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.

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

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

of reckoning has finally come!" Benjamin started to laugh loudly and 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 if decreed by heaven that he would have his chance at revenge, Zachary was to be his

in the first round!" When they heard the results of the draw, the stewards all looked at each other with a

been worried that Benjamin, his personal disciple, would not be able to pass the first round because his strength

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

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.

found out that Benjamin was his opponent, he 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

walked into the fighting rings and prepared for the start of the first round.

face. Their eyes locked at each other.

today! You are going to pay for what you did with blood!" Benjamin said viciously in a low

arms forever. I am serious about that.

and arrogance is

soon rang across the competition area and the first