Amidst the gaze of everyone, Qiao Yingze slowly stood up.
The former Elder had completely disappeared from the Tian Gang Sect, so Qiao Yingze, who was previously the Second Elder, had now become the Grand Elder of the Tian Gang Sect.
"The preliminary round will be conducted through a lottery system. If disciples draw the same number, they will compete against each other accordingly, following the sequence of those numbers. Do you all understand?" Qiao Yingze explained.
The participating disciples from the four major factions nodded in response, understanding the process.
"Now, the participating disciples can come forward and draw lots!" Qiao Yingze announced.
As Qiao Yingze spoke, disciples from the four major factions ascended the platform. This lottery draw was an opportunity for them to showcase their abilities.
As each disciple stepped onto the platform, murmurs could be heard from below.
As members of the top twenty in their respective factions, they were well-known among the crowd. The participating disciples carried an air of pride, for earning a spot in this competition already marked them as formidable individuals.
Bai Li Hongzhuang also ascended the platform and, after drawing her lot, returned to her original position. As she walked back among the participating disciples, she noticed that everyone was standing according to their assigned order. This way, they could determine their upcoming opponents.
Bai Li Hongzhuang's eyes sparkled with understanding. Everything was quite straightforward.
She was the twenty-seventh number, which meant her appearance would be relatively late, placing her towards the back. Her opponent was a male disciple from the Azure Dragon Hall, but she knew nothing about the Azure Dragon Hall or the strength of her opponent.
As Bai Li Hongzhuang glanced at the male disciple, he also looked back at her. In that instant, he appeared slightly stunned, but quickly recovered and smiled. Bai Li Hongzhuang responded with a smile as well.
Tan Lehuan and Shen Xiuhán had relatively early placements. Tan Lehuan was in the seventh match, while Shen Xiuhán was in the fifteenth. It would be a good opportunity for Bai Li Hongzhuang to gauge their abilities through their matches.
After the lottery draw concluded, the first match immediately began.
The grand arena was immense, with only a single colossal combat stage. It was a magnificent spectacle.
The senior referee introduced the names of the two disciples and their respective factions, officially commencing the match.
As Bai Li Hongzhuang expected, the battles were intense. Each disciple chosen from the factions displayed formidable strength, employing all their skills and combat experience on the stage.
As a result, a stalemate ensued between the contestants, with neither side gaining an advantage. They struggled against each other, unable to make significant progress.
However, it was undeniable that these disciples possessed outstanding abilities. The clash of their martial techniques and combat experience often drew exclamations from the spectators in the stands.
Observing these matches, the onlookers became more aware of the gap between their own abilities and those of the ranked disciples.
While Bai Li Hongzhuang watched the matches, a voice suddenly sounded beside her.
"I'm Ye Chenyu, a fellow disciple from the Zhu Que Hall. I arrived two years before you did. I wonder if we can be friends, Junior Sister Bai Li?"