A Grand Scene

The day that had made Fang Zheng so nervous finally arrived.

At the entrance to Banshan Arena, citizens flocked in swarms, though fortunately they were all people arranged in advance.

In the bustling crowd, different groups were clearly distinguishable.

The Sanitation Team and the Inferno Gang showed their disciplined training, standing in neat rows waiting to enter.

A group of people chatting idly with little enthusiasm were obviously from Taoyuan County.

The most distinct were those who had bought tickets, all crowding chaotically at the entrance.

Curses and shouts arose. Fortunately, people from the City Garrison came to help.

Added to that, Xie Xian and many other reporters maintained order at the scene.

The reporters, walking the streets and alleys daily, had already become minor celebrities in the capital.

Having them maintain order was perfect.

Amidst the bobbing heads, people occasionally called out reporters' names.

The reporters felt honored!

As time passed, the entrance gates slowly began to open.

Two rows of soldiers walked out from the spacious entrance, swords at their waists, looking fully prepared.

The crowd was guided into several rows and began security checks as they entered...

On the other side of the imperial city, a solemn and grand procession attracted many gazes.

Many commoners stealthily observed the imperial palanquin through the imperial guards' encirclement.

Fang Zheng rode on horseback alongside Paba, with Chilie behind them.

At this moment, Fang Zheng was still pondering yesterday's arrangements, checking for any oversights.

When he thought of uncertain areas, he would occasionally furrow his brow.

Paba, noticing this, mistakenly thought he was worried.

He smiled, "Brother Fang, it's just an ordinary contest, no need to worry."

He hadn't been idle these past days. Although trade negotiations weren't finalized, through indirect inquiries, he felt there was an 80% chance of success!

He'd also been gathering information about Fang Zheng's identity.

His impression of Fang Zheng had changed repeatedly.

Although Fang Zheng was young, he clearly had ability.

The flourishing development of Banshan District was definitely driven by his efforts!

Moreover, opinions about him at court were mixed.

A small portion believed he was exceptionally capable, while more saw him as a bootlicker, silver-tongued, and shameless.

But Paba clearly sided with the capable group.

Developing Banshan District, managing Jianjiang's famine... his poor reputation must be due to officials' jealousy.

Such things weren't unusual; they happened everywhere.

Additionally, the Great Eunuch Guo Tianyang had an excellent relationship with him, and Prime Minister Li Yansong was his uncle-in-law.

These were all accurate pieces of information.

He now had a complete understanding of Fang Zheng!

Fang Zheng looked back at Chilie and said calmly, "I'm not worried about anything else. You should be more concerned about Chilie."

"In the combat arena, fists and feet know no mercy, injuries are inevitable. I hope the Master doesn't take offense."

Paba laughed briefly before falling silent.

This Fang Zheng might be a decent person, but he was too arrogant about this matter!

Chilie was not only skilled in hand-to-hand combat, but his spear techniques were exceptional, giving him the valor of ten thousand men!

It was only because the competition couldn't be on horseback. Cavalry battle was Chilie's true strength! Even if Zhang Biao was stronger, he absolutely wouldn't be a match for Chilie in a single round!

In this contest, Chilie would certainly win!

Seeing his confident expression, Fang Zheng couldn't help feeling annoyed.

"Master, regardless of the outcome of this contest, we must display the style of both our countries, as we are engaged in friendly exchanges."

"After reaching the arena, I'll arrange for someone to accompany Chilie to prepare for entry."

"After entering, a host will introduce Chilie to all the spectators. If you have any introduction, you can give it to me in advance, and I'll arrange for preparations below."

Host? Introduction?

Paba thought for a moment and understood. This wasn't anything new; they had similar setups for competitions in the Northern Rong.

"This combat should speak through strength, no need for too much complexity. How about something like..."

"First Warrior of the Grasslands, Peerless in Mounted Combat! How's that?"

Hehe, once Chilie appears, does he even need words? His strength is written all over his face.

All that flashy stuff is useless!

Fang Zheng clicked his tongue, increasingly annoyed. Go ahead and boast!

Disdainful in his heart, he replied politely, "Excellent! Excellent!"

