The Final Stages

At the entrance of the Floating Crest Palace, the four elders and the clan master were sitting in silence. Eighteen days had passed in this fashion, with none of the contestants having exited the palace since the eighth day. "We should be nearing the end of the last stage now," Mr. Hayden said slowly. The five authorities, who were all at the True Spirit Realm, appeared solemn.

Both the clan master and Granny Lee looked worried. From previous experience, they knew that even in the best generations of participants, there were usually only two to three fighters left at this stage of the competition. This year, seven of the participants had yet to emerge from the palace. "As long as the Floating Crest Palace doesn't close, there are still people alive in there," Mr. Lugo said stoically. His student David had already been kicked out, so he had no expectations for the outcome of the trial. The only thing on his mind was Bobby, who had kicked his student out of the competition.