Four massive bronze gongs boomed in unison from the cardinal towers of the floating coliseum, sending a deep shudder through the suspended marble foundation.
The sound signaled the arrival of the semi finals, clearing seventy five broken workstations from the floor and leaving only four raised platforms standing in the center of the Grand Crucible.
To the east stood Disciple Chen of the Jade Pavilion, his pristine azure robes trimmed with real gold leaf as three attendants carefully arranged his private set of seven silver measuring rods.
To the west and south stood two senior prodigies from the Northern Pill Valley and the Hidden Sword Terrace, both carrying hundred year family heirlooms forged from white copper and dragon bone.
At the center of the northern quadrant, standing before
