The grounds were so vast that Luo Yong truly could not "find" Li Chen anywhere.
Just then, the referee's voice rang out again. "First match: Luo Yong versus Gao Jingnian. Both contestants, please take the stage!"
Hearing his name, Luo Yong's heart tightened, but he quickly composed himself.
He strode onto the martial arena, his gaze resolute and his steps steady.
Yet the moment he took his position, thunderous cheers erupted from the stands. The sound swept toward him like a tsunami, making his eardrums ache.
Luo Yong froze briefly, thinking, Those cheers probably aren't for me, right?
Sure enough, a figure slowly stepped onto the arena from the other side a moment later.
The man wore flowing white robes, looking like an immortal descending into the mortal world.
His features were handsome, and a keen sword intent shone between his brows. He was like an unsheathed blade, its edge laid bare.
With every step he took, sword qi seemed to surge beneath his feet. The faint ringing of swords echoed through the air, and wisps of cloud even gathered above his head, forming a faint sword-shaped apparition.
"It's Gao Jingnian, the Firmament Sword Sect's Skyvault Sword Prodigy!" someone in the stands exclaimed.
"Heavens, it's Gao Jingnian! He's the third seed in this Sword Debate Tournament!"
"I heard he's inherited the Firmament Sword Sect master's true teachings on sword intent. His strength is unfathomable!"
"Who's Luo Yong? I've never even heard of him! Facing Gao Jingnian in the first round? Talk about rotten luck!"
Discussion rose and fell throughout the stands. Almost everyone focused on Gao Jingnian, as though Luo Yong were merely an insignificant supporting player.
Gao Jingnian entered the arena and swept a contemptuous glance over Luo Yong. Then he looked up at Jun Zhantian in the referees'