The lots were drawn in the morning, and the matches began that afternoon. Each arena had officials from the Imperial Court and the martial world overseeing it, along with the competing experts and their friends and family.
The rules were actually very simple: aside from a ban on poison-coated weapons, there were no restrictions. In principle, contestants could freely use weapons, fists, or feet-even hidden weapons.
Although hidden weapons could include darts, steel needles, and a host of other implements, sleeve crossbows and mechanical devices were forbidden. Only projectiles thrown using one's own martial power were permitted.
At the edge of the rocky slope south of the city, several hundred people surrounded this arena alone. A Fei and the others stood among them, while two martial artists fought inside the marked boundaries.
Both combatants' moves were fierce, their exchanges swift, and their lightness skills exceptional.
They moved over the uneven, rock-strewn slope as though treading level ground, fists and palms crossing as bursts of force flew in every direction.
Both wanted a quick victory, knowing more grueling battles awaited them. Once they finished probing each other, the outcome was often decided swiftly.
One ultimately proved more skilled. He used an entangling move to restrain his opponent's favored right hand, then jabbed him in the chest. As his opponent staggered, he swiftly seized his throat.
"Thank you for the match!"
The victor then cupped his fist graciously. Though unwilling to accept defeat, the loser had no choice. He returned the salute and left.
Mai Jinghua offered his assessment from the sidelines.
"Both have very solid foundations. The one who lost wouldn't have gone down so quickly if he'd fought steadily. Youthful hotheadedness got the better of him. Fei, remember: don't rush, and don't lose your composure."
"I understand, Father."
A military