50: The proud Zhao Peng, the eight major families gathered together

Seeing the frequent strange phenomena in the sky, all the rookies who had arrived at the scene swarmed forward.

They pushed towards the teleportation point.

Everyone's eyes gleamed with longing and anticipation.

"Everyone, step back!"

A majestic voice suddenly rang out, and the crowd instinctively retreated.

Everyone looked.

From within the Zhao Family's encampment, Zhao Mo walked out, his face cold.

"Now, divide into 10 columns according to order, and enter one by one. Anyone who dares to disrupt the order will be killed without mercy!"

The crowd exchanged glances, not understanding what Zhao Mo intended to do.

But the Zhao Family's power was deeply ingrained in everyone's hearts, and in this situation, no one dared to show the slightest disobedience.

That was the Zhao Family.

Soon, a large contingent of Dragon Abyss Legion members appeared at the entrance.

Their sharp gazes swept over every rookie who passed.

The others lowered their heads, not daring to meet their gaze.

The Zhao Family's purpose in doing this was naturally not to simply intimidate these rookies.

Rather, it was to find the hidden Night Shadow within.

The families at the other encampments around also understood the Zhao Family's intentions.

Although they were also very interested in that Night Shadow.

However, their strength was only considered second-rate, and some were even only third-rate.

All of them depended on the Zhao Family for survival, so they naturally didn't dare to harbor such thoughts.

In the distance, Ye Xiao saw this scene through the perspective of his clone.

He understood.

However, he didn't pay much attention to it.

At this moment, Ye Xiao also saw Bai Xiaoxiao at the very front of the crowd.

The Bai Family's influence in Jiangcheng was currently soaring, after all, if it weren't for the sudden emergence of Night Shadow.

With the strength Bai Xiaoxiao had displayed, she would indeed have been the undisputed choice for this year's Rookie King.

Therefore, many people present had already recognized this favored daughter of heaven.

Whether out of fear or a desire to curry favor.

Most people at this moment did not want to get into any disputes with Bai Xiaoxiao.

Moreover, standing beside Bai Xiaoxiao were Wang Cheng, who possessed an S-grade Talent from the Wang Family, and Lin Yong, who possessed an SS-grade Talent from the Lin Family.

As well as several other scions of other aristocratic families who were on good terms with them.

With such a lineup, others naturally dared not approach too closely.

Ye Xiao's gaze swept over her figure, and he couldn't help but sigh in his heart.

As expected, having a powerful family backing you truly makes a difference.

This noble aura, which assailed him, truly seemed quite impressive.

However, at this moment, Ye Xiao also noticed.

Among this group, besides Bai Xiaoxiao and a young man exuding a dark aura, similar to an assassin class, the rest, led by Wang Cheng, were all gathered in front of a gray-clothed young man who had just walked over.

Their attitude was not fawning, but their respectful demeanor already indicated the gray-clothed young man's extraordinary status.

Ye Xiao carefully observed the gray-clothed young man.

He didn't find anything special, and his heart was filled with curiosity.

At this moment, as soon as the gray-clothed young man arrived, Wang Cheng had already approached.

"Brother Peng, this time on the Path of Exile, let's cooperate. We are determined to leave our names on the leaderboard."

The gray-clothed young man was named Zhao Peng, and like Ye Xiao, he was a mage.

At the same time, he was also one of the Zhao Family's awakeners this year.

Zhao Peng awakened an A-grade Talent, Flame Enhancement.

Although this Talent was only A-grade, it was quite rare.

And its effects were actually not much worse than some S-grade or even SS-grade Talents.

However, his Talent limited him to only pursuing the path of a violent fire mage.

Coupled with the mage's extremely high demand for skill slots, this Talent only became A-grade.

The effect of Flame Enhancement not only amplifies the damage of fire-type skills but also has a certain probability of causing an explosion effect, increasing the damage range of fire-type skills.

This skill might not show much effect in the early stages, but when it reaches level two or three hundred in the later stages.

Its damage amplification becomes very obvious.

If Zhao Peng were a disciple of an ordinary second or third-rate force, this Talent might not have any effect.

