"Yes, we have so many disciples, while they only have six. There's no way they can match us," an old man in red chimed in.
"Mm." The imposing old man stood and nodded in apparent agreement. Then his expression turned solemn, and he suddenly said, "To guard against any surprises, I've decided to ask that person to take action after all."
"What? That person? That would exceed our budget!" Hai Mei exclaimed in surprise.
"Rest assured. The Qi Household will cover the expense," the imposing old man said coldly. At once, the others who had been about to object fell silent.
"Haha! With that fellow taking action, it looks like Fellow Daoist Qi is determined to win!" The small, thin, bald, beardless old man clapped his hands and laughed. Everyone else relaxed as well.
They plotted together a little longer before leaving.
"Ah..." After everyone had left, Hai Mei sighed. Propping her cheek on her hand, she gazed out the window, lost in unknown thoughts.
Meanwhile, Du Chengfeng brought Li Xiaoya and Dong Santong back. He did not reproach them, merely giving them a few warnings and telling them not to go out for the time being, but to wait quietly for the contest.
Li Xiaoya and Dong Santong had no objections. For Immortal Cultivators, a dozen or so days would pass in the blink of an eye anyway. They each returned to their own cave abode and went into seclusion to cultivate.
That day, Li Xiaoya was sitting in meditation in his sealed chamber.
Suddenly-
"Brother Li! Brother Li!" Second Better's voice suddenly came from the Heaven-and-Earth Bag.
"Oh, Brother Second Better! What brings you to me all of a sudden? Have you finished working on your Heaven-and-Earth Treasure?" Li Xiaoya promptly stopped cultivating and asked.
"Haha! It's finished!