The next day, after breakfast, Xiao Yunlong called Jun Bufan, Fo Ye, and others, and headed straight for Jiangdong Pavilion.
Jiangdong Pavilion was not merely a pavilion; strictly speaking, it was the alliance of the Jiangdong martial arts world, or rather, a martial arts sect.
Because the Jiangdong River was very wide, a large area of sandbars and islands formed in the river bend, and this Jiangdong Pavilion was located on the sandbars in the river bend.
The sandbar covered nearly ten thousand mu, with lush vegetation and numerous pavilions and towers scattered throughout.
According to Fo Ye, about fifty years ago, when he was a child of ten, he had accompanied his elders to Jiangdong. At that time, these islands were still barren, with only scattered thatched huts for the fishermen living by the river.
Later, after continuous development, these islands once became a holiday island, but they were eventually occupied by Jiangdong Pavilion, becoming its exclusive base.
Because it was located in the center of the river, passage required a boat, which also made it a paradise in a sense.
A rather luxurious yacht belonging exclusively to Jiangdong Pavilion was already waiting at the pier by the river.
Zhu Neng stood by the shore waiting. Seeing Xiao Yunlong and his group approaching, he immediately stepped forward and cupped his hands, saying, "Mr. Xiao, you have indeed kept your promise and come as you said. Please, this way!"
Xiao Yunlong looked up at the sandbar ahead and smiled faintly, "Everyone says Jiangdong Pavilion is a dragon's pool and a tiger's den. Today, I must see if there are any fierce dragons inside!"
Zhu Neng dared not casually respond to this, so he could only smile to cover his awkwardness.
"Everyone, please board the boat. The great figures of Jiangdong Pavilion returned to the pavilion yesterday!" Zhu Neng gestured to the side, inviting them.
Xiao Yunlong stopped wasting words with him, took Liu Ruyan's hand, and boarded the boat. Jun Bufan, Fo Ye, and Hong Shisan followed closely.
This time, Xiao Yunlong did not bring many people, only a few whom he could consider close confidantes. Firstly, crossing the river was not very convenient, and secondly, there was no need.
In the blink of an eye, they reached the sandbar in the middle of the river. After landing, they discovered it was even more lush and green. As far as the eye could see, there were birds singing and flowers fragrant, with rows of neat villas of various styles, exuding wealth and luxury while being distant from the secular world.
"These outer villas can be purchased by anyone in the middle management or above of Jiangdong Pavilion at a very, very low price. The luxurious large villas with courtyards further inside are only for stewards and protectors to reside in."
As they walked along the tree-lined path, Zhu Neng explained.
Fo Ye smiled and said, "Aren't you saying that if Mr. Xiao wins the Hegemony Competition this time, we'll also be qualified to sit here?"
"Naturally!"
Zhu Neng smiled and pointed to the tallest nine-story pavilion in the distance, "That nine-story wooden pavilion is the headquarters of our Jiangdong Pavilion. Normally, all major matters are discussed there by the pavilion's elders, including this Hegemony Competition, which will be held in the square ahead!"
Liu Ruyan gazed at the magnificent wooden pavilion ahead, "Jiangdong Pavilion, so your Jiangdong Pavilion's name comes from here?"
"Sort of!" Zhu Neng smiled and said no more, because at this moment, everyone had arrived at the front of the Jiangdong Pavilion, which was the square in the very center of the island.
The square was generally divided into seven areas, with each area seemingly corresponding to one of Jiangdong Pavilion's protectors. In the very center of the square, a fighting stage was set up.
At this moment, the square was already bustling with activity. Looking around, there were crowds of people, numbering at least several hundred.
The five major areas were already filled with people, presumably the forces of Jiangdong Pavilion's five great protectors. The remaining two areas were empty; they originally belonged to Boss An and Tu Sandao, but these two had already been eliminated by Xiao Yunlong, so their subordinates did not come to participate.
The moment Xiao Yunlong, with Liu Ruyan and others, stepped into the Jiangdong Pavilion square, all eyes turned towards them.
Xiao Yunlong's expression was calm, his body still as straight as a javelin. Holding Liu Ruyan's hand, he slowly walked to the area that originally belonged to Boss An and Tu Sandao.
An old man with a hooked nose, accompanied by several subordinates, walked over. He first sized up Xiao Yunlong, grinned, and snorted, "You are Xiao Yunlong? The one who killed Boss An and Tu Sandao?"
Xiao Yunlong merely looked at him coldly, without speaking.
Seeing this, Zhu Neng quickly smiled and said, "Reporting to Chief Ying San, this is Mr. Xiao. I have fulfilled my mission and finally invited Mr. Xiao here!"
Saying this, Zhu Neng turned to Xiao Yunlong and introduced, "By the way, Mr. Xiao, this is Boss Ying San, one of the seven great protectors of Jiangdong Pavilion."
