A gap about a mile long opened in the wall that acted like a protective shield.
A man in golden armor holding a command arrow cast a spell and shouted, "Everyone, within one moment, enter or face harsh punishment!"
With his words, the people ahead surged like a tide toward the opening.
"Let's go!" Bai Zhuchuan didn't hesitate to lead his group toward the opening.
Twenty or so members from different sects followed him swiftly.
Shi Chun was naturally among them.
Wu Jinliang supported one of his arms, knowing Shi Chun was enduring great pain and pushing himself, as he'd seen Shi Chun barely able to walk during his first episode.
Bian Weiying, glancing back to see if their Wukang Mountain group was keeping up, noticed Shi Chun's pale face.
It wasn’t the first time she had seen him like this, and, feeling a little concerned, she asked, "Are you alright?"
Shi Chun shook his head, "I’m fine."
Hearing this, Bai Zhuchuan also glanced back and laughed, "Looks like this brother has been scared stiff. We haven't even started, and you're already weak at the knees?"
This wasn’t the first time he teased Shi Chun, as if toying with a defenseless child.
Other sect leaders traveling with them looked back and laughed too, already informed by Bai Zhuchuan that Shi Chun was just a lowly figure from Wukang Mountain in the Initial Martial Realm, brought along just to fill in the numbers.
In comparison, the Wukang Mountain people were still considered to hold a central position in this large group because they had two stunning beauties.
Bian Weiying's distinct attractiveness was enough to draw attention, and as for Xiang Lan'er, the top courtesan of Graceful Cloud Pavilion, she was even more captivating.
This was also thanks to Bai Zhuchuan's words; everyone knew Xiang Lan'er had been a courtesan, inciting many imaginations among the men, who frequently cast intentional or unintentional glances at her figure and looks.
Aside from this, Wukang Mountain's closer position to the center was due to their strength, as the talismans they crafted had significant auxiliary effects, which also counted as a form of strength.
Shi Chun could only pretend nothing was wrong as he accepted everyone's mockery, scanning the surrounding crowd while relying on the ability of his right eye to search for any practitioners of the Demonic Path.
Holding him, Wu Jinliang, though laughing along with everyone, gripped his sword's handle even tighter.
Bian Weiying remained somewhat silent, inwardly blaming herself for speaking up...
"Primordial Origin Sect."
"Look, it's the Primordial Origin Sect."
A sudden noise arose in the martial arena; it wasn't loud, but it stirred waves like a tide throughout the crowd.
The images constantly changing in the Heaven-Gazing Mirror suddenly finalized into a focused shot of a few individuals.
The picture showed one woman and four men, all dressed in snow-white robes, exuding grace and distinction with their sword motifs.
The leading woman was exceedingly beautiful, her expression cold as ice—a definite ice beauty.
This group from the Primordial Origin Sect sparked such a strong reaction because it was recognized as the number one sect within Shengshen Continent, home to numerous experts, with many of its disciples holding high positions in the Heavenly Court.
They were the acknowledged favorites to win without a second contender in sight.
Their displayed charisma matched the reputation of the foremost sect in Shengshen Continent.
Just then, a voice resonated through a spell across the martial arena, "Any sect wishing to check their disciples' competition status can come to the hill to the right of the martial arena entrance. For the displayed images, a leak-drop timer of fifty will be used, charging ten thousand gold each view.
The red dot on the Mountain and River Map indicates the location of Primordial Origin Sect’s disciples, with a charge of ten thousand gold per positioning. For simultaneous image and location needs, twenty thousand gold per view. Haha, seizing this rare opportunity with such high treasure isn't costly, the prices are fair."
The crowd finally noticed a prominent red dot on the "Ultimate Mountain and River Map" and understood the Primordial Origin Sect’s disciples were used as promotion fodder.
