In the two days before the Ranking Battle, the main contests were between the Fourth to Eighth Divisions.
Over those two days, Blackwater Division performed exceptionally well. Against the divisions ranked below them, they won their matches quickly. The three divisions ranked sixth, seventh, and eighth had always received fewer resources and rewards.
They hadn't encountered any heavenly treasures that could defy fate and change their lot, either. So this Ranking Battle was mostly a formality for them; they had no intention of competing against the stronger divisions.
On the evening of the third day, the red sun slanted toward the horizon.
The first round of the Ranking Battle was about to reach its conclusion.
The referee shouted, "The final match of the day! Lin Guanhuo of Blackwater Division versus Zheng Dabiao of Qingyang Division!"
At those words, the entire venue fell abruptly silent.
This was the final match of the first round. Whoever won would claim fourth place and earn the right to compete in the next round, vying for a spot in the top three!
However...
Even if Blackwater Division lost, it didn't matter. They had performed exceptionally well this year, and even in defeat, they could hold on to fifth place.
At that moment, on Qingyang Division's side, Commander Huo Zhan curled his lips into a cruel smile and said to the Green Robe Man beside him, "Dabiao, beat him to a pulp. As long as you don't kill him, I'll take responsibility if you cripple him!"
"Don't worry, Commander. One swing of my hammer and I'll flatten him!"
Zheng Dabiao's name sounded burly, but he himself was rather thin. He wore a loose green robe that hung limply on his frame.
Yet when he leaped onto the arena, he was holding a pair of Purple Gold