Chapter 30
, Top 64: He unexpectedly encounters Zhao Yao!
Two hours later, at the third quarter of the hour of Wei (1-3 PM), the sun began to set.
The second round is over!
Compared to the first round, the second round was not as exciting as expected.
At least in the first round, there was the battle between the Kirin Prince Zhao Yao and Cao Wuji.
In the second round of the draw, all ten players defeated their opponents in one move.
What was truly exciting was the match between Gu Lin and Wei Xiangsi. Everyone thought it was a hopeless situation, but Gu Lin completely reversed the situation, defeating Wei Xiangsi and causing quite a stir!
Although there is a restraining relationship, fighting across two levels does bring a strong impact to the audience!
Before the third round begins.
As usual, he was given a pill to replenish his internal energy, but he was only given two quarters of an hour to rest.
This round is crucial for all 64 players.
If you win, at the very least you'll get a job as a ghostwriter in the government office.
Don't underestimate the Swordsman just because he's merely an appendage of the Holy Land, a servant who comes and goes at will. Outside, he's just as imposing and powerful, with the entire Divine Dynasty behind him, and he also has access to all sorts of top-tier cultivation resources.
Everyone hopes to draw an exceptionally lucky lot. Among the top 64, there are two peak Qi Condensation Realm level 6 and nine Qi Condensation Realm level 7. Drawing these eleven people is practically a way to declare that you've made it big!
Two quarters of an hour passed in the blink of an eye.
Zhu Baihu, dressed in a snow-white lotus robe from the Wendao Academy, focused his energy and spoke in a booming voice:
"Next, the competition will be rounded down from 64 to 32. The winner will be guaranteed a job in the ghostwriting department!"
Despite being well-prepared, the contestants still couldn't contain their excitement upon hearing this heavenly voice.
One battle determined our fate!
Let's compare it to the selection competition three years ago.
Three years ago, those who failed to be selected only had the cultivation level of Dongxuan. Even if they joined a powerful sect, they would at most linger at the second level of Dongxuan.
The person who wields the sword is at least at the middle level of the Cave Profound Realm, and some even break through to the upper level of the Cave Profound Realm.
When they competed, their talents and strengths were similar. What determines the difference in their cultivation levels now?
resource!
From cultivation knowledge to martial arts elixirs, and things plundered through privilege!
And what level are those peerless geniuses who have joined the holy land at now?
The Realm of Knowing One's Destiny!
In just three short years, the difference has been enormous!
The longer the time goes on, the greater the gap will become, until it becomes as different as heaven and earth!
Therefore, in this battle, we must give it our all and fight with all our might!
[At this point, I hope readers will remember our domain name, 101kanshu.com. It has a large collection of books; 101kanshu.com is a place to read anytime.]
In the stands, nearly 100,000 spectators held their breath, their eyes fixed intently on the ritual implements.
Everyone knows how important this battle is!
Gu Changchuan was so nervous that he broke out in a cold sweat. He swallowed hard and said in a trembling voice:
"An exceptionally auspicious fortune slip!"
May our ancestors bless our son with the best possible fortune slip!
"If the ancestors of the Gu family are watching from heaven, open your eyes and look at your descendants. It's not easy to produce a genius like him; he must be blessed with good fortune."
Gu Changchuan muttered to himself, his voice trembling.
boom--
The ritual implements resonated, and two stones shot out.
The cycle repeated eight times, but Gu Lin's name was not found.
Eight matches in one go!
Yan Xu of the Yan family, the strongest prodigy, actually drew the weakest Qi Condensation Level 6.
The crowd erupted in uproar.
This is not a question.
Instead, it was praised as a "beauty market"!
There is a destiny in the universe. As an unparalleled genius who is far ahead of the crowd, it doesn't matter who he draws. But to draw the weakest one shows how strong his destiny is!
The eight matches took a full two incense sticks to burn before they ended.
Eight arenas, four corpses!
On the contrary, the weakest Qi Condensation Level 6 cultivator, knowing he was no match for Yan Xu, had to admit defeat in time no matter how unwilling he was, otherwise he would lose his life.
Those four people fought until their last drop of blood was shed, but in the end, they could not overcome their fate.
Zhu Baihu, dressed in a snow-white lotus robe, read out the names of the eight who had advanced.
