The Grand Tournament, Part Four

Candlelight filled the guest room, casting two silhouettes onto the paper window.

Arrestor Zhan sat in the seat of honor, a cup of tea in his hand. He did not drink it. Instead, he studied the tense young man across from him and asked in a level voice edged with scrutiny:

"Against Li Xiao, how confident are you?"

Tang Xiu's expression tightened with embarrassment.

He was silent for a moment before speaking, his voice strained with hatred and caution:

"I've trained day and night all these years, never daring to slack off in the slightest, all to avenge my family.

"Every day, I've thought about how to kill Li Xiao with my own hands. With an Exotic Insect at my side and my master's guidance, I thought beating him would be easy enough...

"But after seeing his performance in the Arena today, it seems his strength has improved rather quickly too."

He clenched his fists until his knuckles paled. "I'm afraid... it'll be a bitter fight."

Arrestor Zhan nodded and set down his teacup. His gaze deepened.

He had not come to the Three Origins Sect merely to support Tang Xiu.

A prince stood behind him as well, one who was Huangfu Yulong's rival.

Taking the Three Origins Sect down a peg, blunting Li Xiao's edge, and sounding out the sect's true strength—that was the real purpose of his visit.

He glanced at Tang Xiu and said, offering a word of guidance, "Don't sell yourself short. Li Xiao may be strong, but you've accumulated plenty of trump cards over the years.

"When you enter the arena tomorrow, don't rush into a head-on clash. Wear him down first, then find your chance to strike."

Tang Xiu nodded slowly. Hatred and fighting spirit mingled in his eyes like two flames burning in