"Where?" Han Li snapped back to attention, his voice tinged with urgency.
"Over there!" Li Feiyu pointed with a trembling hand.
Following his direction, Han Li's eyes fell upon a pale-faced Zhang Xiaoxue, standing in a corner of the crowd. She was accompanied by two other female participants of the duel. Dressed in a delicate white silk gown, her delicate lips were slightly pursed, and she looked fragile, like a white flower caught in the wind.
"How could someone as delicate as Zhang Xiaoxue participate in such a bloody duel? Has Wang gone mad?" Han Li couldn't believe his eyes, his voice filled with disbelief.
"Xiaoxue is a core disciple of the Seven Celestial Sect, didn't I tell you?" Li Feiyu replied, a bitter smile playing on his lips as he revealed an unexpected piece of information.
Han Li fell silent. It was clear that the remaining experts of the Seven Celestial Sect were few, and that Wang Juechu had no mercy, even sending someone as fragile as Zhang Xiaoxue into this deadly fight. It seemed that he was indeed going all-in.
"Brother, enough with the words. I need to be with Xiaoxue, you take care of yourself." Li Feiyu clapped Han Li on the shoulder gently, his tone soft, before turning to push through the crowd toward Zhang Xiaoxue.
Before he had taken more than a couple of steps, Han Li sighed behind him. Then, with a flick of his sleeve, Han Li appeared beside him in a flash.
"What's the big deal? It's just a death contract duel. This small matter won't stop me. Since we're friends, I'll help you out." Han Li smiled, his expression as calm as ever.
Li Feiyu stopped in his tracks, turned around, and, with a forceful punch to Han Li's chest, said in a low voice, "Good brother! Thanks a lot!"
Han Li didn't reply, his smile growing wider. As he had said, part of the reason he was accompanying Li Feiyu was their strong bond—after all, they had been through much together. He couldn't stand by and watch his friend go off alone. On top of that, Han Li was confident in his abilities, especially with his mastery of Fireball Art and the Wind Control Technique. He didn't believe that the so-called elites of the Wild Wolf Gang could pose much of a threat. He was eager to test his strength.
The two of them made their way out of the crowd, pushing forward with determination. As they reached the front, they tore off their Water Gate sect robes, revealing their Seven Celestial Sect uniforms underneath.
The sudden shift in attire, coupled with their bold appearance, stunned both sides. For a moment, no one moved to stop them, allowing them to easily approach Wang Juechu.
"Vice Hall Master Li Feiyu!"
"Dr. Han Li!"
Several Seven Celestial Sect disciples, recognizing the two men, couldn't help but exclaim in surprise.
Zhang Xiaoxue, spotting Li Feiyu, couldn't contain her joy. Her face lit up with delight, and though surrounded by so many people, she was clearly tempted to run into his arms and speak her heart.
Wang Juechu, too, recognized them. His eyes flickered with surprise, clearly taken aback by their unexpected appearance.
"Vice Hall Master Li Feiyu, Dr. Han Li." Li Feiyu called out in a loud voice, his tone respectful. "We wish to sign the death contract and join the duel. We ask the Sect Leader to grant us this opportunity."
Before Wang Juechu could respond, Li Feiyu made his request clear, and Han Li, standing by his side, remained silent, appearing as if he were following Li Feiyu's lead.
After hearing Li Feiyu's request, Wang Juechu had prepared a scolding, but upon seeing the determined look in Li Feiyu's eyes, he swallowed his words. A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth as he spoke in a tone that was unexpectedly warm, "Well! As expected of a loyal disciple of our Seven Celestial Sect. With Vice Hall Master Li Feiyu joining the duel, our chances of winning have certainly increased. However, Dr. Han, perhaps you should refrain from participating. After all, your medical skills are valuable to our sect, and if you were injured in the duel, it would be a great loss."
Han Li smiled faintly, and before anyone could react, he shifted his body, vanishing from sight without a sound.
Wang Juechu, taken aback, began to turn around, searching for Han Li. Just as he did, he heard a lazy voice from behind, "I wonder, Sect Leader, if my skills are still worthy of your attention? Even if I join the duel, I believe I can protect myself. Please allow me to demonstrate my loyalty to the sect."
Wang Juechu froze, shock rippling through him. He had never expected Dr. Han, known for his medical expertise, to possess such terrifying agility. Han Li had silently appeared behind him without him even noticing.
"What incredible skill! Who exactly is this person? What is his true purpose in the sect?" A flood of unsettling thoughts poured into Wang Juechu's mind.
He turned to face Han Li, who appeared harmless, but the unease in his heart intensified. Wang Juechu glanced at his three masters behind him, and to his surprise, all three had their expressions shift subtly, their eyes filled with unease. Clearly, they were also startled by Han Li's impressive skills.
Countless thoughts raced through Wang Juechu's mind, but after several moments of hesitation, he made a decision. He suddenly burst into laughter and, in a warm tone, said, "Since Dr. Han has shown such loyalty to our sect, how could I possibly refuse? Very well."
He raised a hand, pointing to two of the weakest disciples who were meant to participate in the duel, instructing them to step aside. Han Li and Li Feiyu would replace them, and with a wave of his hand, he ordered for the death contract to be signed immediately. The two of them were the first to put their names down, officially joining the deadly contest.
From the sidelines, Jia Tianlong had been watching the entire scene unfold. While he was surprised that the Seven Celestial Sect had added two more participants, he didn't let it bother him. After all, he was confident in the Golden Light Taoist's flying sword technique, which he believed could easily overwhelm any ordinary opponents.
Once both sides had signed the death contracts and exchanged them, the blood-soaked duel was about to begin.