An influential figure? It is rare for someone to be called an influential figure by the leader of Yanhuang Soul. No matter how strong a person's prowess might be, they could only be described as 'strong.' But since Immortal Trace referred to them as an influential figure, it's clear that this person's influence is no ordinary matter.

No sooner had he finished speaking than both the leader of the Holy Hall and the sect master of Tianyin Sect frowned subtly without changing their expressions, and a number of male and female disciples in the back rows also grew curious about the Yanhuang Soul sect leader's words.

Wu Tian laughed out loud, "Truly worthy of Yanhuang Soul, which embraces all rivers—so well-informed. It seems I cannot keep secrets—even if I wanted to. However, since that distinguished guest has not yet shown themselves, I cannot be certain whether they will come or not."

"There's no need for the two sect leaders to speak in riddles," interjected Qing Yin, the sect master of Tianyin Sect, at this moment. A hint of confusion flashed across her graceful face, but although pride filled her heart, she did not display it outwardly. She said, "May I ask which influential figure the two of you are speaking of?"

"The young lady is incompetent, but she wishes to offer a hint," spoke up a not unsightly inner disciple of Jade Clear Sect at the right moment. She rose gracefully and slowly stepped forward to the side of the Jade Clear Sect's seating area, her vivaciousness apparent as she looked around.

It is well-known that the contest for the chief disciple position is intended for the exchange of both literary and martial abilities, testing not only sheer martial strength but also intellect, knowledge, talents, and more.

Normally, when sect leaders converse, it is expected that such interaction involves hall masters, elders, and protectors, not an inner disciple. Therefore, her speaking out signified that the silent curtain on a literary contest had already been lifted.

"I am all ears," Qing Yin responded with a smile, terse but not without understanding the other's intentions.

At this moment, countless gazes were fixed on the Jade Clear Sect inner disciple, who, unruffled, said, "In this vast world, there are countless heroes and myriad geniuses, but those who can truly be called peerless are few and far between. This guest's reputation is not inferior to anyone's, someone whose accolades are unmatched by predecessors or successors. Is this hint sufficient?"

No sooner had she spoken than a stir arose from the crowd below… My goodness, a reputation not inferior to anyone—that was no small claim. In an instant, disciples and elders from the various factions began to whisper among themselves about the stranger's identity.

But then again, on second thought, that wasn't quite right—this was an impossible question. In today's world, those famed for their greatness number more than many, from mechanical to scientific to creative fields, each with prodigies who could be immortalized in history. The hint provided was all too general.

Qing Yin, however, just offered a faint smile after hearing this and did not answer. It was the disciples' role to respond to such questions. In fact, she had been aware of this since the Jade Clear Sect inner disciple had approached the hall. "Which disciple from our Tianyin Sect would like to respond?" she asked gently.

"Oh, that's not difficult."

At this time, another pleasant female voice spoke up from amongst the Tianyin Sect crowd. Looking towards the voice, the woman was beautiful as a blossoming flower, with a graceful and poised demeanor in every step she took.

For a moment, many were captivated by her enchanting figure, especially the disciples of the Holy Hall; her demeanor was by no means inferior to that of the junior protectors or Protector Mingfei.

This person was Ya Ru, and it was not until she approached and faced her counterpart that she quietly spoke, "If we're to speak of someone with a unique and unparalleled reputation in this world, it must be Revenge Shadow Rider. However, I believe no one has truly invited this existence."

Ya Ru's moderation was just right, even slipping in a sly remark. Her words suggested that even the Jade Clear Sect could not possibly invite the Revenge Shadow Rider. She continued, "Nevertheless, there is someone who has always been suspected of being the Revenge Shadow Rider. This person's status is indeed worthy of the title 'unprecedented.' May I ask, junior sister, is the person you mentioned none other than General Feng Yi from the Federation?"

