As the whistle sounded, the competition ended. Now only Xiao Yan remained standing in the stands.
In the seats directly in front of the venue, the three pavilion masters stared in utter amazement, marveling at Xiao Yan's strength.
Yao Chen sat in his seat. First, he looked toward Xiao Yan and nodded, then turned to the three of them and slowly spoke.
"Pavilion masters, my disciple is young and ignorant. He injured your prized disciples, and I'd like to apologize to you on his behalf."
At Yao Chen's sudden apology, the three pavilion masters immediately felt a chill run down their backs. A Dou Sheng Expert apologizing to three Dou Venerables surely had some deeper meaning. The three exchanged a glance, then tacitly chose to remain silent.
Sure enough, Yao Chen's next words made them sit up uneasily.
"Star Fall Pavilion has always been at the bottom of the Four Directions Pavilions. I haven't come here this time to cause you trouble."
Hearing this, the three slowly let out a breath and continued listening to Yao Chen.
"I've come here this time to discuss cooperation with you."
Yao Chen picked up the teacup beside him, took a sip, and spoke slowly.
The three looked at one another, their faces full of questions. Venerable Sword was the first to speak, asking Yao Chen,
"Senior, what kind of cooperation do you want to discuss with us?"
Yao Chen's expression grew solemn.
"Have you heard of Soul Hall?"
The three nodded at the same time. Before they could answer, Yao Chen continued,
"For some unknown purpose, they've been gathering the souls of powerful people everywhere and growing stronger by the day. I fear that before long, they'll try to swallow us up as well."
The three pavilion masters began quietly discussing it among