Just in Time

At every tournament, countless young martial artists came from every corner of Cangwu Prefecture.

Some wanted to prove themselves, unwilling to let the years of sweat and worn-down calluses go to waste. Others hoped to win themselves a future.

Crowds surged through the spaces between the arenas.

There were Rogue Cultivators in all manner of clothing, as well as disciples of various sects with weapons at their waists.

Ordinary townsfolk packed the perimeter. Though they could not get in, they could still watch from outside. Many stood on tiptoe; even those who did not practice martial arts were interested in an event this important to Cangwu.

Scions of prominent families watched from the railings of elevated teahouses, discussing the matches that had just ended and predicting who would win next.

Banners snapped in the wind, carrying the young martial artists' ambition and unwillingness to yield high into the sky.

This was the grandest stage in Cangwu Prefecture, where countless dreams began.

The Meridian Opening Realm division was nearing its end.

At the third arena, the official stood beside the platform with a page full of names in his hand. He swept his gaze over the crowd below and announced, "Next match—Bai He versus..."

Bai He stood to one side of the arena, still showing traces of fatigue from his earlier matches, but the sharpness in his eyes had not faded.

He had won several matches in a row. If he won this one too, he would be all but assured of third place in the Meridian Opening Realm division.

If he lost... he would still rank among the top ten.

Either way, resources, renown, and a higher platform for his martial path would open up to him.

It should have been something to look forward to, yet he showed no