Most importantly, even if one ultimately couldn't become an Inner Sect Disciple of Master Liu, stepping forward to show support at such a time would leave a deep bond of goodwill. The future benefits would be numerous!

With them taking the lead, many others naturally followed suit, willingly going aside to pay the money. The younger generation, including Xu Tianlong, gathered together, watching the adults from their families go to pay. The heads of the various factions were generally quite old and couldn't personally become disciples of Liu Changyun. Everything they did was simply to pave the way for the younger members of their families. When these young scions stood together, they naturally became acquainted. Even if it was just for future benefits, they made a special effort to connect and build relationships. If one of them was truly selected, they would become fellow sect brothers, and their relationship would be on a completely different level.

"Have you heard the news? The Martial Arts Conference is in one day. I heard it's only held once every thirty years!" someone suddenly mentioned. "This is a truly rare, grand event!" This news wasn't particularly abrupt, as many scions of powerful families had already received word; it wasn't a secret.

In the past, the Martial Arts Conference wouldn't have had much to do with them. In recent years, however, the alliance had developed too rapidly and had intertwined its interests with various families. Many powerful clans had started to get involved, and as these relationships deepened, the alliance's influence on the secular world had become terrifying. Liu Changyun was a clear example of this. Many influential figures were his disciples, which was why even the scions of powerful families didn't dare to disrespect him.

"I've heard the elders in my family mention that the status of Martial Artists will get higher and higher. Wherever they go, they will receive great respect!"

"I just don't know who will win at this Martial Arts Conference, the association or the alliance. But one thing is for sure: the skies over Jiangnan are about to completely change!"

"Is that even a question? The alliance will definitely win. The association has been in decline for a long time. I heard the association's Gao Feng is a useless waste, not even considered a master of internal arts anymore!"

"I heard the association has an honorary president whose strength is terrifying. There are rumors that he personally chopped off the hand of Master Liu's brother, Liu Changhai!"

"Did that really happen? To be able to chop off Liu Changhai's hand, he must be an internal arts master of terrifying strength, right?"

"I have indeed heard about this. And that honorary president seems to be very young, about our age—probably just over twenty years old!"

"What? He's already an internal arts master at such a young age? That's terrifying!"

"But so what? Master Liu has already announced that he will completely crush this youngster underfoot at the Martial Arts Conference. He has no chance to display his talent!"

The crowd burst into discussion, expressing their shock and admiration for this so-called honorary president of the association, but also their sympathy and regret. The man was indeed formidable, with extremely high talent. Given ten or twenty years, perhaps he really could have become a powerhouse like Master Liu. But now, he had no such opportunity. With Master Liu's capabilities, making him disappear would be easy.

The younger generation was naturally not too clear on the conflicts between Chen Zheng and the alliance. The alliance had never spread word of these matters externally; after all, each of their clashes with Chen Zheng had ended with them at a disadvantage. Broadcasting that fact would be a great loss of face. However, many of the influential figures present were aware of Chen Zheng's true strength. Xu Ronghua, in particular, was very clear about it but chose not to say anything. Speaking of it now was pointless. Besides, Master Liu would be taking action personally at the Martial Arts Conference. That Chen Zheng wouldn't be alive much longer.

After some time, all the major families had finished paying. Only those who had paid the fee were qualified to approach Liu Changyun to become disciples. A man of his stature certainly wouldn't meet with so-called disciples one by one. Instead, he had all the scions of the wealthy families kneel before him.

These individuals knelt side by side, each holding a teacup containing tea leaves. Liu Changyun personally held a teapot, pouring boiling water into each cup.

"Listen closely, all of you," he began, his voice ringing out. "You must hold your cups steady. The path of cultivation is one of immense pain, unbearable for the average person. I, Liu Changyun, will absolutely not accept any good-for-nothing who can't even hold a teacup steady!"

No sooner had he finished speaking than one person after another began to falter, dropping their teacups to the floor with a clatter. Many of these rich young masters had been pampered since birth and had never faced such adversity. How could they possibly endure the scalding water? Cries of pain filled the air, their faces etched with grievance.

In contrast, Xu Tianlong, Fan Xukun, and Zheng Qingyun gritted their teeth and persevered. Even as their fingers swelled and reddened, they refused to give in. This was especially true for the three of them; they had already undergone inhuman tortures, so to them, this pain was merely moderate.

At this moment, their eyes radiated a maddening coldness and murderous intent as their hearts screamed incessantly. The pain inflicted upon us by Chen Zheng, we will return a hundredfold!

"Very good," Liu Changyun said, nodding in satisfaction as he made the announcement on the spot. "You few are not bad. Those who could hold out can be considered my disciples! Drink the tea in your cups. From now on, you are my Inner Sect Disciples!"

Upon hearing his words, representatives from the great families hurried over, their faces beaming with congratulatory smiles. "Congratulations, Master Liu, on accepting such fine disciples!"

The Family Heads of the Fan and Zheng Families also nodded in satisfaction, relieved that their sons had not shamed their clans. Many young women also ran over, looking at the new disciples with envy. One didn't need to think hard to understand that by becoming disciples of Liu Changyun, their families were destined to flourish.

At this point, the banquet officially commenced. Xu Tianlong and the few other new Inner Sect Disciples were all seated beside Liu Changyun, a clear indication of their elevated status. Seizing the opportunity while Liu Changyun was in a good mood, Xu Tianlong decided to speak up about his own affairs…

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