Chapter 36: Saving a Seat!

The Northern Territory.

Compared to the Southern Territory, the Hidden Dao Academy here was far more prosperous.

This was the first impression Ye Qiubai and his group had.

There were numerous disciples, and simultaneously, the academy housed various secret realms.

However, what set it apart was this

The Hidden Dao Academy of the Northern Territory possessed a much greater sense of oppression than that of the Southern Territory.

An elder from the Confucian Academy explained beforehand: "The Hidden Dao Academy in the Northern Territory emphasizes natural selection—survival of the fittest."

"Here, once you fall even slightly behind others, you will be eliminated."

Hearing this, the group finally understood.

Under such a high-pressure environment, it was only natural for the strong to prevail and maintain their top rankings.

However, Ye Qiubai preferred the atmosphere of the Southern Territory's Hidden Dao Academy.

There, they discussed martial arts and sparred to verify their understandings.

It seemed much more peaceful.

At that moment, several elders approached them.

Leading them was an elder with long eyebrows and a long beard.

He gave a slight bow, a smile spreading across his face, and said, "Welcome, everyone. Your accommodations have been arranged. Please follow me."

This man was Nie Qing, an elder of the Confucian Academy of the Northern Territory, as explained by the Martial Hall elder.

As the group headed toward their lodgings, members of the Northern Territory's Hidden Dao Academy could be heard whispering nearby.

Their words were filled with disdain.

"Are these the people from that barbaric land in the Southern Territory?"

"Mm, they're here for the Four Territories Academy Exchange."

"With just them? Their cultivation levels don't even look as high as mine. I doubt even Senior Brother Jian will need to step in."

Their conversation reached the group's ears quite clearly.

Huo Qingming's face flushed with anger. "They are looking down on us far too much!"

Xin Hongyi also drew her sword, her face cold. "I'd actually like to see just how much strength they really have."

Lin Ce's expression was also extremely grim.

Huang Yuan said calmly, "There is no need to fight for momentary advantage. Save your strength for tomorrow's martial arts exchange."

Hearing this, Huo Qingming snorted coldly, suppressing his rage.

Xin Hongyi, however, did not listen. Just as she was about to step forward, Ye Qiubai pulled her back.

"There really is no need. We can just slap them in the face with our strength tomorrow."

Only then did Xin Hongyi sheathe her sword.

Huang Yuan glanced at Ye Qiubai with interest.

Previously, his own words had been ineffective, but Ye Qiubai had managed to stop her with just one suggestion...

The group arrived at their lodgings.

The Northern Territory's Hidden Dao Academy did not resort to any low-class tricks; the accommodations provided were quite good.

"Tomorrow is the martial arts exchange. Please, everyone, get some good rest."

After saying this, Nie Qing departed.

The elders of the Confucian and Martial Halls followed him, clearly to discuss something.

As for Qin Tiannan, he had left the moment he entered the Northern Territory.

Seeing the two elders leave, Huo Qingming cursed angrily, "Talk about acting tough because of someone else's influence! So what if they've taken first place a few times? We'll knock them down this time!"

Lin Ce said grimly, "We can see the truth through our actions tomorrow."

Ye Qiubai shrugged, preparing to return to his cultivation.

Suddenly, another group pushed open the courtyard gate and walked straight in without even greeting them.

"Who are you?"

Zhong Wu frowned slightly and said, "Do you have no manners at all?"

A tall, thin man among them sneered, "Why bother with manners when dealing with Southern barbarians?"

"You!"

Huang Yuan held Huo Qingming back and stepped forward, saying, "If you are only here to provoke us, there is no need."

The man leading the group gave the thin man a cold glance.

Seeing this, the thin man shut his mouth.

"My apologies, everyone. My junior brother was being reckless."

"I have come here to invite you all to a banquet."

"Tonight's banquet will invite the geniuses from the academies of the four territories. It is a convenient way to get acquainted with the young talents of the four regions."

Huang Yuan pondered for a moment and looked at the group.

He was clearly asking for Ye Qiubai and the others' opinions.

Huo Qingming snorted but said nothing.

Seeing Ye Qiubai nod, Xin Hongyi nodded as well.

Zhong Wu and Lin Ce had no objections either.

Only then did Huang Yuan say, "Fine. We will attend the banquet on time tonight."

Seeing this, the man nodded with satisfaction. "Then we shall await your arrival."

With that, the group departed.

Lin Ce said calmly, "This banquet is likely a 'Hongmen Banquet'—an ambush intended to gauge the strength of each territory."

Zhong Wu nodded in agreement. "That must be the purpose. We will likely have to demonstrate our strength when the time comes."

Huang Yuan added, "Save your trump cards as much as possible. Do not expose them. Focus on the exchange. If we end up in last place again, I fear our Southern Territory Hidden Dao Academy might be taken over by others."

If they were to rank last several times, the main academy would send others to take control of the school.

If that happened, Qin Tiannan would also face punishment.

This was something none of them wanted to see.

Hearing this, even the most impulsive member, Huo Qingming, nodded with a heavy expression.

Huang Yuan looked at Ye Qiubai and said, "Also, people from the Sunset Dynasty might appear at the banquet. You must endure it."

Ye Qiubai's affairs were not a secret.

After all, the news had spread throughout Tianyuan City; one only had to ask a little to know the whole story.

Ye Qiubai's indifferent gaze faltered for a moment, and he kept his head low without speaking.

Seeing this, Huang Yuan said no more.

After all, even his own master had marveled at Ye Qiubai's talent.

Time fast-forwarded to evening.

Huang Yuan and the others went to the banquet.

The banquet was held in the Martial Hall.

At this moment, the Martial Hall was set with about a hundred tables and chairs, each laden with various kinds of food.

However, anyone paying attention could notice

The closer the tables were to the back, the simpler the food!

The closer they were to the head seat, the more precious the food!

Zhong Wu couldn't help but smile. "It seems there is a special program."

Just as he finished speaking, a group of people walked forward.

"You should all have seen the tables and chairs before you. Sit wherever you like based on what you wish to eat."

"Of course, positions must be earned. If one person sets their sights on a table, you will have to negotiate among yourselves."

The man's words were subtle.

But everyone present could understand the implication.

If you wanted the same table, you would have to fight for it!

Whoever won would have the right to sit and enjoy!

After speaking, the man took the seat of honor and said with a smile, "Of course, if you wish to eat from my table, it is not impossible—provided you have the strength to match it."

"Alright, everyone, take your seats."

Initially, no one moved.

However, within just a few breaths, a man stepped out with a loud laugh and said, "Since everyone is being so modest, then I shall not be polite!"

With that, he leaped toward the seat directly below the head position!

He sat down heavily.

"If anyone wants this table, you can come now."

Seeing this, people began to step forward and sit at the tables.

However, for the time being, no one attempted to seize a position!