After everyone had placed their bets and the betting was closed, they returned to the edge of the arena and watched the two onstage, making their comments.
"Yuan Guanhai is at the peak of the eighth level of the Xiantian Realm. The woman taking his place is only at the seventh level. There's no suspense in this match."
"Hard to say. Maybe the girl has some powerful magical treasure."
"A magical treasure? Does Yuan Guanhai not have one? The Purple Cloud Mace he used in the first two rounds is a high-grade treasure."
"Not one of the people who fought Yuan Guanhai in the first two rounds walked away on their own two feet. This girl is in for a world of trouble."
"What a pity. Such a fine young talent."
The scholar who had placed a heavy bet listened to the whispers around him, his heart turning to ice. He could only sigh at how foolish he had been.
Gu Rentong returned to his original spot, looking utterly at ease as he closed his eyes to rest.
Elder Xin finished explaining the rules of the match and looked toward Shi Lan and Yuan Guanhai.
"Do either of you have any objections to the rules?"
Shi Lan and Yuan Guanhai shook their heads together.
"In that case, let the match begin!"
After speaking, Elder Xin took a step back, crossing several dozen yards and landing at the edge of the arena.
Yuan Guanhai stared intently at Shi Lan and gave her a leering smile. "I won't give you the chance to surrender..."
Before his words had even faded, Yuan Guanhai's vision blurred. A fair, delicate fist wrapped in a massive, pale-gold fist aura shot straight for his face, filling his entire field of vision!
Yuan Guanhai's expression changed dramatically.