After Kou and Xu descended, several other disciples couldn't hold back and leaped into the arena to measure their elixir power.

Each harbored a subtle sense of competition. These individuals all ranged in elixir formation grades from six to five, yet understood their own limits—none dared to test themselves against the Sea Dragon Whale, focusing instead on the Yin-Yang Copper Fish.

Zhang Yan observed closely and noticed that all these disciples were from the Twelve Great Families, while not a single one hailed from the forty-six sects or two hundred noble clans.

This wasn't because the noble clans had no outstanding disciples over the past decade, but rather because the Twelve Great Families, as millennia-old clans rooted deeply, would never permit lower-ranking noble family disciples to step in and overshadow their name at such a prestigious Dharma Assembly.

At this moment, another person stepped forward. He was short and stout, with two thin rat-like whiskers. His small, bright, darting eyes combined with his comical appearance drew laughter as he rolled up onto the clouds like a ball owing to his round physique.

Despite his peculiar looks, he seemed utterly unfazed by the ridicule and swaggered up to the copper fish in a waddling manner. Circuiting them twice, he chuckled slyly, activated his heart mantra, and unleashed a massive burst of smoke from both sleeves. The smoke swirled in the air, enveloping all thirty-six copper fish. He shouted, "Rise!"

With a mighty roar, he inhaled deeply and lifted upward, effortlessly raising all thirty-six copper fish.

After executing this move, his expression remained unchanged, clearly having done so with measured ease.

The crowd burst into an exclamation of astonishment. Not only those True Masters on the cloud, but even lower-level disciples could discern from his effortless display that this man was nearing the Second Realm of Hua Dan.

Feng Haiqing's white brows quirked slightly. "Ah, Fourth Grade elixir formation. Excellent. Moreover, his elixir power has been meticulously polished—sharp, rounded, without flaws. Who is this man?"

Du Ruoyu chuckled and interjected, "I happen to know this disciple. Word has it he belongs to the Ai Clan. Though his appearance is strange, he indeed possesses some skill."

The Ai Clan, of course, refers to the Anfeng Ai Family, ranked last among the Twelve Great Families.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yan's heart stirred. The Anfeng Ai Family? Back during his time in the Lower Court, he had shared some camaraderie with Ai Zhongwen of the Ai Clan. Now, twenty years later, this man had likely risen to the Upper Court.

Feng Haiqing twirled his beard thoughtfully and nodded. "Our noble families are teeming with talent; Great Prosperity is certainly our destiny."

The True Masters seated nearby all nodded in agreement.

The short and stout Daoist, having measured his elixir power, gleefully surveyed his surroundings before riding the clouds away. From this point on, none dared to underestimate him because of his appearance.

However, as he had reached Fourth Grade, only those with Third Grade elixir formation or above could surpass him. Thus, after his departure, no one stepped into the arena for the time being.

Zheng Hongtu turned his gaze toward Zhang Yan, speaking warmly, "Nephew Zhang, would you like to step down and taste the elixirs?"

Zhang Yan smiled lightly and replied sincerely, "Master Zheng, the time is not yet ripe. If I were to appear now, there may be no one willing to follow after me."

Feng Haiqing's eyes lingered on Zhang Yan for a moment, though inwardly, he scoffed: "Nothing but a braggart, puffed up with self-importance."

His mocking glance drifted—intentionally or otherwise—toward Elder Gong, though the latter seemed to have long considered himself deaf and blind, showing no sign of acknowledgment.

Master Zheng smiled faintly and refrained from pressing further. In his view, Zhang Yan was merely posturing stubbornly, but this posed no issue. Today was about showcasing the dignity and talent of their lineage to all sects' disciples, demonstrating that noble families indeed produced dragon-whale-like prodigies among their heirs.

He had entertained the idea that Zhang Yan might achieve Third Grade elixir formation or beyond, but after careful deliberation, he deemed the likelihood extremely slim.

Take Mingcang Sect, for instance—in the past century, only Ning Chongxuan had managed a Second Grade elixir formation. Suffice it to say, it was an extraordinarily challenging feat.

As for First Grade elixir formation, Zheng Hongtu didn't even bother to consider it.

This wasn't undue prejudice but simple reality. When cultivators refined medicine and transformed elixirs, they inevitably faced the "True Loss" barrier. Whether due to insufficient True Fire, inadequate medicinal properties, or a shortage of the Upper Three Elixirs, there would always be some flaw. It was as if Heaven's Heart deliberately placed obstacles in their path.

Since Mingcang Sect's founding, only two individuals had achieved First Grade elixir formation—one being the sect's ancestral master, while the other had long since departed this realm.

The arena remained idle for quite some time, with no one stepping forward. Finally, the elegantly dressed youth who had been drinking all along kicked over his table and shouted, "Brother Xun, let me deal with this for you!"

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