The fighters from both sides stood facing each other, their gazes filled with scrutiny and provocation.
"Pray. Pray you don't run into me. Otherwise, heh heh."
One of the Huo Family's five fighters was the first to throw out a threat.
"Really? I'd like to see what ability gives you the nerve to be so arrogant."
Li Tianci sneered.
For a moment, the tension between the two sides grew even fiercer.
"All right, come draw lots."
Li Tiangang took out the set of drawing tools used for the monthly competition.
The Li Family drew first, followed by the Huo Family.
"Those who drew number one, step onto the platform."
At that shout, the two fighters who had drawn number one walked onto the platform.
On the Li Family's side, it was Li Qingshan.
"Li Qingshan." "Huo Wu."
After announcing their names, the two drew their weapons and faced off.
This time, their weapons were no longer toy-like wooden sabers and swords, but real steel blades.
Their sharp edges gleamed dazzlingly in the sunlight.
Though these were only standard-issue weapons of ordinary durability, their power was certainly considerable in the hands of martial artists, especially this group, whose weakest members had reached the blood-qi third transformation.
"Begin!"
After announcing the start, the referee darted into a corner of the platform.
There were two such referees, one from the Li Family and one from the Huo Family, each there to protect his family's juniors at a critical moment.
Of course, whichever referee intervened first would effectively be conceding defeat, ending the fight.
After the referee announced the start, Li Qingshan and Huo Wu did not attack immediately, but watched each other warily.
"Li Qingshan, was it? Have you ever killed anyone? Do you know what killing feels like?"
"Let me tell you,