"Shiqi." A hoarse voice called out, yet it carried a hint of familiarity. Luo Qianqian turned her head in confusion, only to see an elderly man dressed in a red Tang suit. His appearance was unfamiliar, and her face was full of bewilderment.

"Ahem, thank you, young man." The old man raised his hand and placed a gold coin in the hand of the attendant who had guided him over, nodding with a smile.

The attendant left with a wide smile, and the old man looked at Luo Qianqian, his voice becoming a bit clearer: "It’s me." It was Yan’s voice.

Luo Qianqian’s eyes widened instantly, "Are you trying to take advantage of us with this outfit?" Obviously dressed like an elder, weren’t they being taken advantage of?

"I’m your guidance teacher."

Hearing Yan’s words, Luo Qianqian glanced around, nodded, and it seemed they truly had overlooked this issue. Not only should there be a guide teacher, but also logistics and medical staff.

Although, Yan alone was more than enough to handle everything.

However, He Wenyu couldn’t help but say, "Even as a guidance teacher, isn’t this outfit unnecessary? Young people can also be teachers, right?"

Bai Yizhu knocked on He Wenyu’s head irritably, "We’re already attracting enough attention here, do you want to attract even more?"

Yan nodded slightly. Compared to other sects, it was evident their average age was much lower, especially compared to other sects from the Northern Region, which was inexplicably young.

Moreover, even in sect teams from the Southern Region, there were certainly older, stronger members, unlike their team. The oldest, Luo Yanhai, was still a young person among other sects.

"Xiao Bai is right, and I must remind you, it’s best to keep your special moves hidden. In such a setting, using them would render them ineffective. Try to avoid revealing your techniques. Also, Shiqi, be mindful and focus on one position in the preliminary matches."

"Uh... I’ll try my best." Even Luo Qianqian, who considered herself agile, was taken aback by this request and tensed up a bit.

If only one position could be exposed, she’d have to choose the one she’s best at. But it seemed she excelled in patching up conflicts... like punching here and kicking there.

Yan frowned, "If you want to advance to the next round, you must follow this."

Luo Qianqian tentatively looked at Yan, "Aren’t you afraid we’ll lose? If we lose, preserving our strength would be useless, right?"

Yet Yan had a calm expression, "If you don’t have this bit of confidence, you wouldn’t be standing at the finals’ venue. If you have to show all your strengths in the preliminary, then you wouldn’t make it to the finals. And revealing your cards now would make the road ahead difficult, even in this competition zone."

Upon hearing Yan’s words, Luo Qianqian lowered her head in silence, pondered for a moment, exchanged a glance with Luo Shufan, then took a deep breath and exhaled heavily, saying, "Understood."

Yan’s mouth curled into a smile that didn’t match his image, and he reached out to tousle Luo Qianqian’s hair, "As long as you understand, the rest is up to you on the field. You need more experiences to lead Nine Heavens Pavilion further."

The guiding force of Nine Heavens Pavilion had never been Pavilion Master Luo Shufan but Luo Qianqian. This was clear not only to the people of Nine Heavens Pavilion but also to Yan.

As the host introduced the time, all the Nine Heavens Pavilion participants focused their spiritual power on Luo Qianqian, especially the three who hadn’t experienced danger with them before, listening intently to Luo Qianqian’s words.

As the sect tournament that all sects paid the utmost attention to, it represented the growth potential of the sect’s new generation and the future direction of the sect. Its authority and significance were comparable to the Oscars in the entertainment industry.

This sect tournament attracted not only major sects but was also a grand event from the royal family to commoners. Usually unreachable big figures would flock to Southern Li Imperial City. If one could gain the favor of such a figure, it could be said that ’one person’s gain could elevate all around them.’

Tickets had long been sold out, with only special premium viewing spots reserved for sale within the sects or given to guests from various countries.

The second-tier seating was filled with many meticulously dressed young women, their subtle springtime thoughts unspoken.

Every participant appearing here was the elite of their sects, and the competitors in the sect tournament were certainly the youngest generation, none older than forty. With proper cultivation, a forty-year-old could look like they’re in their twenties, an allure for these young women. If noticed, it’s a matter of fame and fortune, something both they and their families would fully support, even for the slightest chance.

Apart from the hopeful young women, some nobles also awaited to recruit talents with their olive branches extended.

Even securing a ranking in the sub-regional competition would make one a sought-after candidate for countries, eager to lure them with a marquis position.

However, major sects did not allow their disciples to have worldly entanglements as it was detrimental to the cultivation mindset, unless they reached a protector level with steady cultivation.

Reaching the protector level, though, they would no longer be interested in a mere marquis position.

Old Master Luo and his group were seated in the internal section of Nine Heavens Pavilion, enjoying a prime location with ample space.

As the sun’s midday rays filtered through the glazed dome into the venue, stunning, colorful light shimmered across the arena, making it look dreamlike and mysterious.

Luo Qianqian curiously gazed at the glazed dome, curiosity bubbling within her. What kind of material could refract light to every corner of the vast conference hall like this?

"Prism?" He Wenyu looked up bewildered, his face a canvas of confusion.

Bai Yizhu and Luo Yanhai both looked up with puzzled expressions. How big would a prism have to be for the entire venue? What a joke!

Luo Shufan, however, looked at the platform within the venue. It was obvious he had realized what he learned couldn’t be applied to this world.

Then the host announced the parade of teams, akin to a sports meet where they make an appearance, which was also why they wore uniforms.

The large, expansive square was filled with spectators, while in The East stood a large screen made of crystal stone, projecting everything happening on the field. There was no clarity, nor could angles be adjusted, it was a form of spiritual sharing. In front of the screen was the podium, behind which was the so-called VIP area, the best seats. Filled with countless shouts and cheers, the excitement was palpable.

"This is the meaning of existence!" Luo Yanhai exclaimed with emotion.

"Your existence is quite dull," someone replied.