"Where?" Han Li asked urgently, snapping back to alertness.
"Over there."
Following Li Feiyu's gaze, Han Li finally spotted the pale-faced Zhang Xiuer at the edge of the crowd. She stood with two other female participants, dressed in a white silk gown, her cherry lips pressed tightly together. Like a delicate white blossom, she looked fragile enough to break at a touch.
"A delicate young woman like Miss Zhang—how could she be drawn into such a bloody duel? Has Wang lost his mind?" Han Li could scarcely believe his eyes.
"Xiuer is also a core disciple of the Seven-Absolutes Hall. Didn't I ever tell you?" Li Feiyu managed a bitter smile and delivered the unexpected news.
Han Li fell silent.
Clearly, the Seven Mysteries had precious few experts remaining. And their Sect Leader showed no inclination toward chivalry or mercy—driven by desperation for victory, he had deployed even someone like Zhang Xiuer. The man was gambling everything.
"Brother, I won't waste words. I'm going to stand with Xiuer. Take care of yourself." Li Feiyu clasped Han Li's shoulder briefly, spoke softly, then turned to push through the crowd.
He had taken barely two steps when a soft sigh reached his ears. A breeze stirred at his side, and Han Li materialized beside him.
"What's the big deal? It's just a Death Pact Duel—this small spectacle doesn't frighten me. We've been friends long enough; this much I can do for you." Han Li smiled.
Li Feiyu's response was wordless. He struck Han Li hard on the chest, his voice low: "Good brother. Thank you."
Han Li smiled but said nothing. As he had suggested, he had come for two reasons: his bond with Li Feiyu ran deep, and he could not stomach watching his friend walk into danger alone. But there was more to it—he possessed the Fireball Technique and the Wind-Riding Mantra now, and the Wild Wolf Gang's so-called experts posed little genuine threat. He was, in truth, eager to test his true strength.
The two men shouldered their way through the crowd and strode toward Wang Juechu. Halfway there, they tore away their Broken Water Gate garments, revealing the Seven Mysteries attire beneath.
This sudden appearance—and transformation—before both armies struck every observer dumb. For a long moment, no one moved to stop them, and they reached Wang Juechu unchallenged.
"Hall Master Li!"
"Physician Han!"
Several Seven Mysteries disciples recognized the two prominent figures and cried out in astonishment.
Zhang Xiuer's face lit with unbridled joy at the sight of Li Feiyu. Had there not been so many eyes present, she would have thrown herself into his arms.
Wang Juechu recognized them as well, a flicker of surprise crossing his features. Their sudden appearance was entirely unexpected.
"Vice Hall Master of the Outer Edge Hall, Li Feiyu, pays respects to the Sect Leader." Li Feiyu's voice rang clear across the arena. Without waiting to be questioned, he declared: "We wish to sign the death pact and participate in the Blood Duel. We ask the Sect Leader's approval." Han Li stood silently at his side, deferring entirely to his friend.
Wang Juechu had been on the verge of reprimanding them, but these words silenced him. The ice on his face thawed into a faint smile.
"Very well. True and loyal disciples of the Seven Mysteries indeed. With Hall Master Li joining the fight, our chances improve. But surely Physician Han need not participate—his medical skills are too valuable to the sect. Should anything happen to him in the duel, it would be a loss beyond measure."
Han Li smiled faintly. Before Li Feiyu could respond, he swayed slightly—and vanished.
Wang Juechu started, turning to search for him—then froze as Han Li's languid voice drifted from directly behind him.
"I trust my skills meet the Sect Leader's standards? Even in a death duel, I believe I can protect myself. I humbly request the Sect Leader's approval."
The Sect Leader's blood ran cold. He had never imagined that Han Li—a physician known throughout the sect for his medical skill—possessed such terrifying movement techniques. To be infiltrated from behind without the faintest awareness...
*What manner of man is this?* A cascade of alarming thoughts flooded Wang Juechu's mind. *What is he doing hidden within our sect?*
He turned to study Han Li's seemingly harmless countenance, then glanced toward his three grand-uncles.
All three had shifted subtly, alarm flickering in their eyes. Even they recognized the threat this physician represented.
A storm of calculations whirled through the Sect Leader's mind. At last, he made his decision.
He burst into hearty laughter and spoke warmly:
"Since Physician Han bears such sincere loyalty to our sect, how could I, as Sect Leader, refuse?"
He gestured, and two of the weakest fighters among the original participants stepped aside. Han Li and Li Feiyu took their places, and the Sect Leader had them sign the blood-red death pact first with black ink, officially inducting them into the ranks of duel participants.
This spectacle on the Seven Mysteries' side did not escape Jia Tianlong's attention. Though mildly surprised that two more fighters had joined, he gave it little weight. Flesh and blood mortals, after all, could not withstand the Golden Light Master's flying sword.
Once both sides had completed their signatures and exchanged the death pact documents, the blood duel—where only one side would leave alive—finally began.