The old man crossed his arms, his eyes sweeping across the crowd of competitors.
"A thousand participants..." he murmured to himself, almost inaudibly.
"A number similar to the previous competition."
At that moment, a figure calmly approached the platform. His footsteps were silent, but his presence was unmistakable.
It was Lio Han.
The old alchemist immediately recognized the approaching figure. As soon as he saw him, he smiled, the first smile of that morning.
"Elder Lio." The old man's voice was filled with respect.
"What a surprise to see you here. I didn't expect you to attend the preliminary round."
Lio Han simply nodded, his eyes briefly scanning the competition grounds. He had come to observe the competition for a short while before returning to the Association. He had many responsibilities, but the festival was an important event.
He stopped beside the old man, and both remained silent for a few moments, watching the competitors prepare themselves.
