"If Junior Brother Yang finds it inconvenient, I’ll cover the Daoist Merit for you!"

A clear and bright voice suddenly rang out, instantly drawing everyone’s attention.

Everyone looked in the direction the voice came from and saw a tall and imposing man making his way over, surrounded by a group of Martial Artists.

In terms of looks, charm, and temperament, Yang Hongyu was considered top-notch among the many Martial Artists in the Martial Pavilion.

But compared to this person, there seemed to be something lacking.

Yang Hongyu’s expression changed slightly.

Others greeted him respectfully: "Senior Brother Xiao!"

The newcomer was none other than Xiao Yan, a distinguished figure in the Upper Scenic Celestial Martial Pavilion and a member of the Celestial-Human Royal Family, currently in the limelight.

He held a Jade Bone Fan in his hand and nodded gracefully to everyone.

Arriving in front of Zhang Yuan and Yang Hongyu, Xiao Yan smiled and said, "Junior Brother Yang, I just wanted to join in the fun for a moment, I hope you don’t mind."

Yang Hongyu, after all, was not an ordinary person, and responded calmly at once: "Senior Brother Xiao, you’re too polite. Although five hundred Daoist Merit is quite a sum, there is no need to trouble you, thank you for your kindness!"

However, his smile carried a hint of insincerity.

Xiao Yan didn’t mind, turning to look at Zhang Yuan.

He was about to speak when his eyes suddenly flashed with a strange light: "Hmm?"

Zhang Yuan smiled: "Senior Brother Xiao, may I ask what advice you have?"

The name Xiao Yan was so familiar to his ears that he had practically grown tired of hearing it.

But it was his first time meeting the person himself.

He wondered what kind of day it was, with all the strange characters appearing!

Zhang Yuan keenly noticed the other’s expression.

He faintly understood.

Ten to one, Xiao Yan had practiced some sort of Qi Observation Technique and couldn’t discern Zhang Yuan’s fortune at all.

Which clearly didn’t align with Xiao Yan’s understanding of Zhang Yuan, hence his surprise.

Even somewhat losing his composure.

Xiao Yan collected himself and laughed casually: "I’ve long heard of Junior Brother Zhang’s reputation, and meeting today proves it is well-deserved. If you and Junior Brother Yang were to compete on the Trial Platform, I would certainly be there to watch!"

In just a few words, he decisively set up the duel between Zhang Yuan and Yang Hongyu!

Zhang Yuan didn’t waste words with him and straightforwardly asked Yang Hongyu: "Senior Brother Yang, are we doing this or not?"

At this point, even if Yang Hongyu didn’t want to put up five hundred Daoist Merit, he couldn’t back down.

He asked in a deep voice: "I can put up five hundred Daoist Merit, but what if you lose?"

Zhang Yuan chuckled: "Senior Brother Yang, I made it very clear; the five hundred Daoist Merit is my appearance fee and has nothing to do with the outcome. If you can’t accept it, then let’s drop this and not waste everyone’s time!"

Despite his good manners, Yang Hongyu couldn’t help but feel anger rising: "Then it’s settled!"

Zhang Yuan immediately showed his Identity Token: "Transfer the Daoist Merit, and we’ll establish the Dao Contract now!"

This five hundred Daoist Merit was a sure win for him!

Zhang Yuan didn’t like to court trouble.

But if trouble came to him, he would definitely strike back hard.

Only by severely injuring or even killing the opponent and making them pay a heavy price could he deter those with ill intentions.

So both parties completed the Daoist Merit transaction in the Merit Hall and established a Life and Death Contract!

The contract set three days later for a duel on the Trial Platform.

Accepting the risk of life and death!

After establishing the Dao Contract, Yang Hongyu regained his calm demeanor, giving Zhang Yuan a deep look and said: "Junior Brother Zhang, see you in three days!"

Perhaps others didn’t hear it, but Zhang Yuan could clearly sense the killing intent in Yang Hongyu’s words.

If before they were strangers with no grievances, then from this moment on, they became mortal enemies!

Zhang Yuan nodded: "Goodbye."

Yang Hongyu turned and left. 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

Xiao Yan, who had been watching the scene, gave a meaningful smile and said to Zhang Yuan: "Junior Brother Zhang, I’m looking forward to your match with Junior Brother Yang. I hope you won’t disappoint me."

He purely enjoyed the spectacle, subtly suggesting watching a tiger fight from the mountain.

Zhang Yuan smiled: "I’m also looking forward to it."

In fact, Zhang Yuan’s wariness of Xiao Yan far exceeded that of Yang Hongyu.

This member of the Celestial-Human Royal Family gave him a sense of unfathomability. His true strength was perhaps far greater than Zhang Yuan anticipated.

But Zhang Yuan would not fear him even for a moment!

Xiao Yan also left.

But Zhang Yuan and Yang Hongyu’s duel immediately became the hottest topic in the Martial Pavilion and quickly spread beyond.

When Zhang Yuan returned home to Lin Xian Manor, Su Jingyao soon came to visit!

"Junior Brother Zhang, why did you accept Yang Hongyu’s challenge?"

As a disciple of Mingxiu Peak, she was very anxious: "This matter is definitely Yuan Zishan’s scheme. She just wants me to lose my Guardian so that we will be defeated without a fight in the Nine Peaks Grand Competition!"

"I know."

Zhang Yuan replied calmly: "But even if I refused Yang Hongyu, do you think they would just leave me alone?"

Apart from the five hundred Daoist Merit, this was the fundamental reason he chose to accept the challenge!

Honestly, Zhang Yuan had no roots or support within the Martial Pavilion and no alliances at all.

People like Xiao Yan and Yang Hongyu could easily find ways outside the Upper Scenic Celestial rules to cause him trouble.

As the saying goes, better to take an aggressive stance to prevent a hundred more troubles.

Rather than dealing with constant passive responses, it’s better to fight for victory in one battle!

Su Jingyao fell silent.

Coming from a privileged background and being both smart and resourceful, she couldn’t fully grasp Zhang Yuan’s experience and wisdom from the bottom up.

But it didn’t stop her from understanding Zhang Yuan’s determination and will.

The fighting spirit Zhang Yuan exhibited at this moment stirred something within Su Jingyao deeply.

A twinge resonating from her Divine Soul!

She suppressed her tumultuous emotions, nodded, and said, "I understand, I will be there to watch on the Trial Platform."

Su Jingyao couldn’t take Zhang Yuan’s place in the duel.

But her presence could deter those with sinister intentions from indulging in underhanded tactics.

A True Disciple of Mingxiu Peak was not someone to be trifled with!

Zhang Yuan understood: "Thank you, Senior Sister."

"You must be cautious of Yang Hongyu."

Su Jingyao thought for a moment and added: "His cultivation realm should be close to the peak of Tier Five, just a slight gap from Xiao Yan. The Yang Family of Qianjing belongs to a prestigious and profound heritage, so do not underestimate him."

Zhang Yuan smiled: "Senior Sister, I heard that there’s always a betting setup for the Trial Platform duels?"

"If you have some extra funds, you might as well place a bet on me!"

Su Jingyao was taken aback.

She had never participated in the betting scene surrounding the Trial Platform duels, but she had heard about it.

Zhang Yuan’s meaning was obvious; he was asking her to bet on his victory.

Su Jingyao wasn’t concerned about wagering three hundred or five hundred Daoist Merit. What truly surprised her was Zhang Yuan’s self-confidence.

A level of confidence so intense it surpassed all other considerations!

Zhang Yuan could win, and indeed, he would win!!

This kind of confidence was something Su Jingyao had never seen in any of her peers.