Thinking back to how this bunch had shouted together just now, quite a few sects realized something: there had been a reason these people from the Bright Mountain Sect had been expelled from their former sects.
Since the Chief had spoken, Chu Jingtang hurriedly caught Wu Jinliang by the wrist and tugged, signaling him not to cause any more trouble. "Stop messing around. Don't ruin the Sect Master's competition," he said quietly.
He was reminding him to put the bigger picture first, lest this get them disqualified.
Wu Jinliang chuckled twice and replied under his breath, "Relax. The Blazing Fire Sect doesn't have that much say. They have to watch the Ten Great Sects' faces before acting, and right now, the Ten Great Sects have to watch the Chief's face. Talking back to him a couple of times is nothing."
The others from the Bright Mountain Sect looked slightly puzzled, while Shi Chun turned and glared at him. Wu Jinliang gave a dry chuckle and shut his mouth.
The presiding Elder, who had been openly defied, turned toward the Blazing Fire Sect's Sect Master. The latter, however, was studying the Ten Great Sects' reactions. Seeing that none of them showed any inclination to reprimand the Bright Mountain Sect, he felt somewhat curious. Hadn't they wanted an excuse to kick the Bright Mountain Sect out of the competition?
Then he recalled the meaningful looks Shi Chun had exchanged with the Ten Great Sects. Several of them had even come to borrow artifact-refining materials from him. Who knew what shady business this bunch was plotting behind the scenes?
He also remembered that Young Master Nan stood behind Shi Chun's group. His Blazing Fire Sect had not yet reached the Ten Great Sects' level, where they could disregard Young Master Nan entirely.
After