The chair Wanyan Tianyue hurled collided with another chair halfway through its flight. Striking each other at full speed, both shattered, scattering broken pieces across the floor. It was Heldan, the Prince of Shajia, who had intervened. He had been the one to propose an alliance with Hu Xiaotian, and Hu Xiaotian had helped him earlier. Now they had to stand together against their enemies. In that respect, Heldan was a man who kept his promises.
Wanyan Tianyue snatched a chair leg from the floor and roared, "Fine, fine, fine! We were bound to settle this sooner or later. I'll send you home right now!"
Not to be outdone, Heldan picked up a chair leg as well and charged with a roar. Like two enraged male lions, they clashed in a flurry of crashing blows.
Most of the hundred finalists regarded one another as enemies. Already restless from waiting, they immediately joined in when they saw someone throw the first blow. Those with grievances sought redress, and those with grudges took revenge. These were all men of standing, most of them spoiled and arrogant fellows who feared neither heaven nor earth. Once violence erupted, it spread rapidly. Even some who stayed out of the fighting took the opportunity to overturn tables and smash benches, venting their resentment toward the Fragrant Kingdom's royal family.
For a time, the entire palace hall descended into chaos, with brawls raging everywhere.
Although more than ten palace attendants and nearly twenty members of the Phoenix Feather Guard were present, none dared step forward at the sight before them. Unfortunately, Deputy Commander Rong Feiyan had gone elsewhere at precisely that moment.
Despite the fighting raging throughout the hall, no one else came near Hu Xiaotian and Shangguan Yunchong. Everyone knew how formidable their martial arts were.