Don't Tell Me the Vessel Was Empty When You Came In
"Has it finally started?"
On one side of the Longevity Battlefield, inside a secret passage.
The figures, all looking at the entrance that was gradually appearing and undulating ahead, were filled with excitement.
"This is my second time here. I gained quite a bit of benefit last time, and this time I'm determined to refine as much as possible." A young man said with a bright and eager expression.
A young man glanced around at the people and gently shook his head:
"More and more people are coming; there are too many wolves and not enough meat. At this rate, how much will we get?"
Upon hearing this, the others nodded in agreement.
"It's definitely not enough to go around, and we even have to reserve some for those in the lower realms. To be honest, it's completely unnecessary. We in the Upper Realm are the most important. Those in the lower realms don't have the ability, so they shouldn't have it."
"Alright, alright." The other person glanced at the boy who had just spoken.
"That's how the rules are set. What we're doing isn't exactly legitimate, so we should keep a low profile to avoid any trouble. Otherwise, if we're discovered or investigated, we might be in serious trouble..."
"There's nothing to worry about," a voice laughed.
"Everyone who gets here has connections. Rules are rules, but people are flexible. As long as we don't leave no stone unturned, nothing will happen."
"That's true, after all, it's not the first time this has happened; nothing serious has ever occurred before."
While there was some exchange among the parties, the atmosphere was mostly relaxed.
Most people are already familiar with the process, and when there aren't many problems, even though the rules are strict, they don't usually follow them.
At this moment, the entrance completely solidified.
"Let's go!"
Immediately, many figures rushed forward.
In an instant, the desolate Longevity Battlefield regained its vitality.
"Strangeness."
One of the boys glanced into the distance, his expression surprised.
"What's going on this time? Why is no one coming? Have those people from the lower realms simply given up?"
Normally, at this time, one should be able to see the people of the lower realm.
"Who knows?" one of the boys laughed.
"They're probably still fighting over it outside. These people in the lower realms are really pathetic; they only have so little, yet they fight tooth and nail for it every time."
"Alright, stop talking and get on with the absorption and refinement."
People from all sides gathered at the four tables of the pillar of light.
Based on previous experience or learned methods, I began to try to draw the energy from the vessel into my body.
But soon, many people noticed something was wrong.
A figure stepped forward, looked at the vessel, and immediately frowned:
"Why is it empty?!"
The basin-sized container was now completely empty.
Immediately, figures crowded forward, looking into the vessel.
"Really not? No way, how is that possible?"
"Could it be that it hasn't started yet, so it's empty inside? After all, the people from the lower realm haven't arrived yet."
"Impossible. Even if the people from the lower realm didn't come, this place couldn't be empty. And don't forget, if that Unsealing Key from the lower realm hadn't been triggered, we wouldn't have been able to get in at all."
"Then it is indeed empty. Could it be that the people from their Domain Administration Hall forgot to fill it in?"
"Perhaps, or maybe we should wait?"
At this moment, a voice said:
"Who knows how long that will take? Why don't we just tell them directly and have them come and fix it?"
"I think it's a good idea. We can't just keep waiting. If this is the Domain Administration Hall's doing on purpose, who knows how long we'll have to wait?"
"Don't worry, they'll definitely make up for it." One of the boys scoffed.
"This is their job. If they don't make up for it, we'll report them for not following the rules."
As soon as he finished speaking, all eyes turned to him.
The boy who made the suggestion paused slightly.
Why are you all looking at me like that?
"What do you think?" a curt voice rang out.
"If our actions were handled according to the rules, who knows what the consequences would be."
"Yeah, can't you use your brain? Don't mess around. If something really happens, none of us can escape, and you won't get away with it either."
The words had barely left his mouth.
Suddenly, a voice rang out in mid-air:
"Oh? What happened?"
The discussion suddenly stopped, and all eyes turned to the direction from which the sound came.
A figure slowly materialized.
Suddenly, a large number of the teenagers' faces began to twitch.
"Xiao... Xiao..."
Some of the teenagers even started trembling.
"Hall Master Xiao, it's... it's nothing." A young man forced himself to speak.
Those teenagers who hadn't yet grasped the situation turned pale or ashen-skinned upon hearing the title "Hall Master Xiao."
This title, this surname...
The highest-ranking official in the Domain Administration Hall!
At this moment, Xiao Qian looked at the vessel in the pillar of light, his expression suddenly becoming serious, and he frowned and spoke:
"You guys are truly lawless, taking all the food from the newly replenished container?"
Upon hearing this, the group of teenagers felt their heads buzzing.
"No, Hall Master Xiao, please let us explain..."
Before he could finish speaking, Xiao Qian let out a cold snort:
I won't listen!
"Are you going to tell me that this vessel was empty when you came in?"
Upon hearing this, the boy, who had something to say, suddenly felt choked up.
What can I say when my thoughts have already been spoken?
At this moment, a young man spoke in a deep voice:
"Hall Master Xiao, we are willing to vouch for you on our honor, once we enter..."
"Um."
Xiao Qian interrupted once again with practiced ease:
"You vouch for us in your honor, saying you accidentally wandered in here because you were following the rules."
As he spoke, Xiao Qian raised his voice slightly:
"Don't you know that only designated halls and individuals are allowed to enter matters concerning the lower realms?"
The hearts of all the young men sank.
This is clearly an official, business-like approach!
Some of the teenagers panicked and were filled with despair:
"This is my first time!!!"
"The first time." Xiao Qian nodded.
"A successful first attempt at crossing the line, not bad."
The words had barely left his mouth.
Elsewhere in mid-air, there were ripples in the void.
People from the Dao Domain Administration Hall walked out from there.
"Lord of the Palace."
"Lord of the Palace."
The visitors greeted them warmly.
Xiao Qian nodded, gestured to the many youths below, and said:
"These kids are breaking the rules. Take them back for a check-up."
"A whole vessel has gone missing; we must not underestimate this. Examine it carefully until they reveal any clues."
"Then, Lord, what if they don't confess, or insist they don't know..." a figure asked at the opportune moment.
Xiao Qian glanced at the group of youths and said:
"Don't worry, they're not stupid. They should know what the consequences would be if this matter went to the Rule Enforcement Hall. Of course, if they're upright, they have nothing to fear. If they have the confidence, then let them be."
Having said that, ignoring the helplessness, exasperation, despair, and incomprehension on the faces of the young men, Xiao Qian simply waved his hand:
"Take away!"