Joining Forces

The next day.

Dragon Abyss City, the Horned Demon Clan's encampment.

Rui Chi stared tensely at the letter before him.

The man before him shook his head at Rui Chi.

"The clan has already sent back word. They will not open the Time Secret Realm for you a second time..."

Rui Chi froze, then said unwillingly, "I'm nearly fifty. If the Time Secret Realm cannot be opened again, doesn't that mean I won't live to see the next Plum Gathering at all?"

"Do you expect me to enter the Sacred Hall this time as a fifth-sequence member?"

His elder brother nodded calmly. "Or you can choose not to enter the Sacred Hall."

At those words, Rui Chi clenched his fists tightly and said nothing.

His elder brother shook his head. "Fifth sequence it is, then. After entering the Sacred Hall, you'll still have chances to rise through the sequences. With your talent and strength, it's impossible for you to remain in the fifth sequence forever!"

Rui Chi's eyes were full of resentment. "It will be far more difficult to rise through the sequences afterward than it is this time. Not to mention, one step behind means falling behind at every step. Those whose strength is comparable to mine will receive far better training than I do. How could it be so easy for me to catch up to them?"

His elder brother shook his head. "You have no choice."

Rui Chi drew a deep breath, then turned and stormed away.

His elder brother raised an eyebrow slightly. "Where are you going?"

"Where I go is none of your business!" Rui Chi did not look back.

His elder brother snorted. "Don't forget to return when the loser bracket sequences are assigned."

With fire in his eyes, Rui Chi strode out of