“Mr. Elder, does that mean anyone, regardless of whether they have won or lost will get a bamboo stick?”

Someone brought up another question and Old Man Ying continued to explain it, “Yes, anyone who participates in the arena will have the opportunity to receive a bamboo stick. Usually the winning party will be taken on as a guard, as for the losing party, if we don’t have enough headcount, we will recruit from that pool as well. Of course, it is not just about the headcount, if there are a lot of you who has good potential, win or lose, we will take all. Is that understood?”

“Understood!”

All the cultivators around the stage replied together. Then everybody couldn’t help but started discussing about it with those next to them.

“That’s not bad. Looks pretty hopeful for all of us!”

“Exactly, if that’s the case, we don’t need to fight to our death. We only have to fight till there is a winner!”

“It looks like Count Zhongyuan does value talents. We don’t have to worry about dying in the arena!”

“This is such a great opportunity; we should be mindful not to let it slip through our fingertips!”

“Of course not. Most definitely not!”

“Have you heard? I’ve heard that there were members of the Top 4 Powers staying over at Sacred Land Zhongyuan as guests. If we join Count Zhongyuan Residence, we just might be able to meet someone from the Top 4 Powers!”

“Really? This is the first time I’ve heard of it. Well, if that’s the case, then we must try out best to get in!”

“If we can get some pointers from anyone from the Top 4 Powers, it will be very worthwhile!”

“Shoot! Haven’t you heard? Maiden Cheng is engaged to Genius Numerologist of Temple of Divine Plans, one of the Top 4 Powers. The Cheng’s and the Top 4 Powers have been tied to the Top 4 Powers already!”

“Shhhh, guys. Are you crazy talking about Maiden Cheng here? We’ve heard that Maiden Cheng and Genius Numerologist are also in town as well. Have you already forgotten who came out of that carriage yesterday?”

“Alright, alright! Let’s stop talking!”

The low discussions between everyone aggregated into a loud cacophony. Amidst all the discussion, the cultivator’s excitement grew. After all, the appearance of all the sacred beasts yesterday had made them more determinant to become a part of Count Zhongyuan’s Residence.

Two hundred spots, not too many, not too litter. Not everyone was confident that they could make the cut, but hearing Elder Ying’s words, most of them felt better. Everybody wanted to have a shot at it, but they were also afraid the arena would cost them their lives.

“QUIET!” Elder Ying, looked down from on top of the stage. With his hands behind his back, his look brighter than the summer sun, making him difficult to look at, “The competition is starting now!”

As soon as he finished saying that, a martial master hopped onto the stage and announced excitedly, “I am first. My name is Tai Wulang. Greetings, everyone!”

Everybody saw that he has taken the first spot and rubbed their fists and getting ready to hop on in. Nobody went crazy, however. After all, the Cheng’s were looking for 200 guards and everybody has a shot at it. There was no need to rush but to wait quietly for the Cheng’s announcements!

Of course, many were there not to participate but to observe. After all, an event like this was rare.

Old Man Ying was very pleased that there were no disorderly behaviors. Even Cheng Xiao Xiao, who was inside the dimension, was surprised, “That was pretty impressive that everyone is still keeping a cool head!”

“Xiao Xiao, that’s only because they knew that if they don’t behave themselves, they’d be kicked out, or be killed by one of our sacred beasts!”

Mo Xuanzun had been very observant He noticed that those who were present watched Elder Ying closely. They worry that if they offend or displease this elder, their fate would be sealed.

“Guye was right. They are all afraid of Old Man Ying!” nodded little Yuteng in agreement.

At this time, Old Man Ying on the outside announced, “The challenger may join now!”

“I’ll do it!”