Yuan Ming scanned over the azure water curtain, noticing that the one hundred twenty-eight islands participating were divided into sixteen groups, each consisting of eight islands.
These eight islands were further paired off into four competing groups.
"As for the rules, they remain the same as in past years. After three rounds of competition within the sixteen groups, each will determine a winner who will qualify for the subsequent proceedings of the Immortal Fruit Conference," announced the Fusang Island Master in a loud voice.
No sooner had his words fallen than the square erupted into commotion. Among the many islands participating, some showed delight and cheered loudly, while others bore expressions of misery, lamenting incessantly.
The stark contrast of emotions was astonishing.
Yuan Ming took a careful look and immediately expressed some doubt.
