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.

matches. To everyone's surprise, Zachary's opponent was Benjamin. The disciples

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 no more than a warrior at the eight-level of the Mortal Level, he knew that he was powerful enough to defeat or possibly kill Zachary easily

He swore that the day would come

in the first round!" When they heard the results of the draw, the stewards all

secretly thrilled. 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 other disciples of Earth Level. But fighting Zachary would

trace of sadness filled Elva's beautiful eyes.

the only opponent that he might be able 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 who expressed great joy for being given

the fighting

face. Their eyes locked at each other.

Benjamin said viciously in a low threatening voice. No matter how much he wanted to take his revenge, he couldn't let

am serious about that. You are so unlucky

and arrogance is much worse than death!" Benjamin's face twisted into a hideous

the competition area and the first round of runoff finally