The quarterfinal arena was packed.
Thousands of spectators from all five sects, plus independent cultivators who'd traveled to witness the tournament. The energy was electric, everyone wanted to see if the "damaged genius" could compete against a healthy Stage 9.
[AUDIENCE: 3,000+]
[BETTING POOLS: HEAVILY FAVOR FENG ZHOU]
[ODDS: 9-TO-1 AGAINST YOU]
[NO PRESSURE]
Feng Zhou stood across the arena, radiating confidence and Stage 9 power. His crimson robes seemed to ripple with barely-contained Qi, and his smile promised pain.
"Last chance to forfeit," he called out. "Save yourself the humiliation."
"I'm good, thanks."
[TRASH TALK: INITIATED]
[PSYCHOLOGICAL WARFARE: MILD]
[HE'S TRYING TO RATTLE YOU]
The judge, a neutral elder from Golden Summit Sect, raised his hand. "Quarterfinal Match One. Lin Tian of Azure Peak versus Feng Zhou of Crimson Peak. Standard rules apply. Begin!"
[COMBAT INITIATED]
[MAY WHATEVER GODS EXIST HAVE MERCY]
Feng Zhou attacked immediately.
