Mount Hua, although no longer an imperial forbidden ground, was still not a place that just anyone could climb at will.
On Mount Hua, the sword marks left by Great Emperor Zhan Kong not only contained the Sword Intent of Ages but also possessed a terrifying sharpness. Forget ordinary people; even regular Martial Artists could not withstand them. Therefore, even though Mount Hua was open to all, not many people had the strength to actually climb it.
The location for the Huashan Sword Contest was the Arena of Sword Discourse, situated midway up the mountain. This was a recessed platform that had been leveled by a single strike of Great Emperor Zhan Kong's sword. It was also the only flat ground on Mount Hua, and every Huashan Sword Contest was held here. Only the person who won first place at the Arena of Sword Discourse was qualified to ascend to the mountaintop and receive the baptism of Sword Intent.
