Mei Li was seated in the intermediate stands when she spotted three familiar figures approaching through the crowd.
Yan Ling, Kai, and Li Fen. She waved discreetly, and the three moved toward her, weaving past excited spectators shouting the names of ranked fighters.
"You came," Mei Li said with a faint smile as she watched them sit beside her.
"Bai Zhu has already won the first match. Soon it will be Kyrian's turn."
Yan Ling nodded, looking down at the arena below with a thoughtful expression.
"I expected nothing less from Bai Zhu. He has always been straightforward. Pure brute strength."
Kai grunted, crossing his arms.
"He doesn't know how to do it any other way. Good for him."
Li Fen merely watched in silence, eyes fixed on the center of the empty arena.
Then Elder Tian raised his voice again, deep and amplified.
"Next challenge. Kyrian of the Blood Court, against Wang Dahai, Rank 92 of the Coliseum. Step into the arena."
