“What’s going on with this demon dragon?” the Grand Elder muttered under his breath.

He stepped across the iron bars, intending to walk inside.

As soon as he got close, the Seven-Winged Demon Dragon let out a thunderous roar, its massive body surging forward.

Its seven pairs of wings stirred up violent gales.

Frightened, the Grand Elder screamed and was blown backward, tumbling through the air.

“Th-that… that one,” the Grand Elder called out toward Xu Zimo.

“Grand Elder, my name is Xu Zimo,” Xu Zimo said with a smile.

“Can’t you control it? Make it settle down a bit,” the Grand Elder said.

“This demon dragon and I aren’t close, besides I’m panicking right now too,” Xu Zimo shook his head innocently. “And the match isn’t even finished yet. This is about my lifelong matter, I can’t treat it carelessly.”

“It’s finished, it’s finished,” the Grand Elder said quickly. “This round counts as your win.”

“Grand Elder, don’t force it,” Xu Zimo said with mock embarrassment. “I didn’t even do anything, it feels wrong to take the win.”

“No forcing, no forcing, it’s your win,” the Grand Elder replied.

“But does what you say even count?” Xu Zimo asked.

The Grand Elder, helpless, could only look over at the Sacred Lord.

The elder sitting above waved his hand lightly and said, “First trial, Xu Zimo is the winner.”

“In that case, let’s begin the second trial,” Xu Zimo said, turning toward the crowd.

“Who is Zhuo Bufan? Step out.”

“Just sheer dumb luck,” Zhuo Bufan’s face darkened as he walked out from the crowd.

He looked at Xu Zimo and said, “Brother Xu really has a short memory. Didn’t we just meet two days ago?”

“Did we? My memory’s not great. I only remember that two days ago on the Spirit Herb Mountains, I came across a stray dog. It barked at me and demanded I skin it and tear it apart. So I gave it a good beating,” Xu Zimo said with a smile.

Hearing this, Zhuo Bufan’s face grew even darker.

The sword at his waist rang as it came free of its sheath, sword intent overflowing.

Looking coldly at Xu Zimo, he said, “Brother Xu, please give me your guidance.”

“Don’t be in such a rush.” Xu Zimo patted the head of the Seven-Winged Demon Dragon, which was affectionately lying at his side. “This little doggy is now my pet, it should count as part of my strength. It wants to fight on my behalf. You can fight it.”

“Are you joking? That demon dragon has already stepped into the Imperial Meridian realm. Even our sect’s elders can’t do anything about it,” Zhuo Bufan said. “You’re cheating.”

“How is that cheating? The rules never said you can’t let a pet fight,” Xu Zimo replied.

“That’s clearly the sect’s guardian beast. Since when did it become your pet?!” Zhuo Bufan argued.

“You say it’s your sect’s guardian beast? Then call to it. See if it answers,” Xu Zimo said.

“Little Seven.”

As soon as he called, the Seven-Winged Demon Dragon let out a low roar, its tail wagging furiously.

If dragon tongue could be translated, Xu Zimo figured it was probably saying something like “whimper whimper”?

“Go on, call it and see if it answers you.”

“I won’t argue with you,” Zhuo Bufan snorted coldly, turning his gaze to the Grand Elder.

The Grand Elder gave an awkward smile and said, “Young Master Xu, this really is against the rules. You must personally fight. Since it’s about choosing a son-in-law. After all, we’re choosing you, not the demon dragon.”

“Grand Elder, you truly think it’s against the rules?” Xu Zimo asked.

“It is against the rules,” the Grand Elder confirmed with a smile.

“In that case, I’ll concede this round,” Xu Zimo said immediately.

“But there’s still a third trial, and I’ll set the terms. I want to fight again, and this time I’ll allow my demon dragon to take the field. The opponent will still be Zhuo Bufan.”

Hearing this, the Grand Elder’s expression instantly changed.

The other elders exchanged glances.

Before they could speak, the elder sitting at the head nodded and said, “Approved.”

The moment the words left his mouth, Zhuo Bufan froze in shock.

The Seven-Winged Demon Dragon slowly rose to its feet, its massive form radiating immense pressure.

Step by step it walked toward him.

Its scorching breath blew across his face.

His legs shook uncontrollably.

At last, with a thunderous roar from the dragon, he was so terrified that he wet himself.

“I’m not fighting, this is bullying!”

Ashamed and humiliated, Zhuo Bufan threw his sword to the ground and ran off screaming into the distance.

“This is too disgraceful. And he’s supposed to be the number one inner court disciple?”

The surrounding crowd murmured in disbelief.

“Our Martial Heaven Sacred Ground has truly declined. Someone like that represents us? What a disgrace. Even though I dislike this new son-in-law…”

“This new son-in-law is absurdly lucky. The demon dragon must be blind to submit to him.”

“Maybe he has some special quality. I think you’re just jealous.”

The crowd debated heatedly, disciples holding their own opinions.

The elders watching remained silent.

The elder at the head coughed lightly a few times and said, “Since that’s how it is, the third trial counts as Xu Zimo’s victory. Two wins and one loss, he is the overall winner. Do any of you object?”

“Sacred Lord, I believe there’s something suspicious about this trial,” the Second Elder spoke up. “Besides, his identity is unclear. Shouldn’t we investigate before making a decision?”

“Very well, since this concerns the position of Young Sacred Lord, it is indeed an important matter,” the elder nodded.

“In that case, I’ll assign this to you. I’ll give you seven days to provide me with a satisfactory answer. If in seven days you find nothing, then perhaps it’s time you move from your position as Second Elder.”

Hearing this, the Second Elder quickly waved his hands.

“I was only speaking casually. Actually, I think this new son-in-law is quite suitable. Everything should be left to the Sacred Lord’s judgment.”

“Wanqing, come here,” the elder waved, calling Xia Wanqing forward.

She hurriedly stepped up.

The elder said, “Three days from now, I will hold a grand ceremony to formally declare you as Young Sacred Lord. Be prepared.”

“I understand,” Xia Wanqing nodded quickly.

“In that case, everyone disperse. Wanqing, come with me,” the elder rose to his feet and gestured.

“Sacred Lord, what about the demon dragon?” the Grand Elder asked quickly.

“How should I know? Ask the demon dragon,” the elder replied.

“That man cannot control it. We’ve imprisoned it for years. If it bears no grudge and does not harm the sect, then let it be.”

…

After speaking, the elder led Xia Wanqing away, leaving the crowd staring at one another in bewilderment.

Back in his own courtyard with Xia Wanqing, the elder coughed again a few times.

In those coughs, traces of blood appeared.

“Grandfather, are you alright?” Xia Wanqing asked anxiously.

“It’s nothing, just an old ailment,” the elder said with a smile and a shake of his head. “Sit, sit and talk with your grandfather.”

Worried, Xia Wanqing sat opposite him.

The elder smiled and said, “Your luck is good. Meeting that man, I am very satisfied.”