Watching the short disciple leave, Wang Hu felt a bit puzzled. It seemed like he received some concern from the other person and seemed quite happy. But Wang Hu always felt something was wrong, especially after that disciple disappeared into the crowd.

At this moment, feeling somewhat doubtful, Wang Hu couldn't help but look towards Ding Fan not far away and surprisingly found that his big brother, who was in cultivation, had opened his eyes and was looking right at him.

Wang Hu was slightly taken aback, then quickly walked up to Ding Fan.

"Big brother, that disciple?"

At this time, Wang Hu asked while looking at Ding Fan's inquiring expression.

"Don't worry, this is just the outer sect disciples' competition. As long as you perform normally, there will be no problem."

Ding Fan spoke calmly with a smile on his face.

At this moment, Lianzi and the others witnessed this scene and immediately came over to ask Wang Hu:

"Wang Hu, what's wrong with you?"

Seeing the inquiries from Lianzi, Liu Yan, and others, Wang Hu didn't want them to worry, so he gave a simple and honest smile, saying:

"It's nothing, just asking big brother when I'm going on stage."

Hearing Wang Hu's question, Lianzi and the others finally felt relieved. The competition had already begun, and many cultivators had taken the Martial Arts Platform. Lianzi and the others then turned their attention to the platform.

At this moment, Wang Hu's expression was a bit solemn as he looked at Ding Fan. However, Big Brother Ding Fan gave him a warm smile without saying anything, so Wang Hu stopped overthinking and focused on watching the fight, while Ding Fan once again entered into a state of cultivation.

...

On Meng Haotian's side, a short disciple whispered something into his ear, to which Meng Haotian nodded, revealing a wicked smile.

If Wang Hu were here, he would certainly recognize that short disciple as the one who had just greeted him.

In no time, Meng Haotian's face showed a strong sense of smugness. He then led a few disciples sneaking up to Ye Qingfeng's side, and said to him:

"Junior Brother Ye, how have you been lately?"

Hearing Meng Haotian's words, Ye Qingfeng furrowed his brows slightly upon seeing Meng Haotian. Apparently, Ye Qingfeng didn't approve of Meng Haotian's character. But at this moment, he wondered why the man was coming to him.

"Alright."

At this point, Meng Haotian felt a bit furious as few dared to act like this in front of him; it was as if he was being ignored. But remembering the reason he was here, he suppressed his anger momentarily and said to him:

"That's good, Junior Brother Ye. I know for sure that Junior Brother Ye is not just any ordinary outer sect disciple. Even as the outer sect disciple captain, I have to temper my behavior for you. You know, Junior Brother Ye is supposed to be the center of attention in this outer sect disciple competition. Only a true genius might get everyone's attention."

Meng Haotian spoke to Ye Qingfeng with a series of crafty words.

Although Ye Qingfeng couldn't quite figure out what Meng Haotian meant, he was very clear in his mind that this Meng Haotian had no good intentions. He then said calmly:

"Captain Meng, get to the point."

Upon hearing Ye Qingfeng's words, Meng Haotian felt like a bucket of cold water had been poured on him, and his enthusiasm was dampened. But after considering his task, he held back his irritation and continued patiently.

"Alright, Junior Brother Ye, I'll be straightforward. I'm talking about Wang Hu, a nobody, but now his fame is even overshadowing yours, Junior Brother Ye. That's basically a slap in the face. Don't you feel the same way?"

Ye Qingfeng finally grasped some of the meaning behind Meng Haotian's words. He realized it was about targeting Wang Hu and the others. Ye Qingfeng understood that Wang Hu and the others must have offended Meng Haotian. Is he seeking revenge through him? But Meng Haotian's strength isn't inferior to Wang Hu's, so why approach him?

"Go on."

Ye Qingfeng said calmly.

Meng Haotian's rage seemed to reach its peak as he thought about Ye Qingfeng's audacity in speaking to him in such a manner, almost as if he was seeking death.

But then he rethought the situation: Ye Qingfeng's strength was indeed not below his own, and given his fame and position, even some sect elders favored Ye Qingfeng. So he couldn't afford to offend him too much. After all, once this outer sect disciple competition ended, who knew what position Ye Qingfeng might rise to.

Meng Haotian spoke patiently:

"Junior Brother Ye, you might not be aware, but in the next round of the competition, your opponent will be Wang Hu. So I hope you can do me the favor of defeating Wang Hu in this competition. In return, I will provide a generous reward for you."

Meng Haotian said with a sinister expression to Ye Qingfeng, noting that there seemed to be no reaction, he continued:

"As for the reward, I can provide you with three hundred-year spiritual material medicine pills and guarantee your smooth transition into the inner sect as an Inner Sect Disciple. Just as a token of appreciation for your small favor."

After Meng Haotian finished, he confidently declared, feeling that the offer of three hundred-year-old spiritual materials would be irresistible to any ordinary cultivator, let alone the prospect of becoming an Inner Sect Disciple, which was like skyrocketing for any outer sect disciple!

