No matter what, he had lost face, so Hu Yanqing was naturally in a foul mood. He strode to the nearest line and took the first spot without hesitation.
The servant boy flushed red and whispered, "My master is Qiao Yong of the North Seven Peaks, an old acquaintance of Lord Hu."
"I don't know any old acquaintances."
Hu Yanqing replied with cool composure.
The servant boy didn't dare say another word.
With Hu Yanqing setting the example, the other Outer Sect Disciples simply began judging people by their backing.
They passed over Outer Sect Disciples with powerful patrons or impressive reputations, but anyone unknown and obscure was treated like Hu Yanqing had treated the boy: they simply seized a spot.
For a time, the place erupted into chaos. Only Xu Yi stood alone, occupying an entire apparatus.
Amid the surging crowd, several people suddenly darted over to Xu Yi. They were Tu Ling and a few of his lackeys.
They had only just arrived and hadn't witnessed the earlier commotion. When they saw Xu Yi occupying a crystal screen all by himself,
Tu Ling couldn't help edging closer.
Though Xu Yi had him under his thumb, being at someone's mercy could sometimes become a bond of its own.
Tu Ling's approach was one thing; the moment he greeted Xu Yi, he immediately drew Hu Yanqing and the others' attention.
Hu Yanqing came straight over and fixed his gaze on Tu Ling, demanding that he introduce Xu Yi.
Tu Ling thought this was his chance to build a connection. Pointing at Xu Yi, he said, "Let me tell you, Lord Hu: this is Brother Wang Qianqiu, the pride of our Azure Dragon Island and the foremost among the trial disciples."
At those words, a sharp gleam flared in Hu Yanqing's