Challenge

"Clear Sand Dharma Assembly, truly lively—"

Everyone followed the voice and saw that the speaker was the Yin-surnamed elder from Blackwater River, who had remained taciturn in the corner all along.

He had now opened his eyes and slowly risen to his feet. His slightly clouded gaze settled on Xu Yuan in the seat of honor, while the two attendants beside him also stood, their expressions wooden.

The atmosphere in the venue tightened slightly. Many cultivators had heard that Clear Sand River and Blackwater River had long harbored grievances over waterways, docking shores, resources, and other matters. Yet Blackwater River had sent an envoy to this Dharma Assembly, and everyone had assumed they could at least maintain a cordial façade. Why had Elder Yin suddenly spoken now? What was he after?

Yet from the sound of it, he did not seem to be picking a fight. It sounded more like flattery.

Xu Yuan remained seated, calmly meeting the Yin-surnamed elder's gaze. His tone was mild. "Elder Yin overpraises me. I was merely fortunate enough to take first place at the Azure Waves Water-Land Dharma Assembly; it was only because my seniors and fellow cultivators yielded to me. That fellow cultivators from Blackwater River could spare the time to attend already honors me. I wonder what guidance Elder Yin has to offer?"

"I would not dare speak of guidance." The Yin-surnamed elder forced a dry smile onto his face, making him appear all the more sinister. "It is merely that, seeing all these fellow cultivators display their secret arts and verify their Dao upon this arena, this old man's heart has begun to itch. Blackwater River and Clear Sand River live side by side, and over the years there have been many trifling frictions between us. That is hardly a blessing