THE THIRD AND FINAL round of this first day found Liao competing in the first match. His opponent was Qiao, the competitor whose first-round match ended abruptly with the death of his opponent. Qiao was the marginal favorite based on that first round.
Qiao's challenge to Liao was issued using the informal variant. He further taunted Liao both by using his given name only rather than including his clan name, and by spitting at his feet as the challenged was spoken. This was a great show of disrespect, not only for Liao, but for his Clan, his guide, and his sponsor. It could be suggested that Gengshi himself was insulted by the manner in which Qiao had chosen to issue his challenge.
There are many acceptable responses to a challenge like this, and Liao chose to respond in the manner that a
