Chapter 15
With the preliminary posturing finally complete, Liao and Cheng were ready. The regent from the board of judges returned, carrying Liao’s approved Dao, and at long last the tournament was ready to progress. Liao followed his escort down the lengthy corridor leading to the arena where he would await the announcement that introduced the match, and the announcement in which both his name, and that of his opponent would be given. This was a much-anticipated match - a rematch of the defending Champion’s first foray into this year’s tournament, and one in which he was only marginally victorious. Because of Liao’s rapidly growing success and the resultant popularity, there was no clear-cut favorite.
A tense hush fell over the crowd as the arena announcer walked across the floor into
