The inner disciples of Hengyue Sect, like fledglings first witnessing a hawk’s bloody talons, stood aghast. Seldom had they beheld such a grim spectacle within the sacred grounds. A palpable unease blanketed the assembled, a silence heavier than a tombstone.

Headmaster Huang Long, his face etched with worry lines as deep as mountain ravines, remained speechless. He had seen with his own eyes Liu Feng, the Xuandao disciple, conjure that treacherous water screen – a defense that yielded not to brute force, but cunning, requiring the power of a Qi Condensation Stage eighth level to shatter.

This was but the first contest, yet the bitter truth hung heavy in the air: Hengyue Sect had begun its descent. A glance at his fellow masters revealed faces mirroring his own grim reflection.

Sun Dazhu, his breath catching in his throat, muttered, “By the heavens, a mere disciple outshines even me! What sorcery did Xuandao employ in their recruitment? When will Fortune smile upon me so?”

Wang Lin, his gaze unwavering, observed Liu Feng with keen interest. Though he had sensed the power behind the water screen’s creation, the true magnitude of its strength had been concealed until this display. He, too, was taken aback.

Old Man Ouyang of Xuandao Sect, a mirthful glint in his eyes, boomed across the clearing, “Fellow Daoist Huanglong, the second trial awaits! The honor of the first strike falls to you!”

Huang Long’s gaze swept across his inner disciples, and a wave of averted eyes met his. Each young warrior silently pleaded against being chosen, their courage waning in the face of the looming challenge.

Disgust coiled in Huang Long’s gut. As he prepared to speak, a voice cut through the tension. Sun Hao, his jaw clenched with grim determination, stepped forward, “Headmaster, unworthy as I am, I volunteer for the next two contests!”

The elder masters remained impassive, save for Daoxu, who frowned, “Sun Hao, you are but at the fourth level of Qi Condensation! Do not presume so greatly!”

Sun Hao hesitated, then pressed on, “Disciple… has a new art. Though victory may elude me, I vow to at least vex our foes.” He mentally added, *No one else dares answer the call. If I step forward, I’ll surely gain the Master’s favor. Even in defeat, a debt will be owed! Brother Li Shan, forgive this transgression. The Thunderclap Pearl bought from you will now be deployed against you – a karmic circle complete!*

He believed his use of the Thunderclap Pearl had grown quite artful. Though early attempts had mostly failed, he had finally achieved a modicum of success in practice against Li Shan. Time had been too short to hone the skill further, but he trusted that a few more attempts would surely yield mastery.

Huang Long sighed inwardly, considered the lad’s plea, then nodded, “Go forth, and let us witness this new spell of yours!”

Sun Hao, emboldened, leaped onto the stone platform, his voice ringing out, “Sun Hao, a humble disciple of Hengyue Sect, seeks guidance from the disciples of Xuandao Sect!”

Upon seeing Sun Hao, Li Shan’s face split into a wide grin. He saw the elder Ouyang was preparing to call forth a champion, so he stepped forward and said, “Esteemed Uncle-Master, Li Shan is eager to test his mettle against our visitors!” He then winked conspiratorially.

Master Ouyang inwardly groaned at the sight of Li Shan, yet he knew the boy possessed an uncanny knack for avoiding harm. If he volunteered, he must possess some hidden advantage. After a moment’s deliberation, he nodded.

Li Shan eagerly ascended the stone platform, a wicked smile playing upon his lips. *Sun Hao, Sun Hao, you asked for this! Today, your humiliation shall be complete!*

Sun Hao’s face contorted in disbelief as Li Shan materialized before him.

“Senior Brother Sun Hao,” Li Shan called out, his voice laced with mock encouragement, “show me your finest magic! Unleash your full fury upon Li Shan!”

Sun Hao hesitated. He had mastered the basics of the flying sword. Summoning his inner power, he conjured a crimson blade from behind his back. It danced around him, reflecting the light with deadly grace.

“Go!” With a flick of his wrist, the blade shot towards Li Shan. Taking advantage of the distraction, Sun Hao reached into his pouch, grasping four or five Thunderclap Pearls. “Witness my immortal art!” he cried.

Li Shan roared with laughter, easily sidestepping the flying sword. “Now to begin!”

Before Sun Hao could even fling the pearls, a thunderous crack erupted, and a putrid stench filled the air. Sun Hao stood frozen, covered in black soot, unable to form a coherent word.

How? Why had the Thunderclap Pearls detonated before leaving his hand? Had he gripped them too tightly?

Li Shan sighed theatrically, “Senior Brother Sun Hao’s technique is truly astonishing. What is this art called? Self-destruction? Alas, I warned you! Handle the Thunderclap Pearls with care! Grip them too forcefully, and they are bound to explode prematurely!”

The Xuandao Sect erupted in uproarious laughter, their mocking cries echoing across the valley.

Even the inner disciples of Hengyue Sect struggled to suppress their mirth, lest they earn the ire of their masters.

With a powerful wave of his sleeve, Huang Long unleashed a gust of wind, clearing the foul odor and sending Sun Hao tumbling from Cangsong Peak back to the safety of Hengyue.

Old Master Ouyang chuckled, “Fellow Taoist Huanglong, Sun Hao’s skills betray his inexperience. This match is, in my view, better declared a draw.” He cast an approving glance at Li Shan.

Huang Long, his face ashen, retorted, “Defeat is defeat! Where do you find a draw in this? Let the trials continue!”

Old Man Ouyang chuckled, “Such valor, worthy of a great sect five hundred years past. Xu Mu, step forward!”

A disciple from Xuandao Sect emerged, a young man of twenty-four or twenty-five years, fair of face and keen of eye. He strode to the center of the platform, clasped his hands, and stood in silence.

This time, Huang Long did not call upon an inner disciple. Instead, he produced a jade slip, crushing it within his fingers. A magical array, glowing with cerulean light, shimmered into existence upon the stone platform. Then, with a blinding flash, three figures materialized within!

These newcomers were clad in purple robes. A potent aura radiated from them, electrifying the inner disciples of Hengyue Sect.

Old Master Ouyang’s countenance shifted. He studied the three figures with a newfound intensity.

The man standing at the end disciple of Xuandao Sect, his eyes flashed with an unmistakable spark of combativeness.

After the three appeared, they glanced coldly at the audience. One of them was about forty years old and said in a deep voice: “Xuan Dao Sect? Humph, Mr. Lu lost twenty years ago, and he definitely won’t do this time!”

Wang Lin’s eyes tightened. He only knew one of these three people, that is the second senior brother Zhang Kuang.

“Lu Song, you’re on the stage this time!” Huang Long said calmly.

Lu Song nodded slightly, and the two people around him floated, jumped down from the stone platform, and stood beside Huanglong Zhenren.

“Lu Song! Fifth Senior Brother Lu Song! I heard that he had already been in the sixth level of the Qi Condensation Stage twenty years ago. This time he appeared, our Hengyue Sect will win!”