The exit from the Dragon Shadow Secret Realm was also in the center of the square from before.
Si Chen emerged first, followed by the Eastern Region group in single file.
The instant they stepped into the square, hundreds of pairs of eyes swung toward them.
Those from the Western Region, the Northern Frontier, and Great Yin-the accompanying elders and guests attending the ceremony-all stared at them.
The older generation's gazes looked complicated.
The younger disciples' eyes were filled with shock, anger, and wariness.
There was also a measure of speechless disbelief: "How does this bunch still dare walk out like this?"
Soon, the secret realm passage lit up again.
The cultivators from the various regions who had been "knocked flat" now emerged one after another.
Their robes were ragged, many had bruised faces and swollen noses, and they limped as they walked. A few even needed support from their fellow disciples.
That included the Great Yin cultivators and Ye Jing's group, who came out last.
The young disciples from the various regions who had watched outside the secret realm snapped out of their daze and rushed forward to support their own people.
Some treated injuries, others pulled out pills, and the scene immediately descended into chaos, punctuated by urgent cries of "Senior brother, how are you?" and "Junior brother, hang on, you'll be all right soon."
Then the cursing began.
"You Eastern Region brats!"
"Have you no shame?!"
"Stealing Storage Rings?! Have you Eastern Region cultivators gone mad with poverty?!"
"You scum of the cultivation world!"
"That was outright banditry!"
Young and hotheaded, the disciples paid no heed to the occasion, cursing furiously with red faces and bulging necks.
For a time, the square was as noisy as a vegetable market.
The young disciples from the various regions seethed