Looking at Andrew, Zachary proactively exined, "Mr. Thornton might hold a powerful position and sit high on the Titan List, but he''s actually a pretty down-to- earth guy. Even outer disciples used to be able to see him pretty easily, and he''s never one to put on airs or show upte. So whatever''s going on today is definitely a first."


    Andrew had also heard of Jerome''s reputation, knowing he was widely respected. It was not just because of his martial arts skills, but also his approachable nature and elder-like demeanor.


    There were even rumors that when Jerome was young and traveling the martial world, he was bullied by some brat. The kid had climbed up a tree, and when Jerome passed underneath, he pissed right on Jerome''s head.


    Not only did Jerome not get angry, but he wiped the urine from his face and gave the kid in the tree a thumbs up, praising the child''s boldness and spirit, saying he would surely achieve great things in the future.


    Just then, the noisy hall suddenly fell silent. The people seated near the front quickly shifted to the sides. All eyes turned toward the main staircase at the back of the hall, including Andrew''s.


    A group emerged from the far end, and leading them was a middle-aged man in a long robe, his face square-jawed andposed, with a warm and gentle smile.


    Zachary''s expression shifted into reverence. "Captain, that''s my mentor, Mr. Jerome Thornton, the leader of our entire Gabo Creek region''s Martial Union." Andrew remained calm while secretly observing this man.


    Jerome came to the central main seat and raised his hands. "Apologies for the dy, everyone. I had some matters to handle and came a bitte."


    The martial artists who had been grumbling earlier all immediately responded with heartyughs and respectful nods.


    "No worries, Mr. Thornton! You''ve got a lot on your te. We totally understand!"


    Another said, "You''re the pir of the Southern Martial Union! You could''ve shown up next year and we''d still be waiting!


    "I even brought a tent, Mr. Thornton. I''ll camp out here for a week if I have to, just say the word!"


    Andrew broke into a sweat. These rough-around-the-edges fighters were unexpectedly entertaining. They rambled on without a hint of embarrassment, each louder than the fast, joking like they were at a street fair instead of a formal gathering.


    Once seated, Jerome smiled and addressed the crowd. "Today''s a good day. I''m opening my doors to take on a few inner disciples. There won''t be any long speeches. Let''s get straight to it."


    The entire hall perked up at once. Everyone knew how rare Jerome''s inner disciple spots were. You did not need a speech to prove it; just look at the turnout.


    For most families, getting their kid into any martial school was already a huge aplishment, like sending a rural kid to a good public high school.


    Butnding a spot under Jerome?


    That was the equivalent of getting into an elite private prep school with e sky-high tuition. It guaranteed status, resources, and a future filled with possibilities.


    No wonder major families like the Pecks were practically wing at each other to get their descendants into his training hall.


    However, just as Jerome was about to proceed, a voice suddenly rang out. "Hold on a moment!"


    The interruption jolted everyone in the hall, and even Andrew turned to look.


    Who the hell had the nerve to cut in at a moment like this?


    Jerome was literally the host and the leader of the Martial Union. Anyone trying to steal the spotlight now had to either bepletely fearless or just really asking for a beatdown.