The top guard, known as Fei Jiang, the Hand General, greeted them, "Duke Hu San, you've arrived. Please come in."
After waiting a while longer and seeing no more guests arriving, Zhuo Qiran walked back into the manor to attend to the guests. Fei Jiang followed, instructing the guards at the gate to welcome any latecomers.
Ming Zhi Tian and his two companions arrived at the gates of Wanping Manor, only to be stopped by guards, "Please present your invitation."
Ming Zhi Tian shook his head, "We don't have one."
The guard replied, "No invitation, no entry."
Ming Zhi Tian said, "But I heard along the way that Wanping Manor exclusively welcomes righteous individuals to this Demon Eradication Assembly to combat the Netherworld Heavenly Cult."
The guard said, "That's correct, but how do I know you aren't spies for the Netherworld Heavenly Cult?"
Hua Ru Xian stepped forward, "Do you recognize us?"
With their peerless beauty, resembling celestial beings, the two guards immediately recognized them. They swallowed hard, quickly put on a smile, and said, "Who doesn't know the Twin Brocades of the Hua Family? Please enter."
The two ladies walked straight through the gate, followed by Ming Zhi Tian, but he was stopped by the guards. "They can enter, but we don't recognize this one. He cannot."
Hua Ru Xian was enraged, "What?"
Ming Zhi Tian smiled faintly, "Can I consider this as you looking down on me with dog eyes?"
The guards did not get angry, "Apologies, this is our duty."
Ming Zhi Tian sighed, not wishing to make trouble, "You two go in first. I'll find another way."
Hua Ru Xian said, "No, if you don't go, neither do we."
Hua Ru Hua nodded, "Sister is right. We'll wait here. Let's see if this manor lord has any hospitality."
Someone glanced towards the gate, "Wow! The Twin Brocades of the Hua Family are here!"
"What? The Twin Brocades of the Hua Family?"
Immediately, the crowd surged, rushing out the gate to see.
Even the esteemed Elder Hu San couldn't resist looking with curiosity and quickly invited the Twin Brocades of the Hua Family inside.
Hua Ru Xian said, "This is our future husband. We are together."
Everyone couldn't help but look at Ming Zhi Tian, some with envy, jealousy, and hatred, others feeling inadequate.
Duke Hu San looked at Ming Zhi Tian, "What is this gentleman's name?"
At this moment, the manor lord Zhuo Qiran, Fei Jiang, and the deputy manor lord Ying Fan arrived.
"My name is Ming Zhi Tian."
Duke Hu San was slightly surprised, "You are Ming Zhi Tian?"
Zhuo Qiran laughed heartily, "So it is Young Master Ming Zhi Tian, who destroyed the Three Bandits of Ling Mountain, defeated the Eighteen Spears of Li Yu, and slew a hundred elites of the Netherworld Heavenly Cult. It is an honor to meet you!"
He then became extremely warm and friendly, personally inviting Ming Zhi Tian into Wanping Manor.
The two guards were stunned, thinking, "It's over. We've offended a great person."
Inside the manor, knowing that the Twin Brocades of the Hua Family were spoken for, the guests, mindful of their reputation, dared not speak further, prioritizing the greater cause. With the grand affair decided, what need was there to worry about a wife?
"Everyone!"
Zhuo Qiran stood on a high platform, addressing the thousand-plus people below, "Welcome to this manor's Demon Eradication Assembly, held once every three years to gather heroes and cultivators from all paths. Those who should be here have arrived. For those who cannot, we do not force them.
I, Zhuo Qiran, declare the assembly now open! Anyone with effective methods to deal with the Netherworld Heavenly Cult is welcome to speak freely. However, before we begin, we must first select a highly respected individual to be our leader."
Someone immediately spoke up, "That's right! I believe Manor Lord Zhuo is the one to lead us."
Someone seconded, "Yes, yes, Manor Lord Zhuo is very suitable to be this assembly's leader."
The crowd began to murmur. Zhuo Qiran repeatedly declined, shaking his head, "I served as the leader last term. Unfortunately, I have no solutions against the Netherworld Heavenly Cult. Therefore, I should not be this term's leader. I, Zhuo Qiran, have not the ability for this task."