As the radiant light receded, seven or eight figures gradually came into view—both men and women. At the head of the group stood a young man with an almost effeminate appearance. He casually scanned the area before fixing his gaze in silence at the spot where he'd appeared. The other figures aligned in formation, their expressions icy as they coldly surveyed the surroundings. A few of them even directed their eyes toward Li Yan's group. Unlike the Spirit Insect Peak disciples, these individuals did not unleash any of their spirit beasts.
"Leading them is none other than Wang Tian," Li Wuyi announced in a low, even voice that reached the ears of every disciple nearby. "I'm sure most of you are familiar with him—Spirit Insect Peak's Senior Brother Wang Tian. He's at the Fake Dan stage, and his magical prowess nearly rivals mine. Accompanying him is his spirit beast, the Divine Fire Crow; though its flame is not as intense as that of a true Golden Core's fire, please know that for Foundation Establishment Stage cultivators, resisting such magical power is extremely perilous. When you face him, try to engage him in close-quarters skirmishes so that the Divine Fire Crow cannot launch its indiscriminate attacks. Otherwise, it may be wise to concede early—unless you have top-tier defensive spirit artifacts that might allow you a fighting chance."
His tone remained even, though his words carried a confident warning. "Next to him stands a young woman named Zuo Shengyan—a cultivation partner who has not yet fully entered the Way. She's currently in the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment. Her accompanying spirit beast is the Blackwood Scorpion, ranking 621st on the Poison Insect List. Its venom is extremely potent and possesses a fierce corrosive effect on metal. If any of your spirit artifacts come into contact with her venom, they might be ruined over time. Even if exposed briefly, you may need a couple of months of careful reconditioning before they recover. And if even a fraction of her poison attaches itself to your body, a novice Foundation Establishment cultivator's spiritual energy barrier might hold for only fourteen or fifteen breaths before it's overwhelmed. Even those at the mid-to-late Foundation Establishment phase could only endure for, at most, about seventy breaths—this is when her Blackwood Scorpion is still at its first-stage peak and has not yet advanced to the second. As an individual combatant, she is of only average strength."
Li Yan followed his gaze and saw the girl: a young lady dressed in strikingly scant attire. Her skin shone with the luster of polished jade, her delicate, oval face framed by a pair of bright eyes that constantly roamed the crowd. Her upper body was unclad save for a tight, short garment covering only what lay above her navel; her smooth, exposed abdomen was adorned with what appeared to be a pair of ominous, purple-black scorpion motifs on either side of her navel. A scorpion tail-like adornment arched high along her ribcage. Below, she wore a short skirt that revealed a pair of snow-white thighs and bare, graceful feet.
At the moment Li Yan took in her figure, the young woman seemed to sense his gaze. She turned her head slightly and flashed a dazzling smile that carried an otherworldly allure—as if she were both enchanting and mischievous. Li Yan, feeling as though his inner secrets were being exposed, flushed deeply and quickly averted his eyes in embarrassment. It wasn't long before Wang Tian, the leader, caught sight of the girl's soft laughter. He too directed his gaze toward Li Yan's direction. Even though they stood some ten li apart, Li Yan could almost physically feel a chill rushing at him. A biting, penetrating cold seemed to wrap around him, causing his heart to race. Instinctively, he began channeling his internal power in a bid to resist that overwhelming chill, yet it seeped into his very bones, leaving him both startled and angry. He had merely glanced over, but it was enough to rouse the enemy's ire. As that penetrating chill threatened to overwhelm him, a swift figure stepped forward between him and the threat. In that moment, warmth surged through his body, and he managed to steady himself. When he finally lifted his eyes, he saw Li Wuyi standing to his left-front—his expression now unmistakably severe. Gone was his usual geniality; on his handsome face there lurked a cold, lethal aura. Facing Li Wuyi's unwavering look, Wang Tian's figure seemed to momentarily waver before regaining his composure. His face darkened further still. This change did not go unnoticed—the enchanting young woman beside him could not help but show a trace of surprise, glancing repeatedly toward Li Wuyi.
Though she was already a formidable presence in the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment, her keen perception had detected someone spying on her. Following her eyes, she saw that the intruders were disciples of Little Bamboo Peak. There were as many as four Condensation Stage disciples among them; however, three were standing at the rear while one had positioned himself at the front alongside several Foundation Establishment cultivators. Finding this odd, she took another lingering look. That very glance, however, caught the attention of Wang Tian—a notoriously suspicious man—who instantly felt the urge to teach this junior a lesson, to remind him of the proper respect owed to one's seniors. Without further hesitation, Wang Tian infused his eminent spiritual sense with a casual yet commanding strike. Though his attack wasn't intended to end Li Yan's life, it would leave him incapacitated for a few days at least. Li Yan had simply cast a glance toward them and now had unwittingly drawn harsh attention. The chilling aura that surged against him left him shivering uncontrollably. Even as he prepared to marshal all his strength to force the icy sensation out of his body, before he could fully react, someone stepped across his path. In that instant, warmth flooded through him, dispelling the bitter chill. When Li Yan raised his eyes, he saw Li Wuyi standing right at his front-left, his gaze cool and unyielding as he cast a final, icy look toward Wang Tian. For a brief moment, the man's form trembled, then regained his composure as his expression grew even more somber. Wang Tian's normally cautious nature seemed further roused by that glance, and the enigmatic beauty at his side watched in subtle astonishment, glancing repeatedly at Li Wuyi.
