“So many people!” Judge exclaimed as he looked around. The seats around the ten arenas were already packed, and in addition to those seated, there were also many onlookers standing around.
A rough estimate revealed that there were at least two hundred and fifty to two hundred and sixty thousand people on the scene.
“The Dragon-Phoenix Ranking has quite an attraction for martial practitioners!” Soul Chaser sighed.
“Let’s go!” Billy said casually, leading everyone towards the participants’ rest area.
“Commander Gardner!” Just then, Rolf walked briskly towards them.
“Lord Robertson, what’s the matter?” Billy smiled slightly.
“Commander Gardner, the Prime Minister suggests that you bring these esteemed guests to the VIP seats with them.” Rolf responded respectfully.
“Thank the Prime Minister for me again.” Billy smiled once more. “Since we are here as participants, we should abide by the rules of the competition and not request special treatment.”
“Commander Gardner, the area around the participants’ rest area is crowded, and I’m afraid they might disturb you…” Rolf continued hesitantly.
“It’s okay!” Billy waved his hand, cutting off his words. “We don’t mind.”
“Then… let me lead you over, Commander Gardner. I’ll have them arrange a separate rest area for you.” Rolf hesitated for a moment before making a respectful gesture.
“Thank you, Lord Roberston!”
Billy smiled again and walked towards the west side. Ivy, Casey, and the others followed closely.
Soon, they arrived at the number one rest area, where ten SHADOW guards were already waiting.
“Greetings, Commander!” When they saw Billy, the SHADOW members simultaneously bowed.
“No need for formalities!” Billy waved his hand.
“Commander Gardner, if there are any instructions, please feel free to call me!” After everyone took their seats, Rolf looked at Billy and spoke.
“Alright!” Billy nodded in response.
“Lord Roberston, you can go ahead and take care of your business. Don’t worry about us!”
“Okay!” Rolf greeted Ivy, Casey, and others before turning and leaving.
“Boss, I’ll go out for a stroll!” After Rolf left, Casey stood up and spoke.
“Sure!” Billy nodded.
“Boss, I’ll go too!” Bob, Azure Dragon, and the others also spoke at the same time.
“It should be about time. Come back early!” Billy nodded again.
Subsequently, everyone left the rest area, leaving Ivy accompanying Billy.
“Ivy, how far have you practiced your Ether Mountain Sword Art?” Billy raised his teacup and took a sip before asking.
“I’ve already reached perfection a few days ago!” Ivy said with a playful smile. “I even called Grandpa to tell him, and he praised me!”
“Haha, really?” Billy laughed. “You’ve reached perfection so quickly, that’s excellent!”
“Now, if you encounter an opponent in the Perfection Realm of War God-Emperor, you should have no problem, right?”
“Yes!” Ivy nodded with confidence. “Even against a Half-Sovereign, I can give it a try!”
“So confident?” Billy laughed again.
“I want to keep up with you, Billy. I can’t let you leave me too far behind!” Ivy smiled as well.
“If you really encounter one, do your best, but don’t force it!” Billy instructed.
“I know! Thanks for your concern!”
Ivy paused for a moment, as if recalling something, and looked at Billy with a slightly serious expression.
“Billy, during my time in the cabinet, I’ve noticed that it’s a bit different from what I imagined,” she said, taking a sip of her tea.
“What do you mean?” Billy asked, slightly puzzled.
“I have a vague sense that the relationships among the cabinet elders are quite delicate,” Ivy continued after a sip of tea. “But exactly what it is, I can’t put my finger on it right now!”
Billy squinted slightly, paused, and instructed, “Keep an eye out and observe for a bit longer.”
“Okay!” Ivy nodded again.
After chatting for a while, Casey and the others gradually returned to the lounge.
“Boss, there are quite a few outstanding figures from the ancient martial arts world this time.” Casey, sitting down, looked at Billy and spoke.
“As expected!” Billy nodded. “Do you know anyone from the major super sects?”
“I know a small portion of them.” Casey continued, “The young master of Saint Sky Sword Pavilion, mentioned by Prime Minister last night, has indeed come!”
“Oh?” Billy raised an eyebrow.
“Due to the distance, I couldn’t detect his martial arts cultivation.” Casey added.
“I see.” Billy nodded slightly.
“In addition, several top-tier families, including the Frazier clan, have also sent representatives.” Casey continued.
“Who from the Frazier clan?” Billy was slightly surprised. He had been too busy lately and hadn’t paid much attention to the affairs of this clan.
“I’m sorry, this is a special area. Please do not enter without permission!” Just then, a SHADOW guard’s voice came from the entrance.
Billy looked over and saw a youthful and beautiful figure standing at the entrance, peering inside.
“Let her in!” Billy smiled and said.
At a glance, he recognized the visitor as Violet Frazier.
“Yes, Commander!” The SHADOW member responded and allowed her to enter.
“Billy, is it really you? I thought I was seeing things just now!” Violet Frazier walked in joyfully.
“Violet, did you also sign up for the selection tournament?” Billy greeted her.
“I don’t have that ability. I came with my father and the others just to watch the excitement.” She chuckled.
“Your father is here too?” Billy asked. “How’s the family recently?”
“It’s good!” Violet smiled sweetly. “Since you publicly declared the relationship between the Frazier clan and the Western Frontier Army, no one has come to cause trouble for us.”
Speaking of this, she seemed to remember something, hesitated for a moment, and had a somewhat reluctant expression.
“But…”
“But what?” Billy asked.
“Billy, I’ll find another time to talk to you about it, alright?” Violet looked at Casey and the others, seeming to have concerns due to the crowded venue.
“They’re not outsiders. Feel free to speak!” Billy understood that she had reservations because of the large crowd.
“Oh, okay.” Violet nodded slightly.
“The Stuart family came to my family not long ago. My father hinted that they might already be suspecting your identity.”
“Hmm?” Billy furrowed his brows slightly. “When did this happen?”
“They came a few days ago. I heard that they’ve been investigating and questioning many things.” Violet continued.
Billy sighed softly. The matter of the Stuart family was a lingering thorn in his heart. He had been avoiding thinking about it, but that didn’t mean he had completely let it go. The mastermind behind the massacre of his foster family still lived, so how could he truly let it go?
He simply chose not to dwell on it for the moment because every thought of the Stuart family brought images of his parents to his mind, a feeling that was hard to bear.
Casey and the others, upon hearing Violet’s words, furrowed their brows simultaneously. They all knew what the Stuart family meant to Billy.