Guo Qiang and Ming Zhitian had just arrived when Xuan Ya, the sect leader of the Fearless Sect, also came with some disciples.
Immediately, people began to whisper, "All four sect leaders have gathered. What's happening today?"
Another person said in a low voice, "I heard that the sect leader of the Southern Sect has taken a new disciple and values him highly. Look, even Guo Qiang, the leader of the Qimen Sect, personally escorted him. This shows his status. As for Ling Wei'ao, he's probably afraid of his own position being threatened and is therefore feeling apprehensive, leading to this situation."
"So that's how it is."
The crowd parted, making way for Guo Qiang, who led Ming Zhitian forward. On the way, he clasped his hands towards Jie Qingxia and said, "Senior sister, I apologize for not being able to visit your Gui Zai Sect sooner."
Jie Qingxia appeared indifferent, smiling as if watching a play. "Junior brother Guo, Senior brother Ling is waiting for you on the stage."
Guo Qiang smiled slightly. "I'll invite you for tea when I have time."
Upon reaching the front of the stage, Guo Qiang asked, "Senior brother, why is this necessary?"
Ling Wei'ao replied, "I want to challenge the new junior disciple, to see his abilities, his qualifications, and what he has to teach, to be worthy of being our master's disciple."
Guo Qiang said, "So, you want to test the junior disciple for our elder master?"
Ling Wei'ao said, "Exactly. Does he dare to fight me?"
Ming Zhitian choked slightly. Guo Qiang said, "He dares not."
The crowd was astonished. "Huh? ... ... ... This is too blunt!"
Ling Wei'ao sneered and looked at Ming Zhitian. "Are these your exact words?"
Guo Qiang stepped in front of him. "Don't bully the junior disciple. To tell you the truth, he's only at the second level of Qi cultivation. Ling Wei'ao, don't be a bully. Wouldn't you be laughed out of the community if this got out?"
"Oh? I really didn't know he was so weak." Ling Wei'ao chuckled.
The crowd started to discuss again. "No way? Second level of Qi cultivation? If it were me, I wouldn't accept it either. What is the sect leader thinking?"
"Could he have picked up an illegitimate child from outside?"
"I'll slap your crow's mouth! Do you want me to tell the sect leaders if you talk nonsense?"
"No, no, no... I was wrong."
Ming Zhitian took a step forward. "This junior is new to the cultivation world. I hope all senior brothers and sisters will be understanding."
Ling Wei'ao laughed again. "Did you hear that? Fellow disciples, he says he's an insignificant newcomer, just starting to cultivate."
"Hahaha... ..." The crowd couldn't help but burst into laughter.
Ling Wei'ao continued, "Who can accept this? I, Ling Wei'ao, am the first to refuse! I stand out, what about you?"
"We refuse! We also refuse! ... ..." The Tian Sect took the lead, as they were Ling Wei'ao's people.
Then, the other sects joined in the clamor, shouting, "Refuse, refuse! ... ..."
Guo Qiang was enraged, his immense aura erupting. "Shut... up!"
The scene immediately fell silent. Ling Wei'ao waved away the oppressive feeling and met Guo Qiang's gaze. "What, are you going to stand alone against the murmurs of the crowd?"
Guo Qiang said, "Don't push your luck too far. I'll fight!"
Guo Qiang jumped onto the stage. Ling Wei'ao knew he wasn't Guo Qiang's match, but he didn't show it. "Did I say I was going to fight you?"
He then pointed at Ming Zhitian. "You, kid, get on the stage. Do you dare?"
Ming Zhitian stepped forward. Guo Qiang said, "Ling Wei'ao, are you sure you want to bully the weak?"
Ling Wei'ao shook his head. "You misunderstand. Since I know he's only at the second level of Qi cultivation, I naturally won't shamelessly bully him."
Saying that, Ling Wei'ao jumped off the stage and casually called out a disciple from his own sect. "You, go up and teach him a lesson."
"Yes, Sect Leader!"
Ling Wei'ao said, "My Tian Sect is not without talent. The lowest cultivation level is merely Ascending Dragon. Don't say I'm bullying him."
Guo Qiang saw through his act but didn't expose him, snorting coldly without saying anything.
The disciple drew his sword and stepped onto the stage. Ling Wei'ao said, "Junior brother Guo, I've already stepped down, why are you still standing on the stage? Let the juniors have a chance to spar. Don't let others say you're bullying the weak."
Guo Qiang ignored him and turned to Ming Zhitian, seeking his decision. "This person is at the second level of Ascending Dragon. You and I should leave; there's no need to accept."
Ming Zhitian waved his hand. "Since Sect Leader Ling's invitation is so sincere, I shall not decline and will spar with this senior brother."
Jie Qingxia couldn't help but glance at him again...