Most folks here?
Just came to watch the show.
Only those from big-name clans or with rare talent actually stood a chance at joining this marriage contest.
Everyone knew the Elwood Clan stood tall in Northreach Dominion-a family of warriors, feared and respected.
Tying a bond with them wasn’t just a matter of pride; it came with plenty of perks.
“No idea what Lord Elwood’s thinking.
With his reputation, even the royal family’s kids would be a match.
Why this whole public marriage challenge nonsense?” someone muttered, confused by Landon’s decision.
“You don’t get it,” another said.
“The Elwoods don’t care about riches.
They want strength.
Talent.
A son-in-law who can stand on his own in cultivation.
That’s what matters to them.”
“Word is, every participant this time is a top prodigy from some major clan.
I even saw Jareth from Lunaris just now…”
“Crowley?
That’s nothing.
Seen Spencer from Eastwatch City?
Trevor from Gracehold City?
What about Derek from Azuredrake City?
I didn’t just see them-I even got their autographs!”
The plaza buzzed with chatter, girls especially shrieking at every mention of the young elites showing up.
Just saying the names of these prodigies seemed to make them swoon.
Cassian stood at the edge of the crowd, clearly overwhelmed.
“Young Master, why are you still here?
Have you turned in your token?” A soft voice cut through his daze-Emily had appeared at his side.
“Still got it here,” Cassian said with a sheepish grin, holding up his token.
“Honestly though, I’ve got no clue where I’m supposed to hand it in.”
“The contest’s about to kick off!
Come on!” Emily sounded a bit panicked and tugged his arm, dragging him toward the high platform in the center of the plaza.
From the urgency in her voice, it was obvious she didn’t trust Cassian to sort things out alone.
Beneath the stage, a gray-haired elder was busy scribbling with a brush, taking names.
Piles of other tokens already lay on the desk-at least thirty of them.
“Hm, Cassian of the Faraday Clan.
Just in time,” the old man muttered as he took the token.
His tone hinted at a mild rebuke but nothing serious.
“Go take a seat over there-and remember your number, it’s 30.”
Cassian nodded and followed the elder’s gesture to a row of finely dressed young men already seated.
Every single one carried an air of pride, barely glancing at him before looking away.
Behind each of them stood one or two attendants.
So, these were the candidates, huh?
“Hey, could you move your leg a bit?”
Cassian approached the row.
There were exactly thirty seats, but one guy had spread himself across two of them, feet up, looking like he owned the place.
His servant knelt beside him, massaging his leg like it was the most natural thing in the world.
“Are you blind?
Can’t see I’m massaging my young master’s leg?”
Before the young man could speak, his servant glared and snapped at Cassian with arrogant fire.
Just a leg-massager, and talking like some top dog?
Cassian’s face turned cold at that.
Seeing his look, Emily quickly tugged at his sleeve and whispered, “That’s Trevor Woods, the young lord of Gracehold City.
Don’t lose your temper, young master.
Should I go find you a stool?”
Trevor was the son of Gracehold’s city lord, and a student at the Arcanum of the Divine Flame-spiritcore realm, first level.
Cassian had heard about him, but this was their first face-to-face.
Cassian shook his head and raised his voice.
“No need, Emily.
I don’t argue with dogs.
It’s fine, the contest’s about to begin.
A bit of standing won’t kill me.”
The servant instantly jumped to his feet, pointing a finger to Cassian’s nose.
“What the hell did you just say?
You calling me a dog?”
Cassian remained calm.
“Did I name anyone?
If you insist you’re a dog, what can I do about it?”
“You little bastard!
Got a death wish?
Say your name if you’ve got any guts!”
The crowd burst into laughter.
The servant was on the edge of snapping.
“Since when do dogs get to ask for names from men?” Cassian said with a grin.
He’d been ready to throw punches, but this-this felt better.
“Enough!”
Trevor finally opened his eyes, glaring hard at his servant before turning to Cassian, eyes full of disdain.
“You mocking me on purpose?”
Cassian chuckled, shaking his head.
“Mocking the great young master Woods?
I’m not suicidal.”
Trevor barked, “Then why the hell are you here?
Get lost!”
“I’m here for the marriage contest.
Leaving before it begins?
That’d be disrespectful to Lord Elwood, wouldn’t it?”
“Hah!
You?
In this contest?
You’re joking, or just lining up to get beat?”
Cassian gritted his teeth, but Emily held his arm, stopping him before he did something reckless.
“Everyone, settle down.”
From the stage above, the gray-haired old man who had been registering names spoke up.
It was Joel Elwood, the steward of the Lord’s estate and host of today’s contest.
“As everyone knows, the Elwoods are a martial lineage, so the rules are simple-might decides everything.
Thirty young talents are joining.
Each match is one-on-one.
We’ll go from number one through thirty.
The last one standing on the Battle Arena wins.”
Cassian felt a bit of luck for once.
Given he held the last token, this rule might just play in his favor.