" Hundred Blood Battles?" Jia Hao raised a brow, propping himself up on one elbow. " Sounds like something a marketing team came up with after one too many drinks."
" It's not just some fancy name, you know." Janice rolled her eyes, though the corner of her lips twitched upward. " It's a tournament, held every year in Blood Leaf City. Warriors, mercenaries, even a few nobles who think they're warriors, all gather to fight for glory and prizes. Think of it as a tradition of our city."
" Every year, huh." Jia Hao tilted his head. " Then why does it feel like you're building up to something?"
Janice smirked, clearly pleased that he caught on. " Because this year is different. Five years ago, the Imperial Family sponsored the tournament, handing out a reward personally blessed by the Emperor. It hasn't happened since."
" Let me guess." Jia Hao's fingers drummed lazily against his knee. " It's happening again this year."
