He mused that half a stalk of the herb would suffice, but spoke aloud, "Half a stalk is quite lacking. In that case, the location of our duel must be decided by me."

Zhang Yan laughed heartily and said, "Brother Tu truly refuses to suffer the slightest loss. Very well, the choice of place shall be yours."

Tu Xuan's eyes flickered as he spoke slowly, "Two days hence, we shall battle atop Luanming Rock!"

Zhang Yan gazed meaningfully at Tu Xuan. The duel's venue had already been chosen—clearly, this man was no impulsive fool but came fully prepared.

Zhang Yan also knew of Luanming Rock. It was said to be a place of chaotic cliffs like swords, with suspended rocks scattered in the air. That Tu Xuan chose this spot for their duel was obviously an attempt to limit his Sword Escape Skill. Yet Zhang Yan remained unfazed and immediately nodded in agreement, saying, "Fine, as Brother Tu wishes."

Tu Xuan was momentarily stunned, taken by surprise. He had expected Zhang Yan to argue several times over the matter, but hadn't thought his opponent would agree so readily. His heart surged with jubilance, fearing Zhang Yan might go back on his word. Thus, he quickly stepped forward and said, "Brother Zhang, words spoken cannot be revoked. Would you dare sign the Dharma Contract with me this instant?"

Zhang Yan smiled faintly and said, "Bring me the ink and contract."

Moments later, a spirit monster disguised as a servant brought forth the paper, ink, and contract.

Liu Yan Yi, who had been standing by silently, stepped forward to block the servant. She personally picked up the items and inspected them carefully. After confirming that nothing was amiss, she nodded and allowed them to pass.

Zhang Yan cast a glance of approval her way, then spread the contract across the stone table, picked up the brush, and wrote down his name and wagered item. He extended his hand and pushed it forward, handing it to Tu Xuan.

Without hesitation, Tu Xuan rolled up his sleeves, grabbed the brush, and quickly penned his name before applying a spell. The contract transformed into a beam of light and flew away.

The destination of this contract was Zhengqing Institute. Once verified by the steward there to be free of discrepancies, someone would be dispatched to collect the wagered items. The contract would then be hung in the Merit Institute for disciples to view, ensuring that no foul play occurred.

With the contract signed, Tu Xuan and Song Zhe saw no reason to stay. With cold expressions, they bid Zhang Yan farewell and exited Zhao You Heavenly Pond.

On the way out, excitement bubbled within Tu Xuan. Rubbing his hands together, he exclaimed, "That Zhang Yan truly dared to accept my challenge! Junior Brother, you must gather as many friends and companions as you can to spectate. See how I crush his arrogant spirit!"

With furrowed brows, Song Zhe replied, "Today, when I observed Zhang Yan, I couldn't discern the depth of his cultivation. At the very least, he is at the Third Realm of Xuan Guang. If he has already achieved Elixir Formation, Brother Tu, what means will you use to counter him?"

Tu Xuan let out a hearty laugh, brimming with confidence, "Brother Song, you're overthinking it. I heard that Zhang Yan practices the *Lan Yun Secret Volume*. The Condensation Method within is only partially understood by Master Sun. Without mastering its intricacies, how much chance does he have? Take Ning Chongxuan, for instance; even someone of his caliber wouldn't dare attempt Elixir Formation outside the sect. He still relies on Qi Yuntian to assist him upon returning to the Mountain Gate. What qualifications does Zhang Yan have to attempt it here? If he really does try, it will sever his path to the Great Dao, making him worthless in the future."

Song Zhe paused and realized he might indeed have been worrying needlessly.

It was well known within the Mingcang Sect that all disciples undertaking Elixir Formation required guidance and assistance from their elders. Even then, they approached with trembling caution, like walking on thin ice, fearing any misstep that could ruin their Dao Foundation.

Take Tu Xuan, for example—when he attempted Elixir Formation, elders from his noble family assisted him. Yet, due to unsettled emotions and a single moment of carelessness, his steps faltered, resulting in nothing more than the formation of a Small Golden Core. It was evident how challenging this step was to take.

Tu Xuan boasted once more, "Furthermore, my actions carry deeper intent. The True Disciples of Six Rivers and Four Islands were once humiliated by Zhang Yan. Now they must despise him deeply. If I defeat Zhang Yan this time, surely they will take me seriously—this will benefit me greatly."

Song Zhe thought for a moment, then shook his head and sighed wryly, "Wan Zhang was killed by Zhang Yan, yet the Wan Family, riddled with doubt, still dares not act. Brother, your actions amount to voluntarily becoming someone's test stone—a rather unwise move."

Tu Xuan scoffed coldly, "Since achieving Small Golden Core, my family has long abandoned me. Master Du also ignores me entirely. If I don't seize this opportunity to bet everything, how can they ever look at me differently? At least now I still qualify to become a test stone. If I wait any longer, Zhang Yan will likely refine his Elixir Pills under Master Sun's guidance. Where will I find such an opportunity then?"

Song Zhe sighed deeply. Indeed, being a test stone still proved one's worth.

Moreover, it had to be said that if Tu Xuan could truly defeat Zhang Yan, it would not only restore the noble family's honor but also provide Tu Xuan a chance to climb out of his current predicament. At the very least, he could reclaim that stalk of Han Ye Xuanzhen Grass.

Even in failure, this was only a contest, not a duel to the death. Should he lose, the noble families would still view his willingness to confront Zhang Yan as a show of courage, ensuring he wouldn't be entirely disregarded.

Tu Xuan's plan was indeed calculated with precision.

After the duo left Zhao You Heavenly Pond, Liu Yan Yi paced back and forth a few times before she could no longer hold herself back, saying, "Master, your disciple has heard that although Tu Xuan appears to be at the Xuan Guang Realm, he is in fact a Small Golden Core Practitioner. Moreover, he has learned a formidable Dao Technique from Du De. I fear he comes with ill intent this time."

In her heart, Liu Yan Yi felt profound respect for her master. Consider how she struggled within the sect, even with cultivation techniques and elixir pills to assist her. Yet Zhang Yan had clawed his way out of the Lower Court by sheer force alone and now commanded a personal domain. How remarkable was this achievement? She knew full well she couldn't accomplish the same. Still, faced with a strong rival, worry inevitably crept in.

Zhang Yan smiled faintly and said, "Disciple, you need not fret. Though Tu Xuan may possess a Small Golden Core, before me, he is no more than a paper tiger."

Liu Yan Yi, clever and astute, widened her bright eyes upon hearing this. With delight, she exclaimed, "Master, you…"

In that instant, she understood: her master had likely ascended past that elusive threshold, reaching a realm countless cultivators could only dream of attaining in their lifetime.

…

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