"Guests?"
At the mention of the term "guests" by Bai Fenglang, the atmosphere in the hall immediately froze. The demeanor of the three individuals hardly reflected that of guests.
Despite their faces being concealed by their cloaks, the vast majority of those present could sense an air of contempt emanating from them, as if in their eyes, everyone else was akin to inferior beings.
This caused immense dissatisfaction among the core disciples of the Bai family.
Yet, they dared not speak.
"Since they are guests, please be seated!"
Bai Tai stood up and gestured to a steward beside him. The latter, understanding the hint, immediately arranged three chairs.
"No need. With us here, there's no need for any elaborate plans," the person in the middle black robe said coldly. "You simply need to await the outcome."
His words made their intentions perfectly clear.
It meant that these people were of no help whatsoever.
"This..."
Being so disregarded, the hearts of the Bai family's core disciples grew increasingly sullen.
However, Bai Fenglang seemed entirely unconcerned, as if it had nothing to do with him.
Just as the atmosphere in the hall began to descend into a heavy silence, a disciple who had been patrolling outside rushed in, warning Bai Tai, "Patriarch, the people we invited have arrived!"
Upon hearing this, Bai Tai immediately stood up and instructed the crowd, "Excellent! Quickly, go out to welcome them!"
With that, the Bai family disciples followed him, walking out of the hall.
All except Bai Fenglang.
"Just a bunch of ants, and yet such a grand display. Truly shallow in their vision!" the black-robed individual who had spoken earlier sneered, his words laced with disdain.
"Lord Left Guardian, while those ancient martial forces may be insignificant in your eyes, do not forget Mr. Jian's instructions," Bai Fenglang slowly stood up, looking at him with a smile.
Mr. Jian!
At the mention of this name, the Left Guardian's body trembled slightly, a flicker of fear in his eyes.
"You don't need to remind me!"
The Left Guardian's voice remained cold, seemingly showing no regard even for this nominal disciple of Mr. Jian. "If these ancient martial forces are sensible, I naturally won't make a move. Otherwise, don't blame us for killing the chicken to scare the monkeys."
Killing the chicken to scare the monkeys?
What did that mean?
"Rest assured! After witnessing a power that surpasses their comprehension, these ancient martial forces will willingly pledge their allegiance to us."
Bai Fenglang gave a sinister smile, appearing to have foreseen everything.
"Hmph! It had better be so!"
The Left Guardian waved his hand dismissively, then led the other two black-robed figures away.
After they departed, the smile on Bai Fenglang's face gradually receded. "Three fools, unaware that they're being used as vanguards. How pathetic!"
Bai Fenglang held nothing but contempt in his heart for these three black-robed individuals, who possessed brute force but lacked intellect.
Such people were only valuable as cannon fodder.
"My dear cousin! If you can't even handle these three cannon fodder, then you will truly disappoint me!"
Bai Fenglang clasped his hands behind his back, exuding an air of absolute control over the situation.
He then also left the hall.
...
By this time, the Bai family courtyard was already bustling with activity, various crowds converging there. Bai Tai greeted them all with a smile.
"Sect Master Chi, it is an honor to meet you!"
Before Bai Tai stood a middle-aged man with sharp eyes and a powerful aura.
His name was Chi Lie, the Sect Master of the Qi Sect, whose cultivation had reached the Martial Emperor realm.
"Patriarch Bai is too kind!"
Chi Lie chuckled and returned the salute with a cupped fist.
Behind him followed a man and a woman.
The woman, with her cold eyes and icy demeanor, exuded an aura of Yin energy that deterred others from approaching.
If Du Lisha were present, she would likely recognize her instantly.
Leng Chi!
She had previously accompanied two disciples of the Qi Sect to the auction held by the Nangong family, vying for the Dao Heart Jade.
And she had successfully brought it back to the Qi Sect.
Consequently, her status within the Qi Sect had greatly improved, directly becoming Chi Lie's personal disciple.
Her cultivation had also advanced from the Martial King realm to the early stage of the Martial Ancestor realm.
As for the man beside Leng Chi, his attire was exceedingly luxurious, adorned with flowing purple sashes. He possessed a handsome and imposing demeanor, with a touch of refined elegance.
His name was Chi Chuan, the son of the Sect Master of the Qi Sect.
His cultivation had reached the peak of the Martial Ancestor realm.
"This must be Young Master Chi Chuan. Fenglang has mentioned you before. Seeing you today, your bearing is truly extraordinary. A hero among the youth!"
Bai Tai nodded with a smile.
"Greetings, Elder Bai!"
Chi Chuan bowed slightly and asked, "May I know where Brother Fenglang is? Counting the days, it has been three years since we last met. I miss him dearly!"
As they say, speak of the devil.
No sooner had Chi Chuan finished speaking than Bai Fenglang walked in from the front, a smile on his face. "Brother Chuan, long time no see!"
"Hahaha! Brother Fenglang, you have made me search far and wide!"
Chi Chuan walked towards Bai Fenglang, with Leng Chi following silently behind him.
Before long, another ancient martial sect arrived. The greeter at the entrance announced loudly:
"Lord of the Dragon Gate, Han Tiandao, has arrived!"
The Dragon Gate!
Another ancient martial force, renowned on par with the Qi Sect.
They had also appeared at the Nangong family's auction previously.
However, it seemed they were at odds with the Qi Sect, with constant friction between them. The arrival of the Dragon Gate now cast a subtle somberness over the atmosphere.
But as the host, Bai Tai naturally stepped forward to welcome them cordially. "Sect Master Bu! A pleasure to meet you!"
Bu Jianqiu, clad in a cloud-white robe, had a gentle countenance and a long sword in his hand. He exuded a calm aura, lacking the ostentatious presence of a high-ranking figure.
Behind him followed a young maiden. Dressed in a verdant green gown, she moved with light steps, her pearl-like eyes curiously surveying her surroundings, seemingly finding everything novel.
Bu Qingyu.
The only daughter of the Sect Master of the Heavenly Sword Sect.
Beside her walked a handsome young man holding a long sword, radiating an air of righteousness and dauntless spirit.
Zhuang Jian!
The senior disciple of the Heavenly Sword Sect.
Seeing the elders engaged in pleasantries, Bu Qingyu showed no interest. She nudged her companion with her elbow and whispered, "Senior Brother, I'm so bored. Let's go wander elsewhere!"
Before Zhuang Jian could react, she had already pulled him away.
After they left, a continuous stream of ancient martial sects entered the courtyard.
However, they were all minor factions, and not many paid them much attention.
What piqued curiosity now was how the Bai family had managed to gather all these sects together.
If it were merely a matter of benefits, would major sects like the Qi Sect and the Heavenly Sword Sect truly be swayed by worldly gains?
It seemed that these sects had gathered here for other purposes.
At this moment, another announcement from the greeter outside the courtyard caused the atmosphere in the hall to momentarily freeze.
"Lord of the Dragon Gate, Han Tiandao, has arrived!"