"Those who have passed the trial, follow the guide into the Sealed Ancient Village. Do not wander off, and observe the village rules — otherwise, don't blame us for driving you out."
"As for those who failed, don't be disheartened. Keep at it. As long as you keep trying, one day you will pass the village gate trial and become guests of our Sealed Ancient Village."
"And those of you trapped inside the village gate trial who can't get out — don't panic. Once the examination period ends, our village people will come and rescue you."
"Have you all understood?" the old man of the Sealed Ancient Village — a Second-rank Half Emperor — called out in a booming voice.
"We understand!" the crowd answered in unison, their voices ringing out thunderously. At the same time, anticipation burned even brighter on their faces, for they knew the chance to enter the Sealed Ancient Village was finally at hand.
"Today is a special occasion, so I'll grumble a bit more."
"Within our Sealed Ancient Village, although discipline is strict, we never interfere in personal disputes between visitors."
"Today, several visitors have placed wagers on who will be the first to pass our village gate trial, and turned it into a competition."
"I believe this is a good thing. After all, in the world of martial cultivators, without struggle there is no progress."
"So, at their request, I have agreed to serve as the notary for this competition."
"Now, all of you participating in the competition — hand over your wagers to me and place them inside this Universe Bag," the old man said.
"What? Hand them over to him?"
Hearing this, many of the participants hesitated. After all, their wagers were all valuable items, and entrusting them to someone else for safekeeping did not sit well with them.
Almost everyone worried that this old man of the Sealed Ancient Village would simply abscond with their treasures.
But just then, Chu Feng was the first to step forward, placing his one hundred thousand Martial Beads into the old man's Universe Bag without a moment's hesitation.
For in such a public setting, Chu Feng believed the old man of the Sealed Ancient Village would never be so shameless as to steal their treasures.
Moreover, from his earlier observations, Chu Feng felt the old man's character was commendable and trustworthy. That was why Chu Feng had not hesitated to hand over his one hundred thousand Martial Beads.
Furthermore, after handing over the beads, Chu Feng bowed politely to the old man and said, "Senior, sorry to trouble you."
"Mm, this is what I ought to do." The old man smiled faintly and nodded with clear satisfaction at Chu Feng's gesture.
After all, that Chu Feng would entrust him with one hundred thousand Martial Beads without hesitation showed true trust — and at such a young age to possess such magnanimity, the old man naturally appreciated it greatly.
"Hehe, th-th-this... senior, you better n-n-not... not run off with it, okay?"
"With so many people watching, if you... you try to steal it, I'll... I'll make sure your infamy spreads far and wide!"
Just then, Wang Qiang sidled over with a grin and tossed his poop-like object into the old man's Universe Bag. Compared to Chu Feng's respectful behavior — which was truly commendable — his performance left much to be desired.
His demeanor made the old man frown deeply, and even drew silent curses from the onlookers.