Zi Long halted, his gaze flicking towards Hasal.
Xuan Qi's words held merit. Humphrey remained a hidden threat, and this was a good opportunity to force him out. Exposed, his threat would be considerably lessened.
"Hahaha, little one, you can't forget about me!"
Just then, a booming voice echoed, and two figures emerged from the shadows of the sword estate.
One was Cardinal Humphrey, and the other was the Young Master of Heavenly Net.
In this situation, if he didn't show himself, the Dark Association would certainly not ally with the Bright Hall to force out the Hidden Group.
If the Hidden Group were to benefit from the situation unseen, it was better to expose them.
The Young Master of Heavenly Net?
A cold glint flashed across Zi Long's face. He had previously pursued the Young Master of Heavenly Net, only for him to escape. It turned out Humphrey had saved him.
"Haha…"
Humphrey let out a triumphant laugh and then spoke, "Zi Long, I have come out. Now it's time to force out the Hidden Group, right?"
Hmph!
Zi Long snorted. He knew Humphrey was insidious, but forcing out the Hidden Group was the priority now.
Without further ado, he and Hasal continued to walk towards the Dragon Group's side.
On the other side, seeing two Earth-level experts slowly approaching, the faces of the Dragon Group members turned grim.
It was utterly shameless. Two major powers had joined forces to deal with their Dragon Group.
Soon, Zhao Ziyang, leading the remaining Pandora mercenary group, immediately stepped in front of the Dragon Group members.
The Death Squad also protected the Dragon Group's flanks.
Zhao Ziyang hailed from Huaxia, and having advanced and retreated with the Dragon Group during this period, he absolutely could not stand by and do nothing.
The Death Squad, knowing the relationship between the Dragon Group and Ye Cangtian, felt the same.
Facing this situation, Zi Long and Hasal did not pause. In their eyes, only Zhao Ziyang was worth noticing; the rest were insignificant.
"Heh heh, you want to see me that badly?"
Just as Zi Long, Hasal, and the others were about to make their move, a teasing voice sounded.
Turning their heads, a figure swiftly flashed from a corner, and in an instant, he stood before the Pandora mercenary group.
He wielded a long sword, dressed in flowing green robes, with sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, exuding a powerful aura. It was Jian Wusheng of the Hidden Group, Shangguan Yun's third uncle.
Seeing Jian Wusheng, Ye Cangtian, who was amidst the Dark Association, couldn't help but heave a sigh of relief.
If the other party had truly refused to appear, he would have had to reveal his identity as Ye Cangtian and fight alongside the Dragon Group.
After all, they were his brothers. But now, it seemed, that was unnecessary.
"Jian Wusheng, is it just you from the Hidden Group?"
Hasal looked at Jian Wusheng and asked with a frown.
He wasn't surprised by Jian Wusheng's appearance! He was just curious if the Hidden Group hadn't sent any other experts.
Jian Wusheng chuckled lightly and said calmly, "I alone am enough!"
"You!"
Arrogant!
Hasal's face instantly turned red. Those words clearly showed he looked down on the Bright Hall. He glanced at Zi Long, implying that they should make their move now.
First, they could teach Jian Wusheng a lesson, and second, they could see if the Hidden Group had other masters.
But Zi Long paid him no mind.
In his view, knowing the Hidden Group had appeared was sufficient. What would happen even if all the members of the Hidden Group were forced out?
Did they really have to cooperate with the Bright Hall to deal with the Hidden Group?
He couldn't do that!
"Jian Wusheng, the Heart of the Ruins is right there. How do you propose we distribute it?" Zi Long glanced over and asked calmly.
Jian Wusheng smiled slightly and replied, "May the best person win. Whoever snatches it, it's theirs!"
Hearing this, Zi Long frowned. Jian Wusheng's words carried too much confidence, forcing him to wonder if the other party had any backup plans.
On the other side, seeing that a joint effort wouldn't work, Hasal's eyes darted around rapidly, and then he said, "How about this: each of our three factions sends out two experts for a round-robin battle. The faction that wins will then go and retrieve the Heart of the Ruins?"
There was no other way. On the surface, the Dark Association had the most experts, and the Hidden Group had the fewest. However, it was not impossible that the Hidden Group had hidden masters.
Therefore, in Hasal's opinion, this was the best method. Each of the three factions would send out two Earth-level experts. He was confident that the Bright Hall would not lose to anyone!
