The hour had come. The Hall Examination's ranking battles, held once every four years, were about to begin.
The most nerve-racking moment had arrived.
Yanhuang Academy had sent all five hall masters to oversee the ranking battles in person, a clear sign of how seriously it took them.
The qualifying battles had been overseen only by instructors.
Now that the hour had come, the five hall masters appeared together.
This time, Wei Zikun, master of Phoenix Hall, stood at their center.
Phoenix Hall had been given full charge of this year's Hall Examination ranking battles.
"I am Wei Zikun. Together with the other four hall masters, I welcome you all."
His opening words drew waves of cheers and excited chatter.
The moment everyone had been waiting for was here.
"Before the ranking battles begin, allow me, on behalf of the academy, to welcome the distinguished guests who have come to oversee them."
"With you watching, the academy's ranking battles will be fairer, more rigorous, and more glorious!"
"Many of you do not yet know which esteemed guests are here. Allow me to introduce them!"
Those honored guests were all in private boxes, out of sight of the crowd.
"First, let us welcome His Highness Prince Xuan of the Vermilion Bird royal family!"
"Greetings, Prince Xuan!"
The people gathered here knew their manners. Hearing that Prince Xuan had come in person, they hurried to greet him in unison.
Prince Xuan was the Vermilion Bird King's younger brother, one of the royal family's foremost figures and the king's right-hand man.
Wei Zikun's decision to introduce him first made it clear that he held the highest rank among the guests.
A warm voice came from the most splendid private box. "No need for ceremony. Today belongs to the young. I'm only here to