The moment Ria's small pouch of spirit stones tumbled into the crystal vessel, a profound silence fell over the crowd. All eyes were fixed on the vessel as it started to glow a deep, vibrant red, signaling an unexpected shift in the bidding war. The color red, in the context of the Dany Sect's bidding system, denoted the first position - a rank that seemed unattainable for the Clark Sect until that very moment.
The sudden change caught everyone off guard. Mocking jeers turned into gasps of disbelief. Richard and his cohorts, who had been leading the chorus of ridicule against Ria, were now speechless, their faces a mix of confusion and shock.
The Dany Sect elder, overseeing the bidding process, rushed over to verify the unexpected development. His eyes widened as he peered into the vessel, finding amidst the modest number of stones, ten Grade 6 spirit stones - a rarity that far outweighed the quantity of lower-grade stones in value.
"This... this is unbelievable," he muttered under his breath, his usual composure shaken. He turned to face the crowd, his voice loud and clear, "The Clark Sect has placed the highest bid with these Grade 6 spirit stones. They are now in first place."
A murmur rippled through the assembled disciples and elders from various sects. Grade 6 spirit stones were treasures that even high-ranking sects found hard to procure. Their presence in the Clark Sect's bid instantly pushed them to the first place.
Madam Frost, who had accepted Ria's contribution without expectation, stood stunned, her eyes reflecting a mix of pride and astonishment. Ethan, who had been struggling with feelings of shame just moments ago, now looked at Ria with newfound respect and gratitude.
He immediately turned towards Ria, muttered a thank you in heartfelt tone.
Richard and his group could only stare in disbelief. Their mockery had turned into a spectacle of their own short-sightedness.
Ria, the center of this unforeseen victory, remained calm, though a faint smile graced her lips. Her gaze found Eric's in the distance. He nodded at her, a silent acknowledgment of her courage and the critical role she played in this dramatic turn of events.
The Vinci Sect, momentarily dethroned from their anticipated position, looked on in dismay. Sen Vinci's face hardened as he processed the reality that the Clark Sect, their long-time rivals, had outmaneuvered them again.
"As per the rules of the bidding, the Clark Sect will be granted the first entry into the Azure Dragon Echoing Caves," the Dany Sect elder announced, bringing the crowd back to the matter at hand.
The declaration of the Clark Sect's unforeseen victory sent ripples of shock through the gathered crowd, but none felt the sting of defeat more acutely than Sen Vinci. He rushed towards the Dany Sect elder, his face a mask of disbelief and indignation.
"There must be some mistake with the spirit stones," Sen Vinci implored, his voice tinged with desperation. "Please, re-examine them. This can't be right."
The elder's eyes narrowed at the request, his expression turning from surprise to offense. "You question the integrity of our process? Do you know where you stand?" he retorted, his tone laced with contempt. "The results are clear. The Clark Sect has won fair and square."
Sen Vinci's plea had backfired, and the elder's next words were a harsh blow to the Vinci Sect's prestige. "For your insolence and for questioning the Dany Sect, the Vinci Sect is hereby banished from the Azure Dragon Echoing Caves for the next ten years."
The crowd gasped, and whispers spread like wildfire. The Vinci Sect, once poised for a triumphant entry, now faced a humiliating exile. Their disciples and elders stood in stunned silence, the reality of their banishment slowly sinking in.
Meanwhile, Madam Frost, holding the entry seals bestowed by the Dany Sect elder, led the Clark Sect disciples and servants past the red barrier with a sense of pride and vindication. The old skinny man, having ensured their safe arrival, departed with the Blossomback Elk, leaving them to embark on their two-week training journey within the caves.
The Clark Sect disciples and servants assembled before a grand test ground, dominated by a towering, coiled dragon statue at its center. They waited, anticipation building, as the remaining sects gathered for the assignment of positions within the caves.
Among the onlookers were the Dany Sect disciples, equally subject to the test despite their sect's control over the caves. They watched the Clark Sect with a mix of disdain and mockery.
Madam Frost turned to her disciples, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction as she stared at Ria. "Today, we have not only secured our place in the Azure Dragon Echoing Caves but also reclaimed our sect's honor. Thank You Ria. Clark sect will remember your help." she declared, her voice resonant with pride.
Prince Ethan, standing tall among his fellow disciples, added, "First of all, I want to apologise Ms. Ria, I know what happened in there. Let this be a lesson to all – Thank You Ria. I will remember this favour." he announced with a prideful face.
Richard and his group, who had mocked Ria earlier, now looked on in silence, their earlier arrogance replaced by a begrudging respect. Ria, for her part, remained composed, though a faint smile played on her lips at the turn of events.
Slowly, the other three sects also joined before the testing grounds. They all stood in separate groups around the ground, waiting for the Dany sect elder to begin.
The atmosphere was charged with a newfound energy as the sects readied themselves for the next phase of their journey. For the Clark Sect, this was more than just entry into a coveted training ground; it was a statement of their resilience and a testament to their unity.
While everyone is pondering about the test, Eric who stood in the last began assessing the strength of the Dany sect disciples who stood with prideful faces flaunting their rank 5 spirit weapons.
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Note: Get ready for some action... your's lovingly, PeterPan ;-)