Not to mention the other seven people were so excited that they had tears in their eyes, even Yan Xu showed a smile, but he quickly returned to normal. What he wanted to do was to dominate the entire Chuwei County and go to the Chuzhou Holy Land to compete with the leaders of the other counties.
He absolutely must live up to the title of number one in Chuwei!
Zhu Baihu pointed to the ritual implements and continued drawing lots.
At this moment, all was silent, and the whole world fell silent.
When the stones flew, the crowd held their breath.
Li Qingwu, with a veil over her head, was practically grinding her teeth. She wanted to scream and beg fate to favor her and let that beast Gu draw the Peerless Prodigy.
She couldn't imagine how the Li family in her fishing gang would retaliate if the man surnamed Gu became the one who orchestrated the crime, or how she would wash away the humiliation.
His father, Li Jisheng, had veins bulging on his forehead and was so nervous that he almost burst his eye sockets. All his revenge was based on the premise that the little beast failed to be selected. He never expected that the little beast would go this far. If he went any further, his Li family would be doomed!
Whenever the ghostwriter tries to investigate the fishing gang, he always manages to find something to use as a pretext.
One step, and the difference is like night and day!
Time passed slowly, but the little beast's name was still not drawn, and several relatively weak heroes were not selected either.
Li Jisheng felt as if he had fallen into an ice cave, a sense of foreboding rising in his heart, and his whole body was enveloped in a chill.
In a daze, he seemed to see the little beast's invincible luck, directly drawing the weakest one and becoming the swordsman.
Due to extreme tension, Li Jisheng experienced a throbbing headache and dizziness.
Suddenly.
"good!"
Li Jisheng roared hysterically, as if venting all the anger that had been building up inside him. He swung his fists and punched the air repeatedly, dozens of times.
Li Qingwu lifted a corner of the curtain and saw the result that made her ecstatic.
"Gu Lin".
"Zhao Yao".
For the first time since her disfigurement, she laughed from the bottom of her heart. Her scarred face was contorted into a grimace by the smile, like a small, charred, and scarred snake writhing around.
She ignored the frightened onlookers and laughed wildly.
In the far distance, Gu Changchuan was struck as if by lightning, collapsing to the ground, and Wang Mu barely managed to support him.
Why?
Why Zhao Yao?
"How could it be Zhao Yao?!"
Gu Changchuan moved his lips, revealing a bitter smile that was even uglier than a mournful cry.
He could accept that his son might not be lucky enough to draw a Qi Condensation Realm level eight or even nine. He believed his son had the ability to fight back.
How could my luck be so bad?
Who exactly is Zhao Yao?!
Top five most popular!
"God..." Little Fatty Wang Mu was also dejected. They had come this far, so why was fate so cruel?
Meanwhile, the onlookers in Shiyang sighed and groaned.
Gu Lin, who has always brought them surprises, is indeed a strong contender for the title of ghostwriter, but he has just encountered the most formidable obstacle!
"Gone... What a pity for Gu Jingming." Dean Yan's expression was as stiff as iron. If Gu Lin could have been hired as a ghostwriter based on his abilities, the entire Shiyang Academy would have been proud.
With one member of the Holy Land and one ghostwriter hired through merit, Shi Yang Academy may have twelve to fourteen competition slots in three years!
Just one step away, only one step away.
"Very good." County Magistrate Zhao suddenly stood up, a smile playing on his lips.
Failing the test of willpower truly dealt a blow to Yao'er's invincible Dao heart.
How do I get it back?
The best way is to crush these rampaging ants!
Now there's actually a chance!
That day at the Ministry of Revenue, Gu Lin actually dared to refuse to be won over, which was undoubtedly a provocation against Can'er's status!
On the high platform.
Dressed in a black three-legged golden crow robe, Zhao Can's face was as calm as a lake, exuding extraordinary aura. However, he made a snapping gesture with his fingers behind his back, clearly indicating that he was in a pleasant mood.
What is the reason for his dislike of Gu Lin?
Did Gu Lin defeat Zhao Yaoyao in the test of willpower?
Do not!
That was Zhao Yao's own carelessness. He had it too easy all the way, and his willpower was still useless. Zhao Yao made him lose face!
Whether he takes crooked or unorthodox methods or not, Gu Lin has won, and that's that!
What is the real reason?
