Ning Cheng's words immediately drew numerous gazes because, under normal circumstances, these words should have been spoken by Dust Envoy Qiutian, not Ning Cheng. By speaking out like this, Ning Cheng could be seen as committing insubordination.
Dust Envoy Qiutian, however, smiled and nodded at Ning Cheng, then calmly said to the man in the purple robe, "Our Taisu Realm will continue to participate in the contest."
Dust Envoy Qiutian understood what Ning Cheng meant; he knew his alchemy path had flaws, and Ning Cheng knew it, too. Ning Cheng was speaking out to help him, to build up his alchemy confidence.
While Ning Cheng had good intentions, Dust Envoy Qiutian knew it would be difficult. If he ultimately failed, the flaws in his alchemy path would become greater, possibly even affecting Ning Cheng. If he withdrew now, he could claim that he hadn't put forth his full effort.
