novelapdf 70挑战
70挑战
Broken Soul Cliff, a battleground of life and death.
This place is not a naturally formed cliff, but a huge man-made platform located on the top of a solitary peak thirty miles outside Jiangzhou City. The platform is circular, about fifty feet in diameter, and paved with thick bluestone slabs. Having withstood the erosion of wind and rain and the baptism of countless bloody battles, the stone slabs are covered with sword marks of varying depths and dark bloodstains, exuding a desolate and solemn atmosphere.
Around the platform, a circular viewing platform was built along the mountainside, and it was now packed with people. The four great families, the Seven Absolutes Sect, and other prestigious sects, as well as numerous independent martial artists and representatives of smaller sects who had come after hearing the news, crowded the viewing platform to capacity. The noise was deafening, and all eyes were focused on the center of the platform.
Today marks the start of the life-or-death duel between Lin Mo and the four great families.
To the north of the platform stood a high platform upon which sat three notaries. In the center, with white hair and beard and a gaunt face, was Zhou Zhengyang, a respected elder known in the martial arts world as the "Iron-Faced Judge." To his left was Cui Yuanhao, an elder of the Qinghe Cui clan, the representative of the four great families. His expression was calm, but his eyes held the reserved and scrutinizing air characteristic of aristocratic families. To his right was an elder of the Seven Absolutes Sect, invited as a witness for the other side due to Lin Mo's status as a guest advisor; his expression was now somewhat complex.
On the east side of the platform, the banners of the four great families were clearly visible, and their figures were numerous and imposing, exuding a heavy atmosphere. The young experts they brought all had sharp eyes and extraordinary bearing, clearly prepared to take turns fighting, waiting only for the notary to announce the start of the match.
The west side of the platform was much quieter. Only Lin Mo stood alone, dressed in a blue robe, with his hands behind his back. Facing the overwhelming presence of the aristocratic families and the countless gazes from all sides—some curious, some sympathetic, and some gloating—his expression remained calm, like a deep well, unmoved by any ripples.
As the appointed time approached, the atmosphere grew increasingly heavy.
Zhou Zhengyang cleared his throat, channeled his inner strength, and his voice clearly echoed throughout the entire Broken Soul Cliff: "The time has come! According to ancient rites, the life-or-death arena begins..."
"Wait a minute!"
A clear voice interrupted Zhou Zhengyang's words, immediately attracting everyone's attention. The speaker was Lin Mo.
Countless gazes instantly focused on him, filled with astonishment and confusion. The life-or-death arena was about to begin; why did he suddenly interrupt it?
Cui Yuanhao frowned slightly and said in a deep voice, "Lin Mo, the notary has announced the start of the competition. Do you have any objections?"
Lin Mo stepped forward, walked to the center of the platform, first bowed to the three notaries, then turned to the entire audience, his gaze sweeping over the area on the viewing platform where small and medium-sized sects and independent cultivators had gathered. His voice was calm, yet carried an undeniable power:
"I do not object to the opening of the arena itself, but I have a few questions about the 'rules' upon which this life-or-death arena is based. I would like to ask the three judges and all the heroes of the world to discuss them before the arena begins."
These words caused an uproar in the room!
Questioning the rules? Questioning the rules in a life-or-death arena is unheard of! The rules are set by the notary and the powerful party (usually a prestigious family), and challengers have no choice but to abide by them. What right do they have to question them?
Zhou Zhengyang was also slightly taken aback. He had presided over numerous life-or-death arenas, but this was the first time someone had publicly questioned the rules. He pondered for a moment and said, "The rules are based on ancient rites and have been recognized by both parties... um, and notarized. Does young friend Lin have any questions?"
Lin Mo, neither humble nor arrogant, said loudly, "I have three questions."
"First, there's the matter of eligibility!" He held up one finger. "As far as I know, the original purpose of the ancient Life-or-Death Arena was to resolve 'irreconcilable disputes.' My rivalry with the four great families over the Grand Canal docks is irreconcilable. Is this dispute truly 'irreconcilable'?"
Cui Yuanhao said coldly, "Of course! Otherwise, why bother with a life-or-death arena?"
"Alright!" Lin Mo nodded, his gaze sharp as he looked at him. "If that's the case, isn't this 'conflict' itself the most direct and indisputable qualification for participation? Why do ancient records and recent practices stipulate that challengers participating in the life-or-death arena must be 'renowned in their region,' 'possess sufficient stakes,' and 'recommend at least three prestigious families or veteran martial arts figures' jointly?"
