I Can Devour Spirits

Chapter 281 - 268: Great Success Strength

"During the duel, the use of poison is prohibited! Anyone who uses poisonous powder or poisoned darts, or poisons their weapons, will be disqualified once discovered."

"..."

"The use of crossbows and mechanisms is forbidden! However, hand-thrown hidden weapons are not prohibited! ..."

"..."

Qin Shuban’s voice had already started to become somewhat hoarse as he read aloud rhythmically.

Duan Rong stood in front of the Zhexing Platform, frowning and listening carefully.

The rule that hand-thrown hidden weapons are not prohibited has been an old established practice for many years. Duan Rong had already been aware of this beforehand.

This is because some martial artists specialize exclusively in hidden weapons, and even have family lineages devoted to this art, with a heritage spanning centuries!

Within the Taiyi Sect, there are also many martial arts related to hidden weapons.

However, although hand-thrown hidden weapons are not prohibited, it is not without restrictions. For instance, extremely covert and treacherous needle-like hidden weapons are also banned.

Upon hearing this detail, Duan Rong felt as if the rule was directed at him. Nevertheless, he had no intention of using hidden weapons in the duel; he didn’t even bring his Willow Leaf Saber, let alone needles.

This thing is like carrying a case around with you, openly admitting guilt in public, what’s the difference?

It took Qin Shuban half an incense stick’s time to finish announcing the various regulations for the duel.

Qin Shuban’s complexion wasn’t looking good, and his throat had started to hurt. He walked slowly to the observation seats, bowed and clasped his hands, saying, "County Magistrate, esteemed inspectors! The rules and regulations for the duel have been announced! Shall we start the first round of the three-round chaotic points battle now?"

Sitting in the observation seats, Shen Yanliu turned his head to look at Li Xianjiang beside him. Li Xianjiang did not speak, only gave a slight nod to him.

Shen Yanliu understood and looked at Qin Shuban, saying, "Let’s begin!"

Qin Shuban turned around and gestured towards the entrance of the County Office, where several government constables immediately carried a heavy wooden wheel, wobbling, and placed it in front of the Zhexing Platform.

This wooden wheel was taller than a person, with a huge surface made of hardwood. It’s unclear how old this object is, but every three years it makes an appearance in front of the crowd; the spectators are long accustomed to it and don’t pay much attention.

On the surface of the wheel were already pasted the names of twenty-four seed contestants participating in this year’s Talent Selection Conference.

Qin Shuban walked to the wheel, speaking in a hoarse voice, "The first round of the three-round chaotic points battle begins now! Next, I will spin the wheel and the first two names it stops on will duel!"

Qin Shuban was about to spin the wheel when suddenly someone in the observation seats stood up and shouted, "Wait!"

Qin Shuban’s hand was on the wheel, and he suddenly froze, turning his head to look towards the observation seats. The person who stopped him was Zhu Qunxiang, who was sitting beside Fan Yuanhai.

Everyone on the field also looked in unison towards Zhu Qunxiang.

Zhu Qunxiang, with a fair complexion, always seemed to have a self-satisfied, faint smile on his face, whether there was an issue or not.

Shen Yanliu, with a cold face, said, "Master Zhu, why did you call for a halt?"

Zhu Qunxiang said, "Our duty is to supervise. This wheel is so important, I’d like to inspect it to see if someone has tampered with it?"

As Zhu Qunxiang spoke, he walked down from the observation seats and headed towards the wooden wheel in front of the Zhexing Platform.

Zhu Qunxiang wasn’t really interested in inspecting the wheel; he was intentionally trying to make things difficult for Shen Yanliu.

Shen Yanliu had ignored them at the banquet, and earlier, when Qin Shuban made his report, Shen Yanliu completely ignored them, only treating Li Xianjiang with special courtesy, which made Zhu Qunxiang angry.

So, he came up with this idea as a way to retaliate against Shen Yanliu.

Shen Yanliu clearly understood that Zhu Qunxiang was deliberately causing trouble, but his words were righteous, leaving Shen Yanliu without a valid reason to stop him.

Zhu Qunxiang walked slowly, with a perpetual faint smile on his face.

When he reached the wheel, Qin Shuban stepped aside a bit. Qin Shuban turned his head to look at Shen Yanliu in the observation seats and saw that Shen Yanliu’s expression was unpleasant.

Zhu Qunxiang stood by the wheel, happily spun it around.

The old, heavy wheel turned slowly with creaking noises that were grating to the ears.

Zhu Qunxiang smiled and said, "Wow! This thing is quite old!"

Saying this, Zhu Qunxiang spun it forcefully again. This time the wheel turned a bit faster, then slowly came to a stop at a name.

Zhu Qunxiang rotated it a few more times and then said, "Though it’s a bit worn, it’s still usable!"

He dusted off his hands and was about to return to the observation seats when Shen Yanliu suddenly said, "Master Zhu, is there any issue with the County Government Office’s wheel?"

Zhu Qunxiang smiled and said, "No issue whatsoever!"

Shen Yanliu said coldly, "Since Master Zhu wants to exercise his supervisory authority, why not be responsible for the wheel yourself? That way, our constable wouldn’t have the chance to tamper with it secretly!"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Qunxiang’s expression immediately stiffened.

Qin Shuban stood there, gesturing toward Zhu Qunxiang invitingly.

Zhu Qunxiang’s face was a bit embarrassed; he was a Sect Envoy, so standing there to turn the wheel, what would that be?»

Zhu Qunxiang gave a cold snort, said nothing, and walked back to the observation seats, sitting back in his original position.

Shen Yanliu glanced at him with a cold eye and then looked at Qin Shuban, saying, "Continue."

Qin Shuban bowed towards Shen Yanliu’s direction, then rose up and looked at the wheel’s surface, shouting, "The first duel, Xia Shuangshuang!"

Qin Shuban did not spin the wheel again but directly called out the name where the wheel had stopped after being turned by Zhu Qunxiang.