The minutes passed as the matches progressed. Before anyone realized it, half the day had already gone by.
The battle ring witnessed one intense match after another, with the ring constantly being patched up. Soon, the list of the top 16 contestants was announced.
For top-ranked martial artists on the Heavenly Immortals like Glenn, Abigail, and Fenley, the outcome was never in doubt-unless they faced each other. They won decisively and effortlessly.
For instance, Glenn’s opponent didn’t even put up a fight and chose to forfeit right away. After all, swordsmen could deal devastating damage.
As the top-ranked martial artist on the Legendary List, Glenn was an ultimate grandmaster. With just one strike, he could easily defeat an ordinary grandmaster. If his opponent hadn’t forfeited, there was a high chance they could have been seriously injured.
Those who drew Glenn as an opponent were simply unlucky. In the battle ring, sometimes luck played a bigger role than skill.
Besides Glenn, Abigail, and Fenley, two other top-tier martial artists from the Legendary List made it into the top 16.
Kendricks, ranked eighth, was known for his mastery of blade techniques, and Jude, ranked tenth, was a spell- caster who effortlessly defeated his opponent.
Of the top 16 contestants, six were from the Legendary List, with Dustin among them. If Sam hadn’t lost to Caleb, there could have been one more from the list in the top 16.
The remaining ten contestants either came from major guilds or had long- established reputations, including some exceptionally talented individuals. Among them, the standout names were Jeremiah from Streuqua and George.
With the final 16 contestants decided, it was time for a break. Every reputable major guild took advantage of this opportunity to recruit new talent.
Dustin, who had performed well, received enthusiastic invitations from the Mighty Three. Instead of giving a clear answer, he played it cool.
Since he had ties with all three major guilds, he figured refusing any of them wouldn’t be inappropriate. So, he decided to brush off the situation and planned to make a quick exit after the matches. He was indifferent to what came afterward.
After a short break, the lot drawing began. They had to narrow the field to the top eight, so another round of matches was on the horizon. The matches from 16 to 8 were often more intense and brutal.
“Now, let’s have the 16 contestants come up to draw the lots.”
After Oron’s announcement, the victorious contestants stepped onto the battle ring.
The drawing rules were the same as before. Contestants would be matched randomly, with Number One against Number 16, Number Two against Number 15, Number Three against Number 14, and so on.
Coincidentally, Dustin drew an eight again, which meant he would fight in the last match against Number Nine.
In this draw, nobody dared to reveal their numbers. After all, none of the contestants in the 16-to-8 round were weak.
Early disclosure of their numbers could enable opponents to target them. Conversely, knowing the opponent’s identity in advance would allow for better preparation and increase the chances of victory.
So, everyone started gathering information on their opponents after the draw. How much they discovered depended on their skills.
“The drawing of lots is over. Please get ready as the match is about to start,” Oron reminded the contestants as soon as the draw ended.
There was less than half an hour left for the break.
“Fenley, what number did you draw?” Aurora asked as soon as she returned to her seat.
“Unfortunately, I drew number one.” He smiled faintly.
“Number one? That means you’ll be fighting in the first match.” She raised an eyebrow and lowered her voice. “I’ll send someone to find out who you’re up against.”
“Don’t bother. It doesn’t matter who it is.” Fenley shook his head.
He continued, “Taking the easy way out won’t get you far. Winning comes down to your own skills. If you don’t have those, all the preparation is pointless.”
With his confidence, he wasn’t concerned about his opponent’s identity. Even if he faced Glenn, he would take it head-on. His aim was the tournament, and he knew he had to beat every strong opponent.
“You’re right,” Aurora agreed, then turned to Dustin. “And what about you, Dr. Rhys?”
“I drew number eight, just like before,” he said.
“Do you want me to find out anything for you?” she asked.
“No. I’ll take whatever comes my way,” Dustin said with a faint smile.
Aurora nodded. “Okay. With your skills, making it to the top eight shouldn’t be a problem if you don’t face someone from the Legendary List.”
She had seen him killing a vampire, so she knew his strength. With decent luck, he should easily make the top eight. What follows would be up to the whims of fate.
Half an hour later, Oron’s voice rang out again. “Break time is over. The first match is about to begin. Now, let’s welcome contestant number one and contestant number 16 to the battle ring.
As soon as he finished speaking, Fenley quickly rose and walked toward the ring.
A few seconds later, a man dressed in white, carrying a longsword on his back, slowly stood up from the preparation area. He then walked steadily onto the battle ring.
He had a cold expression and an intimidating presence. He resembled a drawn sword, sharp and unyielding. This man was Jaxton Siege, the chief senior disciple of the Esoteric Sword Guild.
