Rumble...
Opposite the raised platform stood a combat arena.
Above the arena, a spherical membrane of light roughly a hundred zhang across covered the ground. From a distance, it looked like an overturned bowl.
A round doorway opened in the formation's membrane of light.
The red-robed elder swept his sleeve. "All right, He Pingsheng, Xiao Xuan, enter the arena!"
Xiao Xuan sprang forward and landed gracefully on the stage.
Whatever else might be said of him, that spectacular display of movement alone won cheers from the entire crowd.
He Pingsheng, by contrast, simply jumped up and landed on the stage.
No one cheered.
A fierce-looking Foundation Establishment Realm disciple walked over. "To ensure a fair match, please hand over your Storage Bags!"
"Rest assured, I'll keep them safe for you!"
Both men untied the Storage Bags at their waists and handed them to the fierce-looking man.
Still not satisfied, the man personally searched He Pingsheng and Xiao Xuan. Only after confirming that neither carried any treasure artifacts did he leave.
"You two juniors!" Seated on the raised platform opposite them, the red-robed elder called out, "I trust you heard the rules I just explained!"
"I have one final thing to say!"
"If victory is beyond your reach, don't stubbornly hold out for pride's sake. Surrender when you must. Otherwise, if you lose your life in this arena, our Ice Pole Sect will bear no responsibility!"
As he spoke, he glanced at He Pingsheng with a smile, his expression distinctly mocking.
"All right, the match begins now!"
The red-robed elder swept his sleeve.
Rumble...
The doorway that had just opened in the formation's membrane of light instantly closed.
Although the membrane had closed, everyone outside could still watch the battle within.
The membrane was transparent.
Not only was it transparent, but