then you really are unlucky."

Ye Yan chuckled, roughly understanding the situation. After all, within the martial school, Tang Qingshuai, the little martial lunatic, was notorious for being reclusive and troublesome... anyone who ran into him would get a headache.

Tao Tao conceding defeat made complete sense.

After all, locking horns with that little madman was a surefire way to get injured... conceding was far more pragmatic.

"And you?"

Ye Yan tilted his head toward Tang Wenlong. "You've already been selected, why aren't you going to prepare?"

"I was originally heading to the training grounds, but since I happened to run into you, I came over for a quick chat."

Tang Wenlong scratched the back of his head.

"Is that so?"

Ye Yan smiled. "Then off you go. Big Brother Han and I are just wandering around the school."

"Mm..."

Tang Wenlong nodded, yet he didn't move his feet, his eyes fixed intently on Ye Yan.

"Still something else?"

Ye Yan looked at him in confusion. Having known Tang Wenlong for so long, he knew full well that the guy couldn't keep secrets; whenever he had something on his mind, it was written all over his face...

"There is."

Tang Wenlong took a deep breath. "Actually, I wanted to ask for your help—to talk with the Sect Master and have that kid Qingshuai removed from the participant list."

"Removed..."

Ye Yan was surprised. "Are you trying to pull strings through me to get Tao Tao onto the list instead?"

The moment those words left his mouth, Tao Tao bristled, waving her hands defensively at Ye Yan. "Bah! Don't you dare think like that! This lady is not the kind of person who would resort to dirty tricks..."

"Then what is your reason for wanting Tang Qingshuai taken off?"

Ye Yan believed Tao Tao's words. Neither she nor Tang Wenlong were the types to resort to underhanded tactics... there was simply no need for it.

"Mainly because Qingshuai isn't really suited to participate. His situation is too unique."

"Unique? How so?"

With Tang Wenlong's words, Ye Yan grew even more puzzled.

He knew of Tang Qingshuai as the famed little martial lunatic of the Tang Sect, but his understanding of the latter stopped entirely there.

"Let me put it this way: Qingshuai is an orphan who grew up inside the sect. His grandparents were among the ten who participated in the War of Resistance, but all of them perished in that battle."

"His mother died in childbirth, and his father also gave his life for the country twenty years ago, fighting on behalf of the sect in the Battle of Water City."

"So, he's an orphan raised by the sect, eating from a hundred different families... Of his entire lineage, he is the very last spark remaining..."

"..."

A family of utter martyrs. Ye Yan was shocked by Tang Wenlong's words, hearing this tortuous background of the little martial lunatic for the very first time.

"So you want me to get Tang Qingshuai off the list to preserve the lineage for their family?"

"Partly that. But more importantly, I'm worried about Qingshuai's temperament and his degree of hostility toward foreigners..."

"If he actually manages to step onto that ring, the fight between the two sides won't end in anything other than mutual destruction..."

"Is he really that vicious?"

Ye Yan drew a sharp breath. "If that's the case, why would Sect Master Tang arrange for him to fight?"

According to Tang Wenlong's description, this Tang Qingshuai truly posed a hidden danger... Judging by both his background and his temperament, he was hardly suited to take part in this martial duel...

"Fine, I get it. I'll talk to Old Master Tang about it first. As for the final outcome, though, I can't guarantee anything."