Chen Xingcai noticed that Xiyan's gaze kept drifting subtly toward the guests by the window. Following her line of sight, he saw the extraordinary-looking man and woman and casually asked, "Do you know them?"
Xi Yan came back to her senses and quickly shook her head, covering up by saying, "I don't know them. I just felt that female cultivator had a rather special aura. Are they from the Tian Alliance as well?" She skillfully changed the subject to prevent Chen Xingcai from delving deeper.
Hearing this, Chen Xingcai examined the two more closely, his gaze lingering especially on the icy-cold female cultivator. After a moment of thought, he shook his head. "I'm not sure.
The Celestial Alliance has grown too large now, covering nearly half of the Xuanying Continent. Its internal factions are intricately complex, and the affiliated sects, families, and independent cultivators are countless. This great competition may be open to all Celestial Alliance members in name, but beneath the surface, undercurrents are surging."
She lowered her voice slightly, a sly smile playing on her lips as if enjoying the potential drama. "I've heard that some sects who covet the position of Alliance Leader but lack the strength have secretly spent a fortune to hire powerful but obscure loose cultivators or experts from small sects as 'stand-ins' for the competition. As long as they're nominally affiliated with their sect, it's considered within the rules.
So, this grand tournament is a mixed bag with all sorts of participants. It's perfectly normal to see a few unfamiliar faces."
Xiyan was stunned for a moment and asked in surprise, "If that's the case, you... I mean, the Immortal Spirit Sacred Land... aren't you afraid they might actually invite some hidden old monster or peerless genius who will sweep through everyone and defeat the 'pre-selected' person you've arranged, causing your plans to fall through?"
She had originally wanted to say "throwing the match" but felt it was too direct, so she changed her wording at the last moment.
Chen Xingcai was stunned for a long moment, blinking her big eyes as if it took her some time to understand what Xiyan meant. Then she burst out laughing, tears almost streaming down her face. "Oh, you silly girl!
What are you thinking! We would never arrange something as despicable as a fixed match!"
Xi Yan felt a bit embarrassed by her laughter and mumbled in a small voice, "But you're the one who said... it was already decided..."
Chen Xingcai stopped laughing and looked at Xiyan with an expression that said "you're just too adorable," explaining, "When I said 'pre-selected,' I don't mean the kind of backroom deal you're thinking of."
She sat up straight, her face filled with a proud sense of honor and absolute confidence, her eyes shining brightly. "When I said they were predetermined, it's because I firmly believe that only those few of my senior disciples have the qualification and strength to contend for the position of Alliance Leader! Their strength has long surpassed their peers, to the point where many of the older generation can't even hope to catch up to them!"
The so-called 'predestination' is because I believe that no matter how many reinforcements, substitutes, or hidden experts come, the final battlefield will only belong to a contest between them. They alone are each other's only and true opponents. The others are merely embellishments and a prelude to this feast.
Her tone was resolute, filled in unwavering trust in her fellow senior disciples.
Xì Yán: "Ah~"
Only then did she have a sudden realization. That's what Chen Xingcai meant by "pre-selected"! It wasn't through backroom manipulation, but through absolute strength to overwhelm everything and sheer confidence!
A wave of disappointment washed over her. After all that effort, she hadn't uncovered any conspiracy at all—it was all just a misunderstanding. She'd gotten excited for nothing.
But then, she felt a wave of inexplicable relief—fortunately, she couldn't contact her master. If she had passed back this ridiculous "important information," the consequences would have been disastrous. She feared she would have been hung up and beaten by her master.
"So that's how it is..." Xiyan forced a smile and quickly lowered her head to take a couple of bites of food to hide her embarrassment.
The two chatted for a while longer, and after they had eaten and drunk their fill, they got up and left the inn.
After a long while, as the setting sun began to cast a warm golden glow over the streets, three young men walked laughing up to the second floor of the inn. They found an empty table toward the back, sat down, and skillfully ordered several dishes to go with their spirit wine.
These three were none other than Ye Fan, Wei Wu, and Guo Fugui.
Compared to the youthful innocence and boundless aspiration they'd shown when first arriving at Xianling City years ago, they now carried themselves with a maturity that had replaced their youth, adding a steadiness and sharp edge to their bearing. Their vibrant presence clearly indicated that each had experienced their own unique journey within the Tian Alliance over these years.
The wine and dishes were served quickly, and the three of them toasted each other in a lively atmosphere. After a few cups of spiritual wine, they began to open up, reminiscing about their youthful days when they had first entered the Spirit Immortal City together to take the assessment tests. All sighed with emotion at the memory.
Fate plays its games, and now the three have each walked their own separate path.
Ye Fan possessed the highest talent and good fortune, becoming one of the first direct disciples with a perilous yet successful journey, holding a prestigious position in both the Immortal Spirit Sacred Land and the Heavenly Alliance. Guo Fugui, with his smooth social skills and decent aptitude, also rose from a peripheral disciple to become a backbone member of the Immortal Spirit Guards. As for Wei Wu, although he remained within the Immortal Spirit Guard system and failed to soar as high as Ye Fan, he had been promoted to captain of a small team through his indomitable perseverance and accumulated merits from numerous missions, now capable of handling responsibilities independently.
As they chatted, the conversation naturally turned to the upcoming Tian Alliance Grand Competition.
"Old Wei, you really signed up?" Ye Fan filled Wu Wei's cup and asked.
Wei Wu nodded firmly, his eyes blazing with fighting spirit: "Reported! How could I miss such a great opportunity! I don't expect to go far, only to have a few thrilling battles.
If I can demonstrate enough value through this opportunity, I might be noticed by the higher-ups and promoted to the inner sect!" This had been his lifelong dream.
Ye Fan and Guo Fugui exchanged a smile; neither of them had signed up.
Ye Fan's cultivation was currently at a critical juncture about to break through, so rather than seeking reckless challenges, it was better to focus on consolidating his foundation. Guo Fugui, on the other hand, had a clearer understanding of his own abilities and talent, likely reaching the Immortal Guard rank was his limit, so his ambitions lay elsewhere.
But they meant no mockery toward their brother at all. Raising their wine cups in unison, they sincerely offered their blessings: "Excellent! Old Wei!
Then we wish you victory on the fighting ring and fame that will spread far and wide! Show them the might of us brothers!"
"Cheers!" The three clinked their glasses together with a crisp ring, their laughter echoing through the inn, brimming with the unique boldness of youth and anticipation for the future.
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