Chapter 128 – Southern Yuan and Northern Ma Arrive Together

If old ginger is spicier, then Ye Kuang’s schemes prove that young peppers aren’t mild either.

With the full support of the Rock and Stone Elders, the promotional efforts of Yinghao Martial Hall achieved their intended impact.

What was once overlooked now stirred up a storm.

Outsiders might not grasp the legacy of Yinghao Martial Hall, but within the industry, one couldn’t help but admire its boldness.

It could be said that anyone who had ever participated in the National Youth Martial Arts Competition was drawn to it like moths to a flame.

Later, even when the Rock and Stone Elders repeatedly raised the entry requirements, they couldn’t curb the frenzy of aspiring learners.

After all, no one ever complains about having too many Ultimate Skills, as the saying goes: “Many skills are no burden, and great art inspires boldness.”

How many Yinghao Martial Halls were there nationwide? Probably not even the Rock and Stone Elders had an exact count, leading to an unprecedented phenomenon.

For a time, the Elders’ phones rang incessantly—some callers offered congratulations, others envy, while the rest were branch managers inquiring about the palm technique.

Whenever this question arose, they had a well-rehearsed response: “To avoid unnecessary disruptions, we’ll set up video platforms across regions for periodic live teachings. Everyone, brace yourselves for busy days ahead—gather all local martial arts prodigies.”

This announcement electrified the branch managers, each seeming to witness Yinghao Martial Hall’s meteoric rise.

Ye Kuang continued refining details with the Elders, insisting that any suspicious individuals be reported directly to him.

After all, the adversary was likely a master, and only he possessed the capability to defeat them.

Once set in motion, the operation spun like a high-speed machine, unstoppable.

Just as Yinghao Martial Hall branches were preparing venues, uninvited guests arrived.

Some came to challenge the schools, others to provoke.

When the Rock and Stone Elders received the news, their faces darkened with fury.

Seeing this, Ye Kuang sighed. “It seems they came prepared. I wonder if they’re working together…”

As everyone was baffled, speculating about the intruders’ identities, Ma Xiu entered with a cold expression.

“They’re here!”

“Sigh… Inevitable, after all.”

Hearing this, Ye Kuang stood abruptly. “Since this started because of me, it should end with me. Let’s see which experts have come knocking.”

With these words, he strode outside.

In the main hall.

Two figures sat calmly, each flanked by a young man with exceptionally long arms—a telltale sign of rigorous training.

Their formidable martial prowess was evident at a glance.

Ye Kuang followed the Elders into the hall, the three entering in formation as sparks of tension crackled in the air.

“You must be Ye Kuang?”

“Ah… I forgot introductions. We are the fifth-generation ‘Cheng’ lineage and sixth-generation ‘Xiao’ lineage of Yuan Ma. Today, these two juniors wish to spar with you, Ye Kuang.”

“Dare you accept?” The two Yuan Ma youths spoke in tandem, radiating arrogance.

Ye Kuang met their gaze with a cold stare.But it must be said that these two young men could indeed be considered handsome. While their features weren’t exceptionally striking, they were still far above ordinary.

Their eyes held a distinct clarity, completely free from any cloudiness, with an astute and valiant spirit barely concealed beneath their pure gaze.

The Rock and Stone Elders couldn’t help but exchange glances. Neither had expected that their opponents would include the Southern Yuan and Northern Ma!

Elder Yan: “Might I inquire about your esteemed names?”

“Yuan Chenghu!”

“Ma Chenghe!”

Upon hearing this, Elder Shi’s eyelid twitched involuntarily before he laughed: “So it’s the twin prodigies Yuan Ma and Hu He! Truly, meeting you surpasses hearing your fame, haha… Your esteemed presence gracing our humble abode brings us immeasurable honor.”

But then his tone shifted as Elder Shi continued: “However, Ye Kuang is merely a youth driven by impulse, hardly worthy of your attention. How could he possibly match the disciples of your noble families?”

“Hehe, haha…” Yuan Chenghu and Ma Chenghe couldn’t help but burst into roaring laughter, clearly greatly pleased by the old man’s flattering words.

Ye Kuang, however, met them with cold eyes. Though inwardly unwilling, he had no choice but to lower his head before the traditionally dominant Yuan-Ma Families.

Unexpectedly, the Yuan family youth blurted out: “Oh, I thought the legendary Ye Kuang would have some extraordinary qualities, but it seems we overestimated him.”

Hearing this, the Ma family youth struck a pose and said: “Now, now, we shouldn’t say that. Just the honor of him winning the martial arts crown alone means he can’t be judged by ordinary standards.”

“Ah… not necessarily, not necessarily. What if he got it through backdoor means?”

“You’re right, why didn’t I think of that…”

“Truly, one shouldn’t judge a person by appearance, nor measure the sea with a pint pot. There are countless people in this world, but who would have thought we’d encounter someone tying a broom to their backside pretending to have a grand tail.”

Seeing the Yuan and Ma youths beginning to talk nonsense among themselves, their words growing increasingly absurd, the expressions of the Rock and Stone Elders turned extremely grim.

To speak ill of Ye Kuang was equivalent to coming to smash their reputation!

No matter how furious the two elders were, they dared not openly confront them, their flushed faces alone revealing the extent of their rage.

As for Ye Kuang, his entire body gradually trembled – not from fear, but from anger reaching its breaking point.

Yuan Chenghu and Ma Chenghe, however, turned a deaf ear to this, even adopting a posture of letting their juniors do as they pleased.

Seeing this, Ye Kuang and the Rock and Stone Elders all understood that today’s matter would likely be difficult to resolve peacefully.

At this, Ye Kuang couldn’t help but glance at the two elders, finally deciding to no longer swallow his pride.

As the saying goes: What’s precious in a person is unyielding integrity, not cowering before powerful authority and threats.

Knowing full well the enemies came with ill intentions, continuing to act like a coward would only make others think you’re spineless.

Ye Kuang: “Then might I ask what business brings you uninvited guests here!”

“Hmm?” The four visitors from the Yuan and Ma families were suddenly taken aback, clearly not expecting someone who was acting submissive moments ago to make a complete 180-degree turn.

Yuan Chenghu: “Hehe… interesting… truly interesting!”

Ma Chenghe: “The backbone of your Yinghao Martial Hall is indeed quite stiff, daring to confront our Xingyi Sect face-to-face now, hahaha…”

“Uncle Yuan, Uncle Ma, this kid is truly arrogant. Why not let us teach him how to behave properly!”

“I think that’s feasible.”