Inside Jade Mountain Hall.
Rows of white crane pedestal lamps stood in two lines, while lotus lamps hanging overhead cast a brilliance as bright as day.
The spacious hall's floor was covered in thick woven pelts of exotic beasts.
These tough pelts could withstand ordinary blades and spears, making them the perfect surface for martial artists to spar upon.
Commander Yuchi Zhong sat motionless in the seat of honor, while Shangguan Ji beside him wore a face as dark as still water.
The Nine Sons of Heavenly Seal and Xie Yan on either side did not look much better.
The army had many masters—this was no empty boast, but something proven through real fighting.
Many so-called masters of the martial world and jianghu had crossed hands with military commanders. Yet most remained tight-lipped afterward and said little.
Given martial artists' usual love of making a name for themselves, one could imagine how those encounters had ended.
Now that Commander Yuchi Zhong had suddenly pulled this move, no one present was a fool. They all guessed that he had some scheme in mind.
Sure enough, Commander Yuchi Zhong smiled faintly and stroked his beard.
"It has been a long time since I last saw the strength of Heavenly Seal Sect's distinguished members. I wonder what outstanding heroes and skilled fighters have emerged in Xuanjing City these days."
His tiger eyes swept over the crowd before he smiled again. "Since it is a martial contest, there ought to be some stakes. Someone, summon Tong'er."
"Yes!"
A personal guard promptly answered, leaving the hall at a jog.
Before long, a set of heavy footsteps slowly drew near Jade Mountain Hall.
Bang.
The doors to the main hall were suddenly pushed open.
An outrageously massive figure, about two and a half meters tall, slowly