Chapter 10
As was tradition for time immemorial, there was a break following the second day of competition to allow the competitors a chance to regroup, recover, rest, revitalize and recreate. It was a much-needed time out after the intense drama and physical exertion of the tournament. In was also a time of retaliation from some of the less successful, somewhat dishonorable factions who had been eliminated from competition.
To Liao, little change was called for. The astral landscape preceding the Hainan dawn found him beginning his day with the usual regiment of warm-up exercises and calisthenics. If he was to be successful, there was neither room nor time for a lapse in his routine.
As he had the previous day, Liao made his way to the square where meals were prepared. He selected a si
