A look of disdain emerged on Kong Xuan’s face as he looked at the disciples of the Divine Intent Sect.
"To think that the Divine Intent Sect, the foremost sect in Wind Country, has declined to this extent."
"Yes, you can see the writing on the wall. They don’t even have a single disciple who’s presentable. How disappointing."
The disciples from other sects also chimed in with cold mockery.
Hearing these taunts, the Divine Intent Sect disciples’ faces turned gloomy, their hearts burning with helpless rage. It was true that none among them who came this time were flag-bearers. They had no retort to the ridicule they were subjected to. If it really came to a fight, they would not be their match.
Just then, a sudden burst of frantic hoofbeats was heard. All eyes turned towards a young, white-clad swordfighter who was galloping in. He dismounted at the edge of the martial arts training field.
"Who is that? Which sect’s disciple is he?"
At this moment, everyone was paying close attention to this newcomer.
"He’s from the Divine Intent Sect!"
They saw that on the clothes of the white-clad swordfighter, there was indeed the emblem of the Divine Intent Sect.
"A pity, he’s just a First Layer Martial Master!"
The Divine Intent Sect disciples’ eyes lit up at first, but disappointment soon became evident on their faces.
"That guy, it’s Ling Chen!"
At that point, Ouyang Ming from the Fire Blade Sect suddenly cried out.
"What? He’s Ling Chen?"
The faces of the young disciples all changed abruptly, their eyes full of astonishment.
Ling Chen’s name was extremely renowned in the Martial World. Of course, they all recognized it; they just hadn’t seen him in person before.
"Is that the Ling Chen who defeated Li Tai in the Cui Yu Building?"
Kong Xuan squinted. The news of Li Tai’s defeat by Ling Chen in the Cui Yu Building was known to everyone in the capital. Furthermore, rumors in the capital also suggested that even Princess Huiye, ranked among the top three of the Ten Heroes of the Capital, was Ling Chen’s defeated opponent.
This made Kong Xuan very unhappy. A mere First Layer Martial Master dares to look down on us, the Ten Heroes of the Capital! And how could Princess Huiye possibly lose to Ling Chen? Given the chance, I must test Ling Chen’s strength.
"Ling Chen? He’s just a fame-seeker."
Standing next to Ouyang Ming, Ouyang Lie coldly watched Ling Chen. He didn’t understand how Ling Chen had gained such fame. If it weren’t for his influential father, he’d probably just be an ordinary person now.
As for Wei Xuan, Bai Susu, and the others, they watched Ling Chen from a distance, their expressions varied.
"So it’s Young Hero Ling Chen."
Chairman Yuan Tianxing’s eyes lit up, and he immediately stepped forward to greet him.
"What’s the use of him coming now?" a young master from a noble family sneered. "There are only four spots, and we’ve basically claimed them all. Ling Chen’s strength won’t even get him into the top four here."
"No, no, you’re mistaken. If he comes now, he can still snag a VIP token. At least he won’t leave empty-handed."
"Haha! I never thought the disciples of the Divine Intent Sect were so obsessed with petty gains. All that fame is clearly undeserved."
The disciples from other sects all sneered derisively, clearly not taking Ling Chen seriously.
"You people..." The Divine Intent Sect disciples were displeased. What’s this about being greedy for petty gains? These scoundrels are getting above themselves! If only a powerful senior brother were here! As anger welled up in their hearts, they all turned their gazes to Ling Chen. Seeing his calm and unruffled demeanor made them even angrier. Could it be that Ling Chen truly is all bark and no bite?
"Chairman Yuan, can the selection begin now?"
Ling Chen’s face showed no hint of joy or anger. He simply looked at Chairman Yuan Tianxing and asked calmly.
"Alright. Everyone, take a short rest. The selection will begin in the time it takes to drink a cup of tea."
A touch of surprise flickered in Chairman Yuan Tianxing’s eyes. He was taken aback; Ling Chen’s calm demeanor made him somewhat inscrutable. If Ling Chen had shouted or been easily provoked, he would have been looked down upon.
