In front of the main southern gate, seven groups of people suddenly materialized out of thin air, forcibly pushing the warriors of the various factions clustered near the entrance far back with an invisible force.
Once everyone had regained their footing and stared ahead in shock, their initial fear quickly gave way to delighted excitement and awe.
The heads of the Seven Great Families had appeared simultaneously!
These were not figures one could easily encounter on a whim. Coming to Zhongdu this time had truly been the right decision. Simply laying eyes on these seven was worth the journey alone.
For a moment, the assembled warriors looked on with fervent expressions, filled with reverence and admiration for the seven figures.
In contrast, the seven themselves were gazing into Zhongdu City with expressions of keen interest. The moment one stepped out of Zhongdu was also a test of the true appeal of the young masters of the Yang family. They naturally wanted to know which master the factions waiting outside the southern gate would choose to follow.
The sound of eight galloping Cloud-Treading Steeds arrived, and one by one, the steeds appeared.
Eight young masters of the Yang family, participating in the War of Succession, made their grand entrance.
Meng Shan, head of the Meng family, immediately urged his mount forward and saluted Yang Wei with a smile. "Young Master Wei."
"I've kept you waiting long!" Yang Wei replied calmly, his expression indifferent, offering a slight nod. News of their alliance had long since spread, so this display of intimacy was entirely expected.
Ye Xinrou, head of the Ye family, approached gracefully. Her charming face was touched with a faint blush. She was in the bloom of her twenties, her skin flawless, her figure lithe and graceful. Her expression was demure yet subtly alluring, and she smiled sweetly as she said, "Young Master Zhao."
Yang Zhao laughed heartily, bent down, and extended a large hand toward Ye Xinrou, his expression as warm and gentle as jade. "Come up!"
Ye Xinrou nodded slightly, took hold of Yang Zhao's hand, and with a light leap, floated onto the Cloud-Treading Steed before him, settling neatly upon it.
The heads of the other six families exchanged meaningful glances toward Ye Kuangren, the head of the Ye family.
With everyone watching, for a man and a woman to display such intimacy—it didn't look like they were merely allies. There was likely more to it than met the eye, perhaps some significant hidden connection.
Ye Kuangren's expression remained aloof. He showed no intention of reprimanding his daughter for her boldness. It seemed he had been fully aware all along.
At the same time, Gao Rangfeng and Yang Kang were chatting amicably, their arms linked. Kang Zhan and Yang Ying smiled at each other knowingly.
The four great families had declared their stances. The four young masters were beaming with triumph.
This was a stage for the young.
"You Qiu. Hasn't your Qiu family made its choice yet?" Huo Zheng watched eagerly, his heart itching with impatience. But looking left and right, he couldn't spot his own good-for-nothing son among the crowd, knowing full well the boy was likely off chasing romantic interests somewhere. Annoyance flared within him. Turning his head, he noticed Qiu Shoucheng standing seemingly alone beside him, and a sense of shared commiseration arose.
"Hasn't the choice already been made?" Qiu Shoucheng asked with a faint smile.
Huo Zheng was stunned. When he looked again, he saw, to his surprise, that Qiu Ziruo had already joined Young Master Liu, Yang Shen. Yang Shen also appeared pleasantly surprised and treated Qiu Ziruo with considerable courtesy.
Huo Zheng couldn't help but express his astonishment. "Oh? Old Qiu, is your son leading the Qiu family's participation this time? What about Little Meng Meng?"
Others also looked at Qiu Shoucheng with puzzled expressions.
Qiu Shoucheng had a son and a daughter. But the gap between them was vast as a chasm. Qiu Yimeng's name was already renowned throughout Zhongdu, the second-ranked figure among the younger generation. They had all assumed the Qiu family's participation in the War of Succession would be led by her, but unexpectedly, when the moment arrived, it was Qiu Ziruo who was here.
"The boy is grown. One must let him gain some experience, after all," Qiu Shoucheng chuckled. "The War of Succession is a rare opportunity!"
Kang Zheng pursed his lips and scoffed. "Old Qiu, not to sound harsh, but my kid is hopeless mud that can't be plastered to the wall. Your son, though slightly better, isn't much improved. If you ask me, you should pass the family head position to your daughter. If you give it to your son, the Qiu family will be doomed sooner or later!"
Qiu Shoucheng snorted coldly. "How I handle my affairs is none of your concern!"
Huo Zheng rolled his eyes. "You don't appreciate good intentions."
In the main area, the five great families had already declared their stances. The various large and small factions that had been observing could no longer contain themselves. Immediately, one person rushed forward, approaching Yang Wei. He cupped his fists and said, "I am Xuan Li, Chief Inner Disciple of the Three Saints Sect. I am willing to follow the Eldest Young Master and serve you with the loyalty of a dog."
Yang Wei glanced at him and gave a slight nod. "Good."
Xuan Li was overjoyed and hurriedly offered his thanks, quickly positioning himself behind Yang Wei.
With this Xuan Li of the Three Saints Sect leading the way, the young leaders of various factions eagerly stepped forward one after another, pledging themselves to the chosen sons of the Yang family.
In an instant, the scene became bustling and lively. Surveying the entire field, it was clear that the eldest Yang Wei and the second eldest Yang Zhao had undoubtedly received the most support. Whenever someone approached, Yang Wei merely gave a slight nod in acknowledgment, while Yang Zhao maintained a warm smile and received them cordially.
The two brothers had different personalities, which were vividly displayed in this moment.
Apart from them, the fifth son Yang Kang, the sixth son Yang Shen, and the seventh son Yang Ying—all three of whom had secured alliances with the other great families—also gathered a considerable number of supporters in a short time.
Only before the third son Yang Tie, the eighth son Yang Quan, and the youngest, Yang Kai, was the area deserted, with no one coming to pledge their allegiance.