"You are both men of standing. Please remember that this contest is meant only to settle a dispute, not to sow needless karma anew.
If your two sides can thus live in harmony, it will be a blessing for everyone.
The guild also hopes that this conflict will end here and not spread further..."
Aboard the Treasure Ship, a richly dressed Core Formation elder of the Four Seas Commerce Guild explained the origins of the wagered duel to everyone, then gave Li Ling and Shi Jizi a few pointed reminders.
These were only proper formalities, and Li Ling and Shi Jizi readily agreed.
The Core Formation elder said, "In that case, sign and affix your marks. Let this serve as proof, and neither of you may go back on your word."
No sooner had he spoken than the ship's servants unfurled a bright yellow scroll a little over a foot wide, rolled in the manner of an imperial decree. Within was a contract on which the circumstances and terms of the duel had already been written.
The Core Formation elder first signed and marked it as a witness. Seeing this, Li Ling and Shi Jizi each added their signatures and marks.
As his brush fell and the characters took shape, Li Ling suddenly felt an unseen entanglement of karma. Between heaven and earth, threads of karmic connection seemed to link him, Shi Jizi, and the guild elder together.
"Good. If there is nothing else, the duel may begin. This contest has no rules; any ordinarily permitted means may be used freely. However, each of you must also bear the consequences, so whatever you do, think thrice before acting!"
The Core Formation elder gave the two men this veiled warning.
He then reminded them, "If you feel you cannot prevail, you