Gu Lin refused the Zhao family's attempts to win him over, unwilling to offer his own opportunities in exchange for becoming the Zhao family's lackeys.
It's actually a disguised way of defying Zhao Can!
Do I, Zhao Can, lack opportunities? Your little bit of stuff is just dusty garbage in the Martial Peak Hall, only fit for the Butler's Office, and even then, they might not even want it!
Knowing full well who I, Zhao Can, am, how dare you, a lowly nobody, be so disrespectful?
After the lottery draw on the high platform ended, many eyes turned to Gu Lin, some with pity and some with regret.
Zhao Yao remained motionless until Tianxuan Guard Qilin Fu announced that they were on the third dueling arena.
He then turned around, his voice rising like a surging tide:
"During the academy selection competition, you were afraid that I would admit defeat in public, and you didn't even have the courage to face me, showing your cowardly nature. Now, do you want to admit defeat? In the entire Holy Land selection competition, no one has ever admitted defeat before even stepping onto the arena."
"I believe you will be the first!!"
He deliberately emphasized his tone and used a very crude method of provocation.
He was worried that Gu Lin would simply admit defeat.
Wouldn't that mean we'd lose the chance to kill this person?
Once he steps onto the dueling platform, the sound of the bell and drum will render Gu Lin speechless, thanks to his special throat-striking technique.
How can I admit defeat if I can't speak?
Then we'll become nothing more than grasshoppers to be humiliated and tormented at his mercy!
Even the desire to die is a luxury!
The test of willpower caused him to suffer his first setback in his life, and even brought shame upon his brother. He had to wash away the humiliation himself!
Still dreaming of becoming a ghostwriter?
Today, you, Gu Jia, must prepare a coffin, carry it back to Shiyang County in mourning clothes!
As Zhao Yao finished speaking, the contestants stared intently at Gu Lin.
How to choose?
So far, no contestant has conceded defeat before even stepping onto the fighting stage. Even the weakest Qi Condensation Level 5 contestant conceded defeat after just one move, realizing he was no match for the opponent.
If Gu Lin does this, he will definitely become the talk of the town throughout Chuwei County, and may even be nailed to the pillar of shame!
But once on stage, judging from the tone of Young Master Qilin's words, the two already had a conflict, and Gu Lin's life might be in danger!
The rest are no longer under consideration. The moment I was unlucky enough to draw Zhao Yao, my future in the Divine Dynasty was already bleak.
Yan Shouxu, Wei Xuan, and the others looked worried. They couldn't help but be jealous of Gu Lin's success, but if they really encountered Zhao Yao, they would also worry about Gu Lin's life. On the day he failed the willpower test, Zhao Yao lost all his composure and looked completely resentful, which everyone saw.
However, back then it was a double-elimination tournament, and you could concede defeat and forfeit.
He conceded defeat before even having a match. Gu Lin is only nineteen years old. How much ridicule will he have to endure for the rest of his life?
Faced with countless strange gazes, Gu Lin remained silent, his inner emotions churning endlessly, but he showed no intention of backing down.
Is it difficult?
Of course it's difficult.
Facing Zhao Yao in the round of 64 is both a dangerous situation and an opportunity!
On this duel stage today, it's either you die, or I, Gu Lin, will perish!
The loser cannot leave Arena Number Three alive!
Gu Lin was determined; he had to win!
Zhu Baihu of the Wendao Academy noticed this and shouted sternly:
"If you do not go on stage within ten breaths, you will be considered to have publicly surrendered and been eliminated!"
ten.
Nine.
Eight!
Zhao Yao leaped up, stepped onto platform number three, stood with his hands behind his back, and stared coldly at Gu Lin.
The moment Gu Lin took his first step, Zhao Yao was radiant, his tense nerves completely relaxed, and his whole body felt incredibly light.
If Yan Xu was lucky enough to draw the weakest opponent this round, then Zhao Qilin was even more blessed by fate!
To be able to personally end the life of a hateful person and solidify one's invincible Dao heart, wouldn't that be wonderful?
If there hadn't been this battle, waiting until I joined the Holy Land to find a reason to take revenge would have been beneath my dignity and given others cause for gossip. But if I didn't take action myself, I wouldn't be able to vent the resentment I had been building up.
Finally, his luck in cultivation arrived, and he drew the surname Gu in the top 64!
Eight breaths later, Gu Lin also stepped onto the third dueling platform.