Xiao Yunlong only nodded slightly, still not speaking. In fact, at this moment, not only Ying San harbored hostility towards him, but the other four protectors, and even all the disciples of Jiangdong Pavilion around them, revealed cold gazes.
Ying San, with his hooked nose and sharp eagle eyes, once again coldly reprimanded, "You dare to come to the island to participate in the Hegemony Competition with so few people. You are indeed incredibly arrogant. Boss An and Tu Sandao were my friends, and I will definitely avenge them!"
Xiao Yunlong smiled faintly, "If you want revenge, it depends on whether you have the ability."
"Oh, you're quite boastful, aren't you? A mere brat who hasn't even matured, even if you have some skills, how strong can you be? I will definitely show you my might later!" Ying San gritted his teeth and snorted.
Just then, a thin old man with prominent cheekbones on the left spoke, "I say, Ying San, why waste so much time talking to him? Since this kid dares to come, he will definitely participate in the Hegemony Competition. We can settle it directly then."
Saying this, the old man with prominent cheekbones and a sinister expression chuckled, "However, I am claiming this brat Xiao's life today. No one can snatch him from me!"
"I say, Boss Gao, among us five great protectors, who doesn't want to kill this brat named Xiao? Although I have no friendship with Boss An and Tu Sandao, I covet their original businesses and territories. Therefore, today, this brat can only die by my hand!"
A burly man with a full beard on the right said in a deep, cold voice.
For a moment, the five great protectors of Jiangdong Pavilion started arguing and vying, as if Xiao Yunlong had suddenly become a delicious pastry that everyone was eager to take a bite of.
It was only now that Xiao Yunlong learned from Zhu Neng that the Pavilion Master of Jiangdong Pavilion had announced this morning that whoever killed Xiao Yunlong today would inherit the forces and territories originally belonging to Boss An and Tu Sandao.
This made the remaining five great protectors act as if they had been injected with chicken blood, eager to devour Xiao Yunlong alive.
Xiao Yunlong merely shook his head and smiled faintly, completely ignoring them.
Just then, a middle-aged man, dressed luxuriously, with a slender and well-proportioned figure, looking refined and handsome, quickly walked towards the main seat on the high platform.
He had a standard square face. Although he was forty or fifty years old, due to proper maintenance, he still exuded a youthful aura, and he always had a smile on his face, making people feel an urge to get close to him.
He was none other than the current Pavilion Master of Jiangdong Pavilion. As for his name, no one knew it; perhaps those who knew it were already dead!
Behind the Pavilion Master of Jiangdong Pavilion followed two old men in gray robes. The two looked ordinary, with emaciated bodies and frail appearances, as if a gust of wind could blow them over.
However, the moment Xiao Yunlong saw them, his pupils contracted, and he thought to himself, "The Art of Dry Zen, I only heard of it in legends. I never expected that there would still be Dry Zen martial arts. It seems these two old fellows must have come from Shaoshi Mountain."
Yesterday, Master Mo, who had lost an arm, had mentioned that there seemed to be the shadow of Shaoshi Mountain behind Jiangdong Pavilion. Now it seemed the rumors were true.
Because they practiced the martial arts of the Dry Zen lineage, these two old men looked so withered. In fact, due to the special nature of the Dry Zen martial arts, the more profound the cultivation, the more withered the body often became.
"Both of them are top-tier Martial Kings of the Three Flowers Gathering, and due to the Dry Zen technique, their combat power is likely much stronger than Martial Kings of the same level," Xiao Yunlong mused.
As soon as the Pavilion Master of Jiangdong Pavilion ascended the high platform, he waved his hand slightly, and the previously noisy scene immediately fell silent.
"Everyone, our Jiangdong Pavilion's annual Hegemony Competition begins again today. Normally, everyone has some conflicts and disputes, so let's resolve them openly today."
The Pavilion Master of Jiangdong Pavilion smiled at this point and then changed the subject, "Of course, in this Hegemony Competition, our Jiangdong Pavilion has a new face. I believe everyone is already very familiar with this Mr. Xiao Yunlong, so I won't introduce him further. The Hegemony Competition begins!"
With that, the Pavilion Master of Jiangdong Pavilion sat down directly in the main seat on the high platform, and the two Dry Zen old men sat behind him.
The scene immediately erupted in an uproar.
At this time, Zhu Neng introduced the competition system, "Mr. Xiao, this is your first time participating, so you might not be familiar with the rules of the Hegemony Competition."
Xiao Yunlong nodded slightly, "Please tell me."
"The Hegemony Competition adopts a combination of elimination and challenge systems. After the first round of elimination, the three eliminated participants have one chance to challenge. If the challenge is successful, they are revived, and the losing party is eliminated. Then, the second round of the top three contest begins."
Zhu Neng said this, smiled, and continued, "As for the rules on the arena, there are no restrictions. Any cold weapons can be used, including poison, hidden weapons, and even sneak attacks. In short, as long as you are on the stage, you can use any means to defeat your opponent."
