With Wang Juechu's command, more than thirty disciples in golden robes rushed out from the main hall. Without a word, they efficiently began to outline the battlefield with wooden stakes and ropes on the open ground in front of the hall. Their swift movements indicated that they were far from ordinary disciples, but rather the elite of the Seven Celestial Sect.
As the duel arena was being prepared, Li Feiyu, unable to contain his unease, turned to Han Li and asked, "Are we really just going to stay here and do nothing while they duel? This doesn't feel right."
Han Li, his face calm, replied, "What's wrong? Your little sweetheart is perfectly safe for now. After the duel, when the Wild Wolf Gang retreats in chaos, we'll secretly get her out. Then, the two of you can run away and hide, so the higher-ups won't make you the scapegoat, forcing you to take the fall for something you didn't even do."
Li Feiyu shook his head furiously, "That's basically eloping! No way! Xiaoxue won't agree to that!"
Han Li responded nonchalantly, "Then just knock her out and take her with you. Make it happen and don't ask questions. Once you're done, she'll have no choice but to accept it."
Li Feiyu glared at Han Li, his mouth agape in disbelief, "You...!"
As the two continued bickering, Wang Juechu solemnly received two blood-red documents from one of his disciples—these were the Death Contracts. He kept one and handed the other to Jia Tianlong.
Jia Tianlong, seeing the contract, became more serious. He carefully opened the document, read it thoroughly, and once he was sure everything was in order, he nodded and closed it. He then began selecting the warriors who would fight in the duel.
After some deliberation, he chose thirteen elite experts from the Wild Wolf Gang. To minimize casualties, he also picked a few skilled fighters from smaller factions who, although not particularly eager, would have no choice but to fight once they signed the death pact. The remaining participants were hand-picked from his loyal Iron Guard. Of course, the Golden Light Taoist would also be joining, as Jia Tianlong relied heavily on his flying sword technique.
Meanwhile, Wang Juechu remained inside the stone hall, and no one had seen him emerge. He was likely busy selecting his own fighters for the upcoming duel.
When the arena was finally ready, Wang Juechu stepped out with a group of three to four hundred people. These individuals were a mix of old and young, men and women, but all exuded a sense of strength and discipline. They were the cream of the Seven Celestial Sect's elite, and their confidence was unmistakable.
Among them, Jia Tianlong's attention was drawn to three people following closely behind Wang Juechu. The first was a scholarly-looking figure in a flowing robe, with a gentle demeanor and the air of a scholar. The second was a massive man with a bare chest, a thick beard like steel needles, and a formidable aura. The third was a cold-faced figure dressed in grey, a longsword strapped to his back.
At first glance, they appeared to be middle-aged, but upon closer inspection, their eyes and expressions betrayed the weariness of those far older than they appeared, suggesting they had lived through more than their years suggested.
Jia Tianlong immediately recognized them as Wang Juechu's three masters, the secret power that Wang had brought to bear. It was clear now—Wang Juechu was prepared to go all-in to ensure Jia Tianlong's demise.
Turning to the Golden Light Taoist, Jia Tianlong quietly gestured toward the three masters and asked, "What do you think of those three? Do you think you can handle them?"
The Golden Light Taoist's face darkened as he scoffed, "They're just mere mortals. Once my flying sword is unleashed, their lives will be forfeit. Why worry? Do you not trust me?"
Jia Tianlong quickly smiled and appeased him, "Of course not! I was just asking casually. Please, don't take offense, Master."
The Golden Light Taoist grunted, but his anger dissipated. Jia Tianlong, now relieved, silently praised himself for handling the matter carefully. This master was indeed not one to be offended lightly.
He then turned back to the crowd and bellowed, "Are we ready? Begin signing the Death Contracts!"
At Jia Tianlong's command, the Wild Wolf Gang's fighters began solemnly signing their names on the Death Contracts, committing themselves fully to the duel.
Across the battlefield, Wang Juechu's voice rang out coldly, "Sign the Death Contracts!"
Dozens of selected warriors stepped forward from the Seven Celestial Sect's side, ready to sign the contracts as well.
Han Li, observing the situation, cast his gaze across the crowd to see if anyone he recognized was among the participants. His eyes fell on Wang Juechu's three masters, but he quickly glanced away, uninterested. However, his attention was then drawn to an elderly figure in a blue robe.
"Li Zhanglao!" Han Li gasped, his heart sinking.
It was Li Zhanglao, the elder he had saved once, and the master of Ma Rong. To Han Li's surprise, Li Zhanglao was also participating in the Death Duel.
Han Li quickly turned to Li Feiyu and slapped him on the shoulder, "Look! Li Zhanglao is there! He's about to sign the Death Contract too!"
Li Feiyu stood motionless, staring blankly into the distance. His expression was dull, like he hadn't heard a word.
"Hey! What's wrong with you?" Han Li asked, confused.
Li Feiyu finally snapped out of his trance and slowly turned to Han Li, his voice tinged with disbelief, "Xiaoxue... Xiaoxue is also there. She's going to sign the Death Contract too."
Han Li's heart skipped a beat as he followed Li Feiyu's gaze and saw the figure of Zhang Xiaoxue, standing among the Seven Celestial Sect's warriors, preparing to enter the deadly battle.
Li Feiyu's face turned a deep shade of green. "No… she can't… Why is she involved in this?!"