Chapter Twelve: The Contest

After Li Haoran and Chu Wenyan had given the county magistrate a sound beating, the two found themselves drawn together in camaraderie. Yet, as they discussed the incident on their way back, they were overheard by Chu Bing.

“Sister…” Facing Chu Bing's wrath, both men instinctively shrank back.

“So, you two conspired together! Li Haoran, Chu Wenyan may be inexperienced, but surely you knew better?” Without needing to ask, Chu Bing could guess from their demeanor what they had been up to.

Chu Wenyan was just a young man, fresh from the countryside and unversed in the ways of the world. Li Haoran, however, knew full well what consequences awaited them for offending the county magistrate, yet he hadn’t stopped Chu Wenyan—instead, he had joined in the reckless act!

“What’s done is done,” Li Haoran said, a faint smile curling his lips, his gaze intense upon Chu Bing. “Rather than reproach us, perhaps it’s better to consider a remedy?”

Chu Bing’s brows rose in anger. “From today, the two of you will practice the arts of war and martial skills daily! No slacking!”

At the very least, should trouble come, they would have some means of self-preservation.

Li Haoran, already impressed by Chu Bing’s prowess as gleaned from the Thirty-Six Stratagems and The Art of War, was elated. With Chu Bing’s attentive guidance, he treasured the opportunity, applying himself to his studies with greater diligence.

He visited Chu Bing’s small courtyard daily; were it not for Chu Wenyan’s vigilant presence, rumors would have spread like wildfire. Li Haoran, secure in his conscience, cared not a whit for outside gossip, but he did not foresee the storm brewing on the horizon.

One day, as Li Haoran arrived, he found Chu Bing practicing her martial skills. Although the system had poured its power into her, mastery still required relentless training; thus, Chu Bing honed her abilities every day.

“Miss Chu!” Li Haoran greeted her, his eyes brightening as he clasped his hands in salute.

“Since you’re here, let’s begin. Don’t waste time,” Chu Bing started their daily lesson, but suddenly noticed a dark shadow flicker on the tree behind Li Haoran.

The shadow vanished swiftly, but Chu Bing’s heart leapt. She raised her hand, sending a surge of energy straight toward the spot.

With a loud crash, a masked figure dressed in black tumbled from the tree.

“Who are you!” Chu Bing took a defensive stance, shielding Li Haoran behind her.

Ever since learning that Li Haoran’s two half-brothers harbored murderous intentions toward him, Chu Bing had become exceedingly wary of any strangers nearby, fearing they might be assassins sent by the enemy.

She unleashed her killing intent upon the masked man, whose face went deathly pale. But to her surprise, Li Haoran stepped forward, apologetic. “Miss Chu, this is my shadow guard, Long San.”

“Shadow guard?” Chu Bing raised an intrigued brow. It was her first time seeing such a figure in ancient times, and his skills proved only average.

“Yes, he’s been by my side since childhood, protecting me. His skills are decent, but I never expected you to bring him down so easily!” Li Haoran shook his head, his gaze toward Chu Bing growing ever more fervent.

Long San looked aggrieved. Since Li Haoran had begun studying the art of war with Chu Bing, the shadow guards had followed him closely. As men, they bore some prejudice against Chu Bing and had never observed her techniques seriously, convinced that Li Haoran was merely bewitched by her.

Yet today, Long San had barely entered the courtyard before Chu Bing discovered him!

Clearly, this woman possessed genuine skill.

Still, Long San refused to fully accept her. In his mind, women belonged at home, tending to husband and children.

Chu Bing saw the disdain in Long San’s eyes and felt a surge of anger. She snorted coldly, “What’s the matter? Not convinced?”

Her eyes glinted with an idea.

Since arriving in this ancient world and receiving martial arts from the system, she had never truly tested her limits. This was the perfect opportunity—to measure her abilities and gauge the level of the ancient warriors.

She deliberately looked down on Long San, her expression provocative. “If you’re not convinced, why not have a match?”

Long San was about to agree when Chu Bing continued, “But I think you alone aren’t my equal. Why not summon all your guards and test your skills against me?”

Her last words were addressed to Li Haoran, her spirits high.

Li Haoran could only comply, his gaze indulgent. Chu Bing’s request was not unreasonable, and he trusted she would not reveal the guards’ identities.

He whistled, and from every corner of the courtyard, figures appeared—shadow guards, all clad like Long San.

Chu Bing counted—eight in total!

It seemed Li Haoran’s father truly cared for his son’s safety.

“This is Miss Chu,” Li Haoran addressed the guards. “You’ll spar with her, but remember, keep it friendly.”

He believed in Chu Bing’s strength, but doubted she could face eight opponents at once.

The guards exchanged puzzled glances.

“You mean all of us, against a girl?”

They looked at Chu Bing, their eyes tinged with contempt.

“Third Young Master, I think I alone can handle it!” one guard said.

Chu Bing sensed their scorn and felt displeased. She deliberately raised her voice, “Don’t underestimate women! I’ll say it here—if you defeat me, I’ll hand over my restaurant without hesitation!”

She was betting her entire livelihood.

Though few valued her restaurant, her bold declaration earned her newfound respect.

An older guard laughed heartily. “Girl, if you’re so eager, we’ll humor you. Just don’t cry when you lose!”

Chu Bing balled her fists and adopted a starting stance. “Enough talk—come at me!”

Her eyes burned with fierce resolve; her delicate face seemed ablaze, radiating unstoppable spirit.

Standing outside the ring, Li Haoran watched, his heart suddenly racing.

This Miss Chu… truly was striking.

Meanwhile, the battle intensified. The black-clad guards had initially held back, wishing to spare Chu Bing’s dignity, but her profound internal strength and unpredictable moves not only absorbed all their attacks, she injured several of them.

Alarmed, the guards realized Chu Bing was no ordinary woman with paltry skills—she was a true martial arts master. They grew serious, but Chu Bing, now in her element, moved with increasing ease, quickly felling them all to the ground.