In the original plot, Lin Yu did indeed defeat Liang Bufan, but it was because Lin Yu didn't get injured during the Ye Family martial arts competition, and also because of Tang Yunjin's guidance, which helped him advance in ancient martial arts.
But now, not only did he get injured during the Ye Family competition, he was also expelled from the sect by Tang Yunjin.
So, it's understandable that he lost to Liang Bufan.
However, Gu Chenan was unaware of Tang Yunjin expelling Lin Yu from the sect.
Although Tang Yunjin gave him a handwritten copy of the Primordial One Qi Exercise and that letter.
But Tang Yunjin never mentioned this matter from beginning to end.
So when Gu Chenan heard about it from the cheers outside the main hall, he was shocked.
He was puzzled and wanted to go out of the main hall to find out what was going on.
But at this moment, the crowd outside the main hall, led by Old Master Liu, returned to the main hall.
Liang Bufan and Lin Yu walked on either side of Old Master Liu, with the rest of the people surrounding the three of them.
Liang Bufan held his head high, seeming very pleased with the outcome of the competition.
While Lin Yu looked somewhat dejected, keeping his head down and saying nothing.
Gu Chenan was completely confused.
He wasn't afraid of the plot collapsing, as the plot had already collapsed long ago, and this wouldn't make much of a difference.
What puzzled him was how Lin Yu, as the son of destiny, could lose like this.
Could it be that the heavens no longer favored Lin Yu as their own son?
"Hehehe."
Old Master Liu sat down at the table, with a smile on his face, and said to everyone, "Indeed, heroes emerge from the young. Although Lin Yu, little brother, lost to Bufan, his skills have truly impressed me."
With that, he looked at Lin Yu and said, "Lin Yu, little brother, there's no need to be discouraged. It's normal to lose to Bufan after he has been practicing martial arts for many years."
Everyone knew that Old Master Liu was comforting Lin Yu.
But Lin Yu shook his head ungratefully and said, "Old Master Liu, losing is losing. I admit it!"
"You don't need to save face for me. I, Lin Yu, am the kind of person who can accept defeat."
With that, he looked at Gu Chenan outside the crowd and gritted his teeth, "If it weren't for someone, I wouldn't have lost so miserably!"
"What the heck? What does it have to do with me?"
"Even though I don't know what happened between you and Tang Yunjin, it definitely has nothing to do with me!"
"You blame me for losing the competition? Am I the one who made you lose so badly?"
Gu Chenan rolled his eyes at Lin Yu and crossed his arms, turning his head away.
In fact, what Lin Yu said wasn't wrong. If it weren't for Tang Yunjin being able to hear Gu Chenan's thoughts, Tang Yunjin wouldn't have expelled Lin Yu from the sect.
And even under Tang Yunjin's guidance, his ancient martial arts would have improved significantly.
But Old Master Liu's expression suddenly froze when he saw his reaction.
Although Lin Yu said he could accept defeat, wasn't he just passing the buck?
Old Master Liu had just asked the wealthy merchant about the situation on the day of the Ye Family martial arts competition.
So he knew that Gu Chenan knocked him unconscious during the competition.
So in Old Master Liu's eyes, Lin Yu's words took on a completely different meaning.
He looked a bit displeased and thought to himself.
What does he mean by saying if it weren't for someone, he wouldn't have lost so badly? Is it because Chenan knocked him unconscious during the competition, so he's using that as an excuse for losing today's competition?
Ridiculous!
In an instant, Lin Yu's image took a nosedive in Old Master Liu's estimation.
Losing the match was trivial, but refusing to acknowledge it and making excuses afterward spoke volumes about one's character!
Being a sore loser was the most shameful behavior!
Suddenly, Old Master Liu's thoughts shifted to Gu Chenan.
Almost involuntarily, he compared Gu Chenan to Lin Yu in his mind, then shook his head gently.
Chenan was indifferent to fame and fortune, taking victory or defeat in his stride.
But this Lin Yu?
Not only did he lose and refuse to admit it, but he also blamed Chenan for it!
I was thinking of lending Lin Yu a hand in certain matters, but now...
That's completely out of the question!
Though I, Liu Zhenshan, will still treat you as a benefactor of the Liu family, that's where my support ends.
I know better than anyone that people with questionable character aren't worthy of strong support.
And the others present shared similar thoughts with Old Master Liu.
Originally, losing the match wouldn't have bothered anyone, but Lin Yu's words immediately shifted everyone's opinion of him.
Some even smirked and exchanged glances after Lin Yu finished speaking, shaking their heads in disdain.
...
At this moment, Liang Bufan looked eagerly and greedily at Gu Chenan, who stood on the sidelines.
The match with Lin Yu was just the appetizer; challenging Gu Chenan would be the main course!
Even if he won against Gu Chenan, it wouldn't change anything.
But as a martial artist, he naively believed that defeating Gu Chenan would prove his superiority to everyone!
Moreover, he wanted to see Gu Chenan admit defeat, to offset his jealousy towards him.
More importantly, he wanted to shine in front of Liu Mingrui, to make her take notice of him.
Liang Bufan walked up to Old Master Liu and bowed respectfully, saying, "Old Master Liu, may I challenge someone else?"
Upon hearing this, the atmosphere in the hall, which had already cooled down, suddenly erupted into a buzz of excitement.
Everyone was eager to see what would unfold next, not minding the drama.
"Who is Mr. Liang challenging?"
"Hahaha, more drama to watch! I wasn't satisfied with the last one."
"Is Mr. Liang a martial arts fanatic or something?"
Old Master Liu, upon hearing Liang Bufan's words, already knew who he wanted to challenge.
He shrugged and said, "You can challenge whoever you want. If he's willing to spar with you, I have no objections."
"Thank you, Old Master Liu."
With Old Master Liu's approval, Liang Bufan straightened up and stared intently at Gu Chenan.
As his gaze shifted towards Gu Chenan, everyone else followed suit, their attention now fixed on Gu Chenan.
Sensing countless eyes on him, Gu Chenan turned around, looking bewildered.
"What's going on now?"
"Why the heck are you all staring at me when this has nothing to do with me? Are you trying to mess with me?"
At this moment, Gu Chenan noticed Liang Bufan, his eyes brimming with intense competitiveness, and his pupils suddenly contracted.
"What the heck? Are you trying to challenge me?"
"One Lin Yu isn't enough for you? You're looking for trouble with me?"
"I'm the notorious delinquent of Donghai. Aren't you afraid of provoking me? I could have you sent to Southeast Asia for underground fights!"
Liang Bufan inclined slightly towards Gu Chenan, making a gesture of "please."
"Master Gu, would you care to spar with me?"
His words caused a stir throughout the venue.
"Master Gu, Mr. Liang actually wants to spar with Master Gu!"
"I can't believe it, I've never seen Master Gu's skills before!"
"Neither have I. If we get to see Master Gu in action today, it'll be worth it!"
Gu Chenan, with an air of indifference, closed his eyes momentarily.
[Alright, forget about grabbing you for an underground fight, I'll just grab you and teach you a lesson!]
[Seriously, are you made of iron? Could you at least respect my background?]
[I'm the young master of the Gu family in Donghai, can you just challenge me so recklessly? Geez!]