Chapter 129: Not a Single Strength

Watching Ye Jiuyao’s smile, Qian Qing realized he had been played, but he dared not voice his frustration. Face was everything, and to be outwitted by a junior was embarrassing enough; to leverage his status to retaliate would be even more disgraceful. Qian Qing could not afford such a loss of dignity, but he consoled himself with the thought that the boy would have no way to escape once the matches began.

"Then..."

"You, escort him out, lest anyone say I do not keep my word," Qian Qing commanded, gesturing toward the Sect Master of the Eastern District’s Qianye Sect.

"Understood."

The man, clutching the blue card with undisguised excitement, quickly departed under escort.

News of the Zeng Li incident spread like wildfire through the Eastern District’s Qianye Sect thanks to Ye Jiuyao’s commotion. It could be said that Zeng Li had become famous overnight. Within the span of a single incense stick, he had gained countless "fans," instantly becoming, in the eyes of many male cultivators, the biggest beast among beasts, the lowliest of the low.

Qian Qing led a procession toward the martial arts arena of the Eastern District’s Qianye Sect.

At the arena, Qian Qing took his place in the main seat, while the representatives from the Fanshi Kingdom sat as equals with those of the four districts, perhaps even with a touch of superiority; after all, guests were guests. Furthermore, the Fanshi Kingdom was no ordinary faction; even as a branch kingdom, it carried the weight of the kingdom’s majesty.

"You are all aware of my Qianye Sect’s rules," Qian Qing announced. "However, this year, to better cultivate talent and foster those with exceptional gifts, anyone who joins the four districts of the Qianye Sect may participate..."

"Furthermore, if you choose to leave after participating, you may return to your original factions. The Qianye Sect will not interfere!"

"Bravo!"

"The Qianye Sect is truly magnanimous!"

"We admire your breadth of spirit!"

A wave of cheers erupted from the crowd.

"Lord Qian, you are indeed as the rumors say—not only amiable but possessed of a truly generous spirit," the woman from the Fanshi Kingdom remarked with admiration.

"Haha, you are too kind, Fairy. I am simply following the tenets of our sect," Qian Qing replied with a chuckle.

Ye Jiuyao watched him, casting a look of utter disdain.

"Now, those who wish to enter, make your choices. This assessment and tournament will be divided into team matches and individual matches. The rules are simple..."

Qian Qing began to detail the requirements. A quarter of an hour later, he finally stopped.

"Let us begin."

With the approval of their respective elders and sect masters, disciples from the smaller sects began to choose their allegiances. The hierarchy of the four districts was well known: the Eastern District was the strongest, followed by the Northern District, with the Western District in third and the Southern District last.

Ye Jiuyao looked behind him and felt no surprise to see that there was no one there. Not only him, but the other nine members of the Southern District also stood with empty ranks behind them. Among the other three districts, the Western District had the fewest, the Eastern the most, and the Southern was the most pathetic of all—completely deserted.

"Senior Brother, was it like this in the past too?" Kuang Xiong asked bluntly.

"Yes, though there used to be one or two," Ning Ling replied.

Bai Mei watched his own disciples standing with no one behind them, his expression shifting uncomfortably.

"Hahaha... look at the Southern District, they seem even more miserable than in previous years..."

"Who’s to say? But they must be used to it by now. Look at how indifferent they look."

"Luckily, we checked beforehand. I have a feeling they’ll be last again—though they’re always last..."

The murmurs of the crowd drifted down, primarily from the disciples of the Eastern District, as this was their home turf. Ye Jiuyao and his companions heard it, but their faces remained unchanged. Ning Ling and the others were accustomed to it, and while Kuang Xiong and the others felt a sense of resentment, there was little they could do.

Some time later, Qian Qing spoke again. "Very well, since the assignments are made, we shall divide into Inner Sect and Outer Sect competitions. Each sect will field ten teams. We will begin with the team matches, best two out of three, overseen by myself. If there are no objections, we shall begin."

Qian Qing channeled a terrifying force into the ground, and in the blink of an eye, two arenas and designated competition zones rose from the earth.

"Now, left for the Outer Sect, right for the Inner Sect. Contestants, enter!"

As Qian Qing’s voice echoed, the participants began to file in. Ye Jiuyao and Kuang Xiong headed to the left, while Ning Ling led the others toward the right. Simultaneously, the other four districts filtered into their zones.

"Draw lots to determine the pairings," Qian Qing announced. Tokens appeared in the air, encased in protective essence, obscuring their details.

Ye Jiuyao drew one at random. It indicated the Western District. He curled his lips into a smug, triumphant smile. He caught a glimpse of Qian Qing, who, upon meeting Ye Jiuyao’s gaze, seemed to look away awkwardly.

"Old man, as if I didn't know," Ye Jiuyao muttered, not caring in the slightest about Qian Qing’s petty tricks. They were all trash anyway; it didn't matter how he arranged it.

"The first match: Southern District versus Western District!" a voice announced.

"What?!"

"Can such a coincidence really exist?"

"Didn't they just..."

"Shh, say no more..."

A sudden buzz of conversation erupted. The news of the Zeng Li incident had already spread, and now that these two had been paired, the crowd was filled with anticipation.

"Team match, begin!"

At Qian Qing’s command, Ye Jiuyao leaped onto the stage with four others. The Western District, however, sent a full group.

"Heh, look at the Southern District, only five people. They’re doomed in the team match..."

"No kidding. The perennial last place, and now they’re up against the Western District. Their defeat will be even more miserable..."

"Will you people from the Western District get off the stage yourselves, or do I have to beat you until you’re too crippled to admit defeat before I throw you off?" Ye Jiuyao declared, standing on the stage with an air of utter contempt.

Kuang Xiong and the others remained calm; they were well aware of Ye Jiuyao’s arrogance, and they knew he had the power to back it up.

"You guys, get back. When I put on a show, your only job is to cheer," Ye Jiuyao said, turning to them.

Kuang Xiong and the others were speechless.

"You’re dead!" the Western District team spat, having no patience for his bluster.

"Get down there, or I’ll wait for them to cripple you before I step in," Ye Jiuyao said to his own team. Seeing their hesitation, he prodded them again.

They finally retreated. They knew Ye Jiuyao meant what he said; if they stayed, he wouldn't lift a finger—his need to posture was that ingrained.

"Alright, begin."

"Did the Southern District give up? Why did everyone leave except one person?"

"Heh, they probably realize how strong the Western District is."

Bai Mei frowned, then sighed in resignation.

"Bai Mei..."

"There isn't even one person here worth noting. For my Southern District, one person is enough."