In the next few minutes, Yue took the time to explain the background of this dimension and how all contestants are safe.
Right before the dimension collapsed, Yue had made use of her capabilities as a Mystic Sage to force open a portal in the dimension, which sucked everyone out of this dimension so that the situation here could be kept under wraps.
As for the true disaster that would befall, it was more than just a rumour, the only way Yue could prevent any cultivators from getting harmed, was to open a temporary entrance in hope that someone would be able to trigger the portal that she had created under the assistance of a friend.
That would allow everyone to leave this place safely, while that friend of hers already possessed the ability to defend himself in the first place. That friend of hers was also the one who called out to Lancelot and Garen.
After that, Yue looked into Ace's eyes with the Golden Talon Demon Sage by her side. Now, Ace was unable to view them the same way he used to, his arrogance was left behind and in place was the determination to step into the Mystic Sage Realm one day as well.
"Should I address you as Ace or the Nirvana Inheritor?"
Ace looked at Yue, perplexed by the term she used. The Official of the Nebula Kingdom back then also used the same term, he didn't pay it much heed back then, but now that Yue of all people was the one using this term, it only went to show how prominent this term or title was.
To a Mystic Sage of Yue's calibre, exotic treasures in the eyes of Martial Saints were nothing more than cabbages that could barely meet their expectations. Not to mention a title that could be remembered and even brought up by her.
"Just what exactly is the Nirvana Inheritor?" Ace's question made it difficult for Yue to react, leaving her with no choice but to leave with the Golden Talon Demon Sage immediately.
Before Yue left, she told Ace, "Some things will be known to you when the time comes. For now, just focus on stepping into the Martial King Realm and fulfilling your endeavours while you still have ample time to do so."
Ace could sense that there was a hidden meaning to her words, but since she was reluctant to explain, Ace could only give in.
"Young Master Ace, shall we take our leave?" The Devil Envoy asked politely as he looked at Ace in a new light.
"Did you just address me as Young Master?" Ace turned around and questioned.
"It would be too awkward for me to address you as master since others might consider me your slave." The Devil Envoy explained calmly without a change in expression, opening the portal swiftly as he instructed Ace to pass through the portal first.
Seeing that the Devil Envoy was acting naturally and that his reasoning made sense, Ace stepped into the portal immediately when the dimension vibrated vigorously once again, it was on the verge of collapsing.
After Ace stepped into the portal, the Devil Envoy placed his right fist on the left side of his chest and heaved a sigh of relief.
*Back in the gathering area*
After Ace returned to the gathering area from an unsuspicious spot with the Devil Envoy concealed nearby him, he looked around for his disciples, but the first thing that caught his attention was the Moonlight Cult and its members.
The identity of the Moonlight Cult Leader was specified by the system, which allowed him to understand his identity after catching a glimpse of his true appearance. As for the disciples behind him, not a single trace of expression could be seen on their face.
The same however did not apply to the other cultivation forces, who could be seen grieving over the loss of their loved ones, especially when some of those that passed on were related by blood to the sect masters and cultivation leaders.
Ace could recognise some of the disciples that were with him and he was glad that most of them managed to reunite with their cultivation force, even though it was apparent that the number of casualties was more than expected.
Compared to the first time everyone was gathered in the gathering area, in which everyone was packed in like sardines, there was room for everyone to move about freely right now.
Compared to the first time everyone was here with high hopes that they could show the true strength of their cultivation force, the gloomy atmosphere was crushing everyone and only a few could remain unaffected.
This included Lancelot and the Paladin Haven who were currently gathered together. Without hesitation, Ace approached them and before both sides could welcome each other's return, the announcer once again returned to the stage.
"I know that most of you are saddened by the unexpected deaths, but the annual cultivation forces tournament must continue on and now that things have come to this stage, the Nebula Kingdom has taken the initiative to make bold decisions."
A few of the cultivation leaders could be seen clenching their fists in agitation, but they were rooted to the spot by a mysterious chain that was invisible to others.
"All cultivation forces will now group all seven of your disciples into a team and after our initial decisions, we have decided that only sixty-four teams will be chosen to participate in the upcoming round-robin group stage. The teams would be chosen according to the strength of the respective sect masters."
The next moment, eight chairs rose from the ground, to be more precise, it was eight thrones that gave off a noble aura that caught the attention of only the strongest cultivation leaders around.
Even the Moonlight Cult leader with formidable strength opened his eyes in shock when he saw these thrones, muttering to himself, "Things will only get more interesting from here on, let's hope that the Nebula Kingdom would be strong enough to stop his plans."
"Eight thrones for the eight seeds that would be the seeded team in their respective group, there would be seven other teams in each group that would be required to stand behind the cultivation leader seated on the throne. With that, the contest starts now."
The moment the announcer authorized everyone to make a move, countless cultivation leaders could be seen advancing towards each throne, including the Moonlight Cult Leader.
The Moonlight Cultivation Leader secured a throne for himself easily, his short hair the colour of snow, combed in a neat manner that was also defiant at the same time. He was wearing a black robe with a crescent the colour of violet on the left of the robe.
No one could approach him, sharp beams surrounded the throne and even cultivation leaders in the Martial King late stages were unable to approach him, but everyone could sense for sure that he was only in the Martial King first realm and that he was genuinely young.
A genius he was, one that was contending against the older generation despite his young age, leaving everyone with no choice but to turn their attention to the seven remaining thrones, not anymore, there were only six thrones left.
One of the eight thrones was occupied by the Sect Master of the Absolute Sword Sect, he was a middle-aged man based on his appearance alone, but those who knew his background backed off immediately, especially cause they knew that he was only in his forties, but already in the Half-Step Martial Emperor Realm.
Soon, the other five seeds were decided almost instantly with five more thrones being seized without difficulty by five other cultivation leaders.
The five were the other five Tiger Tier cultivation forces that were only slightly weaker than the Absolute Sword Sect with each of the sect masters being experts in the Martial King ninth realm.
The Afterglow Sect that utilised the prowess of the natural law of light to gather power from their surroundings.
The Eternal Iniquity Sect that had no restrictions to whatever strength they possessed.
The Crouching Tiger Sect that that tamed demon beasts to assist them in battles while tempering their body to its limit.
The Hexagram Sect that cultivated the five elemental laws and the law of lightning, merging two of the six laws into one before absorbing the dual law into their body.
The Floating Cloud Sect that emphasised on speed, the speed of their movement too quick for any other cultivators except for the elites to spot in the same cultivation realm.
But before anyone could contest for the last throne, they saw a young boy seated on the throne with confidence on his face and a sword in his hand.
"This throne is mine."