"Now, from behind Wang Tian—those Foundation Establishment disciples of Spirit Insect Peak such as Ma Shun, Li Zhi, and Zhang Cailian—consider yourselves warned," Li Wuyi continued in an even tone, his gaze sliding from one individual to another. "You must remain vigilant." He paused briefly, obviously aware that the competition would commence at any moment. "As for the rest," he added, "observe the center area next."
Shifting his attention, Li Wuyi's voice became almost a briefing. "From Old Lord Peak comes a group renowned for their cunning. They excel in rescue techniques as well as deviousness—masters in brewing a vast array of elixirs, powders, and peculiar mists that can confound even the most astute. In the front row of the center group, leading the pack, is our own peak's Senior Brother Baili Yuan. He is a master of toxin use. Although he is at the late Foundation Establishment stage, judging by his aura today it appears he has even broken into the Fake Dan realm. He specializes not only in pill refining and toxic arts but has also proven troublesome—by his own admission, I have personally suffered losses at his hands." Several disciples turned their eyes toward the center as Li Wuyi described the figure. Then he continued with a brief roll call of other notable opponents—the names, techniques, and even subtle weaknesses were catalogued precisely. His notably rapid speech now drew the attention of all, especially the newer disciples such as Li Yan and Lin Da Qiao, whose faces ranged from determined to dejected as they considered what challenges lay ahead.
At last, as the introduction concluded, Li Wuyi glanced up at the sky and mentally calculated the passage of time. He knew that although he was formally representing Little Bamboo Peak, he wouldn't be taking his seat among the Golden Core generation in the Void Pavilion. Instead, he was content to remain at the back, quietly reporting the state of affairs for his faction. Today's trial was the center of so many wandering eyes; to join the main event would only invite unnecessary trouble.
Just then, as silence settled among the waiting disciples, a new voice broke through—one that was simultaneously mischievous and contemptuous. "No skill, then don't go provoking others. Wang Tian, hm? He can fight if need be." Li Yan was startled by the tone. Looking up, he saw it was Gong Chen Ying speaking—though his voice trailed off into a near-monologue.
Most others drifted their gazes away—except for his Third Senior Brother, who regarded Li Yan with an expression of thinly veiled contempt. Murmurs spread among the group. Li Yan couldn't help but feel a deep, surging frustration. He noticed that he alone was being targeted—glares and comments from Fourth Sister, Fifth Senior Brother, Seventh Senior Brother, and even his three junior nephews converged on him. "Why am I always the one being picked on?" he wondered resentfully.
At that moment, a light laugh reached his ears. "Don't mind it, little junior. That flower has thorns—next time, Sister will get you a gentler one," teased Miao Wang Qing as she winked playfully. Another voice, carrying a lazy edge, said, "I'm telling you, little junior, once you establish your foundation, you'll have a chance to make her pay." Their banter was interrupted by disapproving glances directed toward Wen Xin Liang. "What are you staring at?" Wen Xin Liang retorted cheekily, "I said it's Wang Tian we're talking about!" Then Li Wuyi turned his compassionate gaze toward Li Yan. "Are you alright, little junior?" "Yeah… I'm fine. Thank you, Senior Brother," Li Yan replied with a wan smile.
Lin Da Qiao then patted Li Yan on the shoulder and, with an intense glare toward Spirit Insect Peak's direction, added, "Little junior, Senior Brother Five is right—once you establish your foundation, you'll have every opportunity to settle the score." Not far off, wrapped in crossed arms, Wei Chi Tuo declared firmly, "When we meet him during today's contest, I'll see how much progress he's made these past years."
Hearing these words, a warmth spread through Li Yan's heart. Although he was far from home—over a million miles away in spirit and ambition—it felt as if his Third Brother and Fourth Sister were right there by his side. Their combined confidence bolstered his own, reminding him that day in and day out he had trained in close company with experienced Foundation Establishment cultivators. In those rigorous exchanges, he had come to learn that one misdirected strike—the kind that could end a life with a mere projection of spiritual sense—was a reality for even the most advanced fighters in that realm. At this moment, Li Yan silently acknowledged that high-level Foundation Establishment was a force to be reckoned with.
"Alright then," Li Wuyi announced as he glanced briefly at the team gathered behind Wang Tian. "Those from Spirit Insect Peak in the mid-to-late Foundation Establishment—like Ma Shun, Li Zhi, and Zhang Cailian—you all need to be on guard as well."
