Chapter 50: Before it Begins

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The eyes of the numerous delegations waiting for the tournament to start follow them as they make their way inside the arena.

Whether it is a school, a Clan, or a Sect, each faction is only allowed to enter up to ten members in the Eastern Port City Tournament. This rule was put in place because the larger factions would send unfairly large delegations. That way, they would claim the top spots through numerical superiority. It is said the Xiao Sect once sent a delegation of over a hundred people.

Such tactics are no longer allowed.

Despite that restriction, the number of participants in the Eastern Port City Tournament is still in the hundreds.

That is why the group stage is held first.

All contestants are randomly divided into groups of ten where they must face each other in one-on-one matches. The top two fighters from each group will move to the next round. Since holding the fights one at a time would take too long, the group matches happen all simultaneously.

The true tournament begins right after that and continues until the Top 16 are chosen. The following fights will take place over the next two days, meaning the tournament lasts three days in total.

That is the Eastern Port City Tournament.

Big Nose Li guides them inside the arena, away from the noise and the crowd and into a more private area.

He opens a door for them, and they are greeted by the sight of Xiao Fang. The Xiao Sect’s Young Master sits on a large, luxurious chair as though it were a throne. Standing beside him is the rest of Xiao Sect’s delegation.

“I see we’re finally all here.”

Xiao Fang addresses them as they make their way in, but he makes no move to stand up. Liu Jin never expected any differently.

“I do apologize if we made you wait,” Liu Jin says, taking the lead. He looks around the room for a moment, taking it in. It is spacious and has a good view of the arena below. Already the attendants are setting the rings for the group stages.

“I thought all participants had to wait in the main lobby.”

Xiao Fang snorts.

“We are the Xiao Sect, brother-in-law. It is only natural for us to receive special treatment.”

Brother-in-law?

It takes a lot of effort for Liu Jin not show any outward reaction to that. It has been over a year since he married Xiao Shuang. It has been over a year since he became Xiao Fang’s brother-in-law.

This is the first time Xiao Fang has ever referred to him as such.

While it is true the Xiao Sect must present a united front for the tournament, Liu Jin never imagined Xiao Fang would be willing to go this far. Rather, he had expected Xiao Fang to hold a grudge due to how their spar ended.

“Of course, how foolish of me, brother-in-law.” The words feel foreign to his mouth. Saying them is not unpleasant, but it is certainly weird. “You are right. We are the Xiao Sect.”

Even as Liu Jin speaks, he feels some tension draining away from the room.

Had the other disciples expected them to be at odds with each other?

“Indeed, we are.”

Xiao Fang rises from his seat. The moment he does, all eyes in the room go back to him.

“We are the Xiao Sect,” he repeats. “That is why all eyes will be on us. Those out there have already noticed we have only sent Inner Disciples for this tournament. Some of them foolishly think that means we have grown weak. Others feel this is a slight against them. That we’re insulting them by not sending our strongest.”

Xiao Fang throws his arm to the side in a wide sweeping motion. His words come out clearly and with authority to them, as befits the Young Master of the Xiao Sect.

“However, that has nothing to do with us! Their opinions do not matter to us! Whether they feel offended or not is of no consequence! We are the Xiao Sect! This tournament is ours to win! We have chosen to only send Inner Disciples this time around. What of it?! If we have done so, it is because that is all we need to win!”

It isn’t true. The reason why only Inner Disciples were sent this time is due to an agreement made with the Yun Sect. Liu Jin knows that to be the case, and he is certain Xiao Fang knows it as well. He is even sure most of the Inner Disciples present have figured it out already.

However, they cheer all the same. Xiao Fang’s words just now are something they all needed to hear.

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“The Xiao Sect will win!”

Everyone echoes Xiao Fang’s words, their voices now full of confidence. Liu Jin doesn’t particularly care for such things, but he joins in regardless.

Once the cheers fade, Xiao Fang takes back his seat and motions over to Li. The Inner Disciple gives a start before moving to the center of the room and clearing his throat.

“As we all know, our Xiao Sect has worked tirelessly to gather information on every participant. With your permission, this Li will now go over what we know so far.”

It is information they have all received. The Xiao Sect made sure to gather intel on all noteworthy participants and gave it to all members of their delegation. Liu Jin has already spent many nights memorizing it, and he knows the same can be said for Su An. He doubts the other disciples have done any differently.

That is why he can’t help but tune out Big Nose Li.

“… Of course, Yun Han’s Severing Palm has been noted to be quite potent. He’ll, without a doubt, be a most serious threat. However, the Yun Sect isn’t the only one who’ll oppose us. The Seven Leaves School is relatively new but is said to have many strong disciples competing. Among them are…”

Liu Jin resists the urge to yawn.