Chapter 490: Chance Encounter with the Eternal Third

"Just arrived, Potato, how's your data collection going?"

Wei Xiang'an said softly.

Then he saw the booklet in Wang Yuping's hand—apparently the list of contestants for this written exam.

"Look who you're talking to—of course my efficiency is top-notch."

"Senior brother, this is the full list of all contestants, including the other four sects. They've not only brought back past participants but added some new ones this time."

"I've already recorded everyone's abilities in this roster."

Wang Yuping looked at Lin Bai with an expression of self-congratulation.

"Not bad, Wang Yuping."

Lin Bai nodded at him with a smile.

Then he opened the roster and began reading.

Soon, time passed swiftly, and the day arrived to depart for the competition site.

Disciples from the Zong Sect heading to the competition all set out, and Lin Bai served as their leader, responsible for guiding them.

"Senior brother, Master Shizunhe and the Sect Lord have already arrived ahead of us. I have a feeling this written exam isn't simple."

On the journey, Wang Yuping spoke to Lin Bai in a calm tone.

Feng Feng Yunzheng and the others had left two days before Lin Bai's group, heading for the Heavenly Immortal Realm.

"Why say that? Wasn't it the same before?"

Hearing this, Lin Bai furrowed his brow, even feeling a flicker of curiosity.

"Not like before—Elder Zhanglaohe and the Sect Lord usually traveled with us disciples."

Before Wang Yuping could answer, Wei Xiang'an cut in.

Wang Yuping, seeing his words stolen, rolled his eyes.

But still nodded toward Lin Bai.

"Looks like this year's contest will be interesting."

Lin Bai's lips curled slightly upward.

"Senior brother, what do you think will happen this year?"

"Why are the Sect Lord and others so tense?"

Wang Yuping looked at Lin Bai with confusion, hoping for an answer—but Lin Bai only shook his head.

As for what Feng Feng Yunzheng and the others were thinking, Lin Bai had no idea yet—everything would only become clear once they reached the Heavenly Immortal Realm.

"Alright, let's not overthink it for now—just get through the competition first."

"When something actually happens, I'm sure the Sect Lord and others won't keep it from us."

Lin Bai raised an eyebrow, still smiling as he teased them. "Oh? I was wondering who that huge group ahead belonged to—turns out it's our eternal fourth-place guy."

At that moment, a mocking voice suddenly came from behind Lin Bai's group.

Lin Bai frowned and turned to look behind him.

A group of men in blue-patterned robes slowly approached; after their leader spoke those words, the others burst into laughter.

Lin Bai stared at them, puzzled.