Apart from himself, Gu Ruoli, Tsukasa Kadoya, Xiao Yan, Gabriel, and Rimuru—individuals he already knew—there were others from their respective worlds who had also decided to participate in the Luotian Grand Ritual for fun.
Moreover, the contestants who signed up were seen as nothing short of "talented" in the eyes of others:
The White-Clad Minister wielding the Tyrant Song's Gaze (one of Gu Ruoli's companions).
The Elation Prankster (God) A-Huan (Aha).
Milim, the Dragon Demon, one of the three most ancient Demon Lords.
The omnipotent thief, Final Rider·Hidari Daiki.
Hu Tao, Director of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, raised by the Geo Archon himself.
Vignette, an angel...demon, blessed with divine holy light.
Kiana, the Herrscher of Flamescion (Firefly Version).
Stelle, the Stellaron, now taking human form and walking the path between Destruction and Preservation.
And March 7th, the Entanglement Sprite, who was dragged into signing up by Stelle.
Wu Tong counted the names and was startled to realize that, including the six he already knew, a total of fifteen participants had signed up.
"Interesting, truly interesting. I never expected fifteen of us to join. Who knows what kind of excitement tomorrow's competition will bring? But that's fine—a predictable future is boring. Complete uncertainty is what makes the future exciting. The Luotian Grand Ritual tomorrow will definitely be a blast."
Rubbing his chin with interest, Wu Tong studied the group of contestants before him, his heart brimming with anticipation for the next day's event. With these individuals around, there was no way the competition would proceed peacefully.
Why? Just look at the lineup:
Stelle, who believes rules are meant to be broken.
Aha, the Aeon of Elation.
The White-Clad Minister, who never follows conventions.
Hidari Daiki, the omnipotent thief.
Hu Tao, with her eccentric thought process.
The "dumb" Kiana and March 7th.
If anyone thought things would go smoothly, even they themselves wouldn't believe it.
Soon after the registrations concluded, Zhang Chulan led the group to the residence of the Old Heavenly Master for a formal visit. After all, guests ought to pay respects to their host.
In a modest hut, Zhang Zhiwei frowned at the registration list in his hands.
"Haha, Old Heavenly Master, we meet again. You seem to be doing well," Wu Tong greeted cheerfully, observing the composed elder in his plain Taoist robes.
"Little Wu Tong, this... this is a bit unfair, don't you think?" The Old Heavenly Master's expression was bitter.
He had assumed that only a few from the chat group would participate, and even then, it wouldn't be a big deal. He could always ask for some leniency or arrange a few "favors" behind the scenes.
But fifteen participants? That was beyond his expectations.
"How could my humble Luotian Grand Ritual attract so many powerhouses?"
Feeling the unfathomable, abyss-like strength emanating from Wu Tong and the others, the Old Heavenly Master realized that Wu Tong had far surpassed him. Despite his own progress, Wu Tong's growth was like a rocket—swift and unstoppable.
The thought left him both awed and disheartened, as if his decades of cultivation had been for naught.
"Haha, it's just for fun. Don't worry, Old Heavenly Master, we won't disrupt your plans," Wu Tong said awkwardly, realizing their oversight.
"Exactly! It's just a game. By the way, is Zhang Chulan still the intended winner?" Gu Ruoli chimed in.
"That was the original plan, but now... it might be difficult," the Old Heavenly Master replied, casting a resigned glance at the group. He doubted Zhang Chulan could defeat any of them.
Still, it wasn't a major issue. The Luotian Grand Ritual would be overshadowed by bigger events—the Quanxing's attack and the collaboration with the government. With some strategic PR, the winner's identity wouldn't matter much.
"But those youngsters... they'll face such formidable opponents at such a tender age."
With a sigh, the Old Heavenly Master lamented the impending ordeal for his juniors.
Sensing his mood, the others fell silent, not wishing to further upset the elder.
After a pause, Xiao Yan hesitantly brought up the earlier discussion about setting up a barrier to trap the Quanxing.
The Old Heavenly Master pondered before shaking his head. "Let's not push them into a corner. Desperation could lead to catastrophic consequences. I'd rather not turn this sacred mountain into a bloodbath."
With his firm stance, the group abandoned the idea.
The mood lightened as the conversation shifted. Soon, Lu Jin and Zuo Ruotong arrived, and the gathering turned lively, with discussions ranging from casual banter to strategic plans for dealing with the Quanxing and hosting government officials.
...
(End of Chapter)