His voice suddenly rose, pointing to the ordinary-looking, relatively weak-looking martial artists on the west side of the viewing platform: "I ask you! If today's conflict with the four great families were not with me, Lin Mo, but with some martial artist here without any sect, faction, or illustrious background, would he be disqualified from even standing on this life-or-death arena to settle disputes through martial arts simply because no one 'recommends' him? Is this truly an ancient ritual for resolving conflicts, or merely a tool used by powerful families to silence the poor and maintain their own privileges?!"
This question struck like a thunderbolt, resonating in the hearts of countless martial artists from humble backgrounds and representatives of small and medium-sized sects! They suffered constant oppression from powerful families, their resources monopolized, their upward mobility blocked, and they had no place to reason with anyone. Lin Mo's words perfectly expressed their long-suppressed feelings! A suppressed commotion and discussion immediately arose on the west side of the viewing platform, many people looking at the powerful families with resentment.
Cui Yuanhao's face darkened: "Stop talking nonsense! The recommendation system is to prevent petty people from causing trouble and wasting everyone's time and energy!"
"Oh?" Lin Mo sneered. "According to Elder Cui, my conflict with the four great families is also 'unreasonable'? I need someone else's recommendation to prove I'm not a 'petty person'? Then why did you send me this life-or-death invitation? Isn't that a contradiction!"
"You!" Cui Yuanhao was speechless for a moment, his face turning ugly.
Zhou Zhengyang raised his hand to stop Cui Yuanhao from retorting, and looked at Lin Mo: "Young friend Lin, what do you mean?"
Lin Mo cupped his hands in a respectful gesture, his voice resounding: "I propose that this rule be amended! The life-or-death arena should be a stage for all people to resolve their disputes, not a private tool for aristocratic families! Anyone with an irreconcilable conflict and sufficient stakes, regardless of background or recommendation, should be qualified to stand on this stage! This is to restore the original meaning of ancient rites and to establish justice for the world!"
"Well said!"
"Mr. Lin is right!"
On the west side of the viewing platform, someone finally couldn't help but cheer loudly, which was immediately followed by a chorus of applause. The smaller sects and independent cultivators were excited; they saw a glimmer of hope in breaking free from their shackles.
Zhou Zhengyang looked thoughtful. This matter was of great importance, as it touched upon the fundamental interests of the powerful families.
Before he could answer, Lin Mo held up a second finger: "The second question concerns the 'Bloodline Substitute' rule!"
His gaze swept over the numerous young experts in the aristocratic camp: "The rules allow that if a fighter is unable to continue for any reason, their direct blood relative or a disciple of the same lineage can unconditionally take their place. The intention behind this rule may be good, but how can a rogue cultivator from a humble background compete with the vast resources of an aristocratic family in terms of 'bloodline'? Doesn't this rule become an unfair clause allowing aristocratic families to 'extend their lives' indefinitely, until they wear down and kill the challenger? The defeat of the rogue alliance thirty years ago serves as a cautionary tale!"
He paused, his voice growing colder: "I propose limiting the number of substitutes! Or setting a maximum limit on the total number of substitutes for each side, to ensure fairness! Otherwise, this is not a fair competition, but rather a siege of the poor by powerful families!"
Within the aristocratic families, the young men who were slated to be substitutes all paled, their gazes towards Lin Mo filled with rage. This was tantamount to cutting off their chance to make a name for themselves and bring glory to their families!
Cui Yuanhao could no longer contain himself and shouted, "Lin Mo! The rules are established by ancient rites; how dare you arbitrarily alter them! Bloodline inheritance is an integral part of strength!"
"Strength?" Lin Mo scoffed. "Relying on numbers and taking turns wearing down my forces—that's strength? If so, why bother with this arena? Wouldn't it be easier for the four great families to simply send their armies to raze my Golden Scale Manor to the ground? If you're going to set up an arena, you have to be fair! Otherwise, this life-or-death arena is better off not being set up at all!"
"Are you threatening us?" Cui Yuanhao roared in anger.
"This is not a threat," Lin Mo retorted, "but a demand for a fair chance to fight! If the rules themselves are already biased, what's the point of winning or losing in this arena? It's nothing more than a carefully orchestrated drama where the aristocratic families are destined to win!"
