On the other hand, Shen Tianyu had slightly mixed feelings about that princess not looking at Rong Jian even once . 'She might just think hers beneath her with her arrogance . But if she found out how strong he was, would she also try to seduce him? She and I are certainly similar in the aspect that we were both not like the virtuous and kind women that society expects of us . . . would Rong Jian like her? At least she's not covering him now . As for the other question, I'll just ask him later . ' Shen Tianyu did not once think to ask Rong Jian to underperform in order not to attract the Junzhu's attention . He was already suppressing himself in this compet.i.tion for her . In addition, she would never ask an ally to suppress their power just for some petty and stupid reason like that .

Seeing Rong Jian's sour eyes, Shen Tianyu tugged at his sleeves . When he turned to her, she patted the stage beside her . "Come sit down with me . It'll probably be a while before we leave . " He refused the suggestion and remained standing but his expression had become slightly softer .

The contestants waited for a quarter of a s.h.i.+chen before the officials in charge of showing them to the setting of the first round showed up . The partic.i.p.ants followed without complaint, however, one could see the discontent on the faces of the n.o.bility . The Junzhu Wen Ya, especially, had a sour expression on her face . The others, though, didn't seem to mind much .

It took everyone another quarter of a s.h.i.+chen to travel to their destination . The stadium had already been set up . Though it was makes.h.i.+ft, as the contest was taking place in the middle of nowhere, it was st.u.r.dy enough . The emperor and empress were sitting in the format row along with some of the royal family that are old enough to watch . Behind them were important officials and their family . Everyone was organized according to social status . Those with low social status sat further away from the center of the stadium . It was safer, perhaps, but they would miss out on a lot of action . Common people were also allowed to watch, but they had to get here earlier than others, as their martial arts and cultivation were not as good and they got the furthest seats . Even so, there were still a lot of commoners watching from the crowd . Perhaps it was because of the importance of a national tournament and the opportunity to see a crowd of talents . And maybe they could remember the outstanding talents and get close to them later to obtain benefits . The center of the stadium itself was currently divided into ten smaller stages .

The contestants were led to the center of the stadium where a man in official robes stood next to a large jar filled with wooden sticks . When everyone was linesman up in front of him, the official opened his mouth to speak . "Everyone will be drawing lots for the first round . As there are too many partic.i.p.ants, everyone will get relegated to a stage and fight everyone there . The last three on each stage will be able to advance to the next round . That would be a total of 30 people out of the 100 present . "

100 cultivators might not sound like a lot for a tournament but it's actually just the right amount . After all, if cultivators were so common, they would not be so revered . Also, some partic.i.p.ants were denied because they had too unstable a cultivation base, a result of using too many treasures to power up in a short amount of time .

"The sticks in this jar are all labeled form 1 to 10, corresponding with the number for the stages . Everyone will line up and pick a bamboo stick then go to the stage a.s.signed . When the gong sounds, the round will begin . As I've said, only the three remaining contestants on each stage will be allowed to advance . The round for a stage will be over when there are only three partic.i.p.ants and the gong will sound when it's time for each stage along with an announcement . No real weapons are allowed . Wooden swords will be provided for you all to compete . Though this is a fierce compet.i.tion, it is much appreciated that talents such as you guys will not carelessly injure others . Now, everyone please line up!" The official shouted after he finished explaining the rules of the first round . The line about "carelessly injuring others" seemed to be a warning by the emperor in order to protect the members of the royal family . Though the compet.i.tion was important, in the end the future of the royal family was still most important .

Everyone lined up in one orderly line . There was a subtle hint of a social hierarchy even among the contestants . The Junzhu Wen Ya was first in line, followed by children of n.o.bility and then commoners, after which was wondering martial artists . Of courses, Shen Tianyu and Rome Joan were on the last rung so they were at the very end of the line along with a bunch of buff and raggedy men .

Shen Tianyu wrinkled her nose . 'These people have a permanent sweaty smell . Disgusting . ' Ring Jian, on the other hand, had a sour face . However, not wanting to cause a ruckus and potentially get kicked form the tournament, they could only endure . Since it was picking sticks, and there weren't as many people, it soon was almost the couple's turn to pick a stick . Shen Tianyu turned around to face Rong Jian .

"What if we both got the same stage? What would you do?" She asked with a smile .

"Of course, I would help Tian'er . I am here for your sake . "

"What if . . . there are four people at the end?"

"We can just take one out together . "

"Then . . . what if we meet each other in the semifinals?"

"Tian'er you are so curious . Is it that you want me to say something?" Rong Jian countered with a question this time .

"Why, I was just making sure of some things . You said you would cooperate with me so you have to keep your word . " Shen Tianyu put on a smug face with her hands on her hips .