The Jade Clear Sect female disciple was momentarily stunned, her disbelief visible on her face. The other had not only casually answered her riddled query but had done so in a clear and compelling manner. Her forceful words fell with a substantial weight. At that moment, she found herself speechless, and somehow, even the questioning woman seemed to have lost some of her momentum.

She nodded slightly, "Indeed, it is General Feng."

The various major factions instantly realized that Feng Yi, as a federal national hero, holds the ranking of first in the world alongside Kexiao. One could say that even foreigners were well-acquainted with his resounding fame; perhaps you might not know what he specifically looks like, but more than half present here have heard the various rumors about him.

Feng Yi indeed lived up to this title. If one initially thought the concept introduced was rather vague, with the addition of Revenge Shadow Rider, it wasn't difficult to think that it would be him.

This Ya Ru was really impressive. Without waiting for the previous female disciple of the Jade Clear Sect to back away, Ya Ru seized the moment to smile and say, "I have come here seeking knowledge, and I humbly ask for guidance on a matter."

As the saying goes, it would be impolite not to reciprocate. Since the Jade Clear Sect had taken the initiative to ask, the Tianyin Sect would not hold back and directly asked for a response by name.

"It is said that your sect's Butterfly is versed in zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting, knowledgeable about the past and present, never forgetting what she's seen. Gifted with divine talent, unmatched in lightness skills, unrivaled in the world, with a beauty like that of a celestial fairy, ethereal and refined, she does not need words, having the wisdom to discern others. Is there any truth to this?"

"Indeed, it's true. May I ask why?"

At that moment, the room buzzed with noisy surprise… Such high praise was almost too much! If the appearance of Feng Yi was shocking, then her words could be described as the epitome of perfection, likening so many virtues concentrated in one person. Frighteningly, the inner disciple from the Jade Clear Sect did not shy away from affirming Ya Ru's words.

However, many people had heard a bit about the rumors of the previous top disciple but had momentarily forgotten them. As the conversation went on, a number of men were eager to catch a glimpse of Butterfly's famed beauty and talent.

Ya Ru said, "I have an unresolved question and would like to ask Sister Butterfly to answer."

As an inner disciple, Mengdie naturally sat among the inner ranks, but since the elders and the protectors were seated in front, everyone's view was blocked, rendering her invisible to the crowd.

Ya Ru had just spoken when Mengdie's innocent eyes suddenly widened, clearly having heard the question, but she made no response, instead lowering her gaze again…

Mengdie always gave off a lazy air, unhurried, composed, neither arrogant nor impatient; she was like a calm and quiet kitten. At first glance, her presence seemed extended and enduring. When contemplated from afar, one would inexplicably feel an unattainable distance, an aloof and unique spirit unlike anyone else. The more one understood her, the more one would empathize with this feeling of not truly knowing her.

In fact, just as everyone thought, Mengdie made no response. It would be inaccurate to say she feared to reply; it was more a matter of disdaining to answer such personal inquiries. Still, her demeanor was not at all disagreeable, and it was clear that her disregard was not an affectation.

While everyone around expected Mengdie not to reply, her half-lowered gaze suddenly became enigmatic, and, without a word, she stood up and moved towards the front, her steps seeming both hurried and leisurely, carrying a heavy grace with lightness, exquisitely uncontrived and majestic. This was a natural beauty one could not forget after a single glance.

Mengdie evidently did not wish to respond, but considering the greater interests of the sect, remaining silent would seemingly admit to something, and thus she quietly stepped out from the crowd.

The originally noisy scene instantly became extremely quiet. Since the banquet began, there had not been a moment quieter than this instant. Even Ya Ru, with her almond-shaped eyes, was struck dumb by Mengdie's peerless beauty, a splendid radiance beyond mere mortals. Compared to her, she felt like an ugly duckling, and an inexplicable sense of inferiority burgeoned within her heart.

"Could you be Sister Mengdie?"

Isn't that obvious? Mengdie didn't react, her clear gaze quietly shifting to the side, offering no reply.

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