Moreover, even if they wouldn’t allow spectators, it wouldn’t be of much use.
There are tens of thousands of disciples participating in the battle, and even those entering the imperial examinations number eight hundred.
It would be too easy for the two major Star Halls to learn the specifics if they wanted to, enticing just one of them.
As long as they have evidence, in a war of words, one cannot win if the court’s backbone is not strong enough.
Just the thought of a few immensely talented prodigies being snatched away by the two major Star Halls every year made Libationer Meng Yanhui feel like someone was stabbing him in the heart—such an ache.
These were elite disciples painstakingly cultivated by the Da Chen Taoist Institutes at every level, nurtured with all kinds of resources, only to possibly be pinched by the two major Star Halls. It was painful for anyone who experienced it.
"Shall we follow last year’s plan?" asked Meng Yanhui.
"No, let’s follow the plan from the year before last!" said National Master Cheng Yuxiao. "I feel that there’s still a chance this year!"
The next instant, Libationer Meng Yanhui activated the Star-picking Order, issuing the command.
Ten breaths later, the Martial Observation Platform was adorned with several more tables and chairs, upon which names formed of flashing starlight shimmered.
At the same time, starlight continued to flash, and with each flash, a figure appeared on the Martial Observation Platform.
The first to appear was none other than Tianyang Star Hall’s Da Chen Star Master Du Tingyun. His appearance prompted everyone in the Da Chen National Daoist School, with the exception of National Master Cheng Yuxiao, including both Left and Right Libationers, Academicians and Vice Academicians, Deans and Mountain Masters, to rise and greet him.
"National Master Cheng, I hope you’ve been well," Star Master Du Tingyun also greeted Cheng Yuxiao with a clasped hand gesture.
Cheng Yuxiao nodded and pointed to a position beside him.
Then, in succession, a line of seven people appeared in sequence, each of them Sub-hall Masters of the Tianyang Star Hall from the six states outside of Da Chen, as well as from Wanyi. They paid their respects to Cheng Yuxiao first before greeting the high-level officials of the Da Chen National Taoist Institute.
Among them was Hu Xuechuan, Sub-hall Master of the Tianyang Star Hall Yan State Branch Hall.
In the next instant, another group flashed into view, led by Cangming Star Hall’s Da Chen Star Master Zhang Zhen. Upon arrival, he first paid his respects to National Master Cheng Yuxiao before greeting the others.
"Please, take a seat."
Cheng Yuxiao also arranged for Zhang Zhen to take a place on his right.
"Dare I ask the National Master, what are the terms regarding this year’s selection of elite quotas?" As soon as he sat down, Tianyang Star Hall’s Star Master Du Tingyun went straight to the point.
This flashed a hint of displeasure in the eyes of National Master Cheng Yuxiao.
"I heard that last month, on the Galaxy Battlefield, a Star Captain from Tianyang Star Hall went missing. Is there any truth to that?" Libationer Meng Yanhui suddenly spoke out.
Du Tingyun glanced at Meng Yanhui and smiled, "Libationer Meng is well-informed indeed. Indeed, a Star Captain has gone missing, but two other Star Captains of Tianyang Star Hall have successfully founded cities."
At this, Cangming Star Hall’s Da Chen Star Master Zhang Zhen laughed, "It’s rare to get away from that place, why bring it up now? Haven’t you had enough of it?
This is a rare moment of leisure.
As for the selection of elites, I presume the National Master already has arrangements.
We simply need to calmly observe Da Chen’s top talents in their martial displays, see if any catch our eye, and then discuss with the National Master."
This statement seemed relatively polite, at least much more so than that of Tianyang Star Hall’s Da Chen Star Master Du Tingyun.
Du Tingyun snorted coldly but did not oppose Zhang Zhen’s proposition.
Hearing this, Libationer Meng Yanhui said, "The plan has long been set. We’ll use the previously employed ’B’ scheme, with the rules remaining the same. A total of seven quotas are available, and once you two have come to an agreement, then inform us.
Then we will proceed with the ’B’ scheme."
"The ’B’ scheme, it seems that Da Chen is quite confident this year!" Star Master Du Tingyun said with a sneer.
Libationer Meng Yanhui clasped his hands together but said no more.
After the sneer, Du Tingyun directly sent a Starlight Transmission to Cangming Star Hall’s Da Chen Star Master Zhang Zhen to discuss the quota arrangement.
Dividing seven quotas between the two was not easy.
If they didn’t agree on an arrangement beforehand, they might end up fighting over particularly talented prospects later.
Better to decide early, then leave it to fate and ability!
At the same moment, Xu Jin, upon seeing the dozens of new figures on the Martial Observation Platform, softly asked his instructor Ning Yuchan, "Teacher, who are these people?"
"Ah, the usual tradition. The Star Masters and Sub-hall Masters of the Tianyang and Cangming Star Halls come to watch every year," Ning Yuchan replied absent-mindedly, as if recalling something.
The next moment, Xu Jin, having received a positive response, dove into his thoughts within the Star-picking Order and sent a Starlight Transmission to Qi.
"Teacher, the spectators from Tianyang and Cangming Star Halls have arrived; I’ve already seen Hu Xuechuan! Teacher, what are you preparing to do? Please be careful."
Qi’s reply through a Starlight Transmission consisted of only two words!
This made Xu Jin extremely worried. What exactly was Qi planning to do?