The confrontation between the black-faced Daoist and the three dragon whales had reached its final stage. After persistent attrition, he finally gained the upper hand. The final dragon whale, exhausted to the core, let out an unwilling cry before being heavily forced under the water.

By this point, the black-faced Daoist was panting like an ox, sweat pouring like a stream. Hoarsely, he shouted, "Seal and bind!"

The powerful warriors hurriedly pulled up the winches. Amid the grinding sound of chains, the three dragon whales were once again restrained, no longer exhibiting their former might.

The black-faced Daoist breathed a sigh of relief and attempted to rise. However, the moment he exerted strength, his limbs felt weak, and his balance wavered. He knew it was due to overexhaustion of his Dharma Essence and quickly sat back down to operate his breathing techniques. After a few adjustments, he felt a slight recovery in his vigor and wobbled to his feet.

At that moment, the wind suddenly rose in the sky, and a wisp of smoke appeared out of nowhere, hovering midair. The clouds parted shortly afterward, revealing a youth in a golden crown and elaborate robes, wearing cloud boots and a silk sash around his waist. Two strands of beaded Yingluo ornaments dangled from his temples. He strolled forward with ease, laughing heartily as he said, "Kou Shier, being able to contend with three dragon whales—surely you'll shine at this year's Elixir Tasting Ceremony."

Upon seeing this person, the black-faced Daoist hastily saluted and said, "So it's Brother Zheng. Your junior Kou Yangchen greets you." Pausing briefly, he then shook his head with a bitter smile, saying, "Brother, you overpraise me. Though I've reached the Sixth Grade in Elixir Formation, Senior Brother Xu managed to fight against four dragon whales simultaneously. Compared to him, I'm far inferior."

The Elixir Tasting Ceremony is a measure of disciples' elixir power. Elixir power is the foundation of mana. No matter how extraordinary one's divine skills may be, without sufficient elixir power, they are useless. The higher the grade of one's Elixir Formation, the more robust the mana it bestows.

However, if a cultivator has diligence and perseverance, through painstaking effort, they can slightly enhance their elixir power.

The elaborately dressed youth nodded in agreement and said, "Senior Brother Xu is indeed impressive, though his temperament is a bit arrogant. At this year's Elixir Tasting Conference, where my Twelve Great Families have invited comrades and friends, heroes will gather, and talents will abound. If he wants to stand out, it will be as difficult as climbing to the heavens."

The black-faced Daoist froze for a moment, then asked in astonishment, "Will other sects' disciples attend this Mingcang Sect's Elixir Tasting Ceremony?"

The elaborately dressed youth laughed heartily and said, "I heard from the elders in my clan that disciples from the Nine Major Sects will also attend tomorrow to observe the Dharma Assembly."

The Mingcang Sect's Elixir Tasting Ceremony, held once every century, was revived this time with the support of the Five Great Families. The Twelve Great Families extended invitations to friends and relatives across the sects. Even renowned great sects like the Shaoqing Sect and Yuxiao Sect received invitation letters, asking their disciples to observe the ceremony.

The Shaoqing and Yuxiao Sects, together with the Mingcang Sect, were the three greatest sects of the East Splendor Continent, boasting an unbroken legacy of ten thousand years. If these two sects sent their disciples, the Three Sects' disciples would gather. Other sects would not sit idly by and would surely dispatch their disciples as well. In that case, it would become a grand event preceding the Sixteen Sects Sword Competition.

The elaborately dressed youth exclaimed, "We as disciples of the noble families within the Mingcang Sect must showcase our brilliance during this ceremony, lest we allow other sects to belittle us!"

Noble families placed great emphasis on their lineage. To bring glory to their family name during the Dharma Assembly would earn them significant recognition within their clan, paving the way for a smoother cultivation path in the future.

Hearing this, the black-faced Daoist couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion, his chest swelling with agitation. With excitement, he said, "Brother Zheng speaks the absolute truth!"

At that moment, the tinkling sound of silver bells echoed nearby. Both men turned their heads to look and saw a young girl in a green long skirt, her hair styled in a Lingyun bun, laughing joyfully as she approached. Several young cultivators accompanied her, each vying for her attention with flattery and sycophantic smiles.

The elaborately dressed youth cast her a sidelong glance and chuckled, "It's Miss Han from the Han family. Quite a delicate beauty."

The black-faced Daoist stood expressionlessly to the side, acting as if he hadn't heard the remark.

The girl in the green skirt spotted the elaborately dressed youth and her eyes lit up. Pushing aside those around her, she radiantly approached him. In a crisp voice, she said, "Are you Brother Zheng Ying of the Zheng family?"

The elaborately dressed youth stood with his hands behind his back, grinning mischievously as he replied, "Indeed, I am. What now, has Miss Han heard of my humble name? I'm truly flattered."

The girl's sparkling eyes brightened as she said, "I've heard the Zheng family brother succeeded greatly in recent alchemy endeavors, earning much praise from your clan's ancestors. May I ask—what grade of Elixir Formation did you achieve?"

The elaborately dressed youth burst out laughing, suddenly stepping forward. He reached out a finger to gently lift the girl's smooth, rounded chin, teasingly saying, "Miss Han, with such beauty, if you allow your older brother here to hold you in his arms, I'll happily tell you. What do you say?"

The girl in the green skirt froze, seemingly stunned that he would act so brazenly. A moment later, her face flushed with a deep red as she took several steps back, shy and angry. "Y-you're so shameless!" she stammered.

She stomped her foot, covered her face, turned around, and sped away on a streak of rainbow light. The lackeys who had followed her became flustered, casting the youth a few glances of indignation. But they dared not provoke him further and hurriedly chased after her, calling out to her.

The elaborately dressed youth stared at her departing figure, letting out a cold laugh and mocking, "How naïve. Trying to probe me? Dream on. Does she think I'm unaware of the Han clan's schemes? Let's settle it at the Elixir Tasting Conference."

The black-faced Daoist stood there, dumbfounded, and stammered, "Brother Zheng, sh-she's from the Han Clan…"

The elaborately dressed youth replied nonchalantly, "And so what? For now, the Han Clan still needs us, the Zhengs. They won't dare make trouble for us at this time. Since she came to me on her own, wouldn't it be a waste not to take advantage of the situation? Besides, if this Elixir Tasting Ceremony proceeds smoothly, the Zheng clan's reputation will surely surpass those five families."

The black-faced Daoist smiled wryly and said, "The Zheng Clan is the leader of the Twelve Great Families, and you, Brother Zheng, are the disciple of Master Chen. Naturally, your status is exceptional."

The elaborately dressed youth curled his lips in dissatisfaction. "I don't like what you're saying. True, birth is given by heaven, but it's only a start. If you don't fight, seize, and strive, do you really think opportunities will fall into your lap? Look at Deep Pool—wasn't it conquered by Senior Brother Su himself? If he had stayed dormant in the clan awaiting orders from above, how would he have had the chance to claim it?"

The black-faced Daoist remained silent. Though he shared the sentiment deep down, as a minor branch member of the Kou Clan, openly agreeing might bring trouble. Nevertheless, he clenched his fists, silently determined to prove himself at the Elixir Tasting Conference.

...

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