Some vigor has returned to the Sparring Hall over the past week. Two disciples, in particular, are engaged in a fierce struggle that grows more brutal with every exchange. Lightning-fast kicks and swift punches are discarded in favor of blazing fire and angry gales. The blood stains on the fighter's bodies grow by the second, yet neither side shows a desire to back down.
Many disciples are gathered around the ring, cheering wildly. For the many who did not go to the Dead Plains, this spectacle is a welcome break from the overly safe fights that have been taking place lately.
"Do you even know their names?" Liu Jin asks Lu Mei. Unlike most, the two are watching the fight from a distance.
"I don't care to remember the name of every hopeless fool who believes he can court me," Lu Mei replies. Her messy red locks are tied into a loose ponytail like always, though Liu Jin cannot help but note her hair has grown redder recently.
"They are bound to figure out you arranged this."
"You think too highly of people," Lu Mei replies, readily admitting her role in orchestrating the increasingly brutal fight. She points to one of the fighters. "He is from the Hundred Flames Sect." Her finger shifts to the other. "And that one is from the Raging Gale. They are both Sects situated near Red Sky City."
Liu Jin hums. "They are neighboring sects to the Red Sky Pavilion?"
"Ones with quite a bit of enmity between them. Nothing that will make it to any important history books. Just several minor and major conflicts scattered over the centuries. Regardless of who wins, the loser's pride will not allow him to accept it. He will ask support from his former sect and will receive it for the sake of humiliating an old foe."
"Then the other one will call for support from his former sect, and the same will happen," Liu Jin continues for her. "More and more people will get involved, and things will escalate to the point they won't even remember why they are fighting. Is that it?"
Lu Mei smirks proudly, causing Liu Jin to shake his head.