But as one of the Alliance Eight Great Families, the Zhao Family naturally had enough resources to cultivate Zhao Peng.

Therefore, the Zhao Family had already set a plan for him early on, aiming to reach level 200 or above as quickly as possible while sacrificing the fewest skill slots.

As a result, up to now, besides a basic Fireball and Fire Element Mastery, and the Infernal Dragon Skill that the Zhao Family bought for him at a high price.

Zhao Peng himself had no other skills.

It was precisely because of this that Zhao Peng's level before this naturally couldn't keep up with the vanguard.

Most people didn't know about his existence.

But prodigies like Wang Cheng were different.

They were very clear about Zhao Peng's position in the Zhao Family.

Therefore, even though Zhao Peng's current strength might be slightly inferior to theirs, his future should definitely not be underestimated.

With this in mind, Wang Cheng and other informed individuals naturally tried every means to build a good relationship with Zhao Peng.

At this moment, Zhao Peng understood when he heard Wang Cheng's words.

However, a mere disciple of a small family that had just become second-rate was not qualified to call him brother.

He glanced sideways at Wang Cheng and said in an indifferent tone:

"You are merely S-grade. Do you even have the right to call me brother?"

Wang Cheng's face stiffened.

He had intended to make friends, but he didn't expect such an insult in return.

A surge of anger rose in his heart.

Zhao Peng seemed to see his dissatisfaction and said contemptuously, "Don't forget, that Night Shadow will also appear later. With the Zhao Family's current status, he only has the option of submitting to my Zhao Family."

"Even such a person will only be able to obediently help me reach the top of the leaderboard later. Tell me, what qualifications do you have?"

Suddenly, Zhao Peng's tone shifted, and he chuckled, "However, I see you still have some strength. I can give you a chance to prove yourself. As long as you satisfy me, I don't mind taking you into the Dragon Abyss Legion."

Wang Cheng continuously suppressed the anger that was about to erupt within him.

But he also knew that Zhao Peng was indeed right.

No matter how strong that Night Shadow was, he was still just one person.

With the Zhao Family's strength, there was a very high possibility of subduing him.

Leaving aside Night Shadow's strength, just the fact that he was significantly ahead of everyone else and was the first to reach level 50.

It was enough to prove his extraordinary ability in leveling up.

With him assisting, Zhao Peng indeed didn't need himself.

And the Wang Family was also dependent on the Zhao Family, so even if he felt extremely aggrieved, he could only endure it.

He even had to force a grateful attitude.

"Everything will be arranged by Brother Peng."

The few people around Wang Cheng could only lower their heads as well.

Seeing Wang Cheng and the others so obedient, Zhao Peng nodded noncommittally.

And this scene caused many rookies behind him to secretly marvel; even Wang Cheng, with an S-grade Talent, was so subservient.

However, someone soon recognized Zhao Peng's identity.

"So it's Zhao Peng, no wonder Wang Cheng reacted like that."

"This Zhao Peng seems to be the grandson of a certain elder of the Zhao Family. Although he only has an A-grade Talent, he is still highly valued by the Zhao Family."

"That being said, I heard that Zhao Peng is following the path of a violent fire mage, and his combat power in the early stages is very low. How can he compete?"

"Are you stupid? Aren't Wang Cheng and the others there? These families are all affiliated with the Zhao Family. Look at Wang Cheng and the others, they obviously plan to help Zhao Peng compete for the leaderboard."

"Alas! Those born with a silver spoon are just different."

"Tch! What's so great about that? Don't forget, we also have the great Night Shadow in our district."

"That's right! I almost forgot about the great Night Shadow. He's the amazing person who was significantly ahead of everyone else and the first to reach level 50. With him around, Zhao Peng probably won't be able to compete."

"Indeed, perhaps only Zhao Hao from a thousand years ago would have a chance."

"An A-grade Talent, as expected, is still not enough."

...Zhao Peng also overheard snippets, his eyes instantly growing cold as he swept his gaze across the crowd.

For a moment, the discussions among the crowd abruptly ceased.

Although they were unconvinced in their hearts, they dared not offend Zhao Peng.

That would not be a good thing.

Seeing those gossiping people shut up.

Zhao Peng sneered.

