For a moment, several sect leaders saw Wang Hu on the stage and couldn't help but show a bit of surprise on their faces. The counterpart was merely an external disciple, and judging by his cultivation, he was only at the Early Nascent Soul Stage. Although for an average young person, reaching the Nascent Soul Stage at his age was quite impressive, it was still puzzling that a sect could pay so much attention to a mere Early Nascent Soul Stage cultivator.

After all, for a sect, Nascent Soul Stage cultivators were not uncommon.

At this moment, He Zenfen noticed the expressions of those few sect leaders and smiled slightly, explaining to them:

"This external disciple was only at the Late Fetal Breath Stage during the previous competition..."

Upon hearing He Zenfen's words, the sect leaders were slightly shocked, not expecting this external disciple to have had a breakthrough during the grand tournament. It was undoubtedly an extraordinary occurrence, as even for seasoned figures like them, breaking through during combat was a rare event. It is widely known that breaking through during combat greatly enhances one's strength.

In that context, this disciple is indeed quite outstanding.

However, He Zenfen wasn't finished speaking and continued:

"Moreover, in the previous grand tournament, this disciple defeated an Early Nascent Soul Stage cultivator while only in the Fetal Breath Stage— and with just a single move."

He Zenfen spoke nonchalantly, but the few sect leaders listening were visibly unsettled. A Fetal Breath Stage cultivator defeating a Nascent Soul Stage cultivator was simply unimaginable, and with just a single move? It seemed too exaggerated!

For a moment, the disbelief on the sect leaders' faces was evident. They found it hard to believe but dared not express it, prompting the short sect leader of the Four Seas Sect to address He Zenfen:

"Your sect truly has an extraordinary genius disciple. The Dayang Sect is bound to become even more illustrious in the future! But..."

At this moment, the Four Seas Sect Master paused mid-sentence, looking at He Zenfen thoughtfully.

He Zenfen stared at his counterpart, observing that he had only spoken halfway, seemingly pondering something, and directly questioned:

"Sect Master Liu, but what?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Qiang from the Four Seas Sect smiled triumphantly and responded:

"But we also need to adapt to the changes of the world and keep up with the times."

"Is there some change in the world now? How are we, the Dayang Sect, not keeping up with the times?"

He Zenfen questioned his counterpart directly, clearly implying that there might be a hidden agenda. His eyes narrowed slightly, realizing these old foxes were finally about to reveal their intentions. What they were plotting was soon to be uncovered.

Elder Zhang Qiang gazed at He Zenfen and then noticeably softened his demeanor, saying:

"I don't think I need to tell Sect Master He how the Wild Wolf Gang's strength stands right now?"

As soon as the words were spoken, He Zenfen felt a cold sneer inside. As expected, their discussion was indeed related to the Wild Wolf Gang. Immediately, He Zenfen felt a bit heavier at heart. He had long known about the Wild Wolf Gang's leader breaking through to the Transcendance Tribulation Stage and was aware that once that happened, they would take significant actions. However, what exactly would lead them to his sect was still unknown. But at this moment, observing the smugness in the sect leaders' faces whenever the Wild Wolf Gang was mentioned made it clear that their approach might now be imminent.

"The Wild Wolf Gang? A mere rabble of loose cultivators, so what?"

He Zenfen replied dismissively. There were countless disgraceful deeds done by the Wild Wolf Gang. Even though they were numerous and powerful, they were composed of loose cultivators. While his words might have sounded harsh, they were indeed truthful.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Qiang's face immediately turned somber, clearly displeased with He Zenfen's words.

With a somewhat stern expression, the Four Seas Sect Master Zhang Qiang said:

"You can't say it like that. After all, the Wild Wolf Gang is considered the largest gang in our northeastern region. Even your Dayang Sect might not have the absolute strength to confront them right now, correct?"

"Heh."

He Zenfen chuckled coldly without further comment. It was no longer a secret that his counterpart had already aligned with the Wild Wolf Gang, though he certainly didn't agree with it.

Zhang Qiang, noticing He Zenfen's demeanor, seemed less pleased but maintained a smiling face as he addressed He Zenfen:

"Perhaps Sect Master He is not aware of our alliance? Would Sect Master He be interested in joining us?"

"What alliance?"

He Zenfen inquired directly.

"The alliance includes our Four Seas Sect, the Green Leaf Sect, the Xuantian Sect, the Martial Heaven Sect, and of course, the most important, the Wild Wolf Gang. We've formed an alliance for the security of the northeastern region of the Donglai Continent. With such an alliance, smaller sects won't dare misbehave, which greatly benefits the entire northeastern region. Given the Wild Wolf Gang's dominant strength, naturally, Sun Hua of the Wild Wolf Gang is our Alliance Hierarch."

Zhang Qiang addressed He Zenfen with a seemingly earnest expression. Upon hearing Zhang Qiang's words, the other sect leaders nodded with smiles and added:

"Indeed, having this alliance is greatly advantageous to any sect."

