The vast arena, usually buzzing with excitement and energy, fell eerily silent as a lone, white-clad figure descended gracefully from the high stands. Li Mei as one of the God's chosen daughters of the Sword God Sect, moved with a calm elegance, her white robes flowing like a gentle breeze. Her beauty was unrivaled, her aura ethereal. Every step she took commanded attention. It wasn't just her physical beauty but the grace with which she wielded her sword, a testament to her deep understanding of the Sword Principle.
Whispers began to ripple through the audience. "It's the Fairy!" someone muttered.
"She's here!" another voice echoed from the crowd, full of admiration and awe.
Even those seated on the high platform, the respected personages of the sect, turned their attention toward the approaching figure. Her presence had an almost magnetic pull.
"It's about time..." Lu Shen remarked as he observed her. His voice was calm, almost amused, though the meaning behind his words was elusive.
Sitting nearby, Wei Jun arched an eyebrow, intrigued by Lu Shen's cryptic tone. "What do you mean, Elder Brother?"
Instead of answering immediately, Lu Shen shifted his gaze toward the very center of the platform. His eyes scanned the space, his anticipation palpable. Then, with a slight chuckle, he cleared his throat. "Well, little brother, are you planning on remaining hidden forever?"
Suddenly, murmurs spread through the crowd like wildfire. Confusion filled the arena as the disciples began to whisper among themselves.
"Who is he talking to?" a young disciple near the front asked, his brow furrowed in bewilderment.
"Does Elder Brother Lu Shen sense something?" another inquired, looking around, as if expecting someone to emerge from the shadows.
Dao Wei, standing far above them, allowed himself a small smile. From his vantage point, he'd been observing the arena calmly, amused that Lu Shen had noticed his presence so quickly.
Beside him, Huang Ling was equally surprised. "That's Lu Shen, the Leader of the Core disciples," she explained softly, sensing Dao Wei's curiosity. Her brows furrowed in thought. "How does he know we're here?"
Dao Wei's grin widened. "Haha, brother Lu Shen has a keen sense, indeed," he said, his voice resonating as he unwrapped the space-distorting aura that had cloaked him and Huang Ling, rendering them invisible to the naked eye.
The crowd gasped in unison as Dao Wei materialized out of thin air.
"W-What?!" one disciple stammered, wide-eyed.
"How long has he been standing there?" another gasped, his disbelief palpable.
"Is this guy even human?" murmured yet another, unable to reconcile Dao Wei's sudden appearance with any logical explanation.
More and more eyes turned toward Cheng Fang, who had, just moments ago, been boasting that the Evil Star wouldn't dare show his face. The sight of Dao Wei's casual reveal turned the tide of whispers into a flood of disbelief.
"He was watching all this time?" another disciple said, a nervous edge in his voice. "What did he hear?"
"Hmph! Little brother is too humble," Lu Shen called out warmly from the platform. His tone was welcoming, with the unmistakable undertone of camaraderie. "Had it not been for little sister Huang Ling's presence, even I might not have sensed you."
"Elder brother flatters me," Dao Wei replied with a chuckle, descending slowly from the sky. "It was nothing more than a minor Space-wrap technique. Hardly something to be proud of."
The exchange between Lu Shen and Dao Wei left the disciples baffled.
"Wait, the Evil Star and Elder Brother Lu Shen are this close?" one disciple whispered, casting a worried glance at Cheng Fang.
"How can this be? I thought no one was close to that demon..." another added, his voice dripping with disbelief.
"Cheng Fang's got to be feeling the pressure now," someone whispered, not too subtly, as they watched Cheng Fang's stiff expression.
A low growl escaped from Cheng Fang's lips. His frustration was evident, his eyes burning with silent fury as he glared at Dao Wei.
Hmph!
"What's there to be proud of?" Cheng Fang finally muttered, his voice dripping with disdain. "If he can't even perform the Flowing Mirage Sword Art, then it's useless for him to even show up."
Lu Shen chuckled at the remark but didn't take his eyes off Dao Wei. With a graceful motion, he rose from his seat, his figure exuding authority. "Perhaps little brother Dao Wei might favor us with a demonstration," Lu Shen said casually, his words a clear challenge to those doubting Dao Wei's abilities. "It might finally silence those who persist in underestimating him."
The arena buzzed with murmurs once again.
"Wait, is Elder Brother Lu Shen implying that the Evil Star can perform the Flowing Mirage Sword Art?" one disciple asked, wide-eyed.
"I heard the Evil Star mastered all ten moves," another whispered, leaning in conspiratorially.
"Really? That's insane! I also heard he's a son of a True God and is only here for leisure!" someone else chimed in, their voice full of awe.
"He's probably hiding his true strength. I bet he's already reached Nirvana!" a girl added breathlessly, her voice betraying her admiration. "He's just too humble to show off."
Rumors and exaggerated tales filled the arena, each one more ridiculous than the last. Some said Dao Wei could already communicate with gods, others claimed he could destroy entire sects with a single swing of his sword. The more outrageous the story, the more the disciples seemed to believe it.
"Could he really be hiding that much power?" a disciple near the front asked, his voice tinged with both curiosity and fear.
While the male disciples were busy speculating, the female disciples' attention shifted entirely. They weren't interested in Dao Wei's abilities as much as they were captivated by his presence.
"Look at him!" one of the female disciples whispered, her voice barely containing her excitement. "He's so handsome!"
"I heard he's never spoken to a girl before," another giggled. "Maybe I'll be the first."
"No way!" a third girl scoffed playfully. "I've already set my sights on him. Just look at him! That Sky Python Robe he's wearing... he looks like a god!"
Dao Wei stood in midair, hands behind his back, completely unaware of the growing fanbase below. His expression remained indifferent, though a slight twitch at the corner of his mouth revealed his discomfort at the increasingly bold comments from the female disciples.
"Elder brother, it seems your little brother has attracted more attention than he intended," Dao Wei said dryly to Lu Shen, who was watching the scene unfold with barely concealed amusement.
"Well, little brother, it's no wonder. With your talent and appearance, who could resist?" Lu Shen teased lightly, but then he turned serious, glancing at Cheng Fang. "But enough distractions. Perhaps you might indulge us, junior brother?"
Dao Wei glanced at the seething Cheng Fang, who was struggling to maintain his composure. A faint smile tugged at Dao Wei's lips.
"If it pleases elder brother, then perhaps a small demonstration is in order," Dao Wei said, floating down to the arena floor with a casual grace that left the onlookers stunned.
Cheng Fang clenched his fists, his eyes narrowing as Dao Wei touched down lightly on the ground. This wasn't over yet. He wouldn't let this 'Evil Star' steal the spotlight so easily.
The murmurs grew louder, but one thing was clear—the arena was now fully focused on Dao Wei's every move.