Inside the Internal Affairs Hall, the discussions among the Elders quieted at the sound that echoed through the sect’s main gate.

Sang Yanping’s face was as placid as an old well, revealing little emotion. He simply said to those beside him, "Since they’ve come, we ought to meet them. Let’s go and have a look."

With Sang Yanping in the lead and the other Elders following, they arrived outside the main gate.

Outside the gate, a huge crowd had already formed. At the end of a path cleared by the Wutai Sect disciples, three figures stood with extraordinary presence.

Sang Yanping’s gaze first fell on the gray-robed old man. Forcing a smile, he cupped his fists and said, "So it is Elder Mo who graces us with his presence. Forgive me for not welcoming you sooner. Visitors from afar are honored guests. Why not come inside for a cup of tea?"

Mo Yun’s eyes were calm yet profound. He returned the gesture, his voice low and clear. "Elder Sang, you are too kind. This old one has come only to act as a protector and will not involve myself in other matters. There is no need for tea. We shouldn’t spoil the young ones’ excitement."

Sang Yanping understood immediately. This was Cold Jade Valley’s older generation making their stance clear: they would only observe, not interfere.

He nodded slightly, his gaze shifting to the main person of interest, Xiao Bieli.

Xiao Bieli took a step forward, cupping his fist to Sang Yanping and the other Elders in a salute.

"Junior Xiao Bieli greets Elder Sang and all the seniors present. I have come unannounced today because I have long heard that the Wutai Sect is the Holy Land of Martial Arts in Yunlin. Its Five Institutes and five Heart Methods each have their own strengths, profound and vast, making them the crown of Yunlin Prefecture! Your esteemed sect is teeming with talent, a gathering of masters as numerous as the clouds. Chief Yan Yaoyang and Chief Nie Shanshan, in particular, are ranked among the Seven Prodigies and Five Beauties, their fame widespread and their strength unfathomable. This junior has long admired you, and I am here today specifically to ask for your guidance. I hope Elder Sang and the brilliant disciples of your esteemed sect will not be stingy with their teachings!"

His tone sounded full of admiration and respect, praising the Wutai Sect to the heavens, yet a sharp edge was subtly hidden beneath his calm voice.

"How arrogant!"

"What does he think the Wutai Sect is?"

"Senior Brother Yan had better teach him a good lesson!"

Some of the hot-blooded younger disciples couldn’t help but curse under their breath, their faces full of indignation.

Naturally, they had already heard the rumors and were quite expectant about this challenge.

They were looking forward to the Wutai Sect putting this Cloud Forest Leader in his place.

Ye Qingyi stood quietly behind and to the side of Xiao Bieli. Her gaze swept over the furious Wutai disciples, her expression remaining as calm as still water, as if the surrounding uproar had nothing to do with her.

At that moment, the disciples of the Cyan Wood Institute, clustered around Chen Qing, also arrived at the front of the crowd.

Luo Xinya squeezed in behind Chen Qing. Looking at the imposing figure of Xiao Bieli, she couldn’t help but whisper, "Eldest Brother, do you think Senior Brother Yan... can he really be a match for that Xiao Bieli?"

Chen Qing’s gaze was sweeping over the shadowy figures flickering in the distant tree line—scouts from the Xuanjia Sect and Qixia Manor, the familiar faces of Tributors from the Liu Family, and many more Wandering Martial Artists who were there for the show.

Hearing Luo Xinya’s question, he shook his head, his expression impassive. "Heaven knows."

Both Yan Yaoyang and Xiao Bieli were disciples their respective sects had heavily invested in. They were both bound to have some tricks up their sleeves.

Just as the atmosphere grew as tense as a drawn bowstring, Yan Yaoyang, the chief disciple of the Geng Metal Institute, stepped forward.

He stood tall and straight. His Geng Metal True Qi was contained but not released, yet he exuded a sharp and peerless momentum. He called out in a clear voice, "Brother Xiao, you’ve come a long way to test your Martial Arts. This place is too small to let loose. Please, let’s move to the Martial Arts Arena!"

"Excellent!"

A smile touched the corner of Xiao Bieli’s mouth as he agreed crisply.

The large procession moved to the Wutai Sect’s Martial Arts Arena.

The massive, open, and flat bluestone arena was surrounded by stone steps, which were already packed to the brim with disciples and people from all over who had rushed over upon hearing the news.

Elder Sang and the other Elders stood on the main viewing platform, which offered the best vantage point.

Sang Yanping watched the two facing off in the arena, his brow furrowing imperceptibly.

"This battle cannot be taken lightly."

He said in a low voice to Tan Yang, the Dean of the Geng Metal Institute, who was beside him.

Tan Yang’s expression was grave, his eyes locked on his beloved disciple in the arena. He replied in a deep voice, "Brother Sang, rest assured. Yao Yang knows what he’s doing."

In the arena, Yan Yaoyang and Xiao Bieli stood facing each other. The clash of their invisible auras silenced the entire boisterous Martial Arts Arena.

Chen Qing watched them, his heart filled with curiosity about their impending clash.

Li Wang, Nie Shanshan, Li Lei, and the others all had solemn expressions, their eyes fixed on the two duelists.

Xiao Bieli gently stroked the hilt of the sword at his waist and said, "Let’s begin."

"Then I won’t be polite!"

Yan Yaoyang took a deep breath, a sharp light exploding in his eyes, and said no more.

He stomped his left foot forward half a step, and the entire Martial Arts Arena seemed to tremble slightly!

His potent and condensed Geng Metal True Qi erupted, shrouding his body in what seemed to be a faint golden radiance. In an instant, his momentum surged to its peak.

BOOM!

The eruption of Qi Force was like a sudden clap of thunder on a clear day!

Yan Yaoyang was one who did not strike lightly, but when he did, it was with the domineering force of a thousand thunderbolts!

He knew Xiao Bieli’s strength was unfathomable, so he held nothing back from the very first move!

Vajra Armor-Breaking Fist! Like a dragon, like an elephant!

His body shot forward like an arrow released from its bow. His right fist, wreathed in potent Geng Metal True Qi, was like a colossal mountain-splitting hammer as it smashed ferociously toward Xiao Bieli’s center.

BOOM!

Wherever the fist passed, the air compressed, letting out a piercing sonic boom.

This punch condensed the vast True Qi from his Ten Orthodox Meridians and perfectly showcased the fierce and domineering essence of the Vajra Armor-Breaking Fist!

Xiao Bieli’s eyes narrowed. Faced with this terrifying punch, one capable of shattering mountains and splitting stone, he did not meet its edge head-on.

His mysterious footwork unfolded beneath him, and his figure floated back three feet. The movement was elegant and natural, without a trace of earthly effort.

At the same time, with a SHING, the ancient long sword on his back unsheathed itself and fell into his hand.

The sword’s name was Liuyun. Its blade was like a pool of autumn water, its cold gleam restrained.