The man's attire was distinctive, featuring a mix of traditional martial robes with intricate patterns and modern elements that made him stand out in the hall. His confident stride and the way others subtly made way for him hinted at his significance.
Orion's curiosity was piqued, but he remained composed, waiting for the man to speak.
"Are you the so-called genius everyone is talking about?" The man asked, his tone carrying a hint of challenge.
Orion met his gaze steadily. "And who might you be?"
The man smirked. "I am Zhang Wei from the Martial Domain, one of the top five geniuses. I've come to see if the rumours about you are true."
Orion raised an eyebrow. "And what rumours might those be?"
"That you're a prodigy who surpassed the Astral Voidwalker and now hold the title of the number one genius of the Magus Kingdom," Zhang Wei replied. "But looking at you, I find it hard to believe."
Orion felt a surge of irritation but kept his cool. "Believe what you will. I'm not here to prove myself to you."
Zhang Wei's smirk widened. "We'll see about that. I look forward to testing your strength in the tournament."
Runo leaned closer to Orion and whispered, "Be careful. Zhang Wei is known for his ruthless fighting style."
Orion nodded subtly, keeping his eyes on Zhang Wei. "I look forward to it," he said aloud, his tone calm.
Seeing Orion agree to his challenge, Zhang Wei laughed lightly and went away.
However, before Orion could have a moment of rest, another voice called out to him.
"I want to have a spar with you."
Orion sighed when he saw that another one had arrived, this time a lady with long black hair.
"Not right now; I will fight at the tournament," he said, refusing to spar with her at this moment.
"What if I insist?" She narrowed her eyes.
However, he seemed to have no idea when to give up and kept pestering the two of them.
"Is the number one genius in the Human Federation Realm a pervert?" Orion inquired, laughing.
Runo laughed lightly. "Not a pervert, but if he sees any beautiful woman, he would try to have a talk with them even if he were to get beaten away in the end."
"What kind of fetish is this?" Orion laughed even more.
Runo shrugged.
Orion then inquired about the Martial Domain's geniuses.
"Them?" Runo pondered for a moment before replying. "Zhang Wei, who just challenged you, is ranked 3rd, and the other four haven't arrived yet."
"They haven't arrived yet." Orion found this very surprising. The banquet had started more than an hour ago and they hadn't arrived yet. This made him remember Erick, who said he would come as soon as his job was done.
"Hasn't the banquet started yet?" He asked as if he realised something.
Runo nodded. "It will begin when the Emperor makes his entrance, and for him to do that, almost all of the guests must be here." So, until everyone arrives, I don't think the Emperor would make an entrance."
Orion smiled bitterly, thinking he would need to wait even more before the banquet could truly begin.
In order to pass the time, he continued his talking with Runo.
It wasn't until another two hours that Emperor finally made his entrance.
"Emperor has arrived!"
An announcement echoed through the hall, drawing everyone's attention to the entrance.
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*Some gifts would be appreciated as well, but up to you... *