Chapter 202 - 121: The Center of Attention, Zhang Su Has Arrived

The Three-Sect Exchange Conference had finally begun.

The Guiyuan Sect’s Martial Arts Arena was a sea of people.

The Martial Arts Arena was built east of the Mountain Gate, covering a vast expanse of several dozen acres.

Surrounding the arena were stands built of bluestone, rising tier by tier and capable of seating thousands.

The stands were thronged with people.

There were Guiyuan Sect disciples in azure robes, Medicine Valley disciples in moon-white Medicine Cauldron Robes, and the Martial Artists of the Five Elements Sect in their black uniforms.

The attire of each of the Three Sects’ disciples was distinct, making them easy to tell apart.

The Guiyuan Sect disciples sat in the western stands. They were the largest group, occupying nearly half of the seats.

Some sat with perfect posture, others whispered amongst themselves, while a few scanned the crowd, searching for someone.

The Medicine Valley disciples sat in the southern stands. Though fewer in number than the Guiyuan Sect, each one carried themselves with an exceptional air.

A few female disciples sat in the front row, their remarkable beauty drawing many gazes.

The Five Elements Sect Disciples sat in the northern stands, a uniform sea of black martial attire, with all sorts of Weapons hanging at their waists.

Their expressions were more solemn than those of the other two sects. Few of them spoke, sitting there in silence with steady, composed gazes.

The remaining eastern stands were occupied by Jianghu Cultivators and members of various Martial Arts Families.

These individuals were a motley crew. Some wore fine silks and brocades, others simple hemp and homespun cloth. Some carried greatswords on their backs, while others had longswords hanging from their waists.

Unlike the organized Three Sects’ Disciples, they sat in small groups of two or three. Some were engaged in loud, boisterous conversation, others whispered amongst themselves, and still others simply looked around at their surroundings.

A high stage had been erected in the very center of the Martial Arts Arena.

The stage was constructed from thick timbers, its surface covered with heavy wooden planks. Flags and banners were planted around its perimeter.

The banners were inscribed with words like "Guiyuan," "Five Elements," and "Medicine Valley," and they snapped and fluttered in the morning breeze.

Rows of chairs were arranged on either side of the stage, reserved for the Elders of the Three Sects and other important guests.

The chairs were made of mahogany, with exquisitely carved patterns on the armrests, and the cushions were sewn from silk and stuffed with cotton.

Many Martial Artists had arrived at the Martial Arts Arena early, waiting in anticipation.

The most eye-catching, of course, were the Martial Artists from the three major powers: the Medicine Valley, the Five Elements Sect, and the Guiyuan Sect.

The remainder consisted of some Jianghu Cultivators and members of various Martial Arts Families.

Mo Tingzhu had also arrived early with his disciple, Bai Xuan.

Bai Xuan seemed very excited, standing on her tiptoes to peer all around.

She wore a pale green dress, her hair styled into two small buns tied with green silk ribbons.

Her eyes were large and her dark pupils shone brightly, darting about as she took in all the novel sights.

"Master, are those people in white over there from the Medicine Valley? Their robes have Medicine Cauldrons embroidered on them. They’re beautiful," Bai Xuan said, tugging on Mo Tingzhu’s sleeve and pointing toward the southern stands.

Mo Tingzhu looked in the direction she was pointing and nodded.

"Those are disciples from the Medicine Valley. The valley is famous for its Alchemy, and the Medicine Cauldron on their robes is their emblem."

"And the Five Elements Sect? Are they the ones in black?" Bai Xuan asked, pointing toward the northern stands.

"Correct. The Five Elements Sect reveres the color black, believing it to be the result when the Five Elements Unite," Mo Tingzhu explained patiently.

His gaze swept over the stands, eventually landing on the area where the Guiyuan Sect disciples were seated.

The Guiyuan Sect disciples wore azure robes of varying shades.

Inner Sect Disciples wore deep azure, while Outer Disciples wore a lighter shade, making them easy to distinguish.

"Master, the Guiyuan Sect has so many people!" Bai Xuan exclaimed.

"The Guiyuan Sect is hosting the conference, so it’s only natural they’d have the largest turnout," Mo Tingzhu said.

His eyes scanned the Guiyuan Sect disciples, as if searching for someone.

Bai Xuan noticed her master’s searching gaze and said with a grin, "Master, are you looking for that Zhang Su fellow?"

Mo Tingzhu didn’t deny it, just nodded slightly.

"If he truly managed to kill an Embracing Pill expert while only at the Huajin realm, then he’ll definitely be the main attraction of today’s competition."

"Master, you’ve met him before. What does he look like? Is he incredibly imposing?" Bai Xuan asked curiously.

"His looks..."

Mo Tingzhu recalled their meeting at Celestial Eagle Tower.

"There’s nothing special about his appearance; he just looks like an ordinary young man. But his aura... that’s a different story," Mo Tingzhu said, choosing his words carefully.

"What’s different about it?" Bai Xuan pressed.

"It’s hard to put into words. It’s just... when you’re standing in front of him, you get the feeling that he’s no simple character," Mo Tingzhu said with a small smile.

Bai Xuan nodded, only half-understanding.

"Brother Mo, over here! There’s more room," Zhou Peng called out with a smile.

He was an Inner Sect Steward and part of the Sect Leader’s faction, so of course he could secure a good spot.

Zhou Peng stood in the front row of the western stands, where the view was wide and unobstructed, offering a complete panorama of the entire Martial Arts Arena.

He wore a black robe, and a Token hung from his waist—the symbol of his status as an Inner Sect Steward.

Several other people stood by his side, all disciples from the Sect Leader’s faction.

"Thank you, Brother Zhou."

Mo Tingzhu immediately led Bai Xuan over to Zhou Peng’s side.

He stepped over a few rows of stone tiers, walked up to Zhou Peng, and found an empty spot to sit.

Bai Xuan followed close behind her master, sitting down beside him.

"Brother Mo, we meet again."

Sure enough, Xie Guanchao was also standing beside Zhou Peng.

Xie Guanchao wore an azure robe with a long saber slung at his waist, a wide smile on his face.

He had just met Mo Tingzhu the day before, and the two had hit it off immediately.

"Brother Xie, Brother Zhou, did you two sign up for the competition for those below the Pill Force realm?" Mo Tingzhu asked.

His tone was casual, but his eyes held a glimmer of seriousness.

The competition for those below the Pill Force realm was one of the main reasons he had come to the Guiyuan Sect.

"But of course. The Three-Sect competition is open to Jianghu Cultivators as well. Brother Mo, you’re a Huajin Martial Artist yourself. How could you possibly miss out on such a grand event?"