The two stood facing each other, thirty paces apart.
.......
.......
The second round is over!
Compared to the first round, the second round was not as exciting as expected.
At least in the first round, there was the battle between the Kirin Prince Zhao Yao and Cao Wuji.
In the second round of the draw, all ten players defeated their opponents in one move.
What was truly exciting was the match between Gu Lin and Wei Xiangsi. Everyone thought it was a hopeless situation, but Gu Lin completely reversed the situation, defeating Wei Xiangsi and causing quite a stir!
Although there is a restraining relationship, fighting across two levels does bring a strong impact to the audience!
Before the third round begins.
As usual, he was given a pill to replenish his internal energy, but he was only given two quarters of an hour to rest.
This round is crucial for all 64 players.
If you win, at the very least you'll get a job as a ghostwriter in the government office.
Don't underestimate the Swordsman just because he's merely an appendage of the Holy Land, a servant who comes and goes at will. Outside, he's just as imposing and powerful, with the entire Divine Dynasty behind him, and he also has access to all sorts of top-tier cultivation resources.
Everyone hopes to draw an exceptionally lucky lot. Among the top 64, there are two peak Qi Condensation Realm level 6 and nine Qi Condensation Realm level 7. Drawing these eleven people is practically a way to declare that you've made it big!
Two quarters of an hour passed in the blink of an eye.
Zhu Baihu, dressed in a snow-white lotus robe from the Wendao Academy, focused his energy and spoke in a booming voice:
"Next, the competition will be rounded down from 64 to 32. The winner will be guaranteed a job in the ghostwriting department!"
Despite being well-prepared, the contestants still couldn't contain their excitement upon hearing this heavenly voice.
One battle determined our fate!
Let's compare it to the selection competition three years ago.
Three years ago, those who failed to be selected only had the cultivation level of Dongxuan. Even if they joined a powerful sect, they would at most linger at the second level of Dongxuan.
The person who wields the sword is at least at the middle level of the Cave Profound Realm, and some even break through to the upper level of the Cave Profound Realm.
When they competed, their talents and strengths were similar. What determines the difference in their cultivation levels now?
resource!
From cultivation knowledge to martial arts elixirs, and things plundered through privilege!
And what level are those peerless geniuses who have joined the holy land at now?
The Realm of Knowing One's Destiny!
In just three short years, the difference has been enormous!
The longer the time goes on, the greater the gap will become, until it becomes as different as heaven and earth!
Therefore, in this battle, we must give it our all and fight with all our might!
[At this point, I hope readers will remember our domain name, 101kanshu.com. It has a large collection of books; 101kanshu.com is a place to read anytime.]
In the stands, nearly 100,000 spectators held their breath, their eyes fixed intently on the ritual implements.
Everyone knows how important this battle is!
Gu Changchuan was so nervous that he broke out in a cold sweat. He swallowed hard and said in a trembling voice:
"An exceptionally auspicious fortune slip!"
May our ancestors bless our son with the best possible fortune slip!
"If the ancestors of the Gu family are watching from heaven, open your eyes and look at your descendants. It's not easy to produce a genius like him; he must be blessed with good fortune."
Gu Changchuan muttered to himself, his voice trembling.
boom--
The ritual implements resonated, and two stones shot out.
The cycle repeated eight times, but Gu Lin's name was not found.
Eight matches in one go!
Yan Xu of the Yan family, the strongest prodigy, actually drew the weakest Qi Condensation Level 6.
The crowd erupted in uproar.
This is not a question.
Instead, it was praised as a "beauty market"!
There is a destiny in the universe. As an unparalleled genius who is far ahead of the crowd, it doesn't matter who he draws. But to draw the weakest one shows how strong his destiny is!
The eight matches took a full two incense sticks to burn before they ended.
Eight arenas, four corpses!
On the contrary, the weakest Qi Condensation Level 6 cultivator, knowing he was no match for Yan Xu, had to admit defeat in time no matter how unwilling he was, otherwise he would lose his life.
Those four people fought until their last drop of blood was shed, but in the end, they could not overcome their fate.
Zhu Baihu, dressed in a snow-white lotus robe, read out the names of the eight who had advanced.