"Haha, Old Yang knows how to play; he could laugh someone to death with his antics. To make money, he's shameless, but the Royal Court made the right choice putting him to work, haha," commented Young Master Nan upon hearing laughter behind him on the mountain filled with pavilions and halls.
He watched a family of three seated in the front row by the railing, keenly observing the void images.
Despite being uninterested in the newly entering scenes, most esteemed guests were busy socializing.
The family of three was evidently different.
Little did they know that Miao Dingyi had no interest either, only accompanying his wife and daughter.
Upon noticing Young Master Nan near, he gestured politely.
Seated beside her father, Miao Yilan quickly stood to offer her seat to the elder, moving to the back of her mother’s chair.
Young Master Nan sat down impolitely after acknowledging Miao Yilan with a nod.
His sitting manner was hardly refined, sprawled with one leg over the armrest.
Smiling, he remarked, "Actually, renting this hill to make a venue was instigated by Old Yang. He said, 'Friends support you, shouldn't you repay the favor?' Alas, that guy wanted to squeeze money out of my pocket. Now he's made use of the 'Ultimate Mountain and River Map' and 'Heaven-Gazing Mirror,' as if poverty has driven him mad."
Miao Dingyi smiled, nodding towards the image of the ice beauty, "Is she the top pick in the betting pool, Mulan something?"
Young Master Nan replied, "Mulan Qingqing. These five are unlikely to face opponents in the field. If nothing unexpected occurs, not only will they secure a win for Primordial Origin Sect, but they might also take the top five personal positions."
Miao Dingyi raised a brow, "Yet you dare take their bets?"
Young Master Nan justified, "Why not? By reducing payout points further and taking some clever bets, it's worth the risk. Besides, the hunt isn't wholly solved by force alone."
Tapping his temple to indicate the importance of strategy, he continued, "With the vast area and many participants in the Western Extremes, a slight hiccup... and I might earn a fortune."
Miao Dingyi teased, "You rogue! Wouldn't dare play tricks, would you?"
Young Master Nan waved his hand, surveying around, "My dear Brother Miao, these words are not to be spoken lightly. Even if I'd mess with someone, it would never be Primordial Origin Sect; those old geezers would have my hide."
He diverted the topic, eyeing the family with interest, "Brother Miao, anyone familiar competing in the field?"
Miao Dingyi calmly replied, "Not familiar on my part."
That much wasn’t a lie.
Young Master Nan summoned someone in charge on the hill with a wave, who promptly approached, asking, "Young Master Nan, any instructions?"
Young Master Nan pointed at the image, "Sheng Prefecture Wukang Mountain's number four, Shi Chun, bill it to me. Get it up there quickly. Inform Old Yang if someone's ahead, ask him to prioritize it."
This command startled the Miao family of three, who turned in unison towards him.
Especially Miao Dingyi and Lan Qiaoyan, shock coursing through them.
"Alright."
The attendant nodded deferentially and repeated, "Sheng Prefecture Wukang Mountain number four, Shi Chun. Correct, Young Master Nan?"
"Exactly. Hurry."
Young Master Nan flicked his hand, urging him to go.
"Yes."
The attendant complied, quickly departing.
Noting the family's reaction, Young Master Nan smirked inwardly.
It seemed indeed the bet was not placed without reason, and muttered to himself to keep an eye on that Wukang Mountain number four.
Meanwhile, unbeknownst to them, in the Western Extremes, Shi Chun continually glanced back.
Unlike the attention drawn by previous moments, this time nothing seemed amiss until they all faced forward, noting the closing barrier entrance.
Now sealed, the barrier vanished as if it had never been.
Tens of thousands already scattered within.
Following Bai Zhuchuan, their group spread out, some consulting maps to decide their direction.
Shi Chun, using his peculiar vision, continuously surveyed the crowd, remaining alert for Demonic Path followers.
Further, ahead was a gathering crowd, seemingly engrossed in some spectacle.
Just catching a faint blue glimmer with his right eye, it vanished in a haze before he could discern its nature.