Du Pingsheng's conduct was simply brazen, without the slightest attempt to hide it.
Watching Du Pingsheng, the Inner Affairs Elder suddenly felt that this solemn competition for promotion to the Inner Sect had become rather casual.
Du Pingsheng glanced at the Inner Affairs Elder and waved a hand indifferently. "Don't go making things up. This was the result of drawing lots. It only shows that luck was at work."
"Such is heaven's will."
The Inner Affairs Elder drew a deep breath and looked at the mere twenty slips of white paper in his hands. His gaze toward Du Pingsheng was full of conflict... You clearly just wrote one slip too few.
"All right, all right, it's all heaven's will." The Gray-Robed Elder beside him glanced at the Inner Affairs Elder and spoke.
He was not someone who liked following the rules either, just as he had already privately selected Chen Meiren earlier.
The Inner Affairs Elder gave a bitter laugh and helplessly addressed the people below. "Let the first round begin."
Chen Meiren and Zuo Hou immediately walked into the arena, while the others withdrew outside it.
Looking at the somewhat portly Zuo Hou, Chen Meiren said earnestly, "Why don't you concede? You can't beat me. Save your strength for the next round."
Zuo Hou looked at Chen Meiren, sensing his late-stage Core Formation cultivation. After thinking it over carefully, he nodded. "All right."
Zuo Hou addressed the elders on the platform. "I concede."
With that, he readily walked out of the center.
Chen Meiren gave Zuo Hou a thumbs-up. He knew the other man was not truly afraid, but clever.
There was no shame in saving his strength for the next round.
The elders exchanged looks, not expecting this first round to end before it had even begun.
Su