Although these two were merely at the Xuan Guang Realm, relying on their identities as elders of the Shangming Institute and the backing of supporters behind them, they showed no fear in confronting Zhang Yan, who had already reached the Hua Dan Realm.

Huo Zhiqi said coldly, "Zhang Yan, we are here today to deliver a message on behalf of a senior brother in the sect: you are not allowed to attend the Elixir Tasting Ceremony."

Zhang Yan raised his eyebrow, finding their serious demeanor laughable, and replied, "Why?"

Hu Zhi Li let out a disdainful snort and sneered, "Zhang Yan, don't think we're unaware of your capabilities. As someone whose elixirs are barely of fifth or sixth grade at best, attending the ceremony would only disgrace our lineage. It would be better if you didn't go."

Without waiting for Zhang Yan's response, Huo Zhiqi threw down a token and commanded, "Take this token and spend a few days guarding the Shell Field at Dragon Geese Marsh. Once the ceremony concludes, return when the opportunity arises. Rewards will await you, or someone will come to deal with you. Then, it will no longer be up to you."

Zhang Yan smiled indifferently, reached out, and grasped the token. Hu Zhi Li and Huo Zhiqi exchanged smug glances. Though many of the sect's lower-level disciples hailed Zhang Yan as the greatest True Disciple in the past century, in their view, such acclaim meant nothing under their oppressive pressure, and he would still have to submit.

To their surprise, the next moment their expressions changed drastically. The token crumbled to fine dust, slipping through Zhang Yan's fingers and scattering onto the ground. He spoke coldly, "You two are mere elders of Shangming Hall, having spent centuries only to reach Xuan Guang Cultivation, lounging idly without achieving anything of substance. What authority do you have to meddle in my affairs? Get out of my sight!"

With a wave of his sleeve, a whirlwind instantly arose within the hall. The two were shocked, never expecting Zhang Yan to turn hostile so abruptly. Before they could say anything, everything went black, and they lost consciousness.

When they regained their senses, they found themselves lying at the base of Zhao You Mountain, their hair disheveled and their clothes ragged as if they were beggars.

Trembling, they crawled to their feet and yelled furiously toward the mountain, "Zhang Yan, we'll tell you this: even if you wish to attend the Elixir Conference, you might not make it out of the Mountain Gate!"

As soon as those words left their mouths, a gust of clear wind suddenly swept through the air. The two were startled and panicked, thinking Zhang Yan was about to strike again, and hastily fled, riding their Xuan Guang abilities, heads tucked like frightened mice.

Standing among the clouds, Liu Yan Yi chuckled softly and returned to the hall, saying, "Master, those two old pests have left. However, judging by their words, they seem to have another move planned."

Zhang Yan smiled and replied, "You need not concern yourself with this matter—I have my own arrangements. Now go on."

Liu Yan Yi bowed respectfully and withdrew.

Zhang Yan returned to the Main Mansion and sat in meditation.

Half a month passed in this manner, with Zhao You Heavenly Pond remaining calm and uneventful.

However, on the day of the Elixir Tasting Ceremony, two young daoists appeared outside the mountain gate of Zhao You Heavenly Pond. They sat on a peak, saying nothing, their eyes fixed intently on the mountain gate.

One of them wore a Feather Robe and Star Crown, exuding an air of unrestrained elegance. At his feet lay a White Feathered Kite. Zhang Yan had encountered this man before—he was Ren Mingyao, a Registered Disciple under True Master Meng, whom he had previously worked with to exterminate demons in Nandang Swamp.

The other was an unremarkable-looking man with a high crown and dressed in a plain blue Daoist robe. However, his bright, intelligent eyes shimmered, leaving a lasting impression on anyone who saw him.

The two had been sent by a senior brother to block Zhang Yan from attending the Elixir Tasting Conference.

In truth, Huo Zhiqi and Hu Zhi Li couldn't grasp the deeper machinations behind these events. As outstanding disciples of their lineage, how could these two fail to understand? Whether Zhang Yan's elixirs were of higher or lower grade, simply appearing at the conference would lead to either humiliation or fame, outcomes that the senior brother absolutely did not wish to see.

The two waited until midday, when suddenly the water of the Heavenly Pool rippled, the Array Gate opened, and a white mist surged forth, heading toward the Mingcang Sect's mountain gate.

Ren Mingyao squinted his eyes, recognizing that Zhang Yan had emerged. Immediately, he raised his sleeve, mounted his Flying Kite, and positioned himself ahead, calling out, "Brother Zhang, stay where you are!"

The high-crowned daoist also rode a trail of mist, silently taking a spot on the opposite side, forming an implicit pincer position around Zhang Yan.

Zhang Yan appeared entirely unsurprised, his expression composed. Smiling faintly, he replied, "So it's Senior Brother Ren. May I ask the meaning of this?"

Ren Mingyao spoke solemnly, "Brother Zhang, we were entrusted with the task of blocking your path. I hope you will not make things difficult for us. If you return now, we will have no reason to confront you further."

Though Ren Mingyao had interacted with Zhang Yan sparingly, he knew the latter was not someone who would easily bow to pressure. Words would not sway him. During their previous encounter, he had been dominated by Zhang Yan, which now added a layer of competitive intent to his mission.

Meanwhile, the high-crowned daoist was glowering at Zhang Yan, poised for action, as though prepared to strike the moment Zhang Yan refused.

Zhang Yan smiled coldly and said, "Since that's the case, there's nothing left to discuss. Let your skills decide the matter."

His gaze turned sharp as his Qi surged forth before he even moved. The chilling aura from Zhang Yan's energy left the two feeling as if their entire beings were frozen. Both simultaneously retreated in a panic, their faces pale with fear.

In this instant, Ren Mingyao realized that Zhang Yan was far more formidable than he had anticipated. Abandoning any notion of direct confrontation, he shouted in desperation, "Junior Brother Huang, assist me!"

Just as they began to act, a sweeping burst of sword light broke through the void and descended from the heavens. The dazzling radiance of countless strands of Sword Qi engulfed their vision, sharp waves of frost pressing against their necks, creating the unmistakable dread of impending decapitation. Horrified, the pair quickly withdrew. Ren Mingyao steadied himself, swallowing hard, and rasped, "Master Ning…?"

The mist parted as Ning Chongxuan stepped out from the void, his robe billowing in the wind. Alone, he stood as if a sword cleaving through the sky. His gaze swept coldly across them, and he said indifferently, "Junior Brother Zhang, proceed as you wish. Let's see who dares stop you."

Zhang Yan smiled faintly and cupped his hands in salute toward Ning Chongxuan, saying nothing more. He then rode on a cloud, transforming into a plume of white smoke, and vanished.

Under Ning Chongxuan's gaze, neither Ren Mingyao nor the high-crowned daoist dared make any move. Helplessly, they exchanged glances and could only watch as Zhang Yan disappeared into the distance.

...

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