Finally, Zhu Neng added, "There's one more thing I almost forgot. After the duel begins, if you are truly outmatched, be sure to surrender. Otherwise, according to the rules of the Hegemony Competition, the opponent can kill you."
Xiao Yunlong listened and smiled faintly, "According to your Pavilion Master, if I am outmatched, my fate will be death. What is the point of surrendering?"
Zhu Neng was stunned and didn't know how to respond. At this moment, the host on the stage announced that the six participants would come forward to draw lots.
According to the competition rules, each of the great protectors of Jiangdong Pavilion had one participant spot. Of course, the protectors could participate themselves or invite external help.
Ying San, who had been shouting the loudest earlier, was the first to go on stage, followed by Boss Gao with his sharp and fierce expression, and then the bearded protector.
As for the remaining two protectors, they did not participate personally but sent external helpers each.
"Brat Xiao, when I went out this morning, I specifically drew an auspicious lot, so when we draw lots later, we will definitely be matched. You are destined to die by my hand today. I will definitely take the forces and territories of Boss An and Tu Sandao!"
Old Man Ying San looked at Xiao Yunlong, who was slowly walking onto the high platform, and gritted his teeth, snorting.
Xiao Yunlong said faintly, "When you drew the lot, you must not have washed your hands!"
"Hmph, you eloquent brat. I will beat you to a pulp later!" Ying Laosan roared.
At this moment, the others successively went to draw lots. There were a total of six numbers, three of which corresponded to each other. Those who drew the same corresponding numbers would automatically be matched as opponents.
"I'll go first!" Ying Laosan, with his fiery temper, directly drew number one, followed by Boss Gao and the bearded protector.
Then came the other two participants. Xiao Yunlong stepped forward last to draw a card from the box.
"How is it, Xiao brat, what is your participant number?" Boss Gao and several other participants asked.
Xiao Yunlong opened it and saw that it clearly read one!
Upon seeing this, Ying Laosan burst into laughter and shouted excitedly, "I knew it! Drawing an auspicious lot when I went out indeed brought me good luck, allowing me to be matched with this brat Xiao first. As long as I kill you, this brat Xiao, in this duel, the forces and territories of Boss An and Tu Sandao will be mine!"
"Good, too good, really too good!"
Compared to Ying Laosan's excitement and smugness, the other four participants could not help but shake their heads in disappointment.
Xiao Yunlong also shook his head and said, "Ying Laosan, I hope you can still smile later!"
The host then asked the other four to step down temporarily, leaving only Ying Laosan and Xiao Yunlong on the stage. The Hegemony Competition immediately began!
Sitting in the main seat on the high platform, the Pavilion Master of Jiangdong Pavilion had an air of controlling the overall situation. He moved his lips slightly and asked softly, "Masters, can you tell whether the martial arts cultivation of that brat Xiao is?"
The Dry Zen old man on the left sighed and said, "It's strange. Logically speaking, since this brat Xiao could kill Boss An and Tu Sandao, it means he is at least at the level of a Grandmaster of Hua Jin. However, I cannot sense the situation of his internal energy at all now."
"Cannot sense it? Could it be that he is hiding his cultivation?" The Pavilion Master of Jiangdong Pavilion frowned and asked.
"It should be so. He is quite cunning this time. However, once the battle begins, he will not be able to hide it any longer. At that time, we will know his martial arts cultivation level!" The Dry Zen old man on the left said.
"Good, then let's just watch for now!" The Pavilion Master of Jiangdong Pavilion said in a deep voice.
At this moment, Ying Laosan on the stage casually picked up a long, heavy saber and coldly shouted, "Brat Xiao, show me your weapon."
Xiao Yunlong smiled faintly, "Showing off before Guan Gong with a broadsword? To deal with someone like you, why would I need a weapon!"
"Damn it, I've seen arrogant people, but I've never seen anyone as arrogant as you. Today, I will chop you into meat paste!"
Ying Laosan roared, picked up the heavy saber, and charged forward rapidly.
After a three-step run-up, Ying Laosan leaped high into the air, and the long saber in his hand slashed down from above, executing a move called "Overlord's Descent"!
Being able to become a protector of Jiangdong Pavilion, Ying Laosan naturally had some ability and his martial arts skills were not low. He was also at the level of a Grandmaster of Hua Jin.
Xiao Yunlong still stood with his hands behind his back, watching as the opponent's heavy saber was about to chop down on his head.
At this very moment, Xiao Yunlong dodged to the side and simultaneously flicked his right index finger towards the saber's hilt!
With a sharp, piercing clang!
This heavy saber, nearly one and a half meters long, was directly flicked away. Moreover, because Xiao Yunlong's finger flick was too strong, it even sent Ying Laosan, who was holding the saber, staggering back several steps.
The crowd below was stunned by this scene. Even the Pavilion Master of Jiangdong Pavilion could not help but frown.