Treasure Hunting

Sara and Lewis sat side by side at the elevated platform in front of the training ground. Several stewards sat on both sides. Elva stood motionlessly on one side. She had her usual icy look that attracted the loving stares of many disciples.

A bell rang loudly. Eight disciples including Zachary walked in a single row and entered the competition area.

The runoff was composed of three rounds of one-on-one matches. Drawing lots was done at the beginning of each round to determine the match-ups. When the eight disciples completed walking into the competition area, the lots had been prepared for them to draw from.

But just before the disciples started drawing lots, Sara suddenly stood up from her seat and walked towards the front of the platform. Everyone fell silent and the drawing of lots was paused as everyone's attention became focused on her.

"Before the competition begins, I have something to say," Sara said in a calm voice. Her eyes slowly swept the crowd as she spoke.

The disciples cocked their heads to listen; some leaned forward in anticipation of her next words.

"I want all of you to know that at this point, after the preliminary and intermediary contests, these eight disciples who have qualified to enter the runoff should be considered as elite warriors of Welkin Sect. Even if they don't make it to join the Celestial College, they will attain success in the future by cultivating hard. And by that time, I am sure they will be more qualified than anybody else to be enrolled at the Celestial College. Therefore, in order to encourage them, the winners of every upcoming match will be given a bottle of third-grade pills. Moreover, the disciple who is lucky and good enough to be admitted into the Celestial College will be awarded a magical treasure that will help to significantly improve their cultivation level." Her words caused an uproar among the disciples. They felt envious of the opportunities that awaited the eight lucky disciples.

Other than Zachary, the other seven disciples were also extremely excited. They were so eager to win and obtain the rewards.

Sara then turned and walked back to her seat at Lewis' side.

lots, the eight disciples prepared for the start of the matches. To everyone's surprise, Zachary's opponent was Benjamin. The disciples were astonished and amused

Zachary knew no bounds. As fate would have it, these two rivals were to face each other in the first round. Benjamin was given a chance to get back at Zachary, and it made him feel that his prayers were answered. Even though he was

maniacally. He had suffered much since his left arm was disabled by Zachary. He swore that the day would come for him to avenge himself. And now, as

When they heard the results of the draw, the stewards all looked at each other with

He had been worried that Benjamin, his personal disciple, would not be able to pass the first round because his strength was weaker than the

sadness filled Elva's beautiful eyes. She looked at Zachary, worrying

to defeat in the first round. But if it's true that five of his meridians are broken, then nothing could help him survive that match. Is it fortune or misfortune for him?' Sara watched Zachary with great interest.

looked very calm. Like the calm before a storm. The innocent look on his face had completely melted away and was replaced by a cold visage of apathy. He stared straight at Benjamin

fighting

face to face. Their eyes locked

is on my side today! You are going to pay for what you did with blood!" Benjamin said viciously in a low threatening voice. No matter how

of your two arms forever. I am serious about that. You are so unlucky

that the consequence of your ignorance and arrogance is much worse than death!" Benjamin's face twisted into a hideous form.

across the competition area and