As he watched Cheng Kai eventually stand up and leave the floor of the Black Guardian Square, there was one thought that occupied Zhao Yunxiao's mind.
To think that Mei Shufang was this strong...
For her to have honoured the outcome of Quan Hui's duel and not take things into her own hands back in the Four Symbols Mystic Realm, San Wanfan's party really got lucky there!
After the fight between Cheng Kai and Mei Shufang, there was yet another event that shocked the audiences – an inner disciple of the Azure Dragon Sect actually issued a challenge to a core disciple of the sect.
This was the very first challenge from an inner disciple to a core disciple of the same sect, but Zhao Yunxiao could understand what led to it. After all, the core disciple being challenged, Meng Kui, had been defeated by Cheng Kai in the Four Symbols Mystic Realm.
Having witnessed Cheng Kai's almost instantaneous defeat at the hands of Mei Shufang, this inner disciple probably felt that core disciples were not untouchable after all.
If that was truly the reason, then things definitely did not turn out as this inner disciple had hoped.
Meng Kui made quick work of the inner disciple before returning to his seat, though his dark expression betrayed just how he had felt about being called out like that.
Nevertheless, his show of dominance seemed to have reminded everyone of the difference between them and the core disciples. The challenges continued, but not a single core disciple was called out from then on.
After hours had passed, it finally reached a point where there were no longer any challenges being issued.
"Well then, if nobody has anything to raise, I hereby declare that this year's Meeting of the Four Symbols has come to an end!" Elder He Luoxuan announced.
On his cue, the annual meet had officially come to an end. Even then, few chose to leave the Black Guardian Square.
Why would they?
With members of all Four Great Symbol Sects and their subordinate factions present, this was a golden opportunity to interact with those outside of their sect.
The noise level of the venue immediately rose as disciples of different factions quickly started mixing around.
Most poured into the floor of the Black Guardian Square to network, while some directly set up shop to sell their goods and services. Various signs appeared, comprising both product sale advertisements and talent recruitment notices.
These talent recruitments were for a variety of reasons – be they for missions put up by their respective sects or individual projects that the disciples had come up with themselves.
Inner disciples were human after all.
Despite belonging to the sect, almost all of them still possessed individual goals of their own. Therefore, apart from the tasks assigned by their sects, it was not surprising for them to also have other projects that they wished to complete. This was essentially the same as how Zhao Yunxiao had sought out the Untethered Sage's legacy.
But unlike Zhao Yunxiao, many inner disciples were seeking to enlist the help of others to aid them in achieving their goals. And instead of limiting themselves to other disciples within their own factions, this was a great opportunity to expand their search to a much larger talent pool.
In fact, this was the case for certain missions assigned by their sects as well.
If they could take this chance to enlist the help of more capable allies, then there was no reason not to do so as long as they could agree on the method of rewards distribution!
In the blink of an eye, the Black Guardian Square had turned into something akin to a lively marketplace.
The majority of participants were inner disciples of the various sects, but they were definitely not the only ones present.
Most outer disciples only got to join in the fun every four years when the meet was hosted by their respective sects, so they definitely did not let this opportunity go to waste. Zhao Yunxiao, Gu Qiansi, Lu Zhiying, Nie Hanchang, and Huang An were no exception as they started looking around.
As mere outer disciples, they knew better than to approach the recruitment stalls, but Zhao Yunxiao still made sure to take note of whatever was mentioned in each recruitment notice. Few revealed more than they had to, but every little bit of information mattered.
Who knew when these scraps of information could come in handy?
At the same time, Zhao Yunxiao did not neglect to observe the social interactions between the various disciples.
Unsurprisingly, San Wanfan was currently being fawned upon not just by disciples of the Black Tortoise Sect, but also by those from the Azure Dragon Sect and White Tiger Sect. Having witnessed Mei Shufang's strength first-hand and understanding that San Wanfan had managed to beat Mei Shufang's group in the mystic realm, many concluded that it would be in their best interests to befriend this rising star.
As for San Wanfan himself, he did not seem to be even trying to downplay how pleased he was to be receiving all that attention.
"Brother Zhao! Sister Gu! Sister Lu!" a familiar voice suddenly broke Zhao Yunxiao out of his focus.
Zhao Yunxiao's group turned towards the source of the voice, and could not help but feel surprised.
"Brother Lin? To think that I will see you here!" Zhao Yunxiao exclaimed.
Lin Xiao – this was the Vermilion Bird Sect disciple whom the group had encountered in the forests three months ago. Back then, the group had enjoyed a nice meal prepared by him, listened to his stories about the Untethered Sage, and heard out his concerns about the orthodoxy of the Vermilion Bird Sect's actions.
Unfortunately, their separation had been a brutal one. Against Lin Xiao's pursuers, they had fought together to no avail. In the end, Lin Xiao had still ended up being detained and brought back to his sect by Infernal Claw Quan Hui. In fact, had it not been for the appearance of Death Blade Wei Yuandi, they would likely have found themselves being escorted to the Vermilion Bird Sect as well.
Considering the circumstances back then, it was truly amazing that he could still appear here as part of the entourage of the Vermilion Bird Sect!