"Brother Fang, would it be possible for Chilie to enter on horseback? The horse can be led away when the contest begins."

"Of course, a small matter." Fang Zheng responded calmly.

Seeing Fang Zheng so accommodating, Paba was also pleased.

Though Chilie was fierce enough, he didn't mind making the entrance even more spectacular!

"I wonder how Zhang Biao will be introduced? Has Brother Fang prepared anything?" Paba asked curiously.

"Zhang Biao, though strong, isn't famous, only reaching the position of constable. I hope the Master won't laugh," Fang Zheng said humbly.

Paba chuckled, "Brother Fang is too modest! Great Jing is full of talent, with many hidden masters among the people. I'm quite looking forward to it!"

After that, the two rode in silence.

The grand procession finally arrived at Banshan Arena.

By now, all spectators had been arranged inside the arena.

From outside, the muffled conversations of tens of thousands could be heard.

This time, besides witnessing the frantically promoted "World's First Martial Arts Tournament" in the newspapers, more importantly, the Emperor would be present!

Having the chance to see the imperial countenance was a lifetime's blessing.

At this moment, the Emperor's palanquin was heavily guarded, and at Guo Tianyang's call, they began to enter.

Emperor Jing's seat was specially arranged.

Placed in the middle at the back of the spectator stands, surrounded by walls on three sides.

Except for the civil and military officials, the seats in front, behind, and to the sides were all guarded by escorts.

One could tell from their eyes that they were no ordinary fighters.

Unless there was an earthquake, meteorite, or other natural disaster, the Emperor would face absolutely no safety issues!

Fang Zheng observed with cold sweat.

Emperor Jing usually didn't put on airs, but with foreign guests today, appearances had to be maintained.

Such a grand display was his first time seeing it!

Fortunately Yibai's plot was discovered early. With her meager skills, she probably would have been hacked to pieces the moment she pulled out the crossbow!

When the Emperor led the officials to their seats, the citizens in Banshan Arena immediately quieted.

The entire arena fell silent, with everyone's gaze fixed on Emperor Jing.

The Taoyuan County citizens quickly put away the prepared red banners, many excited to see the Emperor and Fang Zheng beside him.

The civil and military officials were also amazed by the arena.

Twenty thousand people seated neatly in one venue, such a spectacular scene was rarely seen outside of military reviews.

It was truly magnificent!

Emperor Jing remained calm, his gaze sweeping across the arena, noticing people standing in the highest row around the arena, with instruments like zithers and drums in front of them.

Each person even had a trumpet in front of their instrument.

Emperor Jing curiously asked Fang Zheng, "Minister Fang, what are those people doing up there?"

Fang Zheng leaned close to him and whispered, "Your Majesty, nothing much, just a program!"

Program? Another new program?

Emperor Jing's heart began to secretly anticipate!

Then he looked at what was directly opposite him!

Opposite was a small building with a huge window, from which an object protruded, vaguely appearing to be a round object... but he couldn't tell what it was.

So he pointed toward it, about to inquire.

Before he could speak, Li Yuanzhao beside him spoke first.

"Imperial Father! That's a bell! It's used to amplify sound!"

A bell?

Emperor Jing observed carefully and realized it was indeed a huge bronze bell, only its bottom was facing him, which was why he hadn't recognized it.

Fang Zheng immediately explained, "Your Majesty! That's called a broadcasting room! People inside explain the competition for those who can't understand or see clearly."

The commentator opposite was the iron-lunged host from Banshan Square.

This time, to give Zhang Biao extra buffs, he had been specially recruited.

The original small trumpets were no longer used; the bronze bell had been dismantled from the Fuyun Temple ruins and simply modified.

Fuyun Temple had been abandoned for a long time due to "Approaching Science," overgrown with weeds.

Though the temple had an owner, Fang Zheng hadn't disturbed it much, only sending people to find Abbot Hongcheng to buy it back.

Unfortunately, they never found him, only rumors of a wild man resembling the abbot in the mountains.

Since they couldn't find him, and leaving it unused would be wasteful, the bronze bell was "borrowed" for temporary use!

Emperor Jing observed further, his smile growing.

"Good... Minister Fang has put in great effort!"