“Tang Ming, how do you want this competition to be decided?” one of the elders asked, his voice calm but carrying across the arena.Tang Ming lifted his chin, pride glinting in his eyes. “A few years ago, I placed eleventh in the herb knowledge test. My name is carved into the stone stele rankings—you can see it for yourself.”There was no modesty in his tone—only certainty. Among the younger generation, he stood alone. Everyone ranked above him had long since died. There was no one left to challenge his claim.“So,” he continued, glancing at Alex, “I’ll take the herb ranking test again. I’m confident I’ll enter the top ten. You should take it too. Whoever ranks higher wins this competition.”“Alright,” Alex said.His voice was flat, almost indifferent. The truth was, he didn’t care.“Good!” Tang Ming grinned, already turning away. “I’ll head to the medical pavilion now.”Without waiting another second, he rushed down the peak toward the stone stele test, his robes fluttering behind h

“Wait—wait!” Lu Nan’s voice cut sharply across the arena as he stepped forward and bowed toward the referee. “I clearly heard him say surrender. Shouldn’t you be announcing that I’ve already won?”The referee turned, his gaze settling on Alex. “Did you just say you surrender?”Alex inclined his head. “Yes. I did.” He paused. “But that was before he insulted my parents. Now… I have no intention of surrendering.”Lu Nan’s expression twisted. “A man’s word, once spoken, should never be taken back!” he shouted.“And a man,” Alex replied coldly, lifting his chin, “never lets anyone insult his parents and walk away.”A faint, dangerous smile touched his lips.“When you lose… believe me, I’ll take your tongue.”A murmur rippled through the crowd.“Referee!” Lu Nan barked, his patience snapping. “You must declare my victory!”The referee raised a hand, leaving no room for argument. “The match will proceed. Jun Jiu has withdrawn his surrender and is willing to continue. Therefore—you will figh