"Hahaha, I was hoping to see you guys!" Lin Xiao stepped forward and gave Zhao Yunxiao a hug. "I have yet to thank you properly for everything that you did for me back then. I hope that you have been well?"
"It's nice to see you again, indeed," Zhao Yunxiao said. "Yes, things have been well on our end. But I have to admit that you seem to be faring far better than I'd imagine!"
"Haha, I guess you can say that I have gotten out of the black books for now," Lin Xiao scratched his cheek in embarrassment. "I managed to break through to the Origin Core realm during my isolation punishment. Coupled with my decent performance during the recent opening of the Four Symbols Mystic Realm, my grandfather used that to negotiate for my release somehow."
Zhao Yunxiao raised his eyebrows in surprise, but it was not because Lin Xiao had broken through to the Origin Core realm. For Lin Xiao to be part of the entourage, he was likely to be an inner disciple. And Origin Core realm cultivators were not exactly uncommon among the inner disciples of the Four Great Symbol Sects.
Instead, what drew Zhao Yunxiao's attention was the mention of the latter's grandfather. To be able to have such influence on an inner disciple's fate, he was likely to be at least of the sect deacon level, if not a sect protector.
It would appear that this Lin Xiao had a far more influential background than he had thought!
"This is...?" Nie Hanchang asked.
"Ah, this is Brother Lin Xiao, a friend from the Vermilion Bird Sect," Zhao Yunxiao introduced. "These are my Senior Martial Brother Nie Hanchang and Junior Martial Sister Huang An."
"Pleased to make your acquaintance," Lin Xiao clasped his fists towards the duo, who responded in kind.
"So, have you straightened out your thoughts by now?" Zhao Yunxiao asked, referring to Lin Xiao's confusion about the meaning of orthodoxy back then.
"I have given it deep thought during these few months, and have indeed come to a conclusion," Lin Xiao replied with a smile.
"That's good," Zhao Yunxiao nodded in relief. "With those distracting thoughts out of the way, you can finally properly focus on cultivating in the sect and increa-"
"No, Brother Zhao. I think you misunderstood," Lin Xiao quickly interjected. "What I meant is that I have concluded that I need to properly apply to roam the lands instead of leaving without notice. I believe that this is the only way I can find an answer to my doubts – to truly appreciate if the Four Great Symbol Sects, or at least the Vermilion Bird Sect, are as orthodox as we claim to be."
"Not so loud!" Zhao Yunxiao hurriedly hushed. "The elders will hear you!"
"Haha, there's no harm," Lin Xiao laughed lightly. "I have already formally applied to the sect administrators, and will be getting the result of my application soon. If it goes through, then I would no longer have to face pursuers from the sect as I roam the lands. That said, I would be looking forward to your generous hospitality when I venture to the northern regions of the Duyuan Empire in the future!"
"I guess it's good that you are at least doing things through the official avenues this time," Zhao Yunxiao clasped his fists towards Lin Xiao. "If you do come to the north, feel free to let us know. I don't know about generous hospitality, but we will definitely welcome you!"
"For sure!" Lin Xiao returned the greeting. "Now then, don't let me hold you guys up. I would have to go speak to a few friends as well."
After exchanging farewells, Lin Xiao suavely parted from the group to speak to his other acquaintances.
As he watched Lin Xiao walk away, Zhao Yunxiao could not help but let out a helpless sigh.
He might not agree with Lin Xiao's decision, but it was not like he could not understand the rationale behind it. Ever since he gained a fundamental understanding of the cultivation world, Zhao Yunxiao had been chasing after the goal of obtaining true freedom in life.
And for Lin Xiao to want to do as he wished – this was definitely in line with the pursuit of freedom as well.
Perhaps the only difference between the two of them was the path on which they had each chosen to trod in their individual pursuits of this eventual freedom.
To Zhao Yunxiao, the Origin Core realm cultivation level that Lin Xiao possessed was simply not sufficient to ensure his safety while roaming the lands. At the very least, one had to be at the Dao Rune realm to deter potential enemies. Before reaching that level, he would have to hang on dearly to the big name of the Black Tortoise Sect as a protective amulet!
Of course, it was not up to him to tell others what to do with their lives, especially since this was only their second meeting.
If Lin Xiao wanted to pursue his freedom in his own manner, Zhao Yunxiao could only wish him well.
"What's wrong? Why are you in such a daze?"
Zhao Yunxiao's eyes widened in shock as he spun around to look at the person who just spoke while simultaneously backing away in caution. The same reaction could be seen from Lu Zhiying, Nie Hanchang and Huang An.
That was because the questions had come from someone who had suddenly appeared in their midst.
If she had been concealing her presence all along, then her concealment technique was definitely incredible. If she had only just arrived, then her speed was so unimaginably fast that none of them had even caught a glimpse of her shadow.
But one thing was for sure.
Had she meant any harm, none of them would have stood a chance!
As though that alone was not enough, Zhao Yunxiao's mouth gaped open in disbelief when he realised who this person was.
Mei Shufang – core disciple of the Vermilion Bird Sect.
"Hi all, nice to make your acquaintance!" Mei Shufang said cheerfully with her hands clasped behind her back, looking all cute and gentle.
In comparison to the four people whom she was greeting, who had all instinctively backed away from her with wariness in their eyes, the contrast was painfully drastic!