Chapter Seventy-One: Blocked

Three days later, within the city of Yuyang, Ouyang Xin personally took charge, with the three chief constables following behind him. Every constable in the yamen was mobilized at this time.

The city lord of Yuyang also gave an order, commanding the city's garrison general to lead his soldiers in maintaining order throughout the city.

With the entire government force deployed, the once chaotic Yuyang City was brought to a rare moment of calm.

In the past, the various martial factions would never have tolerated such peace and would have stirred up trouble in every way. But now, with many of their top fighters dead and their strength greatly diminished, none dared cause trouble in the face of Ouyang Xin’s yamen.

Yang Ze stepped out, standing on Xiangyun Street. Gazing at the street today, he found it far quieter than usual. There were only a handful of pedestrians left, making the street seem unusually empty.

After Yuan Heng learned that the Martial Institute of Wuyang would soon arrive, he had announced the news, so Yang Ze too was naturally aware.

Thus, Yang Ze spent the last three days in seclusion, focusing solely on healing his wounds and regaining his best condition, rather than seeking progress in his martial arts.

At the same time, he confessed the truth to Old Xie, telling him about his deal with Yuan Heng. Only then did Old Xie realize why Yang Ze was so eager to take over Chenglan Street and Wen Family Street.

Old Xie, of course, disapproved of Yang Ze’s actions, but he was helpless and could also understand his reasoning.

Given Yang Ze’s current display of talent, Yuyang City was already too small a stage for him. At eighteen, already at the advanced stage of Qi Induction, his future would be bleak if he remained here. Only by leaving could he hope for more.

If he were to leave alone and venture out into the world, it would undoubtedly be fraught with difficulties. But if he could enter the Martial Institute of Wuyang, he would leap across social classes in a single bound.

Strapping a long saber to his back, Yang Ze mounted a swift horse and rode straight for the yamen, for that was where the Martial Institute’s examination would be held—a detail he had not forgotten.

When he arrived outside the yamen, the scene before him left him dumbfounded.

The place was surrounded by a sea of people—martial artists and commoners from all over the city crowded together so tightly that not even a crack remained. At a glance, Yang Ze couldn’t begin to estimate just how many people had gathered.

“These lunatics! There must be tens of thousands here—they’ve turned the place into a living blockade,” Yang Ze gasped, shaking his head in disbelief.

He thought the crowd before him must be mad. There were only a hundred slots for the exam in all of Yuyang, yet so many had come to watch. Among the throng, he even spotted quite a few advanced martial artists—men who, under ordinary circumstances, would be considered elite in the city. Yet now they jostled alongside commoners, which was truly beneath their dignity.

Closer to the yamen, he saw soldiers—half of the city’s garrison had been dispatched here to maintain order. Only the open display of their weapons kept the crowd at bay.

Seeing this, Yang Ze grew irritated. Clearly, there was no chance of getting inside by normal means.

He led his horse to the side, then vaulted into the air, leaping above the crowd. Each time he descended, he stepped on someone’s shoulder for leverage, propelling himself forward.

He had no idea how many shoulders he’d trodden upon before he finally landed at the front of the crowd.

The moment he set down, several soldiers immediately leveled their weapons at him, barring his way.

Yang Ze knew now was not the time for conflict with the guards. He gathered his energy and shouted, “Is there anyone here with the authority to speak?”

His voice, powered by internal force, carried far. Despite the mass of onlookers, none had dared do as Yang Ze had just done.

A soldier in noticeably higher-ranking attire soon emerged, glaring at Yang Ze and barking, “Who are you, making such a ruckus here?”

Yang Ze had used his internal energy to project his voice—none among the crowd had dared such a thing. “I am Yang Ze. I’ve come to take part in the examination, but your men are blocking my way,” he replied. He could have forced his way in, but that would only cause more trouble, and Yang Ze couldn’t afford that now.

“You’re here for the exam? Ridiculous! There’s a special entrance for candidates, but you chose this way instead. Clearly, you’re up to no good!” The officer sneered, refusing to let Yang Ze through.

Seeing the man’s attitude, Yang Ze frowned. He truly hadn’t heard anything about a special entrance. He’d always entered the yamen here. Now, through his own oversight, he’d caused this pointless confrontation.

“This is my examination token, given to me by Chief Constable Yuan of the yamen. May I enter?” Yang Ze suppressed his anger, forcing himself to speak calmly.

“You have a token? I still can’t let you in. Give me the token—I’ll report your presence. If your identity is confirmed, then you may enter.” The officer persisted.

At this, Yang Ze’s expression darkened. The man was clearly bullying him, pushing his luck at every turn. With Yang Ze’s temper, how could he tolerate such treatment? If the token was taken and not returned, everything would have been for nothing.

“I am Yang Ze. Go and inform Chief Constable Yuan. He’ll know who I am.” Yang Ze was barely restraining himself now, his words edged with warning.

“I don’t care what ‘Ze’ you are. If you want in, give me the token. I’ll have it checked, and only then will you be allowed inside. Otherwise, you’ll never set foot through this gate today,” the officer threatened, his men pressing their weapons so close to Yang Ze’s face that the blades nearly touched him.

These soldiers usually only guarded the city and had never dealt with martial artists. They had no idea who Yang Ze was.

Yang Ze could endure no longer. He unleashed a surge of force, sending the three nearest soldiers flying before they could react.

Now that the fight had begun, Yang Ze showed no mercy. He had to break through as quickly as possible, or he’d be surrounded and even he would struggle to escape.

The officer, seeing Yang Ze dare to attack, immediately called for reinforcements, intent on killing him.

A cold light flashed in Yang Ze’s eyes. He struck down those in his way, weaving through the melee until he reached the officer and seized him by the throat.

The officer struggled, demanding Yang Ze release him, but Yang Ze ignored him, tightening his grip, intending to strangle the man.

Just as he was about to finish it, a voice called out from afar, “Brother Yang, stay your hand!”