The Midlife Martial God - Episode 9

When Ethan publicly questions the fairness of the Mystic Tortoise Stele, a revered artifact guarded by the Martial Arts Hall of Riveria, Hall Master Victor Shaw arrives to confront him. Shaw harshly reproaches Ethan, accusing him of jealousy and slander against Mark Bowen, a respected prodigy nearing Grandmaster level. As punishment for disrupting the hall's order, Ethan’s advanced martial artist certification is put under review for a year, effectively sidelining him. Despite the reprimand, Ethan reminds them that an unresolved bet between him and Mark remains, leaving tension unresolved as the episode closes.