"After all, this way, the Northeastern region will be stabilized, eliminating unnecessary conflicts, and many regions have done the same, clearly, we can't fall behind."

"Dayang Sect is powerful. If it joins the alliance, it will certainly make the greatest contribution to the entire Northeastern region."

"..."

For a moment, several elders with the status of sect masters began to agree in unison.

At this moment, He Zhenfen witnessed this scene, and couldn't help but let out a cold laugh in his heart. How amusing. My esteemed Dayang Sect actually has to form an alliance with your small sects, and even recognize the Wild Wolf Gang as the Alliance Hierarch; this is simply a joke.

Claiming it's all for the safety of the entire Northeastern region is utter nonsense. Any cultivator would know that the ones causing trouble in this Northeastern region are none other than the Wild Wolf Gang. Composed mainly of loose cultivators, any notion of discipline within their ranks is essentially non-existent.

Furthermore, many cultivators are aware that the rapid development of the Wild Wolf Gang in recent years is due to looting and plundering small sects, rising by bullying the weak. To claim they aim for the safety and stability of the Northeastern region by forming an alliance is utterly laughable. They're simply driven by ambition and greed, seeking to completely conquer the Northeastern region.

He Zhenfen had no doubt that once the alliance was established, the next step would be to annex some small sects to strengthen themselves, essentially to bolster the Wild Wolf Gang.

Presently, the sects that appear to be members of the alliance are, to put it plainly, mere minions serving the Wild Wolf Gang.

How could my Dayang Sect do such a thing? Even if Sun Hua has now achieved the Transcendance Tribulation Stage, he wouldn't dare to challenge the Dayang Sect lightly!

"I'm sorry, Sect Master Zhang, but our Dayang Sect is not interested. Let's not discuss this matter any further!"

At this point, He Zhenfen spoke coldly.

It was apparent that the other elders of Dayang Sect had naturally overheard the conversation between He Zhenfen and Elder Zhang Qiang. Their hearts were fully supportive of the Sect Master's response. In an instant, many elders' gazes towards those sect masters had turned unfriendly.

They naturally understood that once their sect rejected the proposal, it meant becoming enemies with the other party. How could they possibly look upon them in a friendly manner now?

At this moment, Elder Zhang Qiang's face darkened upon hearing He Zhenfen's words. Yet, he quickly wore a seemingly friendly smile again, and said,

"Oh, I see. No problem. Dayang Sect's contributions to the Northeastern region are well recognized. Let's not talk about this now and watch the match. Who knows what skills this little disciple of the Nascent Soul Stage possesses?"

Immediately, Elder Zhang Qiang directed his gaze towards Wang Hu's Martial Arts Platform, yet his mind wasn't on the match. His eyes would occasionally dart back and forth, revealing a hint of viciousness at the corner.

Meanwhile, the other sect masters who had heard He Zhenfen's words couldn't help but look equally displeased. However, these sect masters were masters at concealing their emotions; in a blink of an eye, they had returned to their usual expressions, showing no signs of inner turmoil.

"I need to step out for a moment, excuse me."

At that moment, Elder Zhang Qiang rose and walked towards the exit, a look of apology on his face.

Upon seeing Elder Zhang Qiang stand up, He Zhenfen's expression remained grave as he gave a signal to an elder nearby.

The elder immediately understood the sect master's intent, silently rising and discreetly following behind Elder Zhang Qiang.

Being a master at the Soul Splitting Stage, Elder Zhang Qiang was already well aware of the situations behind him. In the blink of an eye, he vanished from his original spot, only to reappear in a secluded corner, taking out a jade slip and placing it into a small teleportation array. In a brief moment, the jade slip was transmitted away.

After doing this, Elder Zhang Qiang's figure changed again, returning to his original place.

The elder who had followed him observed this scene, his expression turning grave. Clearly, whatever the opposing side did was beyond his understanding.

Seeing no further need to follow, realizing that the other party had accomplished what they intended, he returned to He Zhenfen's side, using divine sense communication, discreetly informing He Zhenfen of the earlier events.

In response, He Zhenfen nonchalantly shook his head, indicating not to worry.

After all, these people were still within his own sect, and whatever schemes they had could not escape the notice of the sect's numerous disciples.

Below the platform, the crowd of cultivators hadn't taken note of the happenings in the Elders' Area, instead, continually discussing Wang Hu, eagerly anticipating the grand match about to begin.

Many cultivators had already noticed the change in Wang Hu's cultivation, their faces shocked, finding it hard to believe that in just a few days, he had reached the Nascent Soul Stage. It was truly incredible!

"Senior Brother Wang Hu has actually reached the Nascent Soul Stage, that's simply amazing!"

"To think it happened in less than three days; he's undoubtedly a genius..."

...

For a while, quite a few disciples began to discuss this, evidently surprised at Wang Hu's breakthrough.

But when Wang Hu's opponent took the stage, the crowd was even more shocked! How was this possible?