At the end, he gave Zhang Zhen a warning, saying, "Junior Brother Zhang, do not be greedy for the fight!"
Zhang Zhen's round face squeezed out a trace of a smile, and he said, "Rest assured, Brother. I know my limits." He was aware that his achievements in Erosion Text were not high, but he had already decided that his role was to exhaust Zhang Yan's mental focus and pave the way for Shen Jingyue's turn.
Meanwhile, on Dangyun Peak, the news of Zhang Yan challenging the Guangyuan Sect had also spread to the twenty-eight entry-level disciples of Mingcang Sect. Although opinions varied, the response was far less intense compared to the Guangyuan Sect, largely because Zhang Yan was merely a Registered Disciple and had issued the challenge in his own name. His victory or defeat had no bearing on them, so they were naturally happy to stay aside and observe.
But there was one point on which everyone seemed to agree: no one believed Zhang Yan stood a chance.
To prepare for the Star Tablet, the stele naturally had to be brought down from the peak. Given that it wouldn't damage itself a single bit, and considering it could help suppress the overbearing Guangyuan Sect, Zheng Xun gladly made accommodations, having six Star Tablets moved from the peak to be placed on a temporary earth platform at the foot of Dangyun Peak. The tablets, laid out in a row, allowed disciples from all sects to view them clearly.
Once the news spread, it instantly caused a sensation across all of Cangwu Mountain.
Not only were disciples from all sects interested, but even those normally deemed unqualified to attend the Dharma Assembly arrived in droves, all eager to see who dared to challenge an entire sect alone. In less than two days, no fewer than a thousand cultivators had gathered at the foot of Dangyun Peak.
For a time, disciples from all sects began investigating Zhang Yan's background. Even before the duel officially began, his name had already become widely known.
Three days passed swiftly. At the foot of Dangyun Peak, under the blazing sun, the six Star Tablets arranged on the high stage emitted a faint mystical radiance. Due to their age, the edges of the stone tablets were chipped and worn, yet this only added an air of ancient gravitas. Each tablet was densely carved with Erosion Text, totaling tens of thousands of characters. Just a glance at them made one feel dizzy and disoriented.
At the center of the stage, Ai Zhongwen had arranged a small table and a cushion, with brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones laid out. Five smaller tables were spread around, forming a circular pattern. Who was host and who was guest was plainly evident.
Under the gaze of thousands, Zhang Yan maintained a composed demeanor, ignoring the varied looks from below—whether they were disdainful, scornful, condemning, reverent, or anything in between. He walked up the high stage with measured steps and remarkable poise, garnering silent admiration.
No one realized that Zhang Yan was not troubled by the duel itself. Instead, he was envisioning the moment after today's event when his name would shine among the sects. As long as nothing unexpected happened, one of the three "Guardian" Masters would surely accept him as an entry-level disciple.
Once he became an entry-level disciple, the Great Dao Heavenly Gate would already be partially open to him, bringing him closer to the path of immortality.
Thinking of this, a resolute expression flashed in his gaze.
"You must be Junior Brother Zhang Yan? I am Shen Jingyue. I have long admired Brother Zhang's reputation."
Shen Jingyue followed Zhang Yan closely up the stage, steadily maintaining a half-step distance behind him. He clasped his hands in greeting, his expression seemingly calm yet secretly observing Zhang Yan's movements. He noticed that Zhang Yan's appearance, demeanor, and composure were all exceptional, and his steady attitude suggested he was highly confident in the upcoming duel.
Zhang Yan returned the hand gesture respectfully and said, "You flatter me. Zhang Yan is but a mere novice and junior scholar." Although the Guangyuan Sect was a minor sect, Shen Jingyue was nonetheless an entry-level disciple. Under the gaze of the crowd, Zhang Yan had to project an image of courtesy and humility.
Shen Jingyue remained indifferent to Zhang Yan's polite remarks. He smiled faintly and said, "Junior Brother Zhang, the first match will be between my junior brother Zhang Zhen and you. But before the duel begins, would you allow me to say a few words?"
"Please do, Brother Shen."
Shen Jingyue stepped forward, his eyes fixed firmly on Zhang Yan, and spoke softly, "Junior Brother Zhang, in this duel, if you win, then nothing more needs to be said. But if I win, how about you join our Guangyuan Sect?"
"What?" Zhang Yan was stunned. He had assumed Shen Jingyue would simply try to persuade him to withdraw voluntarily, or resort to threats and coercion, but he had not anticipated such an offer.
Shen Jingyue observed Zhang Yan's reaction and saw no overt rejection, giving him a sense of confidence. He continued, "Junior Brother Zhang, you are merely a Registered Disciple. My father is the Upper Court Elder of the Guangyuan Sect. If you're willing to join our sect, you will immediately become an entry-level disciple. The Daoist Books, the Elixir Pills—take your pick. And should your Immortal Veins awaken, I can convince my father to accept you as a direct lineage disciple. What do you say?"
Shen Jingyue's attitude was sincere, and the offer was highly enticing. It was impossible for Zhang Yan not to feel tempted.
Though the Guangyuan Sect was currently a minor sect, it had once been a major sect in East Splendor Continent. Even a fallen camel was larger than a horse. Moreover, one advantage stood out—entry-level disciples were few, meaning competition within the sect was far less intense than in the larger ones.
Indeed, due to its smaller number of disciples, the Guangyuan Sect was known for its unity externally and harmonious relations internally.
Yet Zhang Yan had other concerns.
First, though Shen Jingyue's promises seemed genuine, how could Zhang Yan know this wasn't a ploy to undermine his resolve? He dared not trust him!
Second, he did not hold much hope for the Guangyuan Sect's future. While the Guangyuan and Nanhua Sects were friendly, in reality, the Guangyuan Sect had long been dependent on the Nanhua Sect. Now, with the Guangyuan Sect actively challenging the Mingcang Sect while the Nanhua Sect remained silent, it was clear that Guangyuan lacked independence and could be discarded at any moment. Such a sect offered him no sense of security.
Thirdly, the Mingcang Sect was, after all, a major sect of East Splendor Continent. Being within its domain, even the Zhou Family dared not use force against him. If he defected to the Guangyuan Sect, that might no longer be the case.
Therefore, regardless of whether Shen Jingyue was sincere or deceitful, Zhang Yan had no intention of accepting. He quickly and firmly expressed his refusal.
Shen Jingyue sighed softly, clearly regretting Zhang Yan's decision.
His words of recruitment had been heartfelt. After hearing about Zhang Yan standing alone on behalf of Mingcang Sect, without backing from anyone, Shen Jingyue had been moved by Zhang Yan's courage and ability. Seeing Zhang Yan's outstanding demeanor, he immediately developed a desire to recruit him. Moreover, Guangyuan Sect urgently needed fresh talent and cared little about a disciple's background. Thus, he extended the invitation outright.
But unrequited sentiment turned to disappointment; Zhang Yan, rather than joining the Guangyuan Sect, intended to use them as a stepping stone to ascend to the Great Dao Heavenly Gate.
Shen Jingyue stepped back, his hands clasped behind his back, and said in a low voice, "No more need for words. Brother Shen, have your junior brother take the stage. Let us resolve this contest between our sects today!"