A wave of applause rolled through the room, starting rough and uneven, but building fast. Cheers erupted. Hoots. Laughs.
Even Little Liz, Yushou Ya'er's pet lizard beast, joined in the fun - stomping his tiny feet and letting a puff of smoke burst from his nostrils.
Someone shouted "For the Oolong!" while another raised a can of Lime Fizz.
Hao let out a breath.
Finally.
The tournament had begun.
He went over the arrangement of matches - who would be facing who, in what order, how the rounds would move forward.
Not a single person spoke.
Every ear in the room was tuned in. You could hear a snack bag being opened across the room if someone dared.
"And." Hao ended, scanning the crowd. "Anyone got questions?"
He paused.
Looked around.
Not a hand. Not a sound.
"Alright." He nodded once. "Since there's no question…"
"We'll start with the first match."
"Elder Feng Yuhan and Elder Tang Sheng, you may now head to the billiard table."
He glanced at the rest.
