Hall Master Fu led Protector Mo and the other two into a moderately sized courtyard. By the standards of the Nine Saints Demon Gate, such accommodations were only meant for ordinary guests.
For the matter of the marriage alliance, the Nine Saints Demon Gate had only dispatched a hall master to oversee it, and they received the three from the Cleansing Incense Ancient Sect with the treatment reserved for common guests. It was clear they did not take this matter seriously at all.
After settling them in, Hall Master Fu exchanged a few polite words and then left, his attitude exceedingly cold. As for Protector Mo, when he accepted this mission, he was already mentally prepared for embarrassment, so he was no longer angry—just silent.
Once Hall Master Fu had settled them, he hurried into the depths of the Nine Saints Demon Gate's sect grounds. In an ancient hall, he met with an elder of the sect. This elder sat high in the void, rounds of divine light swirling behind his head. Chains of laws intertwined around him, exuding an unparalleled divine might, like a deity.
"How is the chief disciple of the Cleansing Incense Ancient Sect?" the elder's voice thundered, but the intimidating sound was confined within the ancient hall.
Outside, Hall Master Fu was imposing enough to be titled a hero, but here, he was merely trembling, bowing his head as he replied, "Reporting to Elder, he's just an ant—a mere mortal, an ignorant and arrogant junior, not worth mentioning."
"I see. You may go," the elder's voice was majestic, each word like rolling thunder, causing one to tremble. Even without opening his eyes, he instilled fear in others.
Hall Master Fu dared not overstep, carefully retreating. After exiting the ancient hall, he found himself drenched in sweat. As a hall master, it was rare for him to have the opportunity to meet with an elder. Even nobles of the marquis rank might not be granted an audience!
"Choosing a mortal with an ordinary physique, life wheel, and fate palace as their chief disciple—the Cleansing Incense Ancient Sect is beyond saving," the elder remarked, seemingly speaking to someone.
"It's a pity about Immortal Emperor Ming Ren's imperial techniques. It's said that his Heavenly Mandate Secret Arts might still be within the Cleansing Incense Ancient Sect," a mysterious and dignified voice sounded.
The elder responded, "Replying to Your Majesty the Demon Emperor, as long as Immortal Emperor Ming Ren's imperial techniques remain in the Cleansing Incense Ancient Sect, given time, we can seize them in one fell swoop! Mortals like those in the Cleansing Incense Ancient Sect are unworthy of our Nine Saints Demon Gate's successor!"
The mysterious voice fell silent, and the elder spoke no more. If outsiders were present, they would be greatly shocked. The Demon Emperor of the Nine Saints Demon Gate was an incredibly formidable figure.
It was rumored that the Demon Emperor had an extraordinary background. Under his leadership, the Nine Saints Demon Gate flourished, ruling over the vast territory of the Ancient Ox Country without any sect able to challenge them. This was not only due to the sect's strength but also largely because of the Demon Emperor's contributions. In the Ancient Ox Country, none dared to defy his divine might.
After being settled in the small courtyard, Protector Mo shut himself in his room, not stepping out. The sociable Nan Huairen had slipped away somewhere.
Having settled in, Leon Nightfall did not waste a moment. He immediately began diligently practicing the Mystical Gates Saber Art. He understood that the Nine Saints Demon Gate would not let him off easily; he needed to be prepared.
Leon practiced the saber art repeatedly, demanding that every move and stance be executed to absolute perfection, without the slightest error.
He trained over and over, his clothes soaked with sweat, then drying, then soaked again. In the end, his limbs felt numb, but he persisted relentlessly.
Having lived for countless years, Leon understood better than anyone that comprehending the profound meanings was one thing, but executing them to perfection was another. Even a peerless genius who could instantly grasp unparalleled immortal arts would be unable to perform them flawlessly without repeated, diligent practice.
Enduring endless hardships and countless trials, after experiencing innumerable storms, Leon had developed a mindset of pursuing perfection and endless progress.
"Swish, swish, swish..." The short blades in Leon's hands flew out, dancing like fluttering butterflies. The two curved sabers crossed, exhibiting a mysterious and unpredictable momentum.
He didn't know how many times he had practiced the same move, but when the two curved sabers flew back into his hands, Leon finally sighed softly. Although he had thoroughly grasped the profound meanings of the Mystical Gates Saber Art, he still couldn't perform it to perfection. For instance, in this move, he felt he was still a fraction off from the precise position he desired.
"Excellent saber technique, Senior Brother is truly diligent. Compared to your efforts, I feel ashamed," a voice said. Just then, Nan Huairen entered from outside, accompanied by a young man.
Seeing Leon practicing so diligently, Nan Huairen couldn't help but express his admiration sincerely. Although he hadn't thought highly of Leon's qualifications before, seeing his hard work increased his respect.
