The charming widow of the Marquis's mansion: The stable boy carries the flag and raises the dra

"It seems that in the second round, we'll have to rely on Wang Shengzi and Ye Shengnu again."

Discussions rose and fell, some people looked worried, some shook their heads and sighed, and some subconsciously looked at Wang Long and Ye Niannu.

Wang Long held his wine glass, not speaking immediately, his mind racing as he considered the possible scenarios that a war of attrition might bring.

If it really is a war of attrition, then it is indeed extremely disadvantageous to the Eastern Region, which has fewer people. No matter how quickly his spiritual power recovers, he will be worn down when facing hundreds of people taking turns to fight.

Ye Niannu also put down her wine cup, the lazy smile in her peach blossom eyes slightly faded, but she did not show any fear.

She turned her head to look at Wang Long and whispered.

"My lord, if this is truly a war of attrition, we may not be able to hold out for long."

"Um."

Wang Long nodded, his expression calm.

"However, the rules have not been finalized yet, and even if it is a series of challenges, there may still be ways to deal with it."

Seeing his calm demeanor, the tension in everyone's hearts eased a little.

Zhou Yanzhi broke the silence first. He stood up, took out a storage bag from his pocket, and placed it in front of Wang Long.

"Sage King, these are some spirit stones and pills I've saved up over the past few days. They're not a lot, but they might come in handy."

"Keep it for the second round. We can't be of much help, but we can't let you carry the burden alone."

As soon as he moved, the others stood up as well. Some took out spirit stones, some took out spirit plants, and some handed over bottles of pills, piling them up in front of Wang Long and Ye Niannu.

"I also have some spirit stones, Holy Son Wang, please take them!"

"I have a few pills here to restore spiritual energy. Although they're not high-grade, there are plenty of them!"

"And me! I have a thousand-year-old Ganoderma lucidum here. I originally intended to keep it for my own breakthrough, but it's more worthwhile for you to use it!"

"Prince Wang, please accept this! Our Eastern Region is counting on you!"

He opened his mouth as if to refuse, but was interrupted by the chatter of the crowd.

"Wang Shengzi, please don't refuse! This is everyone's good intention!"

"Exactly! You've helped the Eastern Region gain such a huge reputation, what's a little resource from us!"

"If you refuse, that means you're looking down on us!"

Seeing this, Ye Niannu couldn't help but chuckle, then turned her head and whispered to Wang Long.

"My lord, everyone is so kind, please accept this. Otherwise, they will feel bad about it."

Wang Long looked around at the expectant and sincere faces, remained silent for a moment, and finally nodded slightly.

"Very well, then I will accept it."

He reached out and carefully collected the spirit stones and pills one by one.

"I will go all out in the second round of the competition."

Seeing that he accepted it, everyone smiled with satisfaction, and the atmosphere warmed up again.

As they were talking, footsteps came from the entrance of the viewing platform. Everyone turned to look and saw Song Tiange walking side by side with Ye Wushuang, followed by several elders from the Eastern Region sects.

Song Tiange was dressed in a dark blue casual outfit today, with a smile on her face.

"Looks like we're late; the wine's almost all gone."

Everyone quickly stood up, and someone laughed and chimed in.

"Lord Song, you've arrived just in time! The banquet has only just begun!"

Ye Wushuang walked to Ye Niannu's side, his gaze lingered on her for a moment, and he spoke in a low voice.

"A breakthrough?"

Ye Niannu nodded, her tone carrying a hint of smugness.

"Yes, thanks to you, my lord."

Upon hearing this, Ye Wushuang's gaze flickered slightly, but he didn't ask any further questions. He simply nodded and sat down beside her.

After taking his seat at the head of the table, Song Tiange picked up his wine glass and looked around, his voice carrying a rare hint of emotion.

"I have guarded Tianque Town for hundreds of years and sent countless batches of disciples from the Eastern Region to participate in the regional selection, but never before has anyone achieved such results in the first round."

"Wang Long, Ye Niannu, your battle has displayed a spirit that has never been seen in the Eastern Region for a thousand years."

As he spoke, he raised his glass and gestured towards Wang Long and Ye Niannu.

"This cup is a toast to you all."

Wang Long also raised his glass and clinked it against his from a distance.

"Lord Song, you flatter me. I only did my best."

Song Tiange didn't say anything more, tilted his head back and drank it all in one gulp.

After putting down his wine glass, he changed the subject, his tone becoming somewhat serious.

"I just discussed this with the elders, and you must have heard some rumors about the second round of the competition."

Everyone quieted down and all eyes fell on Song Tiange.

"The ring-style elimination tournament is indeed the most likely format at present. If it is ultimately decided, it will certainly be disadvantageous for the Eastern Region, but..."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the crowd.

"Since the competition format hasn't been finalized yet, we don't need to be pessimistic too early. The purpose of today's gathering is to help everyone relax and not be too nervous."

Several elders from sects in the Eastern Region also chimed in.

"Yes! The fact that our Eastern Region has reached this point already surpasses any previous session!"

"Holy Son Wang, Holy Daughter Ye, don't put too much pressure on yourselves, just do your best!"

"The selection process is still long. Even if you don't do well in the second round, there will be other opportunities!"

Ye Wushuang sat beside Ye Niannu, holding a teacup, and spoke softly.

"Lord Song is right. Today is a gathering. Let's not talk about the competition rules or the pressure. Let's just eat, drink, and have fun."

As she spoke, she glanced at Wang Long, her gaze carrying a rare gentleness.

"You two, take a break too."

Looking at the faces of the crowd, some filled with emotion and others with relief, Wang Long felt Ye Niannu's hand reach out from under the table and gently grasp his hand, her fingertips cool and warm.

He took her fingers in his hand, said nothing, raised his glass, and clinked it with the others.

"Alright, let's just drink today."

The banquet ended quite late.

The contestants from the Eastern Region dispersed in twos and threes. Some of them turned back to wave to Wang Long and Ye Niannu as they left, saying, "Holy Son Wang, Holy Daughter Ye, get some rest. We'll catch them off guard again in the second round!" Their tone was full of pride and trust.

Wang Long stood at the edge of the viewing platform, watching those figures disappear at the end of the corridor. The night breeze brushed against his robes, carrying the unique sweet scent of the Spirit Fruit Garden.

Ye Niannu walked to his side, naturally took his arm, rested her chin on his shoulder, and spoke with a languid lingering tone.

"My lord, everyone has left, we should go back now."

Wang Long withdrew his gaze, turned his head to look at her, and the moonlight made the smile between her eyebrows and eyes appear particularly gentle.

He nodded without saying anything more, and the two walked side by side along the corridor back to their residence.

The sound of the courtyard gate closing was particularly clear in the night, completely shutting out the noise and lights of the outside world.

Only a small lamp was lit inside, casting a soft and warm light.

Ye Niannu sat down on the edge of the bed, stretched, and nestled into Wang Long's arms, letting out a satisfied sigh.

"I think I'll be able to sleep until noon tomorrow..."