Pausing, as if the competition were about to commence any moment, Li Wuyi briefly summarized the key points for the newcomers before shifting his attention to the center area. "Now, let's talk about Old Lord Peak. Their disciples are a cunning lot—adept in both deception and rescue. Their repertoire includes a myriad of bizarre pills, powders, and mystifying mists that can leave you defenseless. Leading them in the front row is none other than Senior Brother Baili Yuan, who is an unparalleled expert with poisons. He's already at the late Foundation Establishment stage, and judging by his aura today, he appears to have even breached into the Fake Dan realm. I have personally suffered losses at his hands in the past." The assembled disciples turned their gaze to the central area. There, a group sat motionless—each one in deep meditation and quiet repose. At the very front, a broad-faced, seriously attired young man with thick lips and a resolute expression—perhaps in his early twenties and bearing an unassuming yet sincere look—sat in composure. His steady countenance and earnest eyes reminded Li Yan oddly of Li Shan. Yet Li Wuyi's confession that he had once been bested by this very man startled Li Yan; if such a kindly-faced figure was capable of besting even him, then there was far more to him than met the eye. Baili Yuan's eyelids twitched in subtle acknowledgment, though he did not rouse or break his meditative state.
"Of course, there are many formidable experts on Old Lord Peak," Li Wuyi continued, "these are poison masters—adept at mixing toxins that are, perhaps, only recently forged through sheer experimentation. For instance, beside Brother Baili Yuan stand figures like Dong Yang Ling, Ning Qingqing, Zhang Tai, and Cheng Liu Long…" Perhaps sensing that the major contest was about to begin, Li Wuyi picked up his pace now, summarizing briefly for the benefit of newcomers such as Li Yan and Lin Da Qiao. The older, more experienced Foundation Establishment disciples, having long seen these names, nodded in silent understanding.
Once the introductions were complete, Li Wuyi looked up to assess the sky and gauge the time. Although he might have been expected to take a seat in the Void Pavilion—representing Little Bamboo Peak in formal proceedings—he knew all too well that sitting among the Golden Core cultivators would only invite complications. Instead, he preferred to remain at the back, where he could quietly provide updates on his faction's situation without drawing unwanted attention. Today's contest was under the watchful eyes of thousands; to expose himself further was to court trouble.
"Senior Brother," a suddenly mischievous voice piped up. Wei Chi Tuo, still with his arms crossed, grinned in a slightly impish yet earnest tone, "Though we can't see the disciples on the slanting opposite peak of the Unyielding Ridge, why don't you brief little juniors on them as well?" No sooner had he spoken than Li Wuyi's expression froze for a brief moment. Laughter began to ripple from behind him—not only did some of the assembled disciples chuckle, but even the typically impassive Yun Chun Qu's facial expression betrayed a hint of amusement. Only Miao Wang Qing frowned deeply, her gaze fixed intently on Wei Chi Tuo.
"Second Brother," Li Wuyi addressed him in a suddenly soft, almost congenial tone as though trying to smooth over any tension, "ever since your cultivation started showing promise, your intellect seems to have blossomed as well. Perhaps after you've returned from the Secret Realm Gathering Trial, you and I can spar a bit—if you lose, you'll be in charge of the main hall for the next two years." At these words, Wei Chi Tuo's normally affable expression twisted in shock, his head shaking as if caught in a gust. Soon, on Li Yan's face appeared an expression he had never seen before since joining the sect—a mix of fawning submission and unmistakable deference. All traces of his usual earnest, straightforward demeanor seemed to have melted away.
"Senior Brother, you're like my father—my own progenitor. I wasn't trying to slight the Unyielding Ridge; I just thought that since we're all taking part in the contest and little juniors must gain some firsthand experience, why not speak plainly? Consider what Second Brother said as nothing more than a rotten little jest—a stinky fart, if you will. Unyielding Ridge is merely a bunch of folks playing with small insects. There's nothing truly worth discussing there," Wei Chi Tuo continued in a sycophantic tone that grew bolder with every word—as if dismissing Unyielding Ridge as insignificant.
He was known throughout Little Bamboo Peak as something of a cultivation maniac, constantly challenging everyone—be they veterans or fresh entrants alike. In the days before the peak doors were locked, hundreds of disciples had suffered defeat at his hands. At one point, his self-confidence grew so enormous that he even challenged his own senior brother to a trial. The result? He ended up bedridden in the Bamboo Courtyard for over three months. It was through that painful experience that he learned just what a smiling tiger—or a false-hearted sycophant—truly was. When he struck, it was as if he attacked directly into one's very soul. And yet, his senior had managed to silence him with spells, leaving him whimpering and helpless as he was tossed aside with an unruffled smile from atop Little Bamboo Peak. Many later realized the ruthlessness of that confrontation. News of Li Wuyi's promise to personally confront him spread quickly. Although Wei Chi Tuo had reached the late Foundation Establishment stage himself, his vicious senior was already at the Fake Dan realm. In such a contest, there was little chance to avoid a crushing defeat—except perhaps by being thoroughly beaten and then forced to keep guard in the main hall for two long years. How could one possibly endure that?
Li Yan, surveying this scene of twisting alliances and barely concealed competitive barbs, could only think that his unfamiliar Second Senior Brother resembled nothing less than a grinning bear—an expression that both amused and unnerved him.