Chapter 133: Thorne Evergale.
The Nethermoon sect had disciples of all ages. Not everyone was gifted or lucky enough to ignite their spark, and at some point many opted to become an elemental warrior by absorbing a beast’s spark.
Of course, because of the side effects, there were also people who wanted to age naturally. Thus in the spectator seats where the outer disciples were supposed to sit, there were quite a few middle aged and elderly people.
The contestants, though, were all from the younger generation. Seeing the first few that were about to go up, Lee could only sigh in relief none of them were bullies like Xie Wuking with whom he sparred for the past three months.
The guys were athletic and two heads taller than him. And the few girls, while of smaller stature, felt like deadly weapons about to be unsheathed.
"How many fights are there?" Lee asked Xiao Lian.
The latter got confused for a split moment, but then remembered where his friend stood with the reading lessons, and said, "Only thirty two. Their names are on the left stone slate. Technically one could apply to be become a candidate, but everyone was picked by Junior Elder Yuan."
To not let all outer disciples compete was only normal since there were simply too many of them, but to be hand picked by someone was kind of fishy.
As if guessing Lee’s thoughts, Xiao Lian said, "That is the simplest way to choose the best of the best. After all, the top four will represent our hall in the sect’s competition, and, trust me, the rewards they’ll get could leave many inner disciples green with envy."
Seeing everyone had their weapons, Lee asked, "What if someone dies?"
"It happens very rarely. No one really tries to kill their opponent, you know? Everyone can solve their disputes in the regular arena." Xiao Lian explained.
"So no outer disciples spar with the inner disciples?" Lee asked.