73 Duel Format

"Wait a moment? Aren't you going to show everyone how hard I trained? Why are you cutting this bit out?" Lu Fengyi cried in despair. Not only had he gone through an entire day's worth of training, he had learnt tens, if not hundreds of techniques that would aid him in the following duel, and yet now he was being told that it would not be broadcasted. "Isn't there always a training arc for the main character to overcome mental barriers and physical limitations, metamorphosing into a completely different person of improved fighting strength? Or is it common place to time-skip everything nowadays?"

"Look, we didn't have the time to show everyone that section, so we're moving on the the duel immediately. It's almost noon anyways, why complain about anything?" Song Mei shook her head sadly, "Do youngsters these days crave recognition so badly these days? Just do well in the actual duel and everyone will realise your potential."

Deliberately ignoring the last line, Lu Fengyi began to further his protest, however he was shortly interrupted by a prompt announcement.

{ Standard Duel between Ji Xun #2983 and Lu Fengyi #1010 shall commence in 10 minutes at 12pm. May both participants arrive at the duelling preparation area }

Instantly, whispers broke out from the surrounding transcenders.

"Ji Xun again? I thought he was out of action already."

"Looks like he's got himself some prey. This Lu Fengyi... He'd better be skilled, or else he'll be dragged into that cult."

"Indeed. I've heard of several Lu Fengyi's before, however the codes were different. Maybe this one is a newbie?"

Lu Fengyi creased his brows at the scepticism of his possibly victory. Even if he was not known well, there should be at least a chance that he would win right? Was there a need to directly say that he would lose?

"Come on, let's go. Don't feel downed by the lack of trust." Song Mei slapped the back of Lu Fengyi's head, jolting him into action, "No point standing around when you have a duel to attend."

Lu Fengyi nodded before running in the direction that Song Mei had pushed him. It was only a few steps before he turned, running back towards Song Mei with a reddened face. Confused at his actions, Song Mei frowned in thought, "What are you doing? You shouldn't back out of something you already agreed to."

Of course, Lu Fengyi intended to go ahead with the duel, however there was just one important thing preventing him from doing so. Scratching his head in embarrassment, Lu Fengyi chuckled awkwardly, "I, uh... I don't know how to get there!"

Haaa

Song Mei sighed at the stupidity of the man before him. There were clearly signs at each intersection that lead directly to each destination within the Fictional Transcension Hall. There was not a single person that would be able to get lost in here but him! Rolling her eyes in mock humour, Song Mei tapped on Lu Fengyi's shoulder before running down the street, towards one of the intersections, "Just follow me. You'll have to learn your way around soon enough, alright?"

Following closely behind Song Mei, Lu Fengyi found himself thrown through thin alleyways and magical gateways that seemed located in the most obscure positions. Although the Fictional Transcension Hall had seemed extremely large and spanned across and beyond one's vision, the speed in which the two were covering ground made it seem as if they were crossing from one side of a room to another, avoiding all unnecessary obstructions.

Within minutes, Lu Fengyi found himself before one of the most grand buildings he had seen in his entire life. Large, Roman style pillars stood decoratively at the front, holding up the roof extension while roaring dragon statues boasted their prowess on both sides of the entrance. While not as flashy as the rest, bold words sat upon an impressive signboard, demonstrating their own worth.

Fictional Transcension Duelling Facility

Taking a deep breath, Lu Fengyi leapt quickly up the steps, striding into the hall without any fear of the growing worries that he had only a day before. Just as he entered, Lu Fengyi spotted Ji Xun's figure leaning upon one of the pillars, staring with interest towards him.

"Oh? So you did come then. I thought you would be too spineless to attend the duel, only agreeing for hopes of escaping that day, however it seems that I was wrong." Ji Xun pushed himself nimbly off the pillar before walking calmly towards the supposed reception desk.

Instinctively, Lu Fengyi followed Ji Xun, "Of course I came. A man's word must be carried out. Even if Song Mei was able to bail me out, I would still attend the duel if you insisted."

Ji Xun turned with a smile, "Good, that's good... Someone with such honour is exactly what I need in the Exis Cult. With you as the new addition, there'll be no question about the prominent rise in power for the cult. You and the other two valiant members I found will make a great combination!"

"Hmph! Who said that I've already joined your cult? We still have the duel to complete first!" Lu Fengyi shrugged away Ji Xun's words before stepping up to the male receptionist at the desk, "Excuse me. We have a duel scheduled at 12pm."

The man looked at the identity frames that had appeared next to both competitors before nodding and indicating towards one of many doors on the side of the room.

"Both of you enter that door and the contents of the duel will be explained. The one who proposed the duel has already set the conditions, so there will be no need for the consent paperwork."

Thanking the receptionist, Lu Fengyi tilted his head towards the door, "Shall we go then?"

"Of course! I think you'll like this duel!"

Upon entering the room, Lu Fengyi stepped towards the centre, awaiting instructions that they had been promised. Before long, the end wall lit up with a dot pointed evaluation of what seemed to be the duel format and a deep, welcoming voice sounded out.

{ Welcome to your pre-duel rundown. Before we begin, would you like to allow public access to the contents of your duel? }

Before Lu Fengyi could answer, Ji Xun replied, "Yes."

Stuck on impulse, Lu Fengyi blurted out an agreement before continuing to listen.

[ Very well. Your duel will be broadcasted live to all transcenders interested. Now, if you'll look upon the screen in front of you, you will find detailed information about your following duel. As a quick run down, I'll point out some of the more important details ]

[ Firstly, this duel does not prohibit mutual attack. You may sabotage, or even kill the other party of you want ]

[ Secondly, this duel has a preset handicap for Lu Fengyi. Ji Xun shall not be informed of what the handicap is as it will be randomised for fairness ]

[ Finally, the world you shall be transcending into is... ]

Lu Fengyi's eyes lit up. Maybe there would be a chance for him yet.