Black Sail

In the Continent Martial Arts Competition, the participants are merciless, often killing their opponents outright.

Allowing surrender in the duels diminishes the competitive spirit, fails to exhibit sportsmanship, and doesn’t inspire the participants to exert their utmost abilities.

Therefore, surrender is implicitly invalid; one’s survival after defeat depends entirely on the winner’s will.

Thus, a vicious cycle arises: I spare you, but who will spare me?

However, the essence of the Continent Martial Arts Competition is, firstly, the Emperor’s personal hobby, secondly, the Military Department’s recruitment of new blood, and lastly, the National Bank’s profits from gambling.

Should everyone die, what fresh blood could be recruited? The problem of stagnation within the military would intensify.

Therefore, the rules state that after each match, one may choose to maintain their current ranking and withdraw, and upon entering the top 500, one can apply to retire from the competition, limiting their achievements to that point but being hired by the Military Department as an officer, starting from the position of Officer.

At the very least, one must win the first round.

Yet everyone who participates in the Continent Martial Arts Competition dreams of soaring to prominence, aiming to reach the top 100, or even the top 16, which is a direct path to the Emperor’s favor, receiving recognition, and being appointed as the head of a newly established department, with a noble rank steadily rising until weary, earning a ticket to Heaven Palace.

But for those burdened with criminal charges, seeking a redemption in the Continent Martial Arts Competition, the thought process is not the same.

As long as they win the first round... their charges will be pardoned, and that’s sufficient.