Chapter 904 - 444: Favoritism or Secret Dealings (Part 2)

Chapter 904: Chapter 444: Favoritism or Secret Dealings (Part 2)

Evan Stetford stepped back, and Olivia Gilbert was talking to him about something. He slightly tilted his head, still wearing the same smile.

Caitlin Gilbert saw this and secretly gave a thumbs-up to her sister in her heart.

The host then announced, "The Celestial Path Sect’s 18th World Cup Championship Preselection Tournament officially begins!"

"This year’s competition will follow the regulations provided to everyone."

"There are eight arenas here, and each arena has a master defending it."

"Each participant has five minutes to challenge the master. Defeat the master within five minutes, and you will score a full five points and become the new master to guard the arena."

"The defending master gains an additional five points for each challenger defeated."

"If a participant is defeated by the master within five minutes, the score is based on the duration they lasted. Less than one minute means zero points."

"All scoring is completely electronic with no human interference."

"Please note, everyone has only two opportunities to challenge different masters."

"Fail both times and you’ll be eliminated."

"The top eight scorers will enter the first-round competition."

...

Lawrence Winters listened attentively from the audience and understood the competition rules.

So today is the preselection for ’advancing eight’.

Once these eight advance to the first round, four will be eliminated, narrowing down from eight to four.

The second round is held between these four, eliminating two, and advancing from four to two for the finals.

The third round final is conducted between the last two.

The rules are brutal but also thrilling.

This means the final winner, the champion, almost has to be an undefeated overlord!

She absentmindedly bit her lower lip, a flash of determination in her eyes, and said eagerly, "With over three hundred people fighting for eight spots, today’s competition will definitely be exciting!"

The Daoist next to her smirked and said, "Actually, it’s only seven people, not eight."

Lawrence Winters: "..."

She looked at the Daoist, thinking she must have heard wrong.

She pointed at the host and asked, "...Didn’t he say the top eight scorers would enter the first-round competition?"

"Yes, but the last champion automatically enters the first round without participating in the preselection." The Daoist shook his head with a smile, "So among us, only seven can be selected."

Lawrence Winters blinked, "Is this written in the rules?"

"What rules?"

"The competition rules..."

"What the host just explained."

"I’m not sure about that." The Daoist looked confused, "But that’s how it’s always been."

Lawrence Winters glanced around the theater.

She was sure she hadn’t seen Mr. Gilbert, the champion of the previous two tournaments.

So as soon as the host finished, Lawrence Winters picked up the microphone and loudly questioned, "Excuse me, Mr. Host, do the top eight have to participate in today’s preselection to enter the first round?"

The host nodded confidently, "Yes, they must participate in today’s preselection and have points to join the first official match."

This sounded like a simple rule, but it stirred quite a commotion among some present.

Someone immediately shouted, "...But the previous champion automatically enters the first round! No need for the preselection!"

The host agreed quickly, "Yes, the previous champion qualifies directly for the first round, no need for today’s preselection."

Since this has been the rule for several tournaments, those familiar with it stopped inquiring.

Only Lawrence Winters persistently continued, "...Really? Then why isn’t this mentioned in the competition rules we have?"

She waved the paper around, "This competition rule sheet is available to everyone at the entrance. So what are rules that aren’t listed in the competition rules? Favoritism? Or under-the-table arrangements?"

Hahaha——!

Many people were amused by Lawrence Winters’ choice of words.

Is favoritism or secret dealings used like this?

But on reflection, it did make some sense.

In the largest box, Aiden Sheldon barely contained a twitch of his lips, a trace of appreciative amusement flashing in his eyes.

Ruby Sheldon pouted, mumbling, "...It’s her again, can’t she not show off? People like her from insignificant families can’t ever be on the main stage..."

"Betty, don’t say that, does Mommy teach you such things?" Before Aiden Sheldon could glance over, Autumn Stetford sternly reprimanded Ruby Sheldon.

Ruby Sheldon quickly covered her mouth, her eyes darting around, "Oh mommy, I spoke wrongly...I shouldn’t have spoken the truth..."

"You’re such a chatterbox..."

Autumn Stetford patted her head, glancing at Aiden Sheldon who showed no emotion, only then did she breathe a sigh of relief.

In the neighboring box, Kenneth Osborne finally saw Lawrence Winters.

Amongst a group of Daoists dressed in robes of various colors, Lawrence appeared so refreshing, like a cloud fallen to earth.

She stood there with grace, wearing an appropriate smile, her dark eyes seemed capable of penetrating the deepest night, reaching into the heart.

Kenneth Osborne’s heart raced.

This was their first meeting after the divorce; he realized he loved her more than ever.

※※※※※※※※※

This is the second update.

Good night, everyone.

Love you all!