Three days later.
At a waterside pavilion on the outskirts of the city, embraced by green shade, the surroundings were tranquil and secluded.
Several top True Disciples from Cloud Province's two great Lineages and Four Great Sects had gathered here.
They sat around stone tables in small groups, with fine tea and fruit laid out before them.
Taking advantage of the leisure, they chatted about the coming Yunzhou Martial Gathering.
Cao Yuan of the Cao Family wore a stern expression. His fingertips lightly tapped the stone tabletop, and with a casual look, he was the first to speak:
"In less than a month, the martial gathering will begin. This year, every family has sent out its elites. The fight for resource quotas from the major sects will probably be bloody enough to crack heads and spill blood."
"How many chances of victory have you all decided on in your hearts?"
Li Xuanba of the Li Family was burly, his arm muscles bulging as he replied in a booming voice:
"My Li Family has prepared for this for a long time. Dozens of our elites have cultivated bitterly for years."
"As long as we do not run into monsters like Tie Zhan of the Kaoshan Sect or Yan Wushuang of Chiyan Valley, securing a few core resources will not be difficult."
The moment his words fell, a Bitao Sect disciple gave a derisive snort, abruptly changing the subject:
"Speaking of recent amusing news, have you all heard the rumors from Tingyu Tower?"
"Our famed Luo Qingyi of Tingyu Tower, with Bone Forging Late Stage strength, was defeated a few days ago at Listening Rain Pavilion by a mere Peak Hua Jin youth from the Kaoshan Sect."
The moment those words came out, a burst of laughter instantly erupted within the pavilion,