The list of attendees was divided into four sections, representing the attendees selected from each of the Four Great Symbol Sects. Naturally, this also included those from their respective subordinate sects.
"Hmm? Why is the number of selected attendees different for each sect?" Lu Zhiying asked curiously.
"This is determined by the elders of the four sects after assessing the relative performances of each sect's disciples in the Four Symbols Mystic Realm. That's exactly why so much emphasis is placed on the opening of the Four Symbols Mystic Realm," Zhao Yunxiao explained. "After the number of attendees for each sect has been decided, each sect will then fill their slots with whoever they deem most deserving."
"What? Then won't each sect just exaggerate their performance? You can't verify that, can you?" Lu Zhiying questioned.
"Haha, do you really think that the sect elders would stoop to that level?" Zhao Yunxiao laughed. "This might be a huge eye-opening experience for us disciples, but it's nothing too major to the elders. Perhaps in the eyes of the sect elders, this is akin to assigning candies to kids – completely inconsequential."
Just like what Lu Zhiying had pointed out, while it might not be by much, there was definitely a difference in the number of selected attendees from each sect.
And as was the case with previous years, the Azure Dragon Sect had once again claimed the top spot in terms of the number of slots. That said, the Black Tortoise Sect managed to come in second this time, doing just a little better than the other two.
With everything laid out clearly in front of their eyes, it did not take long before the disciples present finished going through the entire list of names.
And as they did, different emotions inevitably filled their hearts.
There were those who did not experience any huge fluctuations to their emotions. These were generally people who belonged to two extreme groups – those who knew from the start that they would be selected, as well as those who knew from the start that they would not be selected.
The former included core disciples of the Four Great Symbol Sects, as well as inner disciples who had always done well over the years. As for the latter, it would include outer disciples like Zhao Yunxiao. Outer disciples might be brought along as helpers during the Duyuan Martial Meet, but there had never been an outer disciple who was directly selected as an attendee.
Apart from these two groups, the majority of inner disciples experienced some fluctuations in their emotions, whether they admitted it or not. After all, no matter how well they did, there remained the concern that it was still not enough. No matter how badly they did, they would still hold some hope that their other merits were sufficient to make up for it or that others might have done even worse.
This was the moment of confirmation – the time when their doubts were cleared.
Joy.
Relief.
Disappointment.
Sadness.
Indignance.
Anger.
All sorts of expressions could be seen displayed across the faces of the disciples present.
At the same time, loud chatter arose from all around the Black Guardian Square as disciples started moving around to exchange pleasantries, be they words of congratulations or words of consolation. There were even snide remarks and taunts being thrown out every now and then.
After quickly memorising the full list of selected attendees, Zhao Yunxiao started scanning through the crowds, trying his best to take note of as many interactions among disciples as possible. While he focused on those from the Black Tortoise Sect, he made sure not to neglect those from the other three great sects as well.
"Congratulations on your selection, Junior Martial Brother Zhou," Chen Pingxi remarked lightly while continuing to stare at the list of selected attendees.
"Thank you, Senior Martial Sister Chen," Zhou Qin said from beside her. "...Are you looking for Brother Zhao's name? I've already checked a few times – it isn't there."
"I know. It's a shame, though I have to say that I'm not surprised," Chen Pingxi said.
"Then is there another problem?" Zhou Qin asked, having noticed Chen Pingxi's furrowed brows.
"Do you remember the list of Black Tortoise Sect disciples under Brother Zhao's charge during the opening of the Four Symbols Mystic Realm?"
"...Is there an issue with that?"
"All of them are in," Chen Pingxi said solemnly. "All of them, including Nuo Qianling's group that had basically been completely wiped out without a single notable achievement."
Zhou Qin widened his eyes upon hearing that, and quickly turned his attention back to the list of selected attendees. Indeed, Nuo Qianling's group of five had all been included within.
This was the group that had been the anomaly in their analysis, being the only group under Zhao Yunxiao's charge that not only did not achieve anything outstanding, but also did exceptionally poorly in the mystic realm.
Who knew that their names would still appear on the list of selected attendees today?
"Achievements in the Four Symbols Mystic Realm have always been a huge factor when it comes to the selection of attendees for the Duyuan Martial Meet. Even if that is not the case, there are certainly other more talented inner disciples of the Black Tortoise Sect. For them to be selected is truly strange," Chen Pingxi said.
"But what could be the reason?" Zhou Qin frowned. "Surely the sect did not rig the selection process to allow them through."
"That should not be the case. There must be a good reason as to why they have been selected. As for what that is, I'm not sure either," Chen Pingxi said. "We'd just have to see if we can get our answers later."
"You mean..."
"We cannot be the only ones who find it strange that they have been selected."
Zhou Qin nodded, understanding exactly what Chen Pingxi was referring to.
As members of a subordinate sect, they might not have the full picture about Nuo Qianling's group's qualifications. But if their observations were correct, then there was no doubt that the other inner disciples of the Black Tortoise Sect would express their unhappiness.
"The two of you look strangely solemn for people who have been selected," Xiong Yekong remarked while casually sitting down behind them.
