Luisa then brought out thirteen crystals.

She tapped each one to reveal the appearances of various youths.

All of them looked either cold, prideful, excited or tranquil.

They each had various expressions... But one thing in common was their confidence that they showed through their faces.

"Our sect... Has prepared very well for this tournament. Though there may have been a mishap... Our junior sister will eventually return here along with a few others as our reserves. The rest might be aiming for top 50... But our goal is top 10!"

Luisa declared.

The rest nodded.

Serra watched rather interested.

"Serra... We are grateful for your timely appearance. We may not know your origins but will you lend us your strength in this battle?"

Lilia asked Serra.

"I just joined on a whim since I'm interested in testing my skills... Since you're aiming for the top, then that means I'll have better opportunities. The opportunity to test myself against the very best of this generation. I couldn't be more grateful."

Serra said.

What he said wasn't exactly a lie.

It's true that he intended to test the strength of the current generation.

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He was interested in this world after all.

The rest looked happy that he was intending to help.

"We're grateful. Still, don't be worried. We have a few reserves so you don't need to force the impossible."

Lilia said gratefully.

"Now then... Back to the thirteen teams... I'll go from the weakest to the strongest, is that agreeable?"

Luisa asked.

"No objections."

Lilia spoke on behalf of the group.

Luisa nodded.

"The thirteen teams we need to be careful against are... Iron Turtle, White Snake, Crimson Triangle, Blue Chain, Gray Dust, Iron Snake, Seven Bandits, Venom Fog, Snowleaf Valley, Iceridge Temple, Drake Valley, Storm Temple and Shadow Fall."

Luisa listed them down. 

"Seven Bandits is the only one that's not from these sects. Apparently, they're wandering cultivators who were former disciples of various schools. They became bandits in the chaotic areas and have since returned here."

Aies raised her hand.

"Wait. They're allowing bandits to participate?"

"Yes. They have the necessary qualifications. Thus, they have the right to participate. Furthermore, while they may have been bandits, they only raided other bandits."

At this, the rest had odd expressions on their faces.

"Wait... Raided other bandits?"

"Yes. They didn't discard their pride as former disciples. Thus, they raided and looted other bandits. They even saved other cultivators attacked by bandits. Thus... While they may have lived as bandits there, they only plundered other bandits. They're quite famous."

Luisa said in praise.

"The Seven Bandits may be our toughest opponents. The chaotic areas are areas that are not governed by anyone. It's a chaotic area filled with fugitives and outlaws. It also serves as a training ground for various disciples to hone themselves in life and death combat. Those seven fought countless battles and are fierce warriors. They may be the most difficult opponents since they're much more used to human opponents."

Everyone was alarmed.

"Those who hone their skills in battle are the strongest. Their mettle is tested by blood and steel. The others may have had their fair share of battle... But the chaotic areas are places where blood is spilled daily. Corpses pile like mountains and rivers flow like blood... Any who managed to live there and return alive is a fearsome foe to be sure of. Usually... Only adults are able to go there. If they're the same age as us and managed to go there and return..."

She trailed off.

Everyone looked solemn.