The next morning, a martial arts arena somewhere in the Imperial Capital was already buzzing with activity.
At the center of the enormous arena stood a broad fighting platform, tightly enclosed by railings, with countless seats packed densely around it.
Though dawn had only just broken, the venue was already filled to capacity.
The crowd sat in their assigned places in perfect order.
At this moment, the arena roared with voices. Most people wore splendid Brocade Robes, displaying their respective identities and status.
Nearly every prominent major faction in the Great Xia Dynasty had gathered here. Quite a few court officials were also seated among them, and the atmosphere was fervent yet tense.
Amid the crowd, discussions rose and fell one after another.
"Sect Leader Huang, have you heard?"
A middle-aged man in a green robe spoke quietly to the person beside him.
"Heard what?" Sect Leader Huang frowned slightly, clearly intrigued by the man's words.
"This Martial Arts Grand Competition seems not to be overseen by the Heavenly Rites Division Director," the middle-aged man said in a lowered voice, his tone carrying a trace of doubt.
"Oh?"
"That is rather strange."
Sect Leader Huang stroked his chin and said thoughtfully, "By past custom, the Martial Arts Grand Competition has always been presided over by the Heavenly Rites Division Director, one of the six major divisions."
"Why has this Martial Arts Grand Competition not only been moved forward, but also had its chief examiner changed at the last minute?"
"Yes, yes!"
An elderly man in purple robes beside them echoed, "Still, such matters are not something people like us need concern ourselves with."
"In any case, our Azure Jade Sect is determined to claim one of the top hundred places for the Spirit Ruins Land!"
Hearing this, Sect Leader Huang