Time slipped by, and more than two hours passed in the blink of an eye. Yet the entire hall remained utterly silent, as though shrouded in a mysterious, eerie atmosphere.
Just then, a faint cough broke the silence. "Ahem... the resources needed to successfully break through to the human immortal realm are exceedingly scarce.
"At present, we have a mere five sets on hand. Demand far outstrips supply!
"So naturally, whoever comes first gets them!"
The voice was neither loud nor soft, yet it split the sky like a thunderclap, deafening everyone.
Those sudden words were like a boulder hurled into a placid lake, stirring up a thousand towering waves!
Before the words had even faded, the Third-in-Command dropped to his knees and shouted without hesitation:
"Big Brother, please let me serve you!
"As long as I can obtain those priceless breakthrough resources, I would willingly become your servant!"
His eyes brimmed with an intense hunger for power and opportunity.
Almost simultaneously, the Fourth-in-Command swiftly knelt and shouted at the top of his lungs:
"Big Brother, I swear to follow you until death!
"If I am fortunate enough to gain this chance to break through, I will give it my all and never disappoint you!"
His tone was firm and urgent, as though he feared the slightest delay would cost him this opportunity.
Seeing this, the other leaders knew full well that only three spots remained. How could they possibly suppress their restless hearts?
They scrambled to prostrate themselves, raising their voices in unison to declare their willingness to sign a Master-Servant Contract and pledge allegiance to the supreme Stronghold Chief Bo.
At that moment, the once unnaturally quiet hall erupted into a deafening uproar.
Pleas and declarations of loyalty intertwined, rising and falling without end.
"Big Brother, I