chapter 39. exploring the city

Xua Yan slept soundly for several hours, undisturbed by any noise or disturbance from outside. His body was able to recover from the exhaustion of his journey and hunting. He dreamed of winning the martial arts competition and becoming a renowned fighter. When he woke up, he felt refreshed and rejuvenated. He knew that he was ready to face any challenges that lay ahead of him

Xua Yan had woken up early, the sun had just risen and the rays of sunlight were seeping into his rented house through the windows. As he sat up on his bed, he felt a growling sensation in his stomach. He realized that he was hungry and needed to eat something. Xua Yan had always been an expert hunter and had a vast knowledge of how to cook various types of beast meat.

He quickly gathered some firewood and set up a fire pit outside his house. He then proceeded to take out the beasts that he had hunted the day before and began to skin them. After preparing the meat, he skewered it onto wooden sticks and roasted it over the fire.

As the meat was cooking, the aroma spread throughout the area. After a few minutes, the food was ready, and Xua Yan took a bite. The meat was tender and juicy, and the spices added a nice kick to the flavor. He ate slowly, savoring every bite, and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere around him. After finishing his food, Xua Yan washed his utensils and cleaned the area. He was careful not to leave any litter behind, as he respected the environment and the people around him. He then packed his things and decided to explore the city. He wanted to learn more about the competition and the other participants. He walked towards the center of the city, where the competition was going to be held. He saw many people, both locals and foreigners, who were also participating in the competition.

After Xua Yan left his house and began to wander around the city. He observed the various shops and stalls that lined the streets, selling all sorts of goods and wares. There were people of all ages and backgrounds, from all corners of the land, gathered here for the competition.

He noticed that many of the participants were training and practicing their skills in open fields and training grounds. Some were sparring with their partners while others were meditating or practicing their techniques. Xua Yan was impressed by the dedication and skill of the other participants.

He also noticed that there were many martial arts schools and academies, sects and families scattered throughout the city. Each of these schools had their own unique style and techniques. Xua Yan was fascinated by the variety and diversity of martial arts in the Seven Hill city.

As Xua Yan was strolling around Wei Ming and others saw him and approached him. Wei Ming approached Xua Yan and greeted him. He said, "Xua Yan, we were trying to find you at your rented house but you were not there. Where were you?"

Xua Yan replied, "I was in the jungle training my martial arts and cultivating."

Mei Ling, who was standing with Wei Ming, asked Xua Yan about his experience in the jungle. Xua Yan told them about his encounters with various beasts and how he had to use different techniques to defeat them.

Jian Cheng then asked Xua Yan if he had heard about the participants in the competition. Xua Yan replied that he had not, and asked them to tell him more.

Wei Ming said, "I heard the competition this year is going to be fierce. Many talented martial artists from all over the country are participating. We need to be careful."

Chao Feng, who had been quiet until now, said, "There are some really strong participants in the competition this year. I have heard that some of them have mastered rare and powerful martial arts techniques."

Jun Wang, who had just arrived, added, "Yes, there are participants who have come from all over the country to compete. I have heard that some of them are even from ancient families. "

Li Hua, who had been listening attentively, said, "It will be interesting to see how Xua Yan fares against such tough opponents."

Li Hua chimed in, "Yes, I heard that some of the top-ranked fighters are going to be there. It's going to be tough to beat them, but I'm confident that we can do it if we train hard enough."

Jian Cheng added, "I heard that the competition is going to be divided into different categories based on the martial arts style. That way, everyone gets a fair chance to compete."

Mei Ling nodded and said, "That's a good idea. It'll be interesting to see how different styles match up against each other."

Chao Feng spoke up, "I'm curious to see who the judges are going to be. It's always important to know what they're looking for in a fighter."

Jun Wang agreed, "Yes, the judges can make or break our chances of winning. We need to make sure we know what they're expecting from us."

Xua Yan, feeling confident, said, "I am not afraid of any opponent. I have trained hard and I am ready to face anyone who comes my way."

As Xua Yan was curious about the rules and regulations of the competition, he asked Wei Ming and the others about it. Wei Ming replied, "The rules will be announced when the competition starts. It's better to focus on your own training and preparation rather than worrying about the rules."

Xua Yan was a bit surprised and asked, "How is that possible? We are just a day away from the competition and we still don't know the rules?"

Li Hua chimed in, "That's how it is for this competition. The organizers want to keep the rules a secret until the very last minute to keep it fair for everyone."

Jian Cheng added, "But don't worry, they won't be anything out of the ordinary. The usual rules for martial arts competitions apply, like no weapons and no dirty fighting."

