In the Golden Palace, the peace talks hadn't kicked off yet, even though the matriarchs from the White Serpent Sect had been hanging around for two whole days. They were all enjoying leisure time at this massive round table in the middle of the multi-dimensional space, playing a game of chess.
Since Matriarch Fangblade and Matriarch Venomheart weren't Immortal realm cultivators anymore, they couldn't play Azure Tree Xiangqi, which everyone would've preferred.
Míng Huīrán stretched and let out a yawn before finally making a move on the board. "Can't I just go do something else until we're ready to start the meeting?" she complained, looking totally bored.
Yang Wei must've perfected that sword by now. Hmph! I'm sure it looks so friggin' cool...
Liáng Xīnyuè shook her head and made her move, "We're playing this game to ease some tension. If a fight breaks out, those with weaker cultivation base are literal dust beneath our feet." Her expression radiated such pride that it bordered on arrogance, almost insulting.
To top it off, she turned to Matriarch Fangblade and casually asked, "Isn't that right?" It was obvious to everyone present that she was subtly insinuating that the White Serpent Sect and its matriarchs were weaklings.
Matriarch Fangblade didn't even flinch.
With all the confidence in the world, she shifted a piece and took out one of Liáng Xīnyuè's pieces, casually mentioning, "Xīnyuè, your cultivation has improved, but I can't say the same about your intellect. It's sad to see your mind stagnate over the years. Skill issues, perhaps?" She even threw in a devious smile for good measure.
Liáng Xīnyuè slammed her hand on the table and shot up from her chair. "How dare you call me stupid?!" she shouted, clearly ticked off.
Matriarch Venomheart jumped into the fray, saying, "Well, you most definitely started it by calling us weak."
Yuèhuī Ménglóng delicately adjusted her beautiful white hair amidst the heated argument, maintaining her elegance despite the chaos. With a calm gaze, she addressed Matriarch Venomheart, "Well, the First Matriarch's words weren't meant as an insult. It's simply the truth." With a smooth move on the chessboard, she captured one of Matriarch Fangblade's pieces.
"Discussing matters with 1st and 3rd-Path cultivators is almost laughable," she added with a confident tone.
Liáng Xīnyuè reclined in her chair, a proud smile gracing her lips as she nodded in agreement with Yuèhuī Ménglóng's words.
Matriarch Fangblade clenched her teeth, her frustration evident. "You talk big for someone not originally of this sect," she retorted, her hand inching towards her sword.
Yuèhuī Ménglóng met Matriarch Fangblade's glare with her own icy blue eyes, sharp as a blade. "Yet my cultivation surpasses yours. Choose your words carefully, or remain silent. I won't show mercy in a fight," she warned.
Tensions escalated as Matriarch Fangblade's anger flared, veins bulging on her temples as she reached for her sword.
Yuèhuī Ménglóng braced herself for a confrontation.
Before the situation could escalate further, Bai Suzhen, who had remained quiet until then, intervened. "Enough!" she commanded with absolute authority. As an ancient figure in the sect, her words held sway. "Cease this pointless bickering and focus on the game. I have no desire to be here any longer than necessary," she declared, imposing silence upon the room.
The abrupt halt in conversation left the room quieter than ever, as everyone heeded Bai Suzhen's words.
Jeez, I wonder what Yang Wei's doing right about now... probably having fun... groan~
Standing next to him was Mu Zhong who asked, "Are you alright, brother?"
"Eh..." Yang Wei shrugged a bit. "I just feel a little tired that's all, a certain slime wouldn't let me sleep," he then realized something and raised an eyebrow at Mu Zhong, "Also, isn't the term 'brother' a bit..."
"A bit what?" Mu Zhong leaned in closer.
Yang Wei stepped back a bit, "A bit off..."
Giving Yang Wei a gentle pat on his back, Mu Zhong smiled affectionately at him and teased, "Is it really that off, though?"
Yang Wei, still yawning, replied, "Eh, not really, I guess..."
Sun Yurong then handed the attention to Xiu Yulan.
The beautiful, jewelry adorned woman spoke.
"Feel free to give it your all, and don't forget to play fair! That's the whole point of today's event."
With the horns blaring, the disciples returned to their stands, eagerly awaiting their turn.
Moments later, the competing disciples faced off.
In Team 1: Yang Wei, Mu Zhong, Sun Yuying, Lu Lin, Hu Meizhen, Ling Meiyan, Jin Tianyu and two other unimportant disciples.
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While in Team 2, they were: Mu Lingxi, Mu Lin, Mo Chang, Yun Feiyan, Mu Yuki, Huo Zhenwei as well as three other inconsequential disciples.
Chen Yuxi adjusted her glasses and calmly announced.
"The first heavenly dao ball game between Team 3 and Team 1, will begin now..."
She didn't announce it in a particularly exciting manner, but excited shouts erupted as the competing disciples bowed to greet each other, except for Yang Wei, who casually picked his nose.
After the greetings, Yang Wei finally saw Mu Lingxi and waved at her with a smile, only to receive a cold response.
"Hmph!" she furiously marched away.
Unfazed, he then waved at Mu Lin, causing her cheeks to turn red as she waved back excitedly.