Only Qi Xuancheng was smiling, because he knew the weaklings Li Chuyang spoke of did not include him. Li Chuyang had already promised to help him enter the Heavenly Strategy Academy.
Bai Shaoling frowned slightly. Their rankings in the second dragon ascension would determine the treatment they received after entering the Heavenly Strategy Academy. Since Li Chuyang refused to join forces with the Violet Sun Gate disciples, he could hardly force him.
"Joining forces is entirely voluntary. If Junior Brother Li is unwilling to work with the others, the sect won't insist," Bai Shaoling said helplessly.
The real purpose of today's banquet was to tie people like Zhang Hanzhou and Ye Qiuling to Li Chuyang and the Young Marquis, using the powers behind those two to help every Violet Sun Gate disciple in this cohort successfully enter the Heavenly Strategy Academy.
He had not expected Li Chuyang to refuse outright, giving him no face at all as the young sect master.
"Thank you for your understanding, Young Sect Master." Li Chuyang smiled and cupped his hands.
Bai Shaoling shook his head, swept his gaze over Xu Yang and the others, and asked, "Does anyone else have any objections?"
Zhang Hanzhou cupped his hands. "I have no objection to joining forces with everyone, but while I was at the Sea Sand Sect, I heard that Huo Xiaochेन of the Iron Sword Gate had declared he would target Xu Yang during the second dragon ascension. If we join forces with him, what happens if he drags us down?
"You should know that Huo Xiaochेन is a genius with a perfected bone root, Young Sect Master. If he targets all of us, none of us will be his match."
At those words, everyone turned to look at Xu Yang.
Even Li Chuyang's expression