Winning the Crown in One Stroke, Beauty as a Companion, Poison Flower Daoist, and the Candle Cult's Recruitment?

Nangong Liuli had been born into wealth and nobility, with standards both high and sharp. How could ordinary men possibly catch her eye? Yet she had suffered repeated hardships and now stood in grave danger. Seeing Li Xian display his might and defeat his foes, peerless in heroic bearing and possessed of an indescribable charm, she could not help but feel delighted. Having already fallen into the mire, how could she dare ask for too much? Moreover, Clear Wafting Sleep Incense had stirred her thoughts, and ripples continued to shimmer in her eyes.

Bao Zhixian, Ding Zelin, and Wang Changjiang fell from the arena, secretly lamenting that the Triangular Viper Formation had failed. They cupped their hands and said, "Brother Hua is formidable. The top prize of this grand gathering should be yours. We are thoroughly convinced."

Li Xian smiled. "Thank you all for yielding. Hua merely won the arena by luck."

Shi Yufei and the others nodded, stroking their beards. They felt somewhat satisfied, though their thoughts drifted elsewhere. The world was gradually descending into chaos, with martial artists from great clans carving up territories between themselves. Yet heavenly geniuses and Essence Treasures emerged one after another. Before them, flood dragons traversed the waters, bringing endless marvels; behind them, sword sects negotiated alliances. The troubled age drifted like duckweed in the wind. The Flower Cage Sect was a lone flower unable to form a branch. They wished to taste the flavor of chaotic times, yet also preserve themselves. They further recalled the glory of the Candle Cult in its former incarnation, its resplendent lingering might still unforgettable.

As they lowered their eyes in thought, a cold laugh suddenly rang out. "Oh? Is the grand gathering over already?"

The voice was exceedingly crisp, coming from afar and echoing back and