Meng Haotian expected Ye Qingfeng to be eager to curry favor with him, but the response left everyone astonished.

"I'm not interested."

Ye Qingfeng said calmly.

Upon hearing Ye Qingfeng's words, not only was Meng Haotian shocked, but even the few disciples beside him were also taken aback! They simply couldn't believe that someone could say such a thing.

One must know that those were three hundred-year-old Spiritual Materials!

Plus, the opportunity to enter the Inner Sect as an Inner Sect Disciple!

Either of these would already be enough to make every Outer Sect disciple fight tooth and nail, yet he wasn't interested in either? This was somewhat unbelievable!

At this moment, the cultivator disciples around Meng Haotian were already in complete admiration of Ye Qingfeng, unable to fathom how he could flatly reject such benefits.

Even Meng Haotian seemed a bit dumbfounded on the spot, momentarily feeling overwhelmed, knowing how rare such an opportunity was for an average disciple. If Meng Haotian considered Ye Qingfeng's face, even offering just one of these casually would suffice. But now, he had rejected both without hesitation.

For a moment, Meng Haotian stood there, at a loss for words.

Ye Qingfeng merely let out a cold laugh. As for entering the Inner Sect as a disciple, for him, there was no suspense in it at all. And regarding those three hundred-year-old Spiritual Materials, though precious, he wouldn't compromise his principles even for ten of them, especially when it involved helping someone like that. However, this didn't mean he would join forces with Wang Hu and Ding Fan.

Then Ye Qingfeng said calmly,

"I will not collaborate with you. Regardless of who my opponent is, I will give it my all, with no mercy, not even for Wang Hu!"

Upon hearing these words, Meng Haotian was once again taken aback. He didn't expect Ye Qingfeng to have no intention of sparing Wang Hu, rejecting cooperation simply because he didn't want to work together. What an arrogant Ye Qingfeng.

At this point, Meng Haotian's face turned a bit unpleasant, realizing nothing more needed to be said. Despite offering such favorable terms, Ye Qingfeng showed no regard for him at all.

If it weren't for Ye Qingfeng's notable strength, Meng Haotian might have made a move; the rejection was a complete slap to his face!

"Fine! Then I look forward to Junior Brother Ye's excellent performance! Let's go!"

Gritting his teeth, Meng Haotian said to Ye Qingfeng before leading several disciples away.

Watching Meng Haotian and his entourage leave, Ye Qingfeng was lost in thought. He had long looked down on Meng Haotian, yet he didn't expect Wang Hu and Ding Fan to be at odds with those people as well. Ye Qingfeng found his impression of Ding Fan and Wang Hu improving significantly, considering that the enemy of one's enemy is a friend.

However, Ye Qingfeng was acutely aware that regardless of who his opponent might be, he would exert his full strength to defeat them!

...

After a few hours, Lianzi successfully passed the competition, defeating a male cultivator at the late fetal breath stage.

Before long, it was Wang Hu's turn to take the stage.

Seeing Wang Hu ascend the Martial Arts Platform, the crowd couldn't help but cheer. Wang Hu had become an idol for many Outer Sect disciples, especially after such a legendary battle, earning much admiration.

"Go Wang Hu, Senior Brother!"

"Mighty Wang Hu, Senior Brother!"

"..."

"I say, Senior Brother Wang Hu doesn't even need to participate in the Outer Sect Disciple competition, since he's already a Core Disciple in the Ran family!"

"You don't understand, do you? Becoming a Core Disciple is a safeguard for Senior Brother Wang Hu. The better he performs in the Outer Sect competitions, the more attention he'll get from the Sect!"

"I see..."

"Go Wang Hu, Senior Brother!"

...

At that moment, almost every disciple across the plain had gathered around Wang Hu, even some cultivators in the middle of their matches had stopped to witness Wang Hu's performance.

After all, the story of Senior Brother Wang Hu was truly inspirational!

Cheers and applause from female cultivator disciples echoed across the entire martial arts plain, creating a very lively atmosphere.

Even many Elders from the Elders' Area were drawn to Wang Hu's side, not expecting this disciple to already become the center of attention, many Elders now focused their gaze on Wang Hu.

Among the Elders, the most excited was that brawny Elder who previously accepted Wang Hu as a Core Disciple. Seeing the overwhelming support for his disciple, he couldn't help but feel proud.

"Look, that's my disciple! Compete well and show them!"

At this moment, the Brawny Elder was slightly excited, using his gravelly voice to speak to no one in particular. Many Elders who witnessed the Brawny Elder's actions found it amusing but simultaneously were eager to see Wang Hu's performance.

After all, numerous leaders of the External Sect were present, and they wanted to show outsiders the depth of Dayang Sect, which was unmatched by any ordinary sect!

Those leaders, upon witnessing the vibrant atmosphere, were intrigued as well, turning their attention to the Outer Disciple, Wang Hu.