Chapter 130: Distribution of Imperial City Factions

"Things are getting lively now. It looks like both men on the stage are from major sects in the Imperial City, and they're fighting over a girl!" Niu said with a laugh as he watched the scene.

"How do you know they're from major sects? Have you heard of the Myriad Sword Sect or the Iron Fist Sect?" Wu Tian asked.

"Uh... no. But look at the reactions of the crowd; the identities of those two on stage definitely aren't simple," Niu replied, shaking his head.

"You two must be from out of town, aren't you? You've never even heard of the Myriad Sword Sect or the Iron Fist Sect?" a man standing near Wu Tian suddenly asked.

"Yes, we're new here and not very familiar with the Imperial City," Wu Tian nodded in response.

"I see. Well, let me enlighten you. When you talk about the Myriad Sword Sect and the Iron Fist Sect, you have to talk about the power structure of the Imperial City. The Imperial Family, of course, is the most powerful force in the Madness Martial Empire. Below the Imperial Family, there are five major powers that stand like the legs of a tripod: the General's Mansion, the Qitian Sect, the Seven Stars Academy, the Divine Marquis's Mansion, and the Shadowless Gate. These five are the most formidable entities in the city, second only to the royal family.

"Of course, the Imperial City isn't limited to just those five. There are many other large sects and factions beneath them. The Myriad Sword Sect and the Iron Fist Sect are among those. While they aren't as powerful as the big five, they are still top-tier sects in the city and not to be trifled with. Look, the man in the long robe with the sword at his waist is Xu Jianren, the son of the Myriad Sword Sect leader. The other one in leather armor with gauntlets is Xie Guanglang, the first disciple of the Iron Fist Sect. Don't let their youth fool you; their strength is truly formidable!"

Wu Tian nodded slightly. The two men on stage were indeed impressive. They looked to be in their early twenties, yet their cultivation had already reached the eighth level of the Martial Spirit realm. It was clear that the Imperial City was full of hidden talents; even random young men could reach such heights.

"Xie Guanglang, are you sick in the head? You have to snatch everything I want, and now even the woman? Don't think that just because you're the first disciple of the Iron Fist Sect, I won't dare to touch you. If you keep flapping your gums, I'll kill you right here!" Xu Jianren drew his sword, pointed it at Xie Guanglang, and roared.

"Brother Xu, why be so agitated? As the saying goes, a fair maiden is a good match for a gentleman. You said yourself that Lady Piaomiao is looking for a kindred spirit; perhaps you aren't that person."

"Damn it! If that's how it's going to be, don't blame me for being rude. If you won't step down, I'll beat you until you do!"

With a metallic ring, Xu Jianren drew his blade and lunged at Xie Guanglang, a cold glint flashing from his sword.

Clang! A sharp sound echoed as Xie Guanglang blocked the strike with his gauntleted fists. Two streams of true energy erupted, sending those with weaker cultivation standing nearby tumbling over.

Clang, clang, clang... The two continued to trade blows.

"Damn it! They're getting serious. We'd better clear out before we get caught in the crossfire!"

"Phew... almost got killed by that energy. As expected of people from major sects, their strength is terrifying!"

"Let's go. We can't even see Lady Piaomiao anyway, so it's better not to get involved in this mess!"

After the fight broke out, many people left the scene, some out of fear of being caught in the clash, others simply wanting to avoid trouble.

"Boss, they're fighting, and there's nothing left to see. Should we leave?" Niu Wuji asked, looking bored.

"This ten gold piece entry fee was a waste. I at least want to see if Lady Piaomiao is ugly or not. I'm not letting my money go to waste; I'm going to slip around to the back to take a look," Wu Tian muttered. Watching the fight was tedious, but he wasn't about to lose his money for nothing.

While the two were preoccupied, Wu Tian skirted the edges of the crowd toward the white silk curtains at the rear.

With a thud, Xu Jianren was struck by a punch from Xie Guanglang and stumbled back right next to Wu Tian. Seeing Wu Tian trying to sneak past, Xu Jianren's expression turned icy. "Boy, what do you think you're doing?"

"Just stick to your fight and leave me alone," Wu Tian replied, ignoring him and walking straight ahead.

"Stop!" Xu Jianren yelled. Wu Tian didn't even break his stride.

"Damn it! Did you hear me tell you to stop? What right do you have to see Lady Piaomiao? Take one more step and I'll kill you!" Xu Jianren flashed in front of Wu Tian, raising his sword.

"Do you have to stick your nose into everything? Why not just fight and leave me out of it? Are you bored or something?" Wu Tian asked, looking at him with exasperation.

"Hmph! You dare speak to me like that? Do you believe I'll beat you to death?" Xu Jianren demanded, furious.

Xie Guanglang walked over and said, "Brother Xu, we haven't finished..."

"Shut up! We'll settle our score later. I'm going to deal with this brat first. He tried to sneak in to see Lady Piaomiao while I was fighting—does he even have the right to look at her?" Xu Jianren sneered at Wu Tian.

"You've got a hole in your head. Forget it, I can't be bothered with you," Wu Tian said with a look of disdain, and he continued walking toward the curtains.

The surrounding crowd was stunned.

"What's happening? Who is this guy? Why is he getting involved in Xu Jianren and Xie Guanglang's business?"

"Is he a disciple from another major sect? I've never seen him before, and I know all the notable disciples of the major powers."

"That must mean he's a nobody. He's got a death wish, challenging Xu Jianren like that."

Xu Jianren's rage reached its peak. With a dark, grim face, he hissed, "I don't care who you are. Take one more step, and you die!"

Wu Tian had a short temper of his own. He didn't hesitate, continuing forward with a cold laugh. "So what if I take a step? Not just one—I'm going to walk two or three!"

"How dare you! You're courting death!" Xu Jianren roared, lunging at Wu Tian and swinging his sword fiercely toward his neck.

Boom! The blade was blocked by a long spear.

"Young Master Xu, the Yanhong Pavilion is a place for guests to relax and enjoy themselves. It's not appropriate to use force here," a burly man holding the spear said calmly, having deflected the blow.

"So, it's Guard Du of the Yanhong Pavilion." Xu Jianren's eyebrows twitched. He turned to Wu Tian and said, "Boy, it's lucky Guard Du arrived in time, or you'd be headless! For the sake of Guard Du, I'll let you off this time!"