Chapter 406: Securing Victory

“The guesses are getting more and more ridiculous…”

“But how do you explain Xuanyuan One Slash? The man is old! When could he have possibly found a master? If he did so in his youth, then that would make Jiang Ran…”

“That makes sense! So that’s what’s going on!”

The discussion among the onlookers quickly veered from Gu Renlong’s death to the most bizarre gossip.

Jiang Ran, of course, couldn’t be bothered with their speculation.

He tossed Gu Renlong’s corpse aside with a hint of disgust.

He sighed to himself…

‘I really hate killing people like this,’ he thought. ‘There’s just no benefit to it.’

‘If I kill a wanted criminal and take their head, I can at least go to the Government Office to collect a reward, maybe even learn a few new martial arts techniques.’

‘But what’s the point of killing a Gang Leader from the Thirteen Gangs? They aren’t on any wanted lists.’

If they hadn’t been on his tail every single day, Jiang Ran wouldn’t have even bothered with them.

Gu Renlong was asking for death, and Jiang Ran was kind enough to oblige him.

But this Jiang Han…

Jiang Ran had a feeling that keeping this man alive might prove more useful than killing him.

An idea was forming in the back of his mind, but he had no time to dwell on it now. He would deal with it after today’s events were concluded.

With that thought, Jiang Ran leaped back to his original spot and announced in a clear voice:

“Everyone, that little disturbance has passed. We can now continue.”

“Just now, Hero Yan Wengge was victorious. I see that Dean Liu of the Fragrance Academy intends to step forward himself. I ask that you both keep it a friendly exchange.”

Hearing this, the crowd couldn’t help but suck their teeth in dismay.

Jiang Ran called *that* a “little disturbance”? Then what would he consider a “major crisis”?

With one hand behind his back, Liu Zongming did not step forward as expected. Instead, he looked at Jiang Ran.

“If I may ask, Young Hero Jiang, at today’s Tea and Zither Appreciation Gathering… will you be competing personally?”

Jiang Ran paused for a moment, only to realize that as soon as the words were spoken, all eyes had turned to him.

He couldn’t help but let out a wry laugh.

“Dean Liu, you have a keen eye. The Jiaowei zither… it’s brought me a great deal of trouble, but to ask me to give it up just like that would be next to impossible.”

“Therefore, I intend to take this opportunity to compete for it, fair and square.”

“If I lose, I will have no regrets. And if I win, I expect it will save me a great deal of trouble in the future.”

As soon as these words were out, the whole place was in an uproar.

Just moments ago, Jiang Ran had fought both Jiang Han and Gu Renlong by himself.

The Thunderous Heaven-Shocking Palm and the Seven Absolutes of Fallen Blossoms were no match for a single slash and a single palm strike from Jiang Ran.

If he was personally competing, what the hell was the point of them even trying?!

Yan Wengge was also stunned. He looked up at Jiang Ran, but then his fighting spirit suddenly surged anew.

‘The Seven-Stringed Zither Manual is powerful, but I have no confidence I can beat Jiang Ran with it,’ he thought. ‘However… today’s contest is split into two parts.’

A martial contest and a music contest.

‘Even if I lose the first part, there’s still the second part to compete in.’

Liu Zongming gave a carefree laugh.

“Young Hero Jiang, you are refreshingly candid. In that case, I suggest we forgo the first part of the competition.”

“When it comes to martial arts, I doubt anyone here today would dare challenge you.”

“Even I… must admit I am no match for you.”

“Since the outcome would be a loss regardless, why bother fighting at all?”

“Besides, there are many here who might try to use the chaos to slip through unqualified.”

If he had said this before the gathering began, it would have surely drawn a torrent of complaints. But now, it seemed perfectly reasonable.

The crowd immediately voiced their approval.

This way, they could also waste less time.

Seeing that no one had any objections, Jiang Ran smiled and said:

“Very well. But in that case, the question of who participates in the second part becomes a small problem.”

“That is not a difficult problem,”

Liu Zongming said, “There are not many among us who are skilled in both music theory and martial arts. Zhuo Qin and Yin Ling will surely be contenders, and you can count this old man as one. As for the rest, if you wish to participate, you should first ask yourselves if you can best the three of us.”

“If you believe you can, then please, step forward and prove it.”

“If not… then it will be the three of us, along with Young Hero Jiang, competing for the Jiaowei. I wonder, what are your thoughts on this, Young Hero Jiang?”

“After all, no matter how many people compete, only one can ultimately possess the Jiaowei.”

Before Jiang Ran could answer, another person laughed and spoke up.

“A fine plan, Dean Liu. I wonder if you could count me in?”

Liu Zongming looked up and saw Yan Wushuang slowly rising to their feet.

“Speaking of which, I happen to be quite well-versed in music theory myself.”

Liu Zongming paused, then nodded slightly.

“Leader Yan is a natural master of the art. I would be hard-pressed to object. Please, feel free to join us.”

After that, no one else in the venue spoke up.

Gu Shengyan really wanted to participate, but was stopped by Ruan Yuqing.

Her martial arts were decent, but she was simply not in the same league as Liu Zongming.

And though she understood music theory, how could she possibly contend with the likes of Yin Ling and Zhuo Qin?

It was better to sit back and watch the show than to step up and be embarrassed.

‘Still,’ she thought, ‘it’s a shame to come to such a grand event just to be a spectator.’

They waited for a while longer, but no one else came forward.

Liu Zongming then looked at Jiang Ran.

“Young Hero Jiang, what will be the theme for today’s contest? And how will victory be judged?”

Jiang Ran considered for a moment.

“High mountains, flowing water… all music is divine in its own way.”

“Today’s contest won’t be judged on scholarship or technique, but on two simple words…”

“Which two words?”

Yan Wengge looked at Jiang Ran with curiosity.

“Sounds good.”

Jiang Ran smiled.

“Music is the voice of heaven and earth, connecting all of creation. It stirs emotions, provokes deep thought, and inspires profound contemplation.”

“It plucks at every emotional string…”

“So today, I propose that we play, and let the esteemed heroes gathered here be our judges. Let them decide whose music is more pleasing to the ear. What do you all think?”

The contestants exchanged glances, then all smiled and nodded in agreement.

“So, who will be first?”

The moment Jiang Ran’s voice faded, a single, clear note from a zither rang out, followed by the voice of Yan Wengge.

“Then permit me to go first.”