"What is that?"
The crowd cast doubtful glances, clearly hearing of the so-called "Guardians of the Way Alliance" for the first time.
Seeing that his words had captured everyone's attention, Li Zhan's vanity was greatly satisfied. He glanced triumphantly at the young man in black robes, the show-off in his eyes evident.
What he didn't notice was that one of the youths, who had been silent all along, perked up upon hearing Li Zhan's words and looked at Li Zhan with a deep gaze.
In the ancient and spacious main hall, Li Zhan's voice echoed throughout the space.
"It is said that this Guardians of the Way Alliance was formed by the combined high-level combat power of many major forces on the continent after the great war between the Demon Realm and the Cultivation Realm ten thousand years ago, to prevent such a thing from happening again."
"And this grand gathering hosted by City Lord Mu, ostensibly to choose a husband for his beloved daughter, is actually a front to select suitable candidates for the Guardians of the Way Alliance in the guise of a marriage selection."
"After thousands of years of development, not only do major sects and families need to join the Guardians of the Way Alliance once their cultivation reaches a certain level, but the Alliance also cultivates some prodigies to become its reserve force."
As Li Zhan regaled them with the news he had gathered, he didn't notice several figures suddenly appearing in the hall.
Hua Xu, Mu Chen, and Bai Youran appeared in the hall with Zhang Ergou. Only the silent youth noticed them.
However, he did not alert Li Zhan or the other young cultivators listening to him, but stood respectfully to the side.
Just as Zhang Ergou was about to stop Li Zhan from continuing, Hua Xu blocked him.
The three great figures glanced with interest at the youth who was not participating, and then quietly shifted their positions to the periphery of the crowd.
At this moment, Li Zhan was at the most exciting part of his story, and all the youths were engrossed. Naturally, they didn't notice the several figures who had suddenly appeared.
"Sect Master Hua of Black Xuan Pavilion, Hua Ge Zhu, has already reached the Soul Transformation stage. Yet, even he is only considered mid-tier combat power within the Guardians of the Way Alliance. There are many more powerful than him..."
"What, there are people more powerful than Sect Master Hua? What kind of cultivation must they possess?"
The young men exclaimed. Hua Xu had always been like a god in their minds. To hear that he was only ranked in the middle tier within the Guardians of the Way Alliance, the youths were shocked.
"There are plenty more powerful than him. It is said that the Alliance Leader has reached the legendary Mahayana stage."
"Hiss!" A chorus of gasps echoed.
The Mahayana stage, that was a legendary existence. No wonder they had the opportunity to join such an organization.
When they went out later, their bragging rights would be elevated.
However, a voice suddenly rang out: "So, the City Lord's reason for choosing a husband is a deception?"
Upon hearing this, everyone looked with strange expressions at the gentleman who had spoken.
Being able to join such a formidable alliance was infinitely better than becoming the son-in-law of the City Lord of Tree Eye City.
What kind of logic was this gentleman following?
Hua Xu and Bai Youran, who were eavesdropping nearby, glanced amusingly at Mu Chen. Mu Chen's entire face darkened.
"What, do you expect this City Lord to apologize to you?"
Mu Chen suddenly spoke, startling everyone. Upon realizing the presence of the three great figures behind them,
The young men immediately stood at attention, acting like model students, a far cry from their previous demeanor.
The youth who had spoken earlier turned pale with fright. Badmouthing others and being overheard! He could already imagine the consequences.
"Kid, you're quite brave."
Mu Chen glanced at the youth, whose face turned red then white, clearly terrified.
"Enough, don't scare the juniors."
It was Hua Xu who finally spoke, diffusing the youth's predicament.
...
After Hua Xu's brief explanation, the ten youths understood that, just as Li Zhan had said, the selection of the City Lord of Tree Eye City's son-in-law was merely a ruse.
As for where Li Zhan had obtained such confidential information, they were unaware.
However, Hua Xu and the others took note of Li Zhan. Hearing that the young man had a good relationship with Zhang Ergou, they decided to group them together.
This ancient hall was, in fact, a branch of the Guardians of the Way Alliance, and the sole passage to the Alliance's headquarters.
The Guardians of the Way Alliance was so mysterious that the world knew little of it.
Even those who had heard of it didn't know how to enter, as no one knew its exact location.
Unless someone from the Guardians of the Way Alliance was there to receive them.
Hua Xu and the other two had come specifically to escort this group of youths to join the Alliance.
"My esteemed guests, I have already explained the purpose of the Guardians of the Way Alliance. As this young brother mentioned, it is to prevent another invasion from the Demon Realm, which would cause immeasurable losses to the entire continent."
"Our ancestors established this organization, and now you have the opportunity to become a part of it."
"If you are willing, my esteemed companions and I will lead you to the Alliance headquarters. If not, you may depart now, but you must not reveal anything that has transpired here."
Finally, Hua Xu's tone became much more serious.
After a brief silence, a clear voice rang out: "I am willing to join the Guardians of the Way Alliance and benefit the cultivators of the continent."
Zhang Ergou followed the sound of the voice. It was none other than Li Zhan.
After Li Zhan, the other youths chattered their willingness to go, fearing being left behind and incurring the displeasure of Hua Xu and the others.
Even the silent youth expressed his willingness to join.
Seeing that there were no objections, the three great figures relaxed. This trip had been worthwhile, having secured so many promising talents.
Subsequently, Hua Xu and the others led them through the hall to a mysterious formation.
"This is the teleportation formation to the Alliance headquarters. A token issued by the Alliance headquarters is required to use it. Everyone, come aboard. I will take you there."
As he spoke, Hua Xu casually waved his hand, and a resplendently glowing ship appeared before them.
"Is this a high-grade magical artifact?"
A youth exclaimed.
As is widely known, not only cultivators have levels, but artifacts also have grades, mainly divided into spiritual artifacts, treasure artifacts, magical artifacts, immortal artifacts...
The ship before them was actually a high-grade magical artifact.
"Look at you, so inexperienced." Hua Xu, as always, did not forget his sharp tongue, which elicited a burst of laughter.
Once Zhang Ergou and everyone else had boarded the ship, Hua Xu casually produced an ancient token and tossed it above the formation.