Ring of Glory.
It was a massive cavern, naturally formed and then further excavated by hand, its interior broad and level.
At its center stood a circular arena, roughly three to five hundred meters in diameter. Around it were tier upon tier of rising seats for spectators. On the northernmost side stood a naturally raised stone platform.
This enormous cavern was the Shadowblade Clan's most sacred and important place—the Ring of Glory.
Generation after generation of the Shadowblade Clan's Sword Saints had completed their succession within this holy ground.
Under the gaze of countless Orcs, the old Sword Saint died, while the new Sword Saint stood at the center of the arena, bathed in glory. That was what was known as the succession.
Of the two who entered the Ring of Glory, one was destined to die. This was an ancient rule of the Shadowblade Clan. Either the reigning Sword Saint stood atop the challenger's corpse and defended his glory, or the challenger sent off his predecessor and was crowned the new Sword Saint.
And regardless of life or death, as long as they entered the ring, for Orcs who valued honor above life itself, their lives had been worthwhile.
Every battle in the Ring of Glory drew large numbers of Orcs to watch. The Shadowblade Clan did not prevent Orcs from other clans from attending either. The more spectators there were, the greater the honor and applause.
It also benefited the Shadowblade Clan's reputation. Every battle was free publicity.
The battle in the Ring of Glory that day was undoubtedly even more eye-catching.
The reason was simple. The other person entering the Ring of Glory... was a human. And not just any human, but the Prophet renowned across the continent.
Not to mention that the human Prophet was participating