He didn't bother to argue; these people were simply too ordinary, so ordinary that they were like ants.

Ants were not worthy of making him angry.

Moreover, although he only awakened an A-grade Talent, if he truly grew up.

He believed he wouldn't be much worse than his cheap cousin.

Thinking of this, Zhao Peng shifted his gaze to Bai Xiaoxiao, who was currently bowing her head in front of him.

"Bai Xiaoxiao, you are qualified to be a member of my team. Come here."

At this moment, Bai Xiaoxiao heard Zhao Peng's condescending and indifferent words, and her heart was displeased.

She knew Zhao Peng; Bai Shanhe had already instructed her before coming.

If possible, try not to offend this Zhao Peng.

But in Bai Xiaoxiao's view, the meaning of these words was to not offend him if there was no trouble, but even if she did offend him, it wouldn't be a big problem.

With Bai Xiaoxiao's arrogance, hearing Zhao Peng's imperious commanding tone at this moment, she directly chose to ignore him.

Seeing Bai Xiaoxiao unmoved by his words, Zhao Peng's face immediately showed displeasure.

To be honest, Zhao Peng was still a little interested in this woman from a small family.

Not only was she extremely beautiful, but she was also a rare SSS-grade Talent awakener.

If he could win over this woman, he would receive even more attention from the Zhao Family.

Perhaps in the future, he wouldn't surpass his cheap cousin Zhao Hao, but contending for an elder position shouldn't be a difficult task.

Therefore, upon arriving in Dingfeng City this time.

Besides the Path of Exile, Zhao Peng's other goal was naturally Bai Xiaoxiao.

Therefore, seeing Bai Xiaoxiao ignore him, Zhao Peng immediately said coldly with dissatisfaction, "Bai Xiaoxiao, you don't want to help me?"

Zhao Peng didn't beat around the bush but questioned her directly and simply.

As a member of the Zhao Family, he believed he had this qualification.

Bai Xiaoxiao naturally had little interest in someone with only an A-grade Talent and an ordinary status in the Zhao Family.

Her ambition, after awakening an SSS-grade Talent, had already swelled to an unparalleled degree.

She wanted to step by step become the strongest, a supreme powerhouse.

This was something a useless Zhao Peng could never help her with.

She even bothered to feign civility with him.

"You are merely an A-grade awakener, yet you presume to command me? If you can defeat that Night Shadow, I might consider joining your team."

After speaking, Bai Xiaoxiao walked directly to the side.

Zhao Peng's face gradually darkened upon seeing this, and he said coldly, "Bai Xiaoxiao, I'm only speaking to you like this because you're quite good-looking. It seems you don't know what's good for you."

After a pause, Zhao Peng said confidently, "And that Night Shadow you mentioned will become my subordinate later. I'll give you one last chance to choose. If you miss it, this Path of Exile might be very difficult for you."

Unfortunately, Bai Xiaoxiao didn't even bother to reply this time.

This made Zhao Peng feel deeply humiliated.

His gaze towards Bai Xiaoxiao was filled with resentment.

Later, once the Third Elder subdued that Night Shadow, he wanted to see what kind of attitude this arrogant woman would have.

Meanwhile, Bai Xiaoxiao, who had walked aside, opened her panel.

【Brother Xiao, what have you decided?】

【I know you are very strong. As long as you are willing to secretly team up with me, the first place on the leaderboard will be yours, and I only want second.】

【As long as you agree, I can tell you all of the Eight Great Families' plans.】

...【Brother Xiao, I know you still resent me, but doesn't this indirectly prove that you still care about our relationship?】

【The Bai Family only wants to cultivate me to be their high-level enforcer, to assist Bai Shanhe's useless son in the future. I've long wanted to break free from him.】

【As long as you are willing to help me, we will take the top two spots on the leaderboard this time. Once we grow stronger, I will accompany you to seek revenge on the Bai Family.】

【As long as you nod, Xiao Xiao will be willing to serve you from now on, at your beck and call.】

...Unfortunately, this series of messages still fell on deaf ears, receiving no response.

At the same time, with the Dragon Abyss Legion maintaining order.

All the rookies who came to participate had already lined up.