Not to mention the other seven people were so excited that they had tears in their eyes, even Yan Xu showed a smile, but he quickly returned to normal. What he wanted to do was to dominate the entire Chuwei County and go to the Chuzhou Holy Land to compete with the leaders of the other counties.
He absolutely must live up to the title of number one in Chuwei!
Zhu Baihu pointed to the ritual implements and continued drawing lots.
At this moment, all was silent, and the whole world fell silent.
When the stones flew, the crowd held their breath.
Li Qingwu, with a veil over her head, was practically grinding her teeth. She wanted to scream and beg fate to favor her and let that beast Gu draw the Peerless Prodigy.
She couldn't imagine how the Li family in her fishing gang would retaliate if the man surnamed Gu became the one who orchestrated the crime, or how she would wash away the humiliation.
His father, Li Jisheng, had veins bulging on his forehead and was so nervous that he almost burst his eye sockets. All his revenge was based on the premise that the little beast failed to be selected. He never expected that the little beast would go this far. If he went any further, his Li family would be doomed!
Whenever the ghostwriter tries to investigate the fishing gang, he always manages to find something to use as a pretext.
One step, and the difference is like night and day!
Time passed slowly, but the little beast's name was still not drawn, and several relatively weak heroes were not selected either.
Li Jisheng felt as if he had fallen into an ice cave, a sense of foreboding rising in his heart, and his whole body was enveloped in a chill.
In a daze, he seemed to see the little beast's invincible luck, directly drawing the weakest one and becoming the swordsman.
Due to extreme tension, Li Jisheng experienced a throbbing headache and dizziness.
Suddenly.
"good!"
Li Jisheng roared hysterically, as if venting all the anger that had been building up inside him. He swung his fists and punched the air repeatedly, dozens of times.
Li Qingwu lifted a corner of the curtain and saw the result that made her ecstatic.
"Gu Lin".
"Zhao Yao".
For the first time since her disfigurement, she laughed from the bottom of her heart. Her scarred face was contorted into a grimace by the smile, like a small, charred, and scarred snake writhing around.
She ignored the frightened onlookers and laughed wildly.
In the far distance, Gu Changchuan was struck as if by lightning, collapsing to the ground, and Wang Mu barely managed to support him.
Why?
Why Zhao Yao?
"How could it be Zhao Yao?!"
Gu Changchuan moved his lips, revealing a bitter smile that was even uglier than a mournful cry.
He could accept that his son might not be lucky enough to draw a Qi Condensation Realm level eight or even nine. He believed his son had the ability to fight back.
How could my luck be so bad?
Who exactly is Zhao Yao?!
Top five most popular!
"God..." Little Fatty Wang Mu was also dejected. They had come this far, so why was fate so cruel?
Meanwhile, the onlookers in Shiyang sighed and groaned.
Gu Lin, who has always brought them surprises, is indeed a strong contender for the title of ghostwriter, but he has just encountered the most formidable obstacle!
"Gone... What a pity for Gu Jingming." Dean Yan's expression was as stiff as iron. If Gu Lin could have been hired as a ghostwriter based on his abilities, the entire Shiyang Academy would have been proud.
With one member of the Holy Land and one ghostwriter hired through merit, Shi Yang Academy may have twelve to fourteen competition slots in three years!
Just one step away, only one step away.
"Very good." County Magistrate Zhao suddenly stood up, a smile playing on his lips.
Failing the test of willpower truly dealt a blow to Yao'er's invincible Dao heart.
How do I get it back?
The best way is to crush these rampaging ants!
Now there's actually a chance!
That day at the Ministry of Revenue, Gu Lin actually dared to refuse to be won over, which was undoubtedly a provocation against Can'er's status!
On the high platform.
Dressed in a black three-legged golden crow robe, Zhao Can's face was as calm as a lake, exuding extraordinary aura. However, he made a snapping gesture with his fingers behind his back, clearly indicating that he was in a pleasant mood.
What is the reason for his dislike of Gu Lin?
Did Gu Lin defeat Zhao Yaoyao in the test of willpower?
Do not!
That was Zhao Yao's own carelessness. He had it too easy all the way, and his willpower was still useless. Zhao Yao made him lose face!
Whether he takes crooked or unorthodox methods or not, Gu Lin has won, and that's that!
What is the real reason?
Gu Lin refused the Zhao family's attempts to win him over, unwilling to offer his own opportunities in exchange for becoming the Zhao family's lackeys.
