Liang’s heart pounded, ready to teleport away at a moment’s notice. "I was granted permission by senior Tian Di."
"Tian Di?" The elder’s furrowed brow relaxed somewhat. He turned to Dong Rui. "Is this true?"
Dong Rui’s expression was resolute. "Brother Liang and I have formed a bond. My father decided to accommodate us, so Brother Liang is considered part of the family."
Dong Tian Mu’s usually lifeless eyes flickered with a hint of surprise as he directed a penetrating gaze at Liang. Simultaneously, Liang felt an immense, overwhelming pressure emanating from the old man—a kind of pressure that even surpassed that of Revenant Xuan. Despite this, Liang remained composed and unflinching, his emotions tightly concealed
"Not a bad choice," Dong Tian Mu intoned flatly.
There was a brief, heavy pause as he seemed lost in thought. Then, almost ceremoniously, he produced a silver plate engraved with the number 15 from within his robes.
Dong Rui’s eyes widened in surprise at the sight of the plate. She glanced at the old man and seemed on the verge of speaking, her lips parting slightly, but she ultimately decided to remain silent, her thoughts hidden behind her composed exterior.
Liang clutched the plate tightly, his nostrils flaring with barely concealed disdain. "Every single Dong Clan member has a heart as black as night."
The participation plate determined not only entry into the secret realm but also the order of entry. Liang’s number, 15, meant he would be the third to enter—following the two saintesses and the ten Quasi-Divine experts.
This plate was highly coveted, the old man’s intentions were crystal clear.
***
Liang’s movements were measured and deliberate as he approached and reluctantly claimed his designated seat. The glaring number 15 seemed to mock him as he sat down. His eyes swept across one of the multiple screens scattered throughout the grand hall. His name and entry number were now displayed for all to see, a beacon drawing the attention of the gathered multitude.
A ripple of whispers spread through the gathered crowd like wildfire.
"Could it truly be as the rumors say?" one elder asked.
"The saintess has been betrothed to... Liang?" another confirmed.
"Who is this Liang fellow? I’ve never even heard his name before!" a younger clan member exclaimed.
"He’s the one who claimed the life of Red Lotus Divine Paragon!" another whispered in awe.
"Ah, that one," an elder nodded. "But for the clan head to bestow upon him the saintess’s hand and grant him entry into the competition... Isn’t that going too far?"
"He must have some extraordinary abilities to have earned such favor," one elder mused.
"Indeed," another replied. "But even so, is it wise to trust an outsider with such a precious treasure as the saintess?"
"The clan head must have his reasons," a third elder interjected. "Perhaps he sees something in this Liang that we do not."
"Or perhaps he has simply grown senile," a younger clan member muttered under his breath, though not softly enough to go unheard.
"Silence, young one!" an elder scolded. "Show some respect to our leader."
The young clan member wilted under the elder’s stern gaze, his face burning with embarrassment.
"I apologize, elder," he said sheepishly.
"Hmph," the elder snorted. "We shall see if this Liang is worthy of the clan head’s trust."
"Nonsense!" another elder objected. "He is a man of great virtue and compassion, I have witnessed his kindness firsthand."
"Indeed," another elder concurred. "He has a heart as pure as a lotus."
"And his strength is unmatched," interjected a younger clan member. "I hear he vanquished the Red Lotus Divine Paragon with a single blow!"
"I have heard that he has helped those in need, even when it put him at great personal risk," another elder remarked, his voice laden with admiration. "He is known as a man of his word, someone who values honor and justice above all else."
"Elder Song, what nonsense are you spouting? That Liang person is incredibly disrespectful and mean!" A sudden, loud outburst echoed from below, breaking the silence.
Everyone’s gaze instantly snapped to the source of the commotion.
"Dong Wan’er, how dare you speak to an elder in such a manner!" Elder Song bellowed, his face flushed with anger, eyes blazing as he stared down the young woman.
"Everyone, I think that’s enough." A calming voice resonated through the chamber, instantly diffusing the tension.
"It’s Dong Zi Long!" someone whispered in awe.
"So it’s Senior Brother Zi Long," others murmured, relief washing over their faces.
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Dong Zi Long, with his serene demeanor and commanding presence, stepped forward. His eyes held a quiet authority that silenced any further dissent. Dong Wan’er, still fuming, crossed her arms and cast a defiant look at the screens mounted on the walls.
Suddenly, a new name appeared in bold lettering on the screen: number 14, Lin Xue.
The place was instantly abuzz with conversation, this time filled with murmurs of dissatisfaction and discontent.
"Even that person is participating?" exclaimed a snotty-nosed youth. "I can understand why Liang would be here, but who the hell is this Lin Xue?"
"He must have bribed his way in," another man sneered. "Who else would be shameless enough to enter a competition that is designed for the ’Dong’?"
"He dares to sit in front of us?" barked a burly man. "We should throw him out immediately."
"The Dong Clan is truly on the decline if they have to resort to such tactics," sighed an elderly man. "This Lin Xue is obviously unworthy of competing."
"We need to eliminate this maggot first," growled a man with a cruel glint in his eye. "He doesn’t deserve to be here."
"To think that he was given number 14," spat a woman with thinly veiled contempt. "Shameless thief."
As the crowd’s vitriol reached a fever pitch, Dong Xian’er gently placed a hand on Lin Xue’s shoulder.
"Brother Lin, pay them no mind," she whispered softly, her eyes filled with unwavering support. "Those worthless opinions are not worth your time."
"I don’t care about their opinions, but I didn’t expect Liang to be so powerful," Lin Xue responded, taking a deep breath, his eyes clouded with a mix of confusion and grudging respect.
Dong Xian’er’s eyes narrowed slightly, mirroring Lin Xue’s thoughts. She couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more going on than met the eye.
"What I don’t understand is why so many people support him," Lin Xue muttered gloomily, his brows furrowing deeply.
Dong Xian’er shook her head slowly, her lips pressed into a thin line. "That is indeed strange. Even some of the most powerful elders speak highly of him."
Amidst the hushed whispers, Liang remained impassive, his gaze fixed on the screens he could hear the heated discussions and speculation but he paid them no mind.