This gave rise to this special way of earning Battle Merit, a result tacitly approved by the Divine Sea Realm masters of both sides.
The Divine Sea Realm masters still had the authority to award a certain amount of Battle Merit to the victors.
Back when Lu Ye had first arrived and Nian Yuexian had put him through all sorts of ordeals, Nian Yuexian had awarded him Battle Merit whenever he completed a task. Since Nian Yuexian could do that, the Divine Sea Realm cultivators here naturally could as well—and with even greater justification.
Heavenly Mechanism would not punish them for it either.
Moreover, cultivators had never been a group that stayed quietly in line. They were the most competitive and combative of people. Such a venue gave them the perfect place to vent their excess energy and sharpen their combat skills. It could be said to kill several birds with one stone.
"I don't seem to see any cultivators above True Lake Tier Eight," Lu Ye said.
Tong Shuyao smiled. "Junior Brother, your powers of observation are quite keen. Indeed, no cultivators above True Lake Tier Eight are taking part in this. There are even very few at Tier Seven. For one, their Military Ranks are high enough that their Monthly Stipends are considerable, so they do not think much of these meager gains. For another, they can be considered quasi-Divine Sea cultivators. If anyone were injured or killed in such fights, it would be far too costly. Neither pass wants to see that happen."
Lu Ye nodded slightly, then seemingly casually asked, "Which side does our man belong to?"
"The Weapon Cultivator using the spear. I believe his name is Mu Tianxing. His strength is fairly decent."
Mu Tianxing was at True Lake Tier Four. His strength was