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The most crucial part of the Tourney of Westeros is the joust, where two armored knights attempt to unseat each other from their steeds using lances.

The lances used by the knights are specially crafted, blunted tourney lances. These are slightly longer than regular war lances, but the wooden shaft at the tip is designed to break more easily. The goal is to strike the opponent's body or head, though the shield often intercepts the blow, causing the lance to shatter upon impact.

A solid hit, combined with the powerful impact of the charging horses, can knock a knight off his horse. The competition is structured in a one-on-one, round-based format. After each charge, if no victor emerges, the knights switch positions and continue to the next round until one is unhorsed. The loser is eliminated, and the winner advances to the next round, continuing until the final round determines the champion.

Such contests are thrilling to watch, especially with highly skilled knights. Often, they can defend against their opponent's attacks, skillfully deflecting the lances with their shields and retaliating amidst flying splinters of wood. It's common to see both knights fall from their horses simultaneously. However, encased in full armor, a knight's movements on horseback are quite limited.

Liu Yuan observed the spectacle for a while, noting that the knights with the most exquisite armor were generally the victors. Wealth is a form of strength, and these knights were formidable, including several members of the Kingsguard.

Some outstanding young talents stood out, such as the two young Stark lords, Prince Rhaegar, and a youth with a great helm adorned with stag antlers. This last one was particularly impressive. His strength was immense, overpowering many opponents and sending them crashing from their saddles. Few could withstand more than two rounds against him. This must be Robert Baratheon; the crowned stag emblem on his armor was unmistakable. Unlike the fat figure in the TV series, he was currently a tall, handsome young man. And quite the showman, winking at Lyanna Stark on the dais after each victory.

The jousting tournament also features an interesting custom: the victor wins the defeated knight's horse and armor. This is an enviable right, which is why many local jousting tournaments only permit knights and nobles to participate. Of course, for the sake of a knight's honor, the loser can pay a ransom for his equipment. In most cases, the victor accepts the ransom.

However, this can be a significant burden for less affluent participants, who might even resort to taking out high-interest loans to redeem their gear. Liu Yuan mused that this might explain why the knightly culture doesn't strongly discourage surrender! In fact, the tradition of the tournament is deeply intertwined with chivalry and the Andals' faith in the Seven.

This tradition dominates much of central and southern Westeros, but not the North, where they worship the Old Gods. Northern lords and nobles tend to socialize through hunting festivals, which also include some martial competitions.

However, the rules for participating in tournaments vary by location and era. Many free riders, squires, and followers of the Old Gods can also participate.

The jousting tournament proceeds rather slowly. Unless a combatant possesses overwhelming strength, it usually takes several rounds to conclude a fight. Liu Yuan witnessed one match that lasted a full nineteen rounds before a victor emerged, with both sides shattering over thirty lances.

Around four in the afternoon, the final match concluded. It was a contest between Robert Baratheon and Ser Rull of the Crownlands. Growing excited, Robert even discarded his shield and hefted his lance with both hands, slamming it down upon his opponent's helmet. It was clear his strength stat was exceptionally high. Liu Yuan estimated that Robert's strength stat exceeded 46 points.

Thus, the first day of the tournament ended. Less than half of the competitors were eliminated, suggesting the event would continue for several days. Of note, the knights of all three squires whom Lyanna had noticed all passed the first round, advancing to the next stage.

The public entertainment followed, with music, revelry, acrobatics, and the atmosphere of a large market. The lords and nobles, meanwhile, returned to Harrenhal in the king's retinue, though many also chose to stay behind.

Liu Yuan spotted Old Pake and Bandil, grinning as they joined the merry throng. He felt tempted to go and have a look, but then he reflected that the darkness of the underclass in this era was beyond the imagination of modern people. He sighed and reluctantly followed the group back to Harrenhal.

Liu Yuan prepared his own dinner. Now that he had the means to improve his living conditions, he had no interest in the kitchen's swill-like concoctions. He had spent the entire day in the workshop, continuing to craft his equipment: a golden丝 soft armor that he had been preparing for a long time, somewhat resembling Bilbo Baggins's mithril shirt. Of course, the materials were much inferior. It was an alloy that Liu Yuan had refined using available materials. The rings were very small, about 1/4 the size of a little fingernail, making the weaving process very time-consuming. It was the most suitable equipment for him at the moment, and he could wear it for a long time.

The next morning, Liu Yuan left Harrenhal through the main gate, carrying his gear. The guarding soldier greeted him warmly: "Little Galon! Going hunting? There's still the tournament today; aren't you going to watch?"

Liu Yuan smiled and replied, "Yes, going to get some fresh game. The food the kitchen makes is really… well, never mind. Brother Mark, I'll bring some back if I find anything good." Everyone exchanged knowing smiles.

Liu Yuan left Harrenhal and headed west. As soon as he entered the forest, he pulled out his hand crossbow, cocked and ready to fire.

Liu Yuan was very mindful of his life; who knew what beasts might lurk in the woods? Today, his destination was a more distant lakeshore, where he had found an abandoned boat. Though somewhat damaged, he had spent the last few days repairing it and it was now seaworthy.

Liu Yuan intended to take advantage of the fact that everyone was distracted by the tournament to take a look at the island in the middle of the lake. He had learned from the guards that it was called the Isle of Faces, and that a dragon had supposedly fallen there over 100 years ago. Moreover, there were many strange legends about the island.