Before the official matches began, two things had to be done: first, an inspection of bone age, and second, a test of fist strength.
Disciples participating in the Martial Gathering could not be older than thirty. This was a rule that had been in place for centuries, and no mistakes could be tolerated. Each of the Five Nations dispatched a Primordial Realm elder to oversee the verification process.
One hundred and sixty disciples filed out from the viewing stands and, under the guidance of steward disciples, made their way to the west side of the courtyard.
Of these disciples, forty-one were from Wuzhu, thirty-two from Weizi, thirty-four from Great Yue, thirty from Wuche, and twenty-three from Xiuzhao.
With the exception of Weizi, the number of disciples from each nation was a fair reflection of their respective strengths over the past two decades.
Weizi had lost six spots due to the assassination incident, dropping them from second to third place in terms of representation.
