"To survive, must we engage in conflict? Survival and evolution are the curses bestowed upon life by the heavens."

　　"The annual Human Sacrifice Martial Arts Tournament rotates between the territories of two rival clans. This year, it's the Gongyou Clan's turn to host the spectacle, right outside the sturdy walls of Windwood Citadel.

　　Ever since Sū Zǐqí and her crew caught wind of the intense showdowns between the clans in previous years, they've been itching to experience the excitement firsthand. So, they decided to make a bold move and seek Gōng Kōng's help in making their dream a reality.

　　But Gōng Kōng, wise as he is, knows that going straight to the Big Chief with their request is a surefire way to hit a dead end. "No chance," he muses, his eyes flickering with mischief. "But hey, here's my plan: when the tournament's in full swing and the crowd's thick as thieves, I'll sneak you and Zǐqí sis in. Trust me, with all the commotion, we'll blend right in, and Great Chief won't suspect a thing."

　　"But how on earth do we slip past those eagle-eyed guards at the sacrificial platform? We're basically trapped in here," Sū Zǐqí frets, her voice tinged with worry.

　　"Don't sweat it," Gōng Kōng says with a grin. "I'll bring some top-shelf booze and grub, get those guards nice and tipsy beforehand. Piece of cake."

　　And so, on the sun-drenched grounds outside Windwood Citadel, the Human Sacrifice Martial Arts Tournament unfolds, promising thrills, spills, and perhaps a dash of forbidden excitement."Gōng Kōng led Sū Zǐqí and her crew into the bustling crowd, navigating through the masses to secure a prime spot in the front row, given their shorter stature.

　　To the north and south of the open ground outside the city, two platforms stood tall. On the northern platform sat the chieftains of the Gongyou Clan, their flags proudly displaying a blue dragon on a yellow background—distinct symbols of the Gongyou Clan recognized by Sū Zǐqí.

　　On the southern platform, the chieftains of the Fire Worshipper Clan were seated, their flags bearing a striking red phoenix against a black backdrop. Gong Kong clarified that these were the banners of the Bai Huo Clan.

　　The crowd encircled these platforms, forming a perfect ring with the flat ground at the center serving as the arena.

　　Sū Zǐqí observed the crowd's fervent emotions, their excitement palpable as they strained to catch a glimpse of the action, eagerly anticipating the spectacle of combat in hopes of avoiding their own clan's fate in the human sacrifice.

　　After Gōng Kōng's explanation of the tournament's grim origins, Sū Zǐqí and her companions understood the harsh reality: the Green Clanof Evil Gods used human children as pawns, forcing clans to vie for sacrifice through inter-tribal conflict.

　　Despite the somber undertones, there was a disturbing absence of sorrow among the spectators—they seemed almost eager for the violence to unfold.

　　Observing this scene, Sū Zǐqí couldn't help but shake her head. "This is human nature," she remarked. "Despite millennia of evolution, selfishness and self-interest remain unchanged."

　　Presiding over the tournament was Fāng mù, the high priest of the Gongyou Clan. Donning a mask, he stepped into the center of the arena and proclaimed, "Brave warriors of the Gongyou and Bai Huo Clans, we are all children of the gods. Let us celebrate the eternal life bestowed upon us!"

　　Expecting a fervent response, Fāng mù was met with silence after his declaration. Clearing his throat, he continued, "As a gesture of gratitude to the gods, we must offer our love, bodies, and souls."

　　"Today, we gather for the Human Sacrifice Martial Arts Tournament. As tradition dictates, the losing side will offer the love of our people—our children—to the gods."

　　"Hmm," Fāng mù cleared his throat again. "I announce this year's sacrificial offering: eight thousand boys and girls, with an additional twenty thousand for labor."

　　"What? Are you serious?"

　　"Last year, there were only four thousand sacrifices. Why the sudden increase to eight thousand?"

　　"Exactly! And why labor again? How many families will be torn apart?"The crowd immediately erupted into a commotion, voices rising as everyone discussed the shocking numbers. Faced with these staggering figures, their earlier anticipation for the spectacle of death dissipated like smoke.

　　"What's all this fuss about? Compared to the love and blessings bestowed upon us by the gods, what are mere eight thousand sacrifices and twenty thousand laborers? The sacrifices and labor exchanged for over a decade of peaceful years are worthwhile," Fang Mù shouted loudly.

　　"Fang Mù, you scoundrel! Let your own children be the sacrifices! You go work as a laborer! We don't need this kind of peace!" the onlookers jeered.

　　Despite the bright sunshine, a sudden gust of cold wind brought a sense of desolation and chill to the crowd, and cries could be heard.

　　"Everyone, calm down, calm down! What kind of place is this? Today is a sacred day when the two great human tribes decide to offer love. There's no room for your unruliness!"

