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"I am Nanguihai, Elder of the Earth Dragon Sect, here to greet the Shui Family Clan Leader and await your instructions."
"I am Nanmutian, the Enforcement Elder of the Earth Dragon Sect. I have long admired the Clan Leader's fame and am honored to finally meet you. Please, instruct us."
...
After Shui Wuya's appearance, several elders of the Earth Dragon Sect stepped forward, their words filled with utmost respect, clearly hoping to establish a connection with Shui Wuya.
However, Shui Wuya remained unmoved by their flattery, his gaze still cold and indifferent.
Sensing the awkward silence, Sect Leader Nan Shuishui quickly stepped forward, extending a hand in a gesture of invitation to Shui Wuya.
"A welcoming banquet has been prepared for the Clan Leader within the sect. We would be honored by your presence."
Nan Shuishui lowered her posture as much as possible, her words extremely respectful. However, a hint of cautiousness flickered in her eyes, barely noticeable.
Naturally, this did not escape Shui Wuya's keen spiritual senses, but he chose not to comment, merely nodding and responding with a single word.
"Alright."
Led by Nan Shuishui, Shui Wuya and his entourage finally entered the grand hall of the Earth Dragon Sect.
The hall was magnificent, with enormous walls covered in pure gold paint, adorned with various ancient and intricate designs.
Once seated, a line of maidservants brought out an array of exquisite dishes, the sheer variety dazzling everyone present.
"Is that premium Earth Heart Dew?!"
"And that... is the paw of the Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear!"
"A thousand-year-old Willow Leaf Fruit, my goodness, these are all top-quality items!"
Even Xu Sanshi, who had seen his fair share of the world, was stunned by the lavishness of the banquet.
It was well known that even the premium Earth Heart Dew was a rare and treasured drink his father would seldom indulge in.
Mo Xinyan and the others, though not as visibly shocked as Xu Sanshi, were equally impressed.
"This Earth Dragon Sect may be a minor force, but they are certainly going all out this time," Mo Xinyan thought to herself, occasionally glancing at Shui Wuya to gauge his reaction.
"On behalf of all elders and disciples of the Earth Dragon Sect, I welcome the Clan Leader and offer a toast!" Nan Shuishui said, raising her glass to Shui Wuya once the banquet was fully prepared.
"Master Nan, you are too kind."
Shui Wuya stood up, downing his drink in one gulp in response to Nan Shuishui's toast.
With this, the tense and serious atmosphere of the banquet officially commenced.
"May I ask the reason for the Clan Leader's visit to the Earth Dragon Sect?" Nan Shuishui inquired cautiously, her nervousness evident.
"My visit is to inspect the various affiliated forces. There is no need for concern, Master Nan."
Shui Wuyazi replied with a gentle smile, his demeanor easing much of Nan Shuishui's tension.
"Tell me, what is the current situation of the Earth Dragon Sect?"
As Xu Sanshi and the others focused on their meals, Shui Wuya directed his gaze towards Nan Shuishui and the Earth Dragon Sect elders at the banquet.
"Reporting to the Clan Leader, the Earth Dragon Sect currently has one Titled Douluo, two Soul Douluo, and three Soul Saints. The number of lower-level soul masters is not worth mentioning. We remain at the tail end of second-rate forces."
Nan Shuishui reported honestly, though her expression showed a mix of helplessness and wariness towards Shui Wuya.
"The Earth Dragon Sect hasn't seen a Super Douluo in many years, and our status as a second-rate power is precarious. We could be swallowed by a stronger force at any moment."
It was at this moment that Nanmutian, the enforcement elder who had previously tried to curry favor with Shui Wuya at the mountain gate, spoke up again.
"However, now that the Clan Leader has arrived, we pledge our undying loyalty to the Shui family. With the Shui family's protection, no other force would dare covet us!"
Nanmutian added, his words dripping with sincerity, as he tried to convey the sect's allegiance.
"Yes, yes, having the Clan Leader visit is the greatest honor for our sect. Our loyalty to the Shui family is as clear as day and night!"
"Clan Leader, the Earth Dragon Sect's anticipation for your arrival is like the common folk longing for their lord, like the morning dew yearning for the rising sun. Our loyalty is unmatched in this world."
Following Nanmutian's lead, many elders present also voiced their support, their flattery reaching new heights.
Their eagerness was fueled by the Shui family's immense power and the recent destruction of the Haotian Sect, making them desperate to align with the Shui family.
In contrast, Nan Shuishui maintained a calm demeanor.
Shui Wuya's sharp observation skills quickly caught on to the sect's current state with just a glance at Nan Shuishui.
"As far as I know, although the Earth Dragon Sect was one of the first to pledge allegiance to the Shui family, there has been no active contact recently. What might be the reason for this?"
Shui Wuya shifted the conversation to his real concern.
Nan Shuishui was momentarily taken aback, clearly not expecting such a question.
"To be honest, Clan Leader, since the passing of our older generation of strong leaders, our sect has been in decline. Most of our disciples prefer seclusion and avoid external affairs."
After a brief hesitation, Nan Shuishui decided to speak truthfully, albeit in a somewhat indirect manner, fearing Shui Wuya's potential anger.
Hearing this, Shui Wuya raised an eyebrow slightly and then discreetly released his spiritual power, covering the entire Earth Dragon Sect.
At that moment, every movement within the vast sect fell under Shui Wuya's perception.
"Right now, the Sect Leader and the elders are dining with the Shui family Clan Leader. What do you think they're discussing?"
"Ha, what difference does it make? Today we're pledging allegiance to this one, tomorrow it'll be another."
"True enough. Just recently, we aligned ourselves with Shrek Academy. Who knows, we might be siding with the Holy Spirit Cult soon!"
...
Throughout the Earth Dragon Sect, Shui Wuya heard many such conversations among the disciples, most displaying a nonchalant and detached attitude.
With this, he finally understood the sect's situation—the entire Earth Dragon Sect had essentially given up!
(End of Chapter)