Li Banfeng followed Ma Wu through the newly paved road and arrived amidst a pile of ruins.
The ruins had just been demolished, the broken bricks and tiles yet to be cleared. Surrounding it was an iron railing, with guards on watch not permitting anyone to approach.
"This is the Song Family's rule," Ma Wu explained. "It's called 'sealing the arena.' Before the betting fight, the scene is sealed. The Song Family chooses the site a day in advance, and no one is allowed in to prevent cheating."
Li Banfeng was taken aback by how formal the proceedings were.
Through the railing, Li Banfeng saw the Family Head of the Song Family, Song Jiason.
Song Jiason wore a short cyan robe with parallel collars, accompanied by his two sons, Song Zhigang and Song Zhiyi. Behind them stood about twenty or thirty guards.
The crowd of onlookers grew larger, and at ten o'clock, Song Jiason ordered, "Beat the drums!"
BOOM, BOOM, BOOM.