"Congratulations on being selected as well, Sir Xiong," Zhou Qin turned around and clasped his fists towards the prime disciple of the Armed Ape Tower.
"Thank you, but that's not the main point here," Xiong Yekong smirked. "So, what sort of deep insights have the two of you gained from looking at the list?"
"I'm not sure what you mean, Sir Xiong," Chen Pingxi said with a smile. "Perhaps you misunderstood that we are talking about something important, when we were just lost in the happiness of being selected."
"Stop pretending. I know you well enough to know that you just had an epiphany of sorts," Xiong Yekong insisted.
"I guess this just means that you don't know me as well as you think you do."
"Are you not going to go talk to that Zhao brat?" Xiong Yekong suddenly changed the topic, catching the two of them by surprise. "Who knows? He might be feeling down about not making the list."
"Who might you be talking about? What Zhao brat?"
"The whole world knows that you are on surprisingly good terms with a Black Tortoise Sect outer disciple named Zhao Yunxiao," Xiong Yekong rolled his eyes. "That said, while I do not know what you see in that kid, I have to admit that he is pretty impressive for his cultivation level."
"Oh? Did the famous Feral Claw Xiong Yekong really go check out a mere outer disciple of the Black Tortoise Sect?" Chen Pingxi narrowed her eyes at him. "Even so, what made you come to that conclusion?"
"The only problem is that his cultivation level is just way too low, so he is destined not to go far unless he can find some sort of enlightenment," Xiong Yekong continued, not bothering to answer her question.
"It's more enjoyable to root for the underdogs," Chen Pingxi shrugged. "And you should know just as well that enlightenment can come to anyone at any time. Who knows? Perhaps it is right around the corner for him."
"That's true. Who knows? Perhaps he could become a Heavenly Lord tomorrow," Xiong Yekong smirked.
"What is this? Are you feeling jealous? Don't tell me the rumours that you like me are true?" Chen Pingxi answered while the corner of her lips curled up slightly.
"What nonsense. Before I fulfil my mission of revitalising the Armed Ape Tower, I have no interest in the ways of love," Xiong Yekong scoffed lightly. "And even if I do, what makes you think you fit the bill?"
"What a shame. I might have given it some consideration if you said otherwise," Chen Pingxi let out a disappointed sigh.
"Really? It's not too late to take back what I said, right?"
"Nope, too late."
"Damn, what a huge loss."
This was just one of the many private conversations happening around the Black Guardian Square at the moment. Just that, unlike theirs, most others were far more emotional in nature.
In fact, there was no lack of those who held their fists in a tight clench, waiting keenly for the next section of the meet to begin.
And they did not have to wait long, either.
After a few minutes, Elder He Luoxuan lightly waved his hand, and the array of names started floating upwards to hover higher in the air. He did not say a word, but the moment the array stopped moving, a heavy tension immediately filled the air. Numerous disciples stood up from their seats, quickly making their way towards the centre of the Black Guardian Square.
It was almost as though they were fighting to be the first on stage.
"Wow, what's going on?" Lu Zhiying asked curiously.
"Haha, open your eyes and watch carefully. This is the most exciting part of the meet!" Zhao Yunxiao grinned. "The list of selected attendees that you see right now is actually not set in stone just yet. Every year, there would always be disciples who are indignant about not being selected. To account for that, disciples are given this time to openly challenge those who have been selected. While the final decision still remains with the elders and victory during these challenges does not necessarily translate to a direct replacement on the selected list, there have definitely been cases in the past where attendees have lost their right to attend the Duyuan Martial Meet after losing these challenges!"
"Oh? But why would the sect elders do that?" Lu Zhiying tilted her head in confusion. "To change their mind after being proven wrong... isn't that akin to slapping their own faces?"
"Well, even the elders are not omniscient. They understand that it is impossible for them to know the exact progress of all disciples, so this is their way of giving everyone a platform to prove themselves. After all, it only benefits the sect to give more opportunities to the best disciples," Zhao Yunxiao explained. "As for why everyone is rushing to enter the stage, that is because the first to go has the advantage of choosing who to challenge. That is especially important because there is no point in challenging someone a second time, since they would already be tired from the earlier challenge. The elders would not consider it a fair challenge."
"So, that's why," Lu Zhiying nodded in understanding.
"Now then, make sure to keep your eyes peeled and watch carefully," Zhao Yunxiao reminded. "There is much to learn from these seniors."
"Yes, sir!"
As they chatted, the first disciple reached the centre of the Black Guardian Square, much to the irritation of the others.
Zhao Yunxiao recognised him immediately – Ying Weiheng, inner disciple of the Black Tortoise Sect. While his accomplishments during the Four Symbols Mystic Realm could not be considered fantastic, he had done fairly well by securing a few rare items while avoiding any powerful enemies.
It was no wonder that he felt indignant to have been excluded from the list of selected attendees.
At this moment, his brows were furrowed and his fighting spirit was erupting from within, clear for all to see.
The moment he stood before everyone, he unsheathed his sword and pointed it straight at someone who was seated within the crowd.
"Step forward, Nuo Qianling! Let's exchange pointers!"