The two were both seasoned individuals. After circling around this valley once to confirm there were no array formations or restrictions, they descended and settled on a large rock. Facing eastward towards the valley’s entrance, behind them was a stone wall, and below their feet, a stream flowed, offering a full view of the valley’s scenery.

Not long after, a Gang Wind flew in, slowly descending and landing not far away. Three people emerged. The lead figure had a wispy Gang Cloud above his head and possessed an extremely elegant appearance, with a beautiful beard hanging over his chest. His demeanor was leisurely, seemingly unfazed by the presence of two Nascent Soul cultivators, as he approached and bowed to the two, saying, "Greetings, fellow Daoists."

Zhang Yan returned the courtesy, saying, "Are you Daoist Yong?"

Yong Fu smiled and said, "Indeed, it is I. Hearing that Sect Leader Zhang had summoned me, I came specifically for this meeting."

Although he appeared to be speaking and laughing as usual, a sense of tension lingered within him. With two Nascent Soul cultivators present, especially Zhang Yan, whose Gang Cloud was two solid and one virtual - just a step away from entering the Nascent Soul Second Realm - he felt considerable pressure, forcing himself to feign composure.

Zhang Yan smiled faintly, stretching out his hand. An object flew out, a flash of light passed, and a delicate cool pavilion appeared on the ground, complete with cups, tables, and chairs inside. He extended a hand and said, "True Master Yong, please."

Yong Fu appeared calm, also said "please," and the two stepped into the pavilion together.

After exchanging salutes once more, they each sat down. Yong Fu spoke first, "I must congratulate fellow Daoist on assuming the position of Sect Leader of Han Yuan Sect."

He took out a Jade Box from his sleeve and placed it heavily on the stone table, saying, "As a mountain hermit cultivator, I couldn’t prepare a grand gift. I offer only this box of Amber Gang Ying and hope True Master Zhang won’t find it laughable."

Zhang Yan smiled slightly and said, "The gift is too generous."

Amber Gang Ying is extremely rare and difficult to acquire for Nascent Soul cultivators. Most would be visibly delighted, but Zhang Yan happens to be an exception. Possessing Junyang Essence himself, he naturally doesn’t regard this item highly.

Yong Fu observed carefully and saw his expression was completely unaffected, whether feigned or real, indicating that this person was not easy to deal with.

Zhang Yan didn’t broach other topics but simply shared drinks, speaking of trivial anecdotes.

Yong Fu obligingly joined in on the storytelling. After about an hour, he finally couldn’t hold back and asked, "What has Daoist Zhang summoned me for?"

Zhang Yan chuckled, putting down his wine cup, and candidly said, "Nothing other than wishing to challenge Daoist Yong to a duel."

Yong Fu didn’t inquire about the reason but asked, "How will the duel proceed?"

Zhang Yan replied nonchalantly, "I intend to engage in a dharma duel with you. If I, by chance, win, I ask that you relinquish the control of the immortal city."

Previously in the West Ji Sea Realm, he hadn’t felt much about the immortal city, but after conversations with Chu, Wen, and others, he realized it was indeed the lifeline of all sects.

The East Victory Continent is dotted with sects, like stars in the sky. As long as the immortal city exists, even if the mountain gate is broken, as long as the cultivators survive, they can re-establish elsewhere;

But once the immortal city in the area falls, numerous sects dependent on it will scatter like clouds, unable to recover without the support of major sects.

For instance, the Xianluo Sect, which originally had an immortal city in the Beimo Sea Realm, was driven out by Demon Cultivators, causing all Human Cultivator sects to lose their foothold, eventually disbanding.

In East Victory Continent, the strength of a sect is measured by the number of immortal cities, like the Great Chu Kingdom south of Divine House Mountain, said to possess over thirty immortal cities.

Divine House Mountain also has an immortal city, previously mastered by Shen Baishuang, and after his departure, the most advanced in cultivation, Yong Fu, took over.

Such an important place is something Zhang Yan must control.

However, the E Mountain Sect is different from the current Han Yuan Sect. It has deep foundations and a secure Mountain Gate Prohibition Array. The immortal city above also has a defensive Great Array, not easily broken. Engaging in a direct conflict would be time-consuming and laborious.

But his goal is to cultivate the mountain gate and make his cultivation more convenient, so he doesn’t wish for a bloody conflict. If the opponent voluntarily relinquishes through the duel, that would be best.

Yong Fu, understanding his intent, felt a sinking sensation, his voice gaining firmness, stating resolutely, "If it were other matters, I might concede, but regarding the immortal city, involving numerous disciples, I cannot retreat a single step. I must contest with fellow Daoist over this. If you lose, however, what then?"

Zhang Yan replied with a smile, "If I lose, for the next ten years, we both shall serve your sect at your behest. What does fellow Daoist think?"

Yong Fu’s eyes gleamed with excitement. To have two Nascent Soul Daoists serve him for ten years, what significance does one immortal city hold?

He made a decisive choice, agreeing immediately, "Very well, I accept this challenge, though the duel’s rules will need some revisions."

Zhang Yan asked, "What does fellow Daoist propose?"

Yong Fu held up three fingers, saying, "I propose we engage in three dharma duels within a day; the one with two victories shall be the winner."

Zhang Yan briefly considered and nodded, "I follow fellow Daoist’s proposal."

Yong Fu stared at Zhang Yan once more and said, "This time, the dharma duel should be observed by fellow Daoists from Divine House Mountain Realm to serve as witnesses."

Zhang Yan nodded with a smile, "That is only right."

Yong Fu declared, "So it’s decided!"

After scheduling the duel and pledging by clapping hands, they indulged in another round of drinking before departing.

On the return journey, a disciple beside Yong Fu couldn’t help but ask, "Master, do you have confidence in defeating that person?"

Yong Fu pondered for a while, then laughed, "We haven’t compared yet, so how can I know? His Daoist cultivation should surpass mine. Judging by his aura, I assume his dharma power in fighting won’t be lacking. However, if your eldest senior brother can borrow that treasure, then victory may be within our grasp."

...

...(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendation tickets and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)