Hearing these words, the City Master's face grew even uglier.
He truly hadn't known the full story before. If this was really the case, then with the Chief Elder backing Chu Feng, he… truly had no recourse.
"Also, I might as well tell you something."
"This assessment was never aimed at all cities. It was only aimed at your nineteen cities."
"From the very beginning, I had already selected my candidate, and Five Two One was that candidate."
"So, never mind whether he violated the rules — even if he truly had, I would still be taking him away regardless."
The moment the Chief Elder finished speaking, the City Master's face had gone completely ashen. Only now did he realize that the opportunity he had fought so hard to secure had never belonged to him in the first place.
And yet, in his desperation to give his son a chance to interact with Xianhai Yu'er, he had offended three elders of the Star Sea Capital.
Now, it seemed he had even indirectly offended this Chief Elder as well.
Realizing his dire position, he immediately dropped to both knees.
With a thud, he knelt before the Chief Elder. "Chief Elder, it was my dereliction of duty. I humbly beg the Chief Elder to punish me."
But faced with the City Master who had so decisively dropped to his knees, the Chief Elder's expression remained cold.
"Your nineteen cities have seen their talent wither. Selection after selection, and none of your nineteen cities have produced anyone worthy. Do you still not understand why?"
"I had originally thought that if your nineteen cities could gradually rise to prominence, I might give you another chance down the road."
"But looking at it today, your nineteen cities truly have serious problems."
"If the rot runs from top to bottom, all the way to the roots, then your nineteen cities may no longer have any reason to exist. Punishing you would be a waste of my time."
"If you still want your nineteen cities to continue to exist, then reflect on this yourselves — and properly discipline the people of your city."
After saying this, the Chief Elder turned his gaze toward an elder standing among the crowd.
That elder was the same Senior Elder who had first received Chu Feng — the one who had recommended him to the Formation Hall.
"Your talent may be lacking, but you have a discerning eye for potential and a genuine willingness to nurture it. I will give you the opportunity to go to the Star Sea Capital. Will you accept?" the Chief Elder asked.
"I will! This subordinate is willing!" The Senior Elder nodded repeatedly.
How could he possibly refuse? Anyone would jump at such an opportunity.
"Five Two One, will you be bringing this attendant with you?" the Senior Elder then asked Chu Feng.
The moment these words left the Senior Elder's lips, Three Nine Nine's expression became complicated. His eyes were filled with longing, yet he lowered his head.
He hadn't imagined such an opportunity would even be possible.
But was he worthy?
He didn't think he was. Once Chu Feng entered the Star Sea Capital, there would be no telling how many outstanding people would serve him. He — a lowest-rank formation entity — was simply not worthy.
And yet that feeling was the hardest to bear. Knowing full well he wasn't worthy, knowing he would never receive this chance — and still clinging to that faint sliver of hope.
But just then, Chu Feng spoke without hesitation. "Elder, I'm bringing him."
Hearing these words, Three Nine Nine jerked his head up. He could hardly believe his own ears.
Chu Feng, who was already bound for the Star Sea Capital, was still willing to take him along?
This feeling… it was like a dream.
"Very well."
The Chief Elder waved his great sleeve, collecting the three assessment palaces, and then led everyone away from the place.
Not only had the Senior Elder been chosen, but even Chu Feng's attendant had been given the opportunity to go to the Star Sea Capital.
Truly, when one attains the Dao, even his chickens and dogs ascend to heaven.
Those people seethed with resentment and burned with envy.