"Hard work can make up for lack of talent," Leon sheathed his short sabers. Despite being drenched in sweat, he remained calm and composed.
Nan Huairen laughed, saying, "I'll remember Senior Brother's words and use them to encourage myself." He then introduced the young man beside him, "This is Senior Brother Zhang from the Nine Saints Demon Gate, a good friend of mine."
Nan Huairen, while not a genius in terms of talent—he was of average aptitude—was the opposite of his taciturn master, Protector Mo. Nan Huairen was sociable and had many connections.
As an emissary of the Outer Hall, Nan Huairen had come to the Nine Saints Demon Gate several times to deliver messages for the elders, so he knew many people there. Of course, they weren't high-ranking figures, just ordinary disciples.
This disciple named Zhang wasn't a significant figure in the Nine Saints Demon Gate either, but in his eyes, a mortal like Leon was insignificant—not even worth a second glance. He only nodded slightly to Leon out of respect for Nan Huairen. In his view, someone like Leon, who practiced mere martial arts, was negligible.
"Senior Brother, since it's your first time at the Nine Saints Demon Gate, why don't you come with us for a stroll and get familiar with the surroundings?" Nan Huairen kindly invited Leon.
Hearing Nan Huairen's suggestion, Leon thought of something and smiled, saying, "Alright."
Nan Huairen quickly said to Zhang, "Brother Zhang, I'll have to trouble you to be our guide this time."
"You're too polite, Brother Nan," Zhang could only nod. He didn't want to spend time with Leon, but for Nan Huairen's sake, he agreed.
In fact, as hosts, the Nine Saints Demon Gate should have shown hospitality and helped Leon get familiar with the environment. However, they didn't take Leon seriously at all, even omitting basic courtesies.
If not for the promise made by Sage Nine Saints back then, the Nine Saints Demon Gate wouldn't have acknowledged this marriage alliance at all. It was precisely because they didn't want the alliance that they proposed assessing Leon, to dissuade the Cleansing Incense Ancient Sect.
As their guide, Zhang led Nan Huairen and Leon around various parts of the Nine Saints Demon Gate. Of course, he was reluctant to talk to Leon, only occasionally chatting with Nan Huairen, treating Leon as if he were invisible.
However, as they walked along the mountain paths of the Nine Saints Demon Gate, they attracted the attention and whispers of many disciples. Many disciples glanced at Leon from a distance, whispering among themselves.
"Is that the chief disciple of the Cleansing Incense Ancient Sect?" Some disciples frowned upon seeing Leon, a mere mortal.
Others sneered disdainfully, "The Cleansing Incense Ancient Sect is already an unranked sect. A mortal can become their chief disciple—seems their chief disciple isn't worth much."
"Bah! Such a commoner wants to marry Senior Sister Li? That's like a toad lusting after a swan. He should take a good look at himself in the mirror!" Some disciples said disdainfully.
The successor of the Nine Saints Demon Gate, Li Shuangyan, was not only exceptionally talented but also peerlessly beautiful. Within the sect, countless young disciples admired her. Even across the entire Ancient Ox Country, the number of young talents pursuing Li Shuangyan could stretch from east to west.
"Hmph! Does a mere mortal like him deserve to be called Senior Sister Li's fiancé? It's a pipe dream!" Some disciples were indignant, with some even wishing they could rush up and spit in Leon's face.
As their guide, Zhang felt increasingly awkward. He noticed his fellow disciples' expressions, so he walked faster and faster, leaving Leon far behind, acting as if he had nothing to do with him.
As for Leon, he remained calm and unperturbed, not paying attention to these people at all, leisurely observing the mountains and rivers of the Nine Saints Demon Gate.
"Senior Brother, you should be careful. The successor of the Nine Saints Demon Gate has countless admirers. Be cautious—they might cause you harm," Nan Huairen kindly whispered to Leon.
"Just a woman—is it worth all that?" Leon glanced at Nan Huairen, speaking plainly. He had seen the most stunning and peerless women; he didn't care about this so-called fiancée at all. It was just a trivial matter to him.
Leon's words startled Nan Huairen. He quickly whispered, "Senior Brother, this is the Nine Saints Demon Gate—you mustn't act recklessly."
Leon smiled, choosing not to say more. Since the people of the Nine Saints Demon Gate wanted to assess him, he also wanted to see how much heritage the sect still possessed.
Unknowingly, they arrived at the Dueling Arena of the Nine Saints Demon Gate, a place open to all disciples. Stepping into the arena, one immediately felt insignificant.
The dueling arena was vast. Standing alone in this expansive space made one feel incredibly small, like an ant on the boundless earth.