Chapter 86: The tests (3):

He stood and began to explain how the test worked "There is 60 of you, so 30 pairs. The person that wins will continue to the next round. The first round is the removal round. At the end of the day, the first twenty people will be going with us to the Martial Arts competition where our Senior brother will lead us. The first 15 will be accepted into the Moon Valley as inner disciples and the last 10 will be accepted as outer disciples. You are allowed to hurt someone in this battle but not kill them. If you fall off the stage you'll be disqualified. You can use your weapons but you must not use inner energy. Those who go against these rules will be disqualified immediately. These tests will happen every 6 months, so don't be discouraged if you don't get in this time. Well then, good luck everyone. Please follow me this way to our training grounds," explained Shang Guan Yue as he began to lead everyone to the training grounds.

"My Lord, there's a letter for you," muttered Yu Xuan as he handed me the letter. I recognised the handwriting, the letter was from Tian Yao. Oh, God. What nonsense has he done now? I ripped open the letter and read it slowly as my face turned darker and darker until I reached the end of the letter.

"My Lord, is everything alright?" Shang Gu asked as she noticed my facial expression. "Nope," I stated, "Firstly, Tian Hao went behind my back and requested to go to Gusu to help with the flood. Generally, that wouldn't be a problem. But now it is. Secondly, Tian An went to find Tian Hao and she also knows that Prince Tian You in our mansion isn't me but Tian Hao. So everything's just so brilliant right now," I explained as Yu Xuan and Shang Gu looked at me in shock.

"Childe, how does Miss Tian An know about Mr Tian Hao?" Yu Xuan asked. "Tian An has met Tian Hao before when we were really young. I never thought she would still remember him though," I replied sighing. "Well, I suppose there's nothing I can do now. I'll have to deal with it later when I get back," I whispered.

Getting out of my chair, I walked to the training grounds in the hope I wouldn't lose my bet. I also have to deal with Jun Jie. Today surely is going to be an exciting day.

When I got to the training grounds the first match had already started. The first match was between Zi Shu and Fan Yun Fei. Zi Shu won, just as I had guessed. It was a close match though. Zi Shu's reaction speed is just a bit better than Fan Yun Fei's.

"Next match between Ke Xing and Huai Zhan," shouted Shang Guan Yue as the next pair got up onto the stage. This match wasn't as exciting as the one before. You could clearly tell who would win. After a few moves, Ke Xing did win. He's a smart kid.

"Next..." shouted Shang Guan Yue as I zoned out. I didn't know what I was thinking about but I was pretty much daydreaming. I only snapped back into reality when I heard Shan Guan Yue shout "Chang Ling and Xie Si Chuan.

This is surely going to be an interesting match. I glued my eyes upon the two people who were taking the stage. The match began as soon as the begin was shouted at by Shang Guan Yue.

I watched as Chang Li struck first however Xie Si Chuan wasn't a weak fellow. He blocked every blow that landed upon him. Not bad. I wonder what Wu Tsiu Lee's martial arts is like. If Si Chuan was already like this then his brother was really amazing.

They both stopped holding the sword, we still couldn't tell who would win. Chang Li seemed to look really nervous, he was doing quite well for someone who has learnt proper martial arts for 3 months.

And then at that moment, it happened. In the end, both of their swords were pointed at the opponent's neck. People who realised it began to clap loudly. Shang Guan Yue turned his head towards me as if asking me what to say. I stood up and declared that this match was a tie.

As Chang Li brushed past me I gently whispered "Not bad,". His face showed when I said this. I can really see all the work he has done throughout these months. Great improvement from the boy I saw 3 months ago.