These words were even more pointed, hitting the nail on the head. The discussion on the viewing platform grew even louder, and even some neutral sects began to nod in agreement, feeling that Lin Mo's words were not without merit.
Zhou Zhengyang frowned deeply, sensing that things were spiraling out of control.
Lin Mo extended his third finger, his gaze sharp as lightning, fixed on Cui Yuanhao: "The third question concerns 'family heritage'! The rules allow participants to use treasures passed down through generations of their families. May I ask Elder Cui, how many 'millennial heritages' do the four great families intend to use in this arena? Do you plan to rely on divine weapons and miraculous elixirs to crush someone like me, a commoner with no 'family heritage'?"
He didn't give the other party a chance to answer, his voice echoing through the cliffs: "I propose that either the 'foundational advantage' be abolished, and the winner be determined purely by one's own martial arts cultivation; or, this rule be opened up, allowing all participants, regardless of their background, to use all their means, including but not limited to treasures and secret techniques obtained through their own fortuitous encounters! Otherwise, this is just another unfair crushing by powerful families using resources!"
Three questions, each one piercing to the heart! Like three sharp swords, they ruthlessly tore away the "ancient rituals" cloaked by the rules of aristocratic families, revealing their true nature of maintaining privilege and monopoly.
The entire venue was silent for a moment, and then thunderous cheers and shouts of support erupted from the west side of the viewing platform!
"Support Mr. Lin!"
"Change the rules!"
"To restore justice to all martial artists!"
The small and medium-sized sects and independent cultivators were filled with excitement. They had been suppressed for too long, and Lin Mo's speech today was like a ray of dawn, illuminating their resentment and longing.
On the side of the aristocratic families, there was a deathly silence, everyone's face ashen. Cui Yuanhao's chest heaved, clearly furious. They never expected Lin Mo to act unpredictably, not focusing on martial arts prowess, but instead challenging the rules, and delivering a fatal blow, directly stirring up the emotions of the vast majority of martial artists present.
Looking at the indignant crowd below the stage, and then at the grim-faced representatives of the powerful families, Zhou Zhengyang knew that if the situation was not handled properly today, it might cause an even bigger upheaval, and even shake the existing order of the martial arts world.
He took a deep breath and spoke in a deep voice, his tone drowning out the clamor of the room: "The three points raised by young friend Lin are indeed debatable. However, revising the rules is not something that can be done overnight; it requires consensus from all parties. Since the life-or-death duel has already been decided, why not proceed according to the existing rules for now? After the duel, I can take the lead in convening all parties to discuss the revision of the rules. What do you say?"
This is an attempt to smooth things over and stabilize the situation first.
But would Lin Mo let him have his way?
He declared loudly, "Senior Zhou is highly respected, and I deeply admire him. However, if the rules are unfair, then the arena is unfair! If the existing unfair rules are followed, even if I, Lin Mo, were to shed blood today, all the heroes of the world would believe that I was defeated by the unfair rules, not by my martial arts! Is such an outcome what the four great families desire? Is such an outcome what the impartial organizers desire? And how can it truly convince the public?"
He surveyed the entire arena, his gaze finally settling on Zhou Zhengyang, and declared decisively: "If the rules are not amended, Lin Mo refuses to participate in this arena! If the four great families insist on using unfair rules to suppress others, feel free to announce it to the world. I, Lin Mo, and Golden Scale Manor will accept the challenge! But from this day forward, the name of this life-or-death arena will likely be tarnished!"
Refuse to participate!
The entire audience erupted in uproar once again! This was a blatant slap in the face! Not only was it a slap in the face to the four great families, but it was also a slap in the face to the notary!
Cui Yuanhao trembled with rage, pointing at Lin Mo: "You...you're arrogant!"
Zhou Zhengyang's face darkened completely. Lin Mo had put him in a difficult position. If the match were to proceed according to the original rules, and Lin Mo refused to compete, the four great families would win unfairly, the prestige of the life-or-death arena would be ruined, and he, as the notary, would lose face. If he agreed to change the rules, it would be tantamount to conceding to Lin Mo and all the martial artists from humble backgrounds, which the great families would never agree to.
The situation reached a stalemate. The air seemed to freeze, and everyone's gaze shifted back and forth between Lin Mo, the notary, and the representatives of the powerful families, awaiting the final outcome of this battle over the rules.
The mountain wind howled, fluttering Lin Mo's clothes. He stood tall and straight in the center of the arena, like an unyielding spear, facing the seemingly unshakeable behemoth.