As that drawn-out "Present!" fell, everyone at the celebration venue was startled. Judging by the time, it was not yet time for Candle Dragon True Person to appear. At this moment, many people were gathered in twos and threes around the venue, chatting in low voices. Many were not even at their seats, making for a somewhat discourteous sight...
Yet the moment the word fell, everyone in the venue reacted. The younger generation hurried back to their families' seats, while the knights and elders, mindful of their status, exchanged a few quiet words after their brief surprise, then deliberately walked back to the seats of their respective families and sects with composed airs.
Even those Divine Fist Sect disciples who had been chattering away nonstop in the venue just moments ago wisely shut their mouths. No matter what, before an Earth Knight, insignificant figures like them—who were not even knights—had no place to butt in with their comments. If they were still muttering when Candle Dragon True Person appeared, then with an Earth Knight's acute hearing, it would truly amount to challenging Candle Dragon True Person and desecrating the dignity of an Earth Knight. Give them ten thousand times the courage, and they still would not dare be so arrogant.
The Divine Fist Sect's sect master and its two elders exchanged a glance, each remaining silent.
Within the venue, Divine Fist Sect Master Nangong Sheng and Lu Dingzhi were the only two Earth Knights present. Unlike the elegant Lu Dingzhi, who was the very model of a refined middle-aged gentleman, Nangong Sheng had a square face, a slightly dark complexion, narrow eyes, and graying hair. On his head sat a purple-gold soaring crown inlaid with alchemical gems, while five wisps of snowy-white beard hung from his face. His long robe