After Hasal finished speaking, everyone understood that the Bright Hall likely had no hidden experts.
At the same time, they deeply disdained the Bright Hall.
The method of contention proposed by Hasal was most advantageous to the Bright Hall, which was a manifestation of base intentions.
As for the other factions, the Bright Hall didn't give them any consideration.
Although these factions were weaker, did they truly have no chance at all?
If they fought desperately and joined one side, wouldn't that also break some kind of balance?
Of course, for now, they were just thinking about it. If they were to trade their lives for another's glory, they couldn't do that.
On the other side, Zi Long glared deeply at Hasal, his eyes filled with disdain.
After a brief hesitation, he then said, "Hasal, you truly are a thousand-year-old fox, but today, I will not grant your wish! I agree with Jian Wusheng's method. May the best person win!"
The Bright Hall frequently broke their promises and employed all sorts of open and secret schemes, which Zi Long had long found unbearable.
Moreover, considering the Bright Hall's previous intention to seek revenge on Xuan Qi, he naturally wouldn't let the Bright Hall benefit for free.
"You're playing hardball!"
Hasal's face was unsightly, but he couldn't object, especially since the Hidden Group also agreed to this method.
If he were to object, it would invite a joint effort from the Hidden Group and the Dark Association, which would be a net loss.
"Listen up, everyone. After the countdown, you may attack simultaneously. Whoever retrieves the Heart of the Ruins first will claim it!"
Zi Long ignored Hasal's attitude and declared loudly.
The Heart of the Ruins was within the light pillar. It could be said that this was a contest of speed. Whoever grabbed the treasure first would possess it!
The Dark Association had a total of three Earth-level experts, with a number of Xuan-level deacons assisting them. Naturally, their chances of winning were the greatest.
Therefore, he did not refuse the participation of other factions in the contention. This starkly contrasted with the actions of the Bright Hall, not only avoiding public resentment but also making others even more disgusted with the Bright Hall.
As expected, as soon as the words fell, some people began to whisper and compare.
Zi Long pretended not to see it, his gaze swept towards Ye Cangtian, and he gave him a look, saying, "Xuan Qi, you conduct the countdown. Everyone else, listen up. Kill those who stand in your way, slay Buddhas who block your path. Obstruct every faction with all your might…"
Ye Cangtian nodded upon hearing this and stepped forward without delay.
He began the countdown.
At the same time, all factions began to discuss quietly, strategizing how to contend for the Heart of the Ruins.
"Ten!"
"Nine!"
…
"Two!"
"One!"
The countdown ended, and everyone, like unleashed wild horses, charged forward.
On the Huaxia side, Jian Wusheng was in the lead, heading straight for the light pillar.
However, the next moment, he stopped.
Zi Long had already blocked his path. Zi Long had heard of Jian Wusheng's strength.
Previously, Jian Wusheng had not been at a disadvantage even when facing the combined efforts of Qing Dao and Hasal. Now, only Zi Long could possibly stop Jian Wusheng!
On the other side.
Similarly, two figures blocked Hasal and Humphrey. They were Qing Dao and Lan Yue.
The remaining experts such as Xuan Wu, Xuan Liu, Xuan Jiu, and Xuan San also dispersed immediately to obstruct the experts from various factions.
In Zi Long's opinion, these three Earth-level experts were the biggest variables.
He believed that even if he, Lan Yue, and Qing Dao all went all out to contend for the Heart of the Ruins, Jian Wusheng, Hasal, and Humphrey would do their best to obstruct them.
Rather than that, it was better to strike first.
As for letting Xuan Qi conduct the countdown earlier and giving him a look, it was to place the heavy responsibility on Xuan Qi.
If Xuan Qi could obtain the Heart of the Ruins, then the Dark Association would have obtained the Heart of the Ruins!
As expected, Xuan Qi, being in close proximity, charged towards the light pillar with all his might the moment the countdown ended, leaving everyone behind.
What!
Zi Long, who was blocking Jian Wusheng, glanced at Xuan Qi's position. He thought it was a sure win, but at that moment, two figures appeared in his vision, darting out from the alleys on Xuan Qi's left and right.
Those two moved incredibly fast, comparable to Xuan Qi, and were also very close to the light pillar.
In this situation, it was truly hard to say who would have the last laugh!