By the stone table in the judges' area.
Several Main Peak Elders were conferring in low voices, their fingertips occasionally tapping the tabletop. Their gazes swept over the competing disciples below the platform, clearly weighing their first-round performances to determine the rankings.
After a short while, the white-bearded Elder at the head of the group slowly gave a nod, and the others nodded in agreement as well. It was clear they had reached a decision.
Soon, a Main Peak Steward dressed in a gray martial uniform strode onto the Cyan Qilin Platform.
He stood tall and straight, his sharp gaze sweeping over the crowd below, who held their breath in anticipation. He announced in a clear, loud voice, "The top eighteen of this round of the Cyan Qilin Battle are ranked as follows—"
The area below the platform fell silent in an instant. Everyone stared at the Steward on the platform, awaiting the announcement of the top eighteen rankings.
