The fourth-round maneuver was over, and a total of twelve finalists remained. Only eight clans had qualified for this round, which included three upper-high-ranking clans, two lower-high-ranking clans, two upper-middle-ranking clans, and one low-ranking clan.
The fifth round of maneuvers would select only six contestants from the twelve. Diao and Den had a high chance of being matched against each other, but that opportunity would not arise because Zheng-Fu had controlled the drawing of lots himself.
Zheng-Fu did this because he wanted both brothers to take first and second place. Therefore, he chose their opponents carefully, ensuring they faced worthy challengers. He didn’t select anyone incompetent or weaker than the two brothers, as he believed that a true martial artist's path required difficult trials.
In a special seat on the high tower...