Is it Liu Qingrong?

It seems the real show for the Liu family is about to begin.

Sure enough, the old butler's booming voice rang out again, echoing throughout the room.

"After literary talent, naturally comes martial arts!"

"Next, we will proceed with the second round of competition—a martial arts sparring match!"

"The rules are simple: all talented individuals are free to step onto the stage, accept challenges or challenge others, in one-on-one duels. The winners advance, and the losers are eliminated! Only the strongest remaining on the stage will be qualified to enter the next round and gain the favor of the Old Madam!"

These words immediately heightened the tension and excitement in the room.

Many talented young people from martial arts families or who practiced martial arts themselves showed excitement and a fighting spirit. If they couldn't do well in academics, they would always have a chance in martial arts!

Soon, a spacious enough open space was cleared in the center of the hall to serve as the arena for the martial arts competition.

The challenge then began.

Fists and feet clashed, the wind howled, and the sounds of weapons clashing were incessant, making for a very lively fight.

Some people are agile and quick, like monkeys, easily defeating their opponents in just a few moves.

Some players were evenly matched, their strengths comparable, and they fought back and forth for a long time before finally deciding a winner, drawing cheers from the surrounding spectators.

Ye Chen was naturally one of the best. He was the first to leap into the arena, and his attacks were ruthless and wide-ranging, with almost every move aimed at his opponent's vital points.

Several people who dared to challenge him were easily defeated by him in an extremely cruel manner. Two of them were even beaten until they vomited blood and had broken bones, and were carried away by the guards.

He vented his anger over Wenbi's defeat in this almost cruel way, and also made no attempt to hide his powerful martial prowess as the young master of the Dragon King Palace, intimidating potential opponents.

For a moment, no one in the arena dared to easily step forward and challenge Ye Chen.

Finally, amidst everyone's anticipation and under Ye Chen's murderous gaze, it was Qin Xiao's turn to take the stage, the winner of the first round.

Everyone's eyes were focused on him.

Everyone wanted to see just how accomplished this young master of the Qin family, with his exceptional literary talent and stunning calligraphy, was in martial arts.

Ye Chen's eyes gleamed, and a cruel, bloodthirsty smile curled at the corner of his mouth. He cracked his wrists, making a snapping sound, as if he could already see Qin Xiao's miserable end, with his hands and feet broken and him kneeling on the ground begging for mercy.

However, at this moment when everyone was watching with bated breath.

Qin Xiao did not assume a fighting stance as everyone expected. Instead, he slowly stepped forward, bowed slightly to the old steward who was presiding over the competition, and spoke calmly.

"I'm abstaining from this round."