The next morning, deep within Jade Clear Sect, the first rays of dawn had not yet appeared, and numerous disciples were already bustling with enthusiasm... Originally tranquil Immortal Mountain Martial Arts Hall was now brightly lit and bustling with activity.

The four-yearly competition for chief was indeed an Ancient Martial exchange, but for ordinary disciples, it was as lively as New Year celebrations.

The splendidly decorated Martial Arts Hall, capable of accommodating ten thousand people, maintained an elegant grandeur under soft purple light, enhancing its stunning fairy tale-like beauty.

Many disciples from several major sects were visiting Jade Clear Sect for the first time, and everyone was deeply captivated by the scene that could only be described as mystical... What a beautiful Martial Arts Hall, truly deserving of being a place for Daoist cultivation. Being here calmed the mind swiftly, and if one was fortunate enough to fight here, their strength might increase significantly.

They looked around curiously, sometimes touching one thing or another, and occasionally, under the bewildered gazes of Jade Clear Sect's disciples, they would cough lightly and act nonchalantly.

Undoubtedly, to welcome the chief competition held every four years, Jade Clear Sect was not stingy, providing plenty of good food and wine—entertaining guests with face was always the first challenge faced by all major hidden sects. If they couldn't match their reputation with their hospitality, it would not only be embarrassing but also laughable if word got out.

In fact, preparations had started a few days earlier, with external disciples running around tirelessly up and down the mountain, embodying Jade Clear Sect's longstanding tradition of eschewing modern equipment for transport, under the pretext of physical training which supposedly made their food taste all the more delicious.

Now, many internal disciples were taking charge of directing parts of the work, and the large Martial Arts Hall was filled with cluttered voices...

"Sister apprentice, just place the items there, quickly, make sure they're arranged properly. And you brothers over there, all of you go to that table..." an internal disciple directed while muttering continuously...

Just then, a beautiful figure approached gracefully; Mingfei's gaze was sharp as she surveyed the surroundings...

"Protector Lord," upon seeing the newcomer, the disciple who was directing hurriedly stopped and respectfully greeted.

Mingfei nodded slightly, "Any issues with the guests?"

"Reporting to the Lord, the guests are all very satisfied and everything is well. We just ran short of seating, which has already been reported for further instructions."

"Mm, no need for special instructions, just send someone down the mountain to buy more, and report back to the sect later."

"Yes, sir."

"By the way, did you notice any new guests this early morning, someone special?"

The internal disciple looked puzzled and hesitated, "I haven't noticed any particularly distinguished guests arriving."

"Understood, you may go."

Mingfei waved her hand, signaling the internal disciple to get back to work. However, she inwardly muttered about Feng Yi, finding it strange that he hadn't appeared yet. Today was slipping by, and tomorrow the chief competition would be here. Could he have changed his mind? However, from what she knew of Feng Yi, he didn't seem to be someone who made empty promises.

As her thoughts churned, many disciples from Holy Hall also arrived at the Martial Arts Hall. Mingfei inexplicably felt many gazes sweeping over her. These gazes did not belong to the proud with intense combat intentions—actually, those of her status no longer needed to participate in the chief competition. Thus, even a challenge would not be directed at her. Yet, Mingfei could distinctly feel the undisguised aggressiveness in those gazes, utterly detestable.

These people were truly disgusting. If any internal disciple dared look at her like that, she would make sure they regretted it. However, bound by etiquette and given the difference in sects, Mingfei felt quite helpless and chose to completely ignore those gazes. With a flash of anger in her cold eyes, she turned around and left briskly...

Back at the Martial Arts Hall, the internal and external disciples of Jade Clear Sect had rather unfriendly looks. What did these Holy Hall disciples mean by this? Even they, who saw each other regularly, had no opportunity, let alone a group of outsiders.

Although there was no proof, they felt that these Holy Hall disciples were probably up to something. Subtly, many of Jade Clear Sect's disciples envied yet intensely rejected these newcomers.

The early morning preparations quietly progressed amidst the hurried footsteps of the disciples, concluding as the sun passed overhead. Then, including Jade Clear Sect, the four major sects gathered together, taking their seats from the east, west, north, and south.

Seated at the foremost position to the east of Jade Clear Sect was none other than Wu Tian, who with a beaming smile announced, "Distinguished guests, thank you for coming from afar. Today we specially invite you for two reasons, one to show our host's hospitality and the other to wish for a successful end to the competition for chief— As everyone knows, the chief battle is a meeting of martial arts and literature, focusing on participation. I have always advocated the principle of friendship first, thus, I hope for enlightened guidance from everyone during the forthcoming exchanges."

The crowds at the other three positions all smiled, fully aware that this scenario was too familiar, generally just formalities spoken by the hosts at every major gathering before truly ignoring such so-called friendship on the field.

Still, the atmosphere superficially remained joyful. The white-bearded elder known as Immortal Trace from Yanhuang Soul laughed as soon as Wu Tian finished speaking, "I heard that this time the chief competition has a special guest invited by your sect, is that true?"

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