"Ling Chen is such a coward!"
"Sigh, it’s a pity that the renowned disciples of our Divine Intent Sect aren’t here. Otherwise, how could we be bullied ?"
"It’s detestable! I hate that my own strength is insufficient to protect the sect’s honor."
Several disciples of the Divine Intent Sect were extremely disappointed in Ling Chen’s performance. If Ling Chen had any real strength, he would have stood up just now and silenced everyone.
"Big Brother, this Ling Chen is not simple," Ouyang Ming whispered into Ouyang Lie’s ear. "Back in the Cui Yu Building, he easily defeated Li Tai and shocked all the royal nobles."
"Humph, so what? I’ve heard that Li Tai squandered his strength on wine and women, so his abilities weren’t much to begin with. Defeating such a good-for-nothing wastrel is hardly an accomplishment."
Ouyang Lie crossed his arms over his chest, appearing aloof.
"Don’t worry, I will personally eliminate this brat and let the world know that I, Ouyang Lie, the Fire Cloud Blade Master, am the true genius destined for fame in the Martial World," Ouyang Lie declared solemnly.
Defeating Ling Chen, this genius disciple of the Divine Intent Sect, would undoubtedly elevate my, Ouyang Lie’s, fame in the Jianghu even further.
Ling Chen seemed oblivious to the surrounding chatter. He found a place to sit down, closed his eyes to rest and meditate, quietly awaiting the start of the selection.
Interesting, Ling Chen remains unmoved despite being ridiculed by so many, Kong Xuan analyzed with narrowed eyes. There are only two possibilities: either his strength is deeply hidden, and no one here is even worth his notice...
"How can that be possible? Brother Kong Shi, you’re overthinking things." The young noble beside him adamantly refused to believe that the seemingly weak Ling Chen could possess such strength.
The second possibility, Kong Xuan continued his thoughts, his gaze sharp, is that this person is extremely thick-skinned, and his calmness is all an act. However, since he had the strength to defeat Li Tai, he can’t be too weak. Let Ouyang Lie test the waters first. He was a very cunning person and wouldn’t take risks before clearly understanding Ling Chen’s strength.
"Chairman, hasn’t the selection begun yet?" Amidst the tense atmosphere, a soft voice, so alluring it could make one’s very bones tingle, was heard.
"Lady Lin Ya, what brings you out?" Chairman Yuan Tianxing looked surprised.
"Tomorrow’s affairs are of great importance. Naturally, I had to come and see for myself. Besides, I want to get a measure of these young talents’ strengths."
The woman named Lin Ya stretched lazily. Her clothing was extremely provocative, revealing her snow-white shoulders, which was very distracting.
All the disciples stared dumbfounded, completely captivated by Lin Ya’s charm.
With a bitter smile, Chairman Yuan Tianxing introduced to everyone, "This is Lin Ya, a Deacon of our Blue Moon Commerce Association, and also the one in charge of this expedition to the Demon Forest."
"Steward Lin, rest assured," Kong Xuan declared loudly, staring intently at Lin Ya’s chest, then patting his own. "With me, Kong Xuan, to escort and protect you, I guarantee your safety."
A fleeting, almost imperceptible look of disgust flashed deep within Lin Ya’s beautiful eyes, but her smile remained radiant. "Then the safety of my entourage will depend entirely on Young Master Kong."
At Lin Ya’s signal, Chairman Yuan Tianxing glanced at the sun, then stepped forward and addressed the assembled Sect Disciples, "Everyone, it’s getting late. I declare the selection officially open! Please enter the red-circled area of the martial arts training field."
As his words fell, the disciples who had accepted this mission began to move, entering the red circle one after another. Their expressions varied, and each harbored hidden motives. After all, it was said that four spots had already been reserved. However, who would willingly be a mere supporting player? As long as there was a chance, they would seize it.