The next match had already begun: Gusiluo faced Huo Ayi of the Muzhuolun Tribe. Huo Ayi's martial arts had always been mediocre, and he had never mastered the Three-Part Sword Technique. He had also stayed busy until midnight over his younger sister's affairs, leaving him in poor condition for the match. With all those factors combined, he was defeated by Gusiluo's Tantric martial arts within a few moves.
Zongzan, watching below the stage, was terrified. Gusiluo's martial arts are far superior to mine. When I return, I need to discuss with the Imperial Preceptor whether there is some way to deal with him. Remembering how Jiumozhi had rejected his previous proposal to kill the man, Zongzan grew irritated. If the Imperial Preceptor refuses again this time, I'll organize some experts and assassinate him myself.
As Gusiluo stepped down from the stage, his eyes happened to meet Zongzan's. His gaze shifted between him and Princess Jincheng, whose skirts fluttered beside him. The time is ripe for that plan.
Huo Ayi stepped down with his head hanging low, but Huo Qingtong had expected this. She comforted him gently, "That man is proficient in Tantric martial arts. There's no shame in losing to him. Besides, Princess isn't judging solely by the results of these matches. Big Brother, don't lose heart."
The Ming Cult members nearby all offered words of comfort, and only then did Huo Ayi look somewhat better.
Hulagu Khan took in his reaction from afar and secretly shook his head. Though the Muzhuolun Tribe was currently flourishing, with an heir like this, it was destined not to last. The arrangements he had made within the Muzhuolun Tribe had reached the time to close the net.
Xiao Feng was next on stage. The moment his opponent came up, he directly conceded defeat.