The disciple gave a standard bow, and left. Unlike them, the paper also told me the identity of my opponent. Hong Zinlong, Rank #907. It was a wrinkle, to be paired against someone at the top of the range, but not an unexpected one. Although, I had to wonder if I really could win. There were plenty of disciples that were a "half-step" from the rankings, who were able to achieve 10 wins in a row in normal practice matches like me. In fact, there were at least five times as many as there were actually ranked disciples, and probably more. Of course, there were many more still who hadn't even taken a half-step, but not many would brag about only losing ranking matches.
Either way, I was looking forward to going back to grinding missions whether I won or lost. I took another "stay in and cultivate" day for most of the following day, it not really being viable to prepare for the match any other way. Information on their fighting capabilities was fairly incomplete. I did manage to find out that they preferred daggers as a weapon, and they usually fought by duplicating them and controlling them to fly. Other than that, it wasn't really known what techniques they had.
There was another knock at my door. I glanced at the clock; it was a little past 3. This time, it was Li Han at the door. "I got your note about Hou Lu. I got curious as to how you got that name, so I looked into recent events. You have a ranking match tomorrow, eh?"
"That's right." I went into how I had intended to stop after 9 wins, but he had provoked me into continuing.
"Yeah, that sounds like Hou Lu alright. He's a notorious eccentric, and he loves causing mischief. He probably went in against you intending to lose so that you'd have to go through with the ranking match, though from how people talk about the match it sounds like you didn't need much of his help. Well done there, at least.
Although, you do owe me an apology, junior brother. You didn't need to hide that you were actually from the Academy when we last met."
"Oh, that. Yes, I could have been more forthcoming, I am sorry." I gave a slight bow as was proper. "I should have realized the Academy was viewed favorably here."
"Yes, they're responsible for a great many benefits to the Library and its territory. They upgraded the efficiency of the region's teleportation network, making it much cheaper to operate. Outer Disciples must travel to mission locations themselves in the vast majority of sects, even elite sects.
But, about Hou Lu. Like I said, he's a bit of an odd one. He's one of the really privileged—his family isn't near the level of a Sacred Family, but they have some money. Not in the rankings, but then again, the movement technique he used was almost definitely Heaven Rank, and he didn't have that the last I heard anything about him. He was probably at the dueling courts to test it and saw a chance to mess with you. And maybe to test it on someone who could really put it to the test.
So, if you're lucky, you won't have to worry about him anymore, though he probably had a hand in the prevailing rumors about you."
"No doubt," I said, starting a bow that would precede turning to go.
"Just a moment, junior brother. Things are getting a little interesting here, so I think I'll stay in the sect for a week or two. I think I'll attend your match tomorrow. It's only polite to let you know."
"Hmm. Well, of course I would never stop you. Thank you for letting me know, senior brother."
And after the match, I think it's time to finally visit the sect's Hall of Knowledge and do a little research concerning the current Li Family. A few things about you that didn't make sense before are starting to.
I was a little jittery at the morning meal. "Hey, it's like you said Z," said Shokoya, "even if you lose, so what? It's almost certain they matched you against one of the highest places possible because you have ten wins and no losses in the normal matches."
I shook my head. "I'm not nervous about losing. I just always get like this before a big match, especially against an opponent I'm not familiar with. It's like…anything can happen, you know?"
"I guess. I just hope you won't be thrown off your game."
The atmosphere at the "official match" section of the dueling courts was very different from the ones for normal sparring. There were still lots of disciples around, but even though technically any of them could fight there, ranked or unranked, if they were willing to wager contribution points or treasures against their opponent, they were much more likely to wager on the outcome of others' matches.
There was quite a turnout at Court 21, too. Of course, I'd given my name for plenty of people to hear when I fought Hou Lu, and copies of the match schedule for the day were posted on several notice boards placed all around the dueling courts. Even considering that, though, there were quite a few more people than I'd expected.
I introduced myself to the elder in charge of the court, who then introduced himself after confirming my identity from my badge. "I am Elder Di. This is your first time in an official match, correct?"
"Yes, elder."
"Then just in case, I'll go over the rules. For the most part, they are the same as in the sparring matches—no treasures or pills allowed, victory awarded on disarming your opponent and having them at your mercy, knocked down for a five count, ringed out for a ten count, or if one of you surrenders. The biggest difference is that there is no time limit in an official match.
As well, since you are fighting to qualify for the rankings from outside them, if you win, you will assume your opponent's rank and they will be ejected from the rankings. Any questions?"
"No, elder."
"Good. Your opponent is already here, you're both a little early. It'll just be a few minutes while they finish preparing the ring."
Once the disciples in the ring, who as far as I could tell were cleaning it or something, left, Elder Di stepped to the center. "Attention! The match will now begin. This is an official Ranking Qualification match! Ranked disciple Hong Zinlong, #907, enter the ring!"
Hong Zinlong, who looked surprisingly lanky, entered the ring. He held a dagger in each hand.
"Challenger Xu Zuhui, enter the ring!"
As I stepped up, I tried to spot Li Han or Lo Kien, but I couldn't even make out Shokoya who I'd literally walked here with. It was just as well. My focus needed to be on my opponent right now.