At dawn, as the first light spread across the sky,
the Yao Clan's Qingqiu arena was already packed with people.
The arena stood in the center of the valley, its floor paved with dark green basalt. Members of the Yao Clan had long since crowded around it. The First Branch and Second Branch stood in starkly separate groups, lined up on the eastern and western sides.
"Sis, look at how calm Young Master Gu is. He'll definitely be fine."
Yao Qingdai gripped Yao Qingluo's sleeve tightly, her little face brimming with excitement. Her bright eyes were fixed on Gu Changfeng, who was polishing his spear. "That Han Li looks scary, but he's just putting on a show. We still have Young Master Liu, too. We have a great chance of winning this time."
Yao Qingluo managed a smile, but her heart felt heavy. She glanced across the arena. Everyone on the Second Branch's side wore confident smiles, especially her cousin, Yao Qingyun, who watched them with mocking eyes, as if they were a flock of lambs waiting to be slaughtered.
"I hope so." Yao Qingluo sighed and glanced unconsciously at Qin Jue in the corner.
The young man looked relaxed and carefree. He was even taking an interested look at the terrain around him. There wasn't a trace of nervousness on his face; he seemed more like he'd come to stroll through a market.
Three grand armchairs stood in a row on the raised platform to the north.
"Hmph. The First Branch is as thickheaded as ever."
The gaunt old woman on the right rolled prayer beads between her fingers. The words she spoke, however, were vicious to the extreme. "They're practically on their last breath, yet they still cling to the Purple Haze Medicine Field. They should just hand