Northern Region.
This place's Hidden Dao Academy seemed even more prosperous compared to the Southern Region.
That was the first impression Ye Qiubai and his company had.
There were many disciples, and the academy had various secret realms.
However, what was different,
was that the Northern Region's Hidden Dao Academy felt much more oppressive compared to the Southern Region.
Dean Ru explained, "The Hidden Dao Academy in the Northern Region emphasizes survival of the fittest."
"Here, if you fall even slightly behind others, you will be eliminated."
Hearing his words, everyone suddenly understood.
In such a high-pressure environment, it was normal to be powerfully dominant.
However, Ye Qiubai preferred the atmosphere at the Southern Region's Hidden Dao Academy.
Discussing martial arts, competing to validate their understandings.
It seemed much more peaceful.
At this moment, several elders approached.
Leading them was an elder with long eyebrows and a beard.
He made a slight bow, his face stretching into a smile, "Welcome, everyone. Your accommodations have been arranged, please follow me."
This person was Elder Ru of the Northern Region's Hidden Dao Academy,
explained the Martial Hall Elder.
As everyone was heading to their accommodations, they heard murmurs from some members of the Northern Region's Hidden Dao Academy.
Their words were filled with disdain.
"Are these people from the desolate land of the Southern Region?"
"Yes, they are here for the Four Regions Academy exchange."
"Them? Their realms don't even seem higher than mine; I doubt Senior Brother Jian will need to bother."
Their voices clearly reached everyone's ears.
Huo Qingming said angrily, "They really look down on us!"
Xin Hongyi drew her sword, her face cold, "I would really like to see how capable they actually are."
Lin Ce's expression was also very unpleasant.
The Wilderness merely said softly, "No need to argue over temporary advantages, save your energy for tomorrow's martial arts exchange."
Hearing this, Huo Qingming snorted coldly, forcefully suppressing his anger.
Xin Hongyi, however, did not listen and was about to step forward, but was abruptly stopped by Ye Qiubai.
"There's really no need, we'll slap them with our strength tomorrow."
Hearing this, Xin Hongyi then sheathed her sword.
The Wilderness side-glanced at Ye Qiubai more intently.
Earlier, his words had little effect, but Ye Qiubai had managed to persuade them…
The group then arrived at their accommodations.
The Northern Region's Hidden Dao Academy hadn't played any tricks; the accommodations were quite nice.
"Tomorrow is the martial arts exchange, please rest well."
After saying this, Elder Ru left.
Dean Ru and the Martial Hall Elder also followed, obviously having matters to discuss.
As for Qin Tiannan, he left this place upon entering the Northern Region.
Seeing the elders leave, Huo Qingming cursed, "Such arrogance! Just because they've won first place a few times? We'll take them down this time!"
Lin Ce grimly said, "We'll see the truth through our actions tomorrow."
Ye Qiubai shrugged his shoulders, ready to go back to cultivate.
Then another group pushed open the courtyard door, walking in without greeting.
"Who are you?"
Zhong Wu slightly frowned, saying, "Have you no manners at all?"
One tall, thin man sneered, "What manners are needed when dealing with Southern Barbarians?"
"You!"
The Wilderness held back Huo Qingming and stepped forward, saying, "If you gentlemen have come here just to provoke, you needn't bother."
Among them, the leading man coldly glanced at the tall, thin man.
The tall, thin man, seeing this, closed his mouth.
"I apologize, everyone. My junior brother has been rash."
"I am here this time to invite everyone to a banquet."
"Tonight's banquet will invite the prodigies from the Four Regions Academy, it's also a chance to get acquainted with the young talents of the Four Regions."
The Wilderness Region pondered for a moment and looked at everyone.
Clearly, he was seeking the opinions of Ye Qiubai and the others.
Huo Qingming snorted coldly, without speaking.
Xin Hongyi saw Ye Qiubai nod and then nodded as well.
Zhong Wu and Lin Ce had no objections.
The Wilderness Region then said, "Good, we will arrive on time for the banquet tonight."
Seeing this, the man nodded with satisfaction, "Then, I'll be awaiting everyone's arrival."
With that, the group left.
Lin Ce calmly said, "This banquet is probably a trap to gauge the strength of each region."
Zhong Wu nodded in agreement, "That seems to be the purpose. We'll probably have to demonstrate our strength when the time comes."
The Wilderness Region similarly added, "Try to preserve our trump cards as much as possible, without exposing them. Focus on exchanges. If we end up last again, our Southern Region's Hidden Dao Academy might be taken over by someone else."
Once repeatedly ranked last, the main academy would send someone else to take over the academy.
At that time, Qin Tiannan would also face punishment.
This was something none of them wanted to see.
So hearing this, even the most impulsive Huo Qingming nodded gravely.
The Wilderness Region looked at Ye Qiubai and said, "Also, people from the Sunset Dynasty might appear at the banquet, you must hold back."
Ye Qiubai's matter wasn't a secret.
After all, it had spread throughout Tianyuan City; anyone who inquired slightly would know the full story.
Ye Qiubai's indifferent gaze momentarily stalled, and he lowered his brows without speaking.
Seeing this, the Wilderness Region said no more.
After all, even his own master had nothing but praise for Ye Qiubai's talent.
Time fast-forwarded to the evening.
The Wilderness Region and others went to attend the banquet.
The banquet was held at the Martial Hall.
At that moment, the Martial Hall had set up around a hundred tables and chairs, each one filled with various kinds of food.
However, discerning individuals could notice.
The further back the tables and chairs, the more simple the food!
The closer to the chief seat, the more exquisite the food!
Zhong Wu couldn't help but smile, "It seems there's a special show."
As he finished speaking, a group of people walked over from the front.
"You all must have seen the tables and chairs in front of you. Sit wherever you like to eat."
"Of course, the seats must be earned by yourselves. If a table is coveted by someone else, then you'll need to negotiate among yourselves."
The man spoke in veiled terms.
But the people present could discern the implication in his words.
If they wanted the same table, they would need to fight for it!
Whoever won could then sit down and enjoy.
After saying this, the man sat down in the chief seat with a smile, "Of course, if you want to eat what's on my table, that's not impossible, as long as you have the matching strength."
"Alright, everyone, please take your seats."
Initially, no one moved.
However, it was just a matter of moments before a man laughed loudly and stepped forward, "Since everyone is so modest, I won't hesitate to say."
After saying that, he leaped to the position right below the chief seat!
He sat down with a thud.
"Anyone who wants this table, come forward now."
Seeing this, several people stepped out and sat at the table.
Yet, no one wanted to fight for the spot just yet.