"Welcome, everyone, to the Witch God Hall for this year's Witchcraft Assembly!"
The Great Elder's lips remained still, yet a majestic voice emanated from his person. This display alone showcased immense power, earning him greater reverence from the surrounding crowd. Whether from the Eight Great Families, the Thirty-Six Clans, or the lone cultivators, all appeared respectful. The Witch God Hall held an exceptionally lofty status in their hearts.
"This year's Witchcraft Assembly is slightly different from previous ones, and I believe you have all heard the rumors." The Great Elder surveyed the assembly again, his voice softening slightly this time.
As soon as he finished speaking, someone chimed in, "Heh heh, I heard the Witch God Hall has prepared extremely rare蛊虫 (gu worms) as rewards this time! Elder, is this rumor true?"
"Haha, this is perhaps the most complete gathering of the Eight Great Families and the Thirty-Six Clans. Elder, we've all come for that treasure!"
Despite their varied appearances and personalities, these individuals, like those outside, were all adept at currying favor, flattering, and fawning. The Great Elder's face, like a zombie's, showed no expression, but through his slightly narrowed eyes, the crowd could vaguely discern a smile.
"The Witchcraft Assembly is fundamentally a ranking tournament for inheritors of the witchcraft path. Honor is paramount. As the sacred land of witchcraft, the Witch God Hall naturally offers valuable items to encourage all of you, so that the path of witchcraft may flourish further!"
With his voice falling silent, the Great Elder raised his staff and gently tapped it on the ground. The next moment, a beautiful woman in luxurious attire emerged from the inner hall, her steps graceful as she ascended the high platform.
Her appearance caused a chorus of gulping sounds from below.
"The Saintess! It's the Saintess of the Witch God Hall!"
"Oh, my goddess, it was truly worth coming this time to see the Saintess of the Witch God Hall!"
"No way? Could it be that the winner of this Witchcraft Assembly will win the Saintess? Wouldn't that mean a future opportunity to lead the Witch God Hall?"
Someone voiced this speculation, causing everyone's breathing to quicken, and the temperature seemed to rise. Clearly, everyone was excited. If the ultimate prize was the Saintess, it would undoubtedly drive the attendees into a frenzy. After all, most of those present were young and talented individuals. Family elders would not descend to compete, as it would bring shame to their family's reputation. However, if the Saintess were truly to seek a spouse here, it was likely that even the most reclusive old timers from the hereditary families would emerge.
"What a beautiful woman!" Xiu Xiu, who also enjoyed admiring beautiful women, sighed and then glanced at Hua Yu Xiao beside her.
"Xiu Xiu, why are you looking at me?" Hua Yu Xiao's pretty face flushed. She too was stunned by the Saintess above. Although she was hailed as the most beautiful woman in Southern Cloud, this title was merely a rumor within the upper circles of Southern Cloud's cities, not necessarily recognized by everyone. For instance, these witchcraft practitioners might not even know who Hua Yu Xiao was.
Yet, even though Hua Yu Xiao had been very low-key before, hiding behind the crowd, many around her still cast sideways glances her way. Why? Clearly, they were making a comparison! Who among these two beauties was superior? It was important to note that among these witchcraft practitioners, whose appearances were mostly unsightly, with only a few being merely plain, the emergence of such a beauty was like a treasure!
"Heh heh, look, everyone is looking at you. Yu Xiao, I've finally met someone who can rival you. However, I think your appearances are neck and neck, and your figure is slightly better! So, you win!" Xiu Xiu's lips curved into a mischievous smile as she declared Hua Yu Xiao the winner.
But Hua Yu Xiao felt no joy in winning. She instinctively hid behind Ling Feng and pouted, "Xiu Xiu, stop messing around."
"This woman, she's quite strong!" Suddenly, Ling Feng's low voice emerged. This surprised Xiu Xiu and the others! Ling Feng rarely spoke proactively, let alone praised a woman for being strong! It was truly astonishing! Hua Yu Xiao felt an inexplicable pang of jealousy. Xiu Xiu teased further, "Ling Feng, you're not just captivated by her beauty, are you? You'll make our Miss Yu Xiao sad, you know. Clearly, Yu Xiao is more beautiful!"
"Xiu Xiu, don't talk nonsense." Hua Yu Xiao became even more shy, even a little flustered. Ling Feng, however, simply shook his head indifferently, not interested in responding to Xiu Xiu's words. Yang Fei, on the other hand, looked surprised. Few people could earn Ling Feng's acknowledgment of their strength, so it seemed this Saintess of the Witch God Hall truly possessed extraordinary qualities!
"Phew, I can finally speak. You've all spoken, why aren't you letting me speak?" Lin Shuai Nan forcefully used his tongue to dislodge the tape from his mouth, and then he couldn't stop talking.
"Xiu Xiu, if you ask me, neither of them is as good-looking as you. Look at Hua Yu Xiao, although she has a good figure, she feels too gentle. Hmm, a proper young lady, no personality!"
"The Saintess above is even worse. Look at her cold expression, just like that old man next to her. A dead face. If such a woman were lying next to you, who could sleep? You'd think she was a corpse, too distant! No, no!"
*Slap!*
Xiu Xiu's pretty face turned red from Lin Shuai Nan's words. Although she felt sweet inside, her hand didn't hold back as she slapped Lin Shuai Nan.
"You want to sleep with them? How lewd are you!"
"Ah? I didn't say I wanted to... I only want you, Xiu Xiu!"
"Shut up!" Xiu Xiu reached out and covered Lin Shuai Nan's mouth.
Su Xing Yan, however, said coldly, "Quiet, the Great Elder is about to speak!" Su Xing Yan was also very surprised by the Saintess's appearance and was eager to know her purpose.
"Everyone, because the rewards for this Witchcraft Assembly are too precious, our Witch God Hall has also prepared a surprise for you. Our Saintess will also participate in this Witchcraft Assembly! I wish you all good luck!" The Great Elder's voice rang out again. Before he had finished speaking, the entire venue erupted into an uproar!
What kind of joke was this? That was the Saintess of the Witch God Hall! How could their witchcraft cultivation possibly compare to hers? The difficulty had increased by more than a little!