Once I enter the pass, great Confucian scholars will surely debate the classics for me.

The atmosphere at Tianxi Teahouse was jubilant. Many of the tea drinkers were so excited and their mouths were dry from Zhou Zi'ou's words that they were all fired up. The few thugs who had been insulting Zhou Qingfeng fell silent, probably knowing they couldn't win the argument with Zhou Zi'ou, and quietly left.

Zhou Qingfeng saw everything but ignored the few thugs. Given his current status, position, and power, there was no need for him to bother with a few thugs. If things got too out of hand, someone would take care of them; it wasn't his place to do it personally.

So Zhou Qingfeng continued to sit quietly among the many tea drinkers with a smile, leisurely eating melon seeds, and even cheering and applauding.

After the enthusiastic atmosphere subsided a bit, Zhou Zi'ou gestured for everyone to be quiet: "Ladies and gentlemen, enough of the small talk, let's get down to business. Do you want to know why so many people from other places have suddenly come to the Sword Tower?"

This time, many tea drinkers gave them face and laughed loudly, saying, "Yes, tell us quickly!"

Zhou Zi'ou flicked his folding fan and smiled confidently: "There is a long-standing legend in the Five Turbid World. This legend tells that every thousand years, the Echoing Dragon from ancient times will lead one hundred and eight Devouring Fiend Realm cultivators who possess the Dragon Bone True Scripture to retrace the Ancient Path of the Gods."

“I know that many of you have never heard of the Echoing Dragon, let alone the Dragon Bone Scripture and the Ancient Path of Conferred Gods.”

"But that's alright, let me explain one by one..."

Zhou Zi'ou spoke eloquently, recounting the origins of the Echoing Dragon, the uses of the Dragon Bone Scripture, and the location of the Ancient Path of Gods. However, he only scratched the surface of what he said and did not go into detail, indicating that he did not know much about the core content.

However, these things are already attractive enough to ordinary, law-abiding citizens at the grassroots level.

After all, many of the people who can drink tea and listen to stories here have never even left Sword Tower City in their lives. The farthest they've probably been is within the city limits. Their knowledge and perspectives are very limited, and they know nothing about many things.

It's not that no Sword Tower people venture abroad; in fact, there are many.

One tea drinker asked, "We understand the legend of the Dragon Bone Scripture, but what does that have to do with the sudden surge in people from other places?"

Another tea drinker said, "Are you stupid? There must be a connection, otherwise why would he say so much?"

Zhou Ziou said, "Please calm down and let me finish. The Dragon Bone Scripture has 108 volumes, which is equivalent to 108 tickets. To seize this ticket to the top, do you think how many people and how many forces will go crazy for it?!"

"Just two and a half years ago, the scattered Dragon Bone Scripture suddenly showed signs and began to appear in the world, stirring up a bloody storm. The powerful and wealthy families in the court and the famous sects in the martial arts world were all moved by the news and had become bloodthirsty in order to seize a single copy of the Dragon Bone Scripture."

"After two and a half years of fighting and vying, the Dragon Bone Manual has gradually found its owners, and those who possess the Dragon Bone Manual have all come to the Sword Tower."

"As far as I know, on January 1, 1103, the Dragon of the Void will descend here and lead those who possess the Dragon Bone Scripture to retrace the Ancient Path of the Gods. Those who attempted to seize the Dragon Bone Scripture have also come to the Sword Tower. And that's when something interesting happens."

"Those who possess the Dragon Bone Manual want to ascend to the dragon throne, while those who do not possess the Dragon Bone Manual also want to ascend to the dragon throne. What do you think will happen?"

Zhou Zi'ou stood proudly, lightly waving his folding fan, and laughed confidently: "Today's Sword Tower is a gathering of heroes and talents. This competition to ascend to the Dragon's Throne will surely be a fierce battle, full of both open and covert struggles. If you are fortunate enough to witness Fourth Master's unparalleled prowess in competing with the heroes of the world, you should feel extremely honored, because this is the glory of your entire lives! Hahahaha!"

"Wow wow wow~~~" A chorus of "wow" echoed throughout Tianxi Teahouse.

The tea drinkers were thoroughly stirred by the storyteller Zhou Ziou's passionate words.

They all looked wistful and lost in thought.

"No wonder there were suddenly so many people from other places. It turns out they're all here for the competition to climb the dragon."

"These outsiders are really tight-lipped."

"The battle for the dragon's throne... what a magnificent scene!"

Zhou Qingfeng's face flushed slightly. He lowered his head and silently ate sunflower seeds, saying nothing: "..."

At that moment, several government officials walked in, shoving and shoving the tea drinkers, and cursing them to get lost.

"Get out, get out! What are you looking at? The Night Patrol Division is handling a case. All irrelevant people, get out of here, or you'll all be arrested!" A black-clad warrior from the Turbid Realm walked in with several white-clad servants. Without saying a word, he began to drive away the tea drinkers.

The tea drinkers were enjoying their tea and listening to the storyteller when they were suddenly interrupted. They were furious, but when they saw that the person in charge was a government official, they immediately shut up and slunk away, afraid of offending the government. In this world, they dare to fight against the heavens and demons, but they really dare not fight against the government.

The bustling Tianxi Teahouse was soon deserted, with most of the customers leaving. The remaining patrons also slowly got up to leave, their demeanor a mix of dawdling and gossip, as if they wanted to slow down and watch the excitement unfold.

The manager of Tianxi Teahouse hurriedly stepped forward and clasped his hands in greeting: "Sir, I don't know where I offended you, causing you to be so angry. It is my fault, and I accept the punishment. Please come inside for a chat, and I will offer you my treasured tea as an apology."

"Get out of here, this is none of your business today, don't cause trouble." The black-clad strongman reached out and pressed his hand on the shopkeeper's face, then casually pushed him aside.

The shopkeeper's face was grim. He was, after all, a cultivator at the Fiend Realm, and to be so humiliated by a mere Fiend Realm cultivator like Karami was truly unbearable. But even if he couldn't bear it, he had to endure it. After all, the other party was an official, and he was a merchant. He couldn't afford to offend him.

"Kid, don't run away. You've already shown your face, where do you think you can go? If you dare to run, your crime will be compounded." The black-clad strongman pointed at Zhou Zi'ou, who was trying to slip away, and beckoned him with his hand. Then, the black-clad strongman walked to the tea table, sat down, and started cracking a handful of melon seeds.

Zhou Zi'ou walked helplessly to the black-clad strongman, clasped his hands in a salute, and said, "I am Zhou Zi'ou. May I ask what instructions you have for me, sir?"

The black-clad strongman spat out sunflower seed shells, looking completely unconcerned: "Young man, you're in big trouble. Were you spreading rumors and inciting people here just now? Think it over carefully and confess honestly here, and I'll see if I need to take you back."

Zhou Zi'ou's face changed, and he cursed, "Damn it, sir! Please investigate thoroughly! I did not spread rumors. Those guys were smearing Fourth Master. I argued with them for a few minutes, and when they realized they couldn't win the argument, they secretly and maliciously reported me."

The black-clad strongman clicked his tongue and patted Zhou Zi'ou on the shoulder: "I've given you a chance. If you won't talk, then come with me."

After saying that, the black-clad strongman pulled out an ancient, calamity-level shackle: "Will you put it on yourself or should I do it for you?"