The massive brass gong sounded out after having spread out evenly; the first round would be a free-for-all until the gate opened. Once the gate opened, that meant fifty percent of the competitors of their round would be eliminated, and they would make their way through the obstacle course, which was still a free-for-all, just in motion.
In short, utter chaos.
Zhao Yi tightened his grip on the quarterstaff as the gate clanged open. Immediately, he found himself in the midst of the swirling frenzy. The arena was a sea of combatants, each with their own weapons and strategies. As he cautiously maneuvered through the chaos, his eyes scanned the field for potential opponents. While Zhao Yi would love to win ultimately he needed to prove that he could fight anyone who potentially wanted to recruit him.
As he drifted between various people sparring a wiry young man with twin short blades approached him, Zhao Yi braced himself keeping his staff at a ready position. While the lanky youth darted toward him, sending a series of quick slashes aimed at his arms. With a swift movement of his quarterstaff, Zhao Yi parried the attacks, feeling the strain on his arms from the impact of the blade. It was significantly different beating a dummy verse actually parrying blows from another person.
With another flurry of slashes Zhao Yi saw an opening as his opponent over-extended and exposed his wrist. Taking the opportunity he struck with a firm strike causing him to drop his sword and bring it close to his chest. Not allowing him a moment to breathe, Zhao Yi flicked the other blade out of his hand with a short spinning motion. With that he brought the staff down onto his ankle sending him to the ground crying out in pain.
In that short exchange the gong rang out again signaling the obstacle course had finally opened. Fifty percent of the contestants had already been eliminated…maybe he had a shot after all? Zhao Yi wasn’t sure if this would be the case, but he started a slow trot towards the gate keeping his distance from some of those still in conflict with another. Those who were not actively fighting also started to either run or jog through the obstacle course.
Zhao Yi was happy that he only had to face one so far, running as fast as he could. He quickly tried to keep a moderate amount of spacing from others so he couldn’t get taken by surprise. The labyrinth-like maze weaved back and forth as he dodged around corners with his quarterstaff at ready. Zhao Yi had seen a few of his fellow competitors get taken by surprise as they made their way through turning sharp corners. Letting out a sign of relief he glanced back to see the next nearest person to him was only doing a brisk trot hardly seemed to be in a hurry. Zhao Yi shook his head and continued around the curved corner keeping his eyes peeled for any movement.
Hanging above key points around the maze were translucent crystal balls. Which allowed spectators to observe the contestants as they made their way through the obstacles. Rounding a final corner Zhao Yi saw a group of twenty youths like himself stand in a semi circle spaced out fairly evenly around a single boat.
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“The sign says AT LEAST ten people. Not only ten!” One voice shouted while several others were bickering as well.
As Zhao Yi approached and could see the issue. Immediately it was obvious what was going on. At a small dock a boat that was just large enough for roughly ten youths was docked while four of the other docks were empty. The challenge was meant to eliminate all, but 50 of the remaining challengers.
“I already explained that I tried to take it myself before you got here! It will not move without ten, but anymore and it starts taking water!” the one at the lead of the group shouted back.
“Screw this, I will just swim then!” a larger more muscular contestant bellowed. Walking towards the edge of the pier he dived in immediately.
The rest of the contestants held their breath as they waited for the man to emerge from the dark waters. After a few moments a high level cultivator fell from one of the observation towers and formed a quick sign in the air. The water churned as out came the body of the large muscle head completely passed out.
Not saying a word he escorted the body out of the labyrinth taking it back with him.
“Well…that is out of the question” one smart ass commented causing Zhao Yi to smirk. It was obvious their was no getting around this.
“Already we are falling behind and we are the stragglers so frankly I don’t have patience to deal with you all. I’m getting in the boat. Whoever can get on with me can join. Fight it amongst yourselves.” The leader of the group jumped onboard not waiting for any response.
Sucking in his breath Zhao Yi decided immediate reaction was best and took his staff and twirled it smacking it as hard as he could to the back of the person in front of him. Knocking him out instantly. The entire group seemed to pause for a moment. The tension though only a mere second seemed to fill the air.
As the body collapsed firmly on the ground the rest all began to brawl and scramble for the boat.
Zhao Yi immediately dodged to the side, putting his back away from the rest of them. Cheap shot aside he did feel a bit guilty taking advantage, but he was in it to get far enough to at least capture some eyes.
Zhao Yi glanced around, observing the frenzied struggle. One contestant attempted a flying kick, while another wielded a wooden plank as a makeshift weapon. It was a chaotic scene, and Zhao Yi knew that showing mercy might jeopardize his chances of advancing.
Seeing a brief opening, he sprinted towards the boat, utilizing his self-trained agility. As he approached, he swung his quarterstaff in a wide arc, creating a barrier that kept the other contestants at bay. The staff whirred through the air, dissuading anyone from challenging him directly.
Without hesitation, Zhao Yi leaped onto the boat, joining the group of ten that had managed to secure a spot. He cast a final glance at the tumult behind him, knowing that his decision to act swiftly might not sit well with some, but it was a necessary step in surviving this ruthless competition.