After presenting the birthday gifts, everyone moved to the inner hall. Once they had finished the lavish luncheon, the Banquet Duel began.
The Banquet Duel was an annual event, used to vent the grievances and injustices accumulated over the year, as well as to display the strength of each manor.
The group arrived at the rear courtyard of Prison Manor. It was exceptionally spacious, with rows of spectator seats surrounding it and a huge circular platform in the center for sparring and contests.
"At a birthday banquet duel, sparring must stop at the proper point. Do not harm the harmony between us," the prison official shouted down from above. After speaking, he added, "Since Tang Manor has 'fallen into decline,' I will choose another day to summon you all and discuss selecting the new Eight Manors."
Everyone understood that today was not merely an ordinary martial contest, but also an opportunity to display their strength for the new Eight Manors.
"The sparring begins now," the prison official said, then sat down.
The crowd broke into murmurs. No one dared to be the first to step forward, and many gazes settled on a handful of young people.
"It seems no one has dared challenge Cheng Zhishu for two years in a row, right?"
"I wonder whether anyone will challenge Cheng Zhishu this year..."
"Who would dare challenge that monster? He was ambushed and slashed not long ago, yet not only did his strength not decline, it actually improved."
The crowd nodded in agreement, their faces full of awe.
"I heard Yan Jingjing and Tang Yuan have also improved at a frightening pace. This year should be lively."
"It's a pity Tang Yuan didn't come. As for Miss Yan, she doesn't seem to have any desire to contend for fame either."
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