It's actually a disguised way of defying Zhao Can!
Do I, Zhao Can, lack opportunities? Your little bit of stuff is just dusty garbage in the Martial Peak Hall, only fit for the Butler's Office, and even then, they might not even want it!
Knowing full well who I, Zhao Can, am, how dare you, a lowly nobody, be so disrespectful?
After the lottery draw on the high platform ended, many eyes turned to Gu Lin, some with pity and some with regret.
Zhao Yao remained motionless until Tianxuan Guard Qilin Fu announced that they were on the third dueling arena.
He then turned around, his voice rising like a surging tide:
"During the academy selection competition, you were afraid that I would admit defeat in public, and you didn't even have the courage to face me, showing your cowardly nature. Now, do you want to admit defeat? In the entire Holy Land selection competition, no one has ever admitted defeat before even stepping onto the arena."
"I believe you will be the first!!"
He deliberately emphasized his tone and used a very crude method of provocation.
He was worried that Gu Lin would simply admit defeat.
Wouldn't that mean we'd lose the chance to kill this person?
Once he steps onto the dueling platform, the sound of the bell and drum will render Gu Lin speechless, thanks to his special throat-striking technique.
How can I admit defeat if I can't speak?
Then we'll become nothing more than grasshoppers to be humiliated and tormented at his mercy!
Even the desire to die is a luxury!
The test of willpower caused him to suffer his first setback in his life, and even brought shame upon his brother. He had to wash away the humiliation himself!
Still dreaming of becoming a ghostwriter?
Today, you, Gu Jia, must prepare a coffin, carry it back to Shiyang County in mourning clothes!
As Zhao Yao finished speaking, the contestants stared intently at Gu Lin.
How to choose?
So far, no contestant has conceded defeat before even stepping onto the fighting stage. Even the weakest Qi Condensation Level 5 contestant conceded defeat after just one move, realizing he was no match for the opponent.
If Gu Lin does this, he will definitely become the talk of the town throughout Chuwei County, and may even be nailed to the pillar of shame!
But once on stage, judging from the tone of Young Master Qilin's words, the two already had a conflict, and Gu Lin's life might be in danger!
The rest are no longer under consideration. The moment I was unlucky enough to draw Zhao Yao, my future in the Divine Dynasty was already bleak.
Yan Shouxu, Wei Xuan, and the others looked worried. They couldn't help but be jealous of Gu Lin's success, but if they really encountered Zhao Yao, they would also worry about Gu Lin's life. On the day he failed the willpower test, Zhao Yao lost all his composure and looked completely resentful, which everyone saw.
However, back then it was a double-elimination tournament, and you could concede defeat and forfeit.
He conceded defeat before even having a match. Gu Lin is only nineteen years old. How much ridicule will he have to endure for the rest of his life?
Faced with countless strange gazes, Gu Lin remained silent, his inner emotions churning endlessly, but he showed no intention of backing down.
Is it difficult?
Of course it's difficult.
Facing Zhao Yao in the round of 64 is both a dangerous situation and an opportunity!
On this duel stage today, it's either you die, or I, Gu Lin, will perish!
The loser cannot leave Arena Number Three alive!
Gu Lin was determined; he had to win!
Zhu Baihu of the Wendao Academy noticed this and shouted sternly:
"If you do not go on stage within ten breaths, you will be considered to have publicly surrendered and been eliminated!"
ten.
Nine.
Eight!
Zhao Yao leaped up, stepped onto platform number three, stood with his hands behind his back, and stared coldly at Gu Lin.
The moment Gu Lin took his first step, Zhao Yao was radiant, his tense nerves completely relaxed, and his whole body felt incredibly light.
If Yan Xu was lucky enough to draw the weakest opponent this round, then Zhao Qilin was even more blessed by fate!
To be able to personally end the life of a hateful person and solidify one's invincible Dao heart, wouldn't that be wonderful?
If there hadn't been this battle, waiting until I joined the Holy Land to find a reason to take revenge would have been beneath my dignity and given others cause for gossip. But if I didn't take action myself, I wouldn't be able to vent the resentment I had been building up.
Finally, his luck in cultivation arrived, and he drew the surname Gu in the top 64!
Eight breaths later, Gu Lin also stepped onto the third dueling platform.
The two stood facing each other, thirty paces apart.
.......
.......