Xua Yan nodded, "I understand. But, do you have any idea about the format of the competition? Will it be a one-on-one fight or a team competition?"

Li Hua chimed in, "Based on the previous year's competition, it's a combination of both. There will be one-on-one fights as well as team competitions."

Jian Cheng added, "Yes, and the competition will be divided into different stages, with different sets of rules and challenges for each stage."

Mei Ling further explained, "The first few stages are usually for elimination rounds, where participants fight against each other to qualify for the next stage. And the final stage is usually a team competition."

Chao Feng nodded in agreement, "Yes, and the team competition is usually the most challenging part, as it requires not just individual skills, but also teamwork and coordination."

Mei Ling interjected, "And don't forget about the points system. You earn points for winning fights and the participant with the most points at the end of the competition is declared the winner."

Chao Feng spoke up, "And you have to be careful about not getting disqualified. Any major rule violations will result in immediate disqualification."

Jun Wang concluded, "So just focus on your own performance and follow the rules, and you'll do fine. And remember, it's not just about winning, it's also about learning from your opponents and improving your skills."

Jun Wang added, "Also, there are usually some surprise challenges in each stage, which can test the participants' adaptability and quick thinking."

Xua Yan thanked them for the information and said, "It sounds like an exciting and challenging competition. I need to focus on my training and preparation to make sure I am ready for whatever challenges come my way."

Xua Yan nodded in understanding and thanked them for the information. He knew he had to prepare both physically and mentally for the upcoming competition, especially since the rules were still unknown. But he was determined to do his best and make the most out of this opportunity.

Xua Yan excused himself from Wei Ming and the others and said, "I think I need to head back to my rented house now."

Wei Ming replied, "Sure, see you later, Xua Yan. Don't forget about the competition tomorrow."

Xua Yan nodded and started walking towards his rented house. As he walked, he thought about the conversation he had with Wei Ming and the others. He wondered what the rules and regulations for the competition would be.

Xua Yan felt a sense of unease as he read the note on the door of his rented house. He wondered what kind of unexpected circumstances the landlord could be referring to. He entered the house and gathered all his belongings, putting them inside the Entropy. He then made his way to the office where he had rented the house from.

As he approached the office, Xua Yan's mind was racing. He had nowhere to stay now, and with the martial arts competition just a day away, he couldn't afford to be homeless. When he reached the office, he was relieved to find that the landlord was there. Xua Yan politely asked the landlord about the note and why he had to vacate the house.

The landlord explained that there were some powerful martial artists forcing him to give his house for them to stay without paying him anything. When he reached the office, he asked the landlord about the martial artists who had threatened him. The landlord was still reluctant to talk, but Xua Yan managed to persuade him to share some details. The landlord explained that the martial artists were a group of five, led by a man named Wu Cheng. They had come to the city a few weeks ago, and had been causing trouble ever since. They had been extorting money and resources from the locals, and had even attacked some of them.

Xua Yan listened carefully, taking mental notes. He asked the landlord if he knew where Wu Cheng and his group were currently staying, but the landlord didn't have any information. He advised Xua Yan to stay away from them, and to focus on the competition instead. When Xua Yan listened to all the things he felt angry and thought of taking care of this Wu Cheng but then he stopped himself from doing so because of the heightened security in the city due to the orders from the mayor's office. After that he leaves that office.

After leaving that office Xua Yan was worried. He didn't have much time to find a new place to stay. He decided to go to the inn near the city gate to ask if they had any vacancies.

As he entered the inn, he approached the front desk and asked the receptionist, "Do you have any vacant rooms?"

The receptionist replied, "Yes, we have a few rooms available. How many do you need?"

"Just one," Xua Yan said.

"Okay, that will be 500 silver coins per night," the receptionist said.

"Isn't that way too expensive? According to what I have heard before, it should be around 50 silver coins for 10 days" Xua Yan said.

The receptionist replied, " The increase in the price due to the large number of visitors in the city."

After that Xua Yan handed over the coins and was given a key to his room. He walked up the stairs and opened the door to his room. It was small but cozy, with a bed and a window overlooking the city.

Xua Yan felt relieved that he had found a new place to stay. He put his bag down and sat on the bed. He thought about the competition again and wondered how he could prepare for it.

He decided to spend the rest of the day training and preparing himself. He took out his weapons and started practicing his martial arts moves. He also meditated to improve his concentration.

As the sun began to set, Xua Yan stopped his training and took a shower. He changed into fresh clothes and then went to the inn's restaurant to have dinner.

After dinner, Xua Yan went back to his room and went to bed early. He wanted to make sure he was well-rested and prepared for the competition the next day.