　　Fāng Mù, noticing the commotion in the crowd, grew impatient and continued, "Now, I declare the Martial Arts Tournament open. Gong Kāng will represent the Gongyou Clan as our champion. I call upon the Bai Huo Clan to send forth their warrior to meet the challenge!"

　　Gōng Kāng entered the arena wielding the Dragon Flame Sword, while a warrior from the Bai Huo Clan stepped forward.

　　Sū Zǐqí and her companions looked up to see a female warrior representing the Bai Huo Clan. Standing at around five feet seven inches tall, she had flowing jet-black hair cascading down her back like a waterfall, partially tied up into a bun atop her head.

　　This female warrior had a delicate oval face with fair, rosy cheeks and bright, sparkling eyes, exuding an air of intelligence and wit. Adorned in a black outfit embroidered with a crimson phoenix, she held two curved blades in her hands, resembling a blooming black rose as she stood proudly amidst the crowd.

　　"Zǐqí, this is Lián Xiāng," Gōng Kōng quietly introduced Su Zǐqí.

　　"She's absolutely stunning. No wonder your big brother was enchanted by her," remarked Su Zǐqí.

　　"Zǐqí, you're a beauty yourself. I don't see how you're any less than her," Gōng Kōng replied with a smile.Gōng Kōng observed Su Zǐqí at that moment and noticed that despite her small stature in the crowd, she exuded a lively and animated presence. Her lovely face was illuminated by a pair of bright, crystal-like eyes. Su Zǐqí was clad in the traditional yellow silk dress worn by women of her clan, which accentuated her graceful curves, leaving Gōng Kōng captivated.

　　"Oh, come on. Stop staring," Su Zǐqí remarked, catching Gong Kong's gaze and giving him a playful glare before quickly turning her head away.

　　Gong Kāng strode to the center of the arena and surprised everyone by firmly planting his sword into the ground. Lián Xiāng, representing the Bai Huo Clan, approached and mirrored his action by inserting her two curved blades into the ground.

　　The onlookers were perplexed by the gestures of the two warriors and began whispering among themselves.

　　Gong Kāng scanned the surroundings and addressed the warriors of the Gongyou Clan and the Bai Huo Clan. "Today, both Lián Xiāng and I refuse to participate in this barbaric Human Sacrifice Martial Arts Tournament."

　　The venue erupted into chaos. Such a scenario had never occurred since the two major human tribes began participating in the tournament. Both sides of the competition unexpectedly chose to forfeit.

　　The host, Fāng Mù, stood dumbfounded on the spot and exclaimed, "Gong Kāng, what on earth do you mean?" If he hadn't been wearing a mask, the audience would have surely seen Fāng Mù's bewildered expression.

　　Ignoring Fāng Mù's question, Gong Kāng and Lián Xiāng remained standing there, neither engaging in the match nor leaving the arena.

　　After a moment of contemplation, Fāng Mù waved his hand, signaling one of his disciples to come over. He whispered a few words into the disciple's ear, who then left to make preparations.

　　Shortly after, the disciple returned dressed in combat attire and armed with weapons. Fāng Mù regained his confidence. "Gong Kāng, if you refuse to compete, then leave the arena immediately. We will send another participant in your place. Also, I ask the Fire Worshipper Clan to select another participant as well."

　　"Today, whoever steps into the arena will be my enemy. I will handle it.

　　Gong Kāng's valor was undeniable. As the top warrior of the Gongyou Clan, his reputation was earned through strength, not mere boasting. As soon as he finished speaking, Fāng Mù's prepared disciple was visibly intimidated and backed away.

　　Gong Kāng's eyes blazed with determination, his bright gaze akin to flashes of lightning as he scanned the crowd. "Warriors of the Gongyou Clan and the Bai Huo Clan, please allow me to say a few words."

　　Perhaps due to Gong Kāng's compelling presence, the once noisy scene suddenly quieted down, and everyone listened attentively to his words."Our two major human tribes have been offering human sacrifices to the Green Clanof Evil Gods for over a decade now. The number of sacrifices has been increasing year by year, from just a few dozen initially to eight thousand boys and girls this year, a multiple-fold increase that far exceeds the limits of what our human tribe can bear."

　　"Let's talk about it. How many babies are born to our two clans each year? Just two years ago, we provided them with twenty thousand laborers. How come they still demand more this year? How many people do we have in our human tribe in total? How can we endure such turmoil?"

　　"May I ask, which family present here has not contributed to the Green Tribes with sacrifices and labor? Whose children have not been raised with great effort by adults? And which family has not provided labor to the Green Tribes?"

　　"The desires of the Green Clanof Evil Gods are insatiable. We have endured far too many instances of suffering for the sake of their pleasure. It's time for this to end!"