drawing lots

After the preliminary rounds comes the elimination rounds, which are divided into group eliminations and the official advancement eliminations. In group eliminations, the eighty participants who advanced from the preliminary rounds are divided into eight groups of ten, where they compete against each other. Winning a match earns one point, and the two participants with the highest points in each group advance.

Eight groups are formed, with the top two scorers from each advancing to the final sixteen. This marks the official entry into the advancement eliminations, which proceed with straightforward elimination: sixteen to eight, eight to four, four to two, and finally, two to one. Compared to the rules of the preliminary rounds, the elimination rounds are simpler and more direct.

The next morning, the main square was already bustling with activity. Despite most participants not advancing from the preliminary rounds, they still came to watch the elimination rounds. After all, this was a rare event for the three sects, offering the chance to witness more high-level duels, something they were eager to see.

The eighty participants were gathered together by the assessment personnel. Then, a person carrying a box for drawing lots came forward. The rules for drawing lots had already been explained to Jiang Yun and the others. The box contained eighty cards divided into eight types: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H. Each type had ten cards. Participants who drew the same type of card would be in the same group.

Jiang Yun drew the A group, and two other disciples from the Heavenly Sword Sect also drew the A group. When these two learned that Jiang Yun was in the same group, they more or less gave up on the idea of advancing from the group stage.

"Ah, why are both Jiang Senior Brother and I in the same group? Now our chances are basically gone. Among ten, only two advance. The probability of advancing is too small."

One of the Heavenly Sword Sect disciples complained loudly about his bad luck. However, he quickly changed his tone, "Jiang Senior Brother, when we face each other, can you let me stand in the arena a bit longer? Don't defeat me too quickly; otherwise, I'll lose face."

"Sure."

Jiang Yun smiled and nodded at the disciple. For him, these things were trivial. But for those Heavenly Sword Sect disciples, spending an extra second in the arena with Jiang Yun would give them something to boast about to others.

"What about me, Jiang Senior Brother?"

Another disciple from the Heavenly Sword Sect who had drawn the A group eagerly asked.

"The same goes for you. When you face me, feel free to use your best sword techniques. I'll give you some pointers if I can. I'll try to help as much as I can. After all, I can't attend to every Heavenly Sword Sect disciple. You know, it's within my ability."

After Jiang Yun said this, the faces of the two disciples, who were initially dismayed by their unlucky draw against him, lit up. Hearing that Jiang Yun might give them pointers, they felt even happier than if they had advanced.

Jiang Yun's ability to provide guidance was more precious than his strength or talent. Many Heavenly Sword Sect disciples recognized this, and they often discussed it when Jiang Yun wasn't around. Yang Jin Yan had mentioned that besides Jiang Yun's exceptional talent in swordsmanship, his keen insight was even more remarkable. Jiang Yun could instantly see the strengths and weaknesses of one's sword techniques, which greatly helped in avoiding unnecessary detours during cultivation.

This insight was more valuable than his talent because there were many swordsmanship experts, but only a few of them were capable of being good mentors. Jiang Yun was undoubtedly one of those rare experts who could become an excellent mentor.

This was why even though Jiang Yun didn't interact much with the Heavenly Sword Sect's outer disciples, many of them showed great respect when they encountered him. They were eager to learn from him whenever possible. Jiang Yun's guidance was seen as a precious opportunity, and those who had received it had witnessed significant improvements in their skills.

Soon, the drawing lots were completed, and the assessment personnel began registering the participants for each group. The groups were then formed, and Jiang Yun, along with the other two Heavenly Sword Sect disciples in the A group, left the crowd of outer disciples.

The assessment personnel worked efficiently. In no time, they had gathered all ten participants of the A group. Jiang Yun saw Chen Si standing in the same group and couldn't help but sigh at the twists of fate.

When Chen Si noticed Jiang Yun entering the A group as well, it's unclear what he was thinking, but his expression turned sour.

When enemies meet, their eyes turn red.

Jiang Yun might not consider Chen Si an enemy, but Chen Si definitely saw Jiang Yun as one. His hatred for Jiang Yun was not small, and if looks could kill, Jiang Yun would likely be riddled with holes under Chen Si's gaze.

Ignoring Chen Si's bitterness, Jiang Yun instead gave him a meaningful smile. This smile sent shivers down Chen Si's spine, and he couldn't decipher its meaning. Was Jiang Yun planning to take drastic measures against him during the group stage, preventing him from participating further and securing another Heavenly Sword Sect disciple's advancement?