"Xiao Ming, STOP!" A shock-filled voice rang in the hall.
Everyone's expression became serious as they turned towards the source of the voice.
*Thud*
Xiao Ming's kick still landed on Shu Xian.
"Xiao Ming, I said stop!" the person repeated the words.
Xiao Ming took a step back, his expression took a one-eighty degree turn, and a carefree smile appeared on his face.
"Ah, it's Senior Sister Yuan Shuchun. I missed you." He said.
Yuan Shuchun narrowed her eyes and walked towards the table.
Looking at the mess, she couldn't help but sigh.
"You guys, when will you grow up? Stop fighting like kids."
And turning towards Shu Xian, she said, "Your behavior wasn't really what I was expecting."
Shu Xian bowed his head. He didn't dare to argue back, no matter how arrogant he was.
Though, the anger inside him had increased exponentially - especially looking at the smirk on Xiao Ming's face.
"You too," Yuan Shuchun's said to Xiao Ming, "Sometimes it's better to step back and be the one with brains in the room."
Xiao Ming shrugged at this but didn't say anything.
However, the expression of everyone else in the room worsened.
'She's taking sides.' They thought.
Yuan Shuchun didn't notice this change and called out, "Bring a new table." And turning towards the unconscious member, she added, "And take him too. Get some cold water and give him some medicine."
"Yes, My lady." Few maids entered the hall and replied.
Soon the room had a whole new table arranged, and everyone was now seated.
Things were back to normal - except for the absence of the disciple, who Xiao Ming had knocked out.
"No matter what, I am quite impressed," Yuan Shuchun started, while looking at Xiao Ming, "You were able to send a peak Qi Condensation Realm disciple out of his senses. That's amazing."
It was at this moment everyone else also noticed this fact.
'Ssss!'
Many took a deep breath as they expressed their shock.
What Xiao Ming did was not a small deal - especially when you include the fact that he was one whole realm lower just a month ago!
He had only been in the Inner Court for a month, and he was at the Ninth Level Of Qi Refining a month ago!
And today, he knocked out a disciple in the Ninth Level of Qi Condensation Realm!
One whole realm higher!
And Xiao Ming did this with ease!
Everyone's surprise was only natural.
Even Shu Xian felt threatened more than ever.
Xiao Ming, on the other hand, still had his nonchalant expression, "Senior Sister, it was just that these people here didn't think that your decision to give me a seat at this table was right."
"I was just clearing some doubts."
Yuan Shuchun narrowed her eyes and turned to everyone else.
The other members lowered their heads and avoided eye contact.
Even Shu Xian was no exception.
Yuan Shuchun just shook her head and changed the topic, "Well, let's commence the meeting, and let me tell you the reason why I have called you here."
Everyone's head turned once again - this time full of attention and eagerness to know the reason.
Yuan Shuchun inwardly rolled her eyes at this and said, "I have called you here for two reasons - the first is an order, and the second one is something more of a choice for you."
Seeing everyone nod, she continued, "The order for you guys is to rank at least ten ranks higher than your previous rank in the Gracious Sword Ranking if you were between top 100 to top 25."
"If you were ranked between 25 to 10, I want a jump of at least five ranks."
"And, if you were in the top 10," She turned towards Shu Xian as she finished her words, "I want a jump of at least two ranks."
Everyone in the hall looked at each other, but no one replied with an affirmation.
In the end, they eyed Shu Xian for a response, who coughed and said, "Senior Sister Yuan Shuchun, what you're asking is… pretty difficult."
Yuan Shuchun shrugged, "Well, those who find this task difficult may leave this room right now. Heavenly League doesn't need disciples who run from challenges."
Shu Xian shook his head, "Senior Sister, it's not that anyone here is afraid of challenges, but most of us just wish to know, is there any reason for this command?"
Yuan Shuchun narrowed her eyes, "You need a reason?"
Shu Xian gulped, "Senior Sister, this could become a motivation for us."
Yuan Shuchun's eye muscles relaxed a bit, "The reason is pretty simple - Jiang Chen won't be getting up from the bed for one whole year now - this means he won't be participating in the Grand Spirit Hunt."
"It is a chance for the Heavenly League to crush the World League and create a monopoly."
Many people nodded their heads at this, but just then,
"Senior Sister, I think you're going in the wrong direction if you wish to crush the World League."
Shu Xian frowned, "What do you mean by that, Xiao Ming?"
It was Xiao Ming who had objected to the plan.
Xiao Ming simply shrugged, "Well, even if everyone in this room is ranked top 20, it still won't be enough because of the remaining 80 ranks; 75 of them would be of different ranks."
"So instead of focusing on our ranks, we should boost the morale of our league members and force them into the top 100 ranks."
"It would be only then that our league will have the most benefit."
Everyone in the hall fell into thought.
Yuan Shuchun was the first one to say, "Well, I guess we have a better plan now."
"I will just add to what Xiao Ming had just said - as long as any of you could bring three disciples ranked in the top 100, you and those disciples would get special resources for the Grand Spirit hunt."
...
A/n: ty for reading