"So that's how it is. No wonder they're so arrogant, not even putting Head Sikong and the others in their eyes," Chu Feng said, though the disgust he felt towards Yuan Qing and Qin Guang deepened with those words.
Moreover, that disgust was no longer directed solely at Yuan Qing and Qin Guang, but also at the two presiding elders of the Star-Gazing Observatory.
Chu Feng had already seen through their act. They didn't genuinely want Yuan Qing and Qin Guang to greet Sikong Zhaixing. It was a deliberate display of the Star-Gazing Observatory's two geniuses.
They wanted everyone to see the vast gap between their disciples and those of the Azure Wood Southern Forest. They were establishing their dominance. Even the severe punishment of the Black Python Stronghold earlier was part of the same strategy.
They sought to build an aura of authority in everyone's minds. Only in this way would more people be willing to join their sect, allowing them to grow even stronger and at least maintain their current splendor.
As a prestigious sect, such actions were understandable and not inherently wrong. But thinking that the Star-Gazing Observatory would use him and the disciples of the Azure Wood Southern Forest as stepping stones to showcase their own disciples' talents made Chu Feng feel a faint but definite sense of displeasure.
However, considering the opponent's true strength and the current reality that Sikong Zhaixing and the Azure Wood Southern Forest were in no position to rival the Star-Gazing Observatory, Chu Feng chose to endure it for now.
*Ding-ling-ling...*
Before long, a crisp, ringing sound suddenly emanated from the direction of the city wall. Looking up, the colossal city gate was slowly swinging open, and the clear chime came from the opening doors.
"The city gate is opening!" The sight of the Ancient Immortal's gate opening sent the massive crowd into a frenzy of excitement. Like a dense swarm of ants, they surged forward, all eager to catch a glimpse of the inside of the Ancient Immortal Realm.
"Those not entering for cultivation, withdraw to a thousand paces away."
However, just then, a calm, detached voice suddenly sounded from within the gate. Simultaneously, a gentle wave of wind swept out from the entrance, dispersing the rushing crowd like chaff.
After the wind had passed, a wide, clear space was formed before the great doors. In the face of this, the excited crowd calmed down, and few dared to approach again.
At this moment, the only ones still venturing towards the gate were those preparing to offer Superior-grade Royal Armaments as payment to enter the Ancient Immortal Pool for cultivation.
Chu Feng and his group had also arrived near the gate. They saw several hundred figures standing before it, clad in emerald-green cloaks.
The cloaks were peculiar, not made of simple fabric, but rather woven from what seemed to be special plant material. Undeniably, they possessed a unique beauty. If one had to describe it, they exuded an air of refined simplicity.
The wearers of these cloaks were clearly members of the Ancient Immortal. Their height was similar to humans, though their builds were slightly slenderer. Their features were hidden by the cloaks, but Chu Feng could see their eyes. They were no different from human eyes, except for their vibrant green irises.
Green irises should, by all logic, appear eerie. Yet theirs were not frightening; instead, they held a peculiar beauty.
Due to the influence of the great formation, Chu Feng could not use Mental Power to assess the cultivation levels of these Ancient Immortal members. However, it was needless to think that their strength would not be weak.
At this moment, those preparing to enter for cultivation began stepping forward to present their Royal Armaments.
The first to act were the people of the Star-Gazing Observatory. They were indeed wealthy and imposing, producing over three thousand Royal Armaments in one go, all of them Superior-grade.
Seeing those three thousand-plus gleaming Superior-grade Royal Armaments, many onlookers couldn't help but draw in a sharp breath. Even though they weren't their own weapons, they felt a twinge of heartache, for it was a truly staggering fortune.
Yet the Star-Gazing Observatory members looked perfectly at ease, without a trace of distress, thoroughly displaying their immense wealth. This was the Star-Gazing Observatory after all—at least here, they were unmatched by other forces.
Ultimately, all three thousand-plus disciples of the Star-Gazing Observatory entered, but not a single elder went in.
This was because the Ancient Immortal had regulations: Martial Kings entering for cultivation had to pay ten Royal Armaments, while Half-Emperor experts were strictly forbidden to enter.