Seeing this, Zhao Mo nodded to his subordinates.

The Dragon Abyss Legion members who were originally guarding the entrance also moved aside at this moment.

This action immediately invigorated all the rookies present.

Even Zhao Peng, Wang Cheng, and others now put away their respective thoughts.

Apparently, their emphasis on the Path of Exile was no less than that of ordinary people, and even more intense.

However, just as Zhao Mo was about to order the rookies to enter.

A figure suddenly rushed towards the entrance under everyone's incredible gaze.

"How dare you! Disrupting the order on site!"

Before the words finished, several Dragon Abyss Legion members immediately went to meet him.

However, the figure did not resist head-on. Instead, his body suddenly stopped, then he darted to the side.

At the same time, Zhao Changlin, who had been resting with his eyes closed in the tent, came out at the first sound of movement.

Although the figure was moving at high speed, Zhao Changlin still captured the figure's face immediately.

With just one glance, he recognized the figure's identity.

It was exactly the same as the photo he had seen in the Yun City First High School archives.

A hint of joy flashed in Zhao Changlin's eyes.

He finally appeared.

So, he said loudly, "Ye Xiao! I know it's you. Join my Zhao Family, and the resources my Zhao Family gives you will be second only to Zhao Hao."

And just at this moment.

"Ye Xiao! Join my Qi Family, and the position of Legion Commander of the White Horse Legion under the Qi Family will be yours in the future."

"Ye Xiao! My Qin Family can offer you the position of Guest Elder, with status second only to the Family Head and the three Great Elders."

"Ye Xiao! My Wei Family..."

"Ye Xiao! My Chu Family..."

"..."

Voices came from all directions.

Immediately after, several phantoms also appeared in front of everyone.

Zhao Changlin's face suddenly changed when he saw this scene.

However, he was not surprised.

If these people hadn't come, he would have been truly surprised.

However, this was, after all, the Zhao Family's territory.

There weren't many people from the other families.

The advantage was his.

He believed that Night Shadow was a smart person and should understand how to analyze the pros and cons.

And with the appearance of these people.

The rookies who were originally preparing to enter the Path of Exile were all dumbfounded.

Many of them also recognized the identities of the newcomers.

The Qi Family, the Chu Family, the Qin Family, the Wei Family... these were all famous existences among the Alliance Eight Great Families.

Unexpectedly, they had all gathered here for a Night Shadow.

Even if only their reflections came, it was enough to be shocking.

At the same time, they also realized.

The figure that had just appeared was actually Night Shadow.

The legendary figure who broke the rookie Secret Realm record, became the master of the Unowned Secret Realm, significantly surpassed everyone, and was the first to reach level 50.

For a moment, everyone's gaze was fixed on the slightly slender figure in the distance.

Everyone opened their eyes wide, wanting to catch a glimpse of Night Shadow's true face.

However, just at this moment.

The figure in mid-air, under the watchful eyes of the crowd, suddenly shattered into pieces.

In the blink of an eye, it disappeared from everyone's sight.

This bizarre scene immediately stunned countless people present.

"What... what happened?"

"I don't know! Why is the person gone?"

"Could it be a mistake?"

"It shouldn't be. People from the Eight Great Families have all appeared. If it's a mistake, wouldn't it be a joke?"

"Could it be that someone secretly attacked and killed that Night Shadow?"

...The crowd discussed animatedly.

Zhao Changlin, however, reacted immediately, his face instantly changing dramatically.

"That was just a phantom. He never intended to join my Zhao Family! Quick! Seal the entrance!"

The figures from the other Eight Great Families also reacted at this moment.

Their faces were also extremely unpleasant.

Because they appeared here at the same time, it proved that Night Shadow had not joined any force before this.

Many people had contacted Night Shadow before, but they had not received any reply.

This scene now made these people understand.

Night Shadow did not intend to join any side.

After realizing this, the few people did not stop Zhao Changlin.

Instead, they exchanged glances and then left one after another.

The Zhao Family would handle the next matters.

They were not needed at all.

Unfortunately, as early as when Ye Xiao's clone appeared.

His main body had already used Void Phantom to enter the entrance of the Path of Exile one step ahead.