Quite a few true disciples from the Six Rivers and Four Islands have also come this time. They watch coldly, without a word, merely observing the scene.

They are well aware that no matter what they say now, it won't affect Zhang Yan in the slightest. They might as well wait until the outcome is decided before passing judgment.

The Jinyang Island Master, Dai Xin, has an impassive face, his eyelids lowered, seemingly calming his mind with breathing exercises.

Since the day he was defeated by Zhang Yan, he has returned to Sword Immortal Luo Yuanhua's tutelage for swordsmanship. For the past twenty years, he has yearned to wash away past humiliations. Upon hearing that Zhang Yan was to battle with Tu Xuan today, he rode the clouds to come, eager to see how much Zhang Yan's Flying Sword technique has improved.

Suddenly, a bright glint flashed in his eyes. He stood up and turned his head, saying, "Here he comes!"

The crowd's spirits lifted, and they all looked towards the west, where a beam of sword light was speeding towards them, as swift as a shooting star. In the blink of an eye, it streaked across the sky, arriving nearby.

Dai Xin furrowed his brow, puzzled in his heart, "Why does Zhang Yan's sword light seem even weaker than before?"

Some discerning disciples also found it strange. They knew Zhang Yan once dominated within the sect and even fought against hundreds alone in the outer sea, bringing honor to the Mingcang Sect disciples. Yet this sword light flowed gently like water, lacking the sharp, invincible momentum it had back then.

Just as everyone was bewildered, the sword light suddenly dispersed, revealing a female cultivator with an elegant appearance. Her clothes fluttered like light smoke, and a clear sword ball hovered and circled around her. As she stood, her snow-white skin and jade-like appearance were unmatched in beauty.

Dai Xin was taken aback and asked, "Who is this?"

A disciple who knew spoke up, "This is Zhang Yan's eldest disciple, Liu Yan Yi."

Dai Xin involuntarily shivered, tugging his beard, "Where did she get a sword ball?"

Even a disciple under Zhang Yan's tutelage had a sword ball to control, and the sword light was very precise, indicating immense potential. He mused, "Could it be that another Zhang Yan will emerge in the future?"

Liu Yan Yi approached Tu Xuan, made a polite bow, and said with neither humility nor arrogance, "I apologize for making Daoist Tu wait. My master will be here shortly."

Tu Xuan glanced at her but graciously waved his hand, saying, "I have not agreed on a fixed time with Brother Zhang. He can come whenever he wishes. In any case, I am here waiting for him today."

He truly wasn't impatient and even hoped Zhang Yan wouldn't come, as it would better establish his reputation.

However, just then, faint singing could be heard from the sky:

"For twenty years, the Hidden Sword Edge, suddenly a long song startles gods and ghosts. In the vast Great Dao, I cut through forks in the road, laughing at the vast sea, listening to the sound of thunder!"

This song was majestic and stirring, giving a sense of sweeping away the remnants and invigorating the spirit. The crowd's hearts were roused as they looked again, seeing a young Daoist dressed in a black robe riding the wind. This man had a handsome and sophisticated appearance, extremely tall, with brows reaching his temples. His eyes shone like stars in the night sky, profound and unreadable. As he approached, brimming with exuberance, his large sleeves fluttered as if nothing could obstruct him, and though he didn't brandish his sword, his aura was like a rainbow, soaring to the clouds, silencing everyone in awe.

Xie Zongyuan, sitting atop the Dragon Tooth Large Boat, was the first to stand, cupping his hands towards him, loudly calling, "Brother Zhang, twenty years unseen, have you been well?"

Zhang Yan looked over and laughed heartily, bowing in return, "Ah, Brother Xie, forgive me for having a duel scheduled, so I cannot chat much. Let's reminisce after this battle."

Xie Zongyuan also laughed loudly and sat back down.

A few of Du De's disciples hadn't expected this fourth son of the Xie Family to greet him so openly and snorted in discontent, but Xie Zongyuan ignored them. He was a man of feelings and loyalty, still remembering the life-saving grace of the past. Although he could not stand openly on Zhang Yan's side due to family obligations, he could boost Zhang Yan's momentum in terms of appearance.

The Yu Xuan Xie Family ranked second among the Twelve Great Families, just below the Rui Ping Zheng Clan, but higher than the third-ranked He Lin Du Family. Those disciples of the Du Family could do nothing against him.

Zhang Yan flicked his sleeve and continued onto the island, but after a few steps, another young Daoist stood up, offering a solemn salute, proclaiming, "Brother Zhang, Feng Ming pays his respects!"

Zhang Yan had to pause, took a glance, and said in surprise, "Oh, Senior Brother Feng, it's been a long time." He also returned the salute.

Among the onlookers, someone exclaimed, "Senior Brother Feng is Elder Xun's disciple. It seems he is quite close with Brother Zhang."

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