Zhang Zhongju’s eyes held a flicker of helplessness. He said, “The Twin Devils of Qilian are a pair of twin brothers; they are absolute lunatics.”

He Yiming was slightly taken aback. Having spent so much time with Zhang Zhongju, he had always known the old man as a picture of courtesy and amiable grace. This was the first time he had ever heard him curse.

Jin Zhanyi laughed heartily, “Senior Brother Zhang, your words seem to include me in that judgment as well.”

A shadow of embarrassment crossed Zhang Zhongju’s aged face. “Junior Brother, you know I didn't mean it that way.”

Jin Zhanyi nodded. “Brother He, allow me to explain. The martial arts cultivated by the Twin Devils of Qilian share common ground with mine. Especially back when we had just condensed our Three Flowers and hadn't yet formed the 'Tripod Stance,' we offended quite a number of people, including Senior Brother Zhang, who held no favorable opinion of them whatsoever.”

He Yiming’s mind raced, and he immediately grasped the implication. He couldn't help but chuckle, “Do their martial skills also require actual combat for comprehension?”

Jin Zhanyi smiled faintly. “Indeed. The battle techniques we chose back then were known as the Asura Path; only through endless slaughter and combat could one make the greatest progress.” He looked up into the distance, his eyes holding a look of eager anticipation. “If I am not mistaken, the Twin Devils of Qilian traveling all the way to the Lingxiao Palace to challenge me this time is also a desperate gamble.”

He Yiming’s gaze swept over Zhang Zhongju’s face. The old man’s expression was volatile, clearly lacking the composure he usually held when everything was under control.

“Junior Brother, the Twin Devils of Qilian successfully achieved the Tripod Stance forty years ago. Forty years of arduous cultivation—even if they haven’t advanced to the Peak Venerable realm, they must certainly have reached the pinnacle of this stage. Moreover…” Zhang Zhongju paused in thought, “They are nearly three hundred years old now. To challenge you at this age is practically admitting they intend to use you as a stepping stone. Even if you avoid the fight, I guarantee no one would dare utter a word of criticism.”

He Yiming nodded silently. As experts at the Apex Heaven level, they could possess a lifespan nearing three centuries. Since the Twin Devils of Qilian were almost three hundred and hadn't broken through their limits, perhaps in a few short years, they would return to dust.

Therefore, their intention in challenging the now renowned Jin Zhanyi in the final moments of their lives was obvious to anyone.

This battle would be the last of their lives. If they couldn't break through to the Venerable realm after this fight, they would have no choice but to return and await death.

A peculiar smile touched Jin Zhanyi’s lips. “Senior Brother Zhang, do you think I should evade the challenge?”

Zhang Zhongju nodded without hesitation. “Junior Brother, your situation is vastly different from those two old devils. They are cornered, which is why they seek one final throw of the dice. But your future is bright; as long as you cultivate diligently, advancing to Venerable is only a matter of time. To suffer injury in a duel with the Twin Devils of Qilian would be an unacceptable loss.”

Hearing his earnest counsel, Jin Zhanyi bowed deeply. “Thank you, Senior Brother, for your concern.”

Zhang Zhongju quickly reached out and helped him up. “Junior Brother, you are the leading figure among the new generation of the Lingxiao Palace. You must handle matters with extreme caution.”

He Yiming sighed inwardly. Zhang Zhongju now was so similar to He Min of the past. Whether considering the sect’s welfare or Jin Zhanyi’s personal safety, accepting this fight seemed unwise. Furthermore, the Twin Devils’ method was truly repugnant.

As Zhang Zhongju said, judging purely by age, how could the two men, close to their limit, even be compared to Jin Zhanyi?

He Yiming abruptly turned his head and scrutinized Jin Zhanyi intently.

Judging purely by appearance, Jin Zhanyi looked like a man in his late thirties or early forties. Of course, this was because of his supreme talent, allowing him to reach the Innate Realm at this age, thus maintaining this youthful appearance. It did not mean he was truly only thirty or forty.

After all, in this world, a freak like He Yiming was one of a kind.

A faint smile played on Jin Zhanyi’s face. It seemed he had listened to Zhang Zhongju’s words, yet simultaneously let them pass through one ear and out the other, taking none of it to heart.

Seeing his expression, Zhang Zhongju could only offer a wry chuckle. “Junior Brother, you still intend to accept the challenge?”

Jin Zhanyi nodded slightly. “Senior Brother, while they are indeed cornered, am I not in the same boat?” His expression gradually grew solemn. “You know that I attempted to break through to the Venerable realm ten years ago, but ultimately failed. I traveled west precisely because I intended to challenge the martial experts there, hoping to find some opportunity for a breakthrough. Though my trip to the Northwest didn't result in a clash with their Apex Heaven experts, I certainly feel the journey was worthwhile.”

Having said this, his gaze shifted to He Yiming, the profound meaning within his eyes causing He Yiming to sigh repeatedly.

“Advancing to the Venerable realm is far from easy. As far as I know, apart from a very few uniquely gifted individuals, most Venerables achieve their breakthrough only after gaining insight from battles against peers at the same level.” A strange luminescence began to emanate from Jin Zhanyi’s face. “Every few decades, following the great wars between East and West, one or two Venerables emerge. The Venerable Seniors of the Northwest Heavenly Pool, the Northern Frontier Ice Palace, and our own Lingxiao Palace all advanced to the Venerable realm only after fighting the Totem Tribes in the borderlands of life and death. Heh heh, if the Twin Devils of Qilian had not yet failed to reach the Venerable stage, I would have challenged them ten years ago; I wouldn't have waited until today.”

He Yiming raised his eyebrows slightly; he was not unfamiliar with such matters. Furthermore, as he knew, the three hidden Venerables behind the three great powers of the Northwest had only achieved their full Venerable status after centuries of entanglement and countless life-and-death struggles with one another.

What Jin Zhanyi said was entirely correct. Only in true battles of life and death lay the greatest hope for breaking the limit.

Zhang Zhongju let out a long sigh. “Junior Brother, I understand your meaning, but the moment I think of their ages, it just feels unfair.”

Jin Zhanyi laughed freely, “There are countless unfair things in this world; this one more won’t make a difference.”

Zhang Zhongju still shook his head. “Junior Brother, the Twin Devils of Qilian are twin brothers; their cultivation methods complement each other. If it were a one-on-one fight, I am certain you could defeat them. But if it were two against two…” He shook his head, “I fear we might not find a suitable partner among our junior brethren.”

Jin Zhanyi’s brow slowly furrowed; judging by that expression alone, it was clear this troubled him deeply.

He Yiming’s curiosity was piqued. “Senior Brother Zhang, with the profound foundation of the Lingxiao Palace, are you truly unable to find a second expert at the Tripod Stance level?”

Zhang Zhongju offered a bitter smile. “Brother He, before Junior Brother Jin became famous, the Twin Devils of Qilian were the most formidable fiends in Dashen. They challenged everywhere, incurring universal wrath. If not for the backing of the Grotto-Heavens and Blessed Lands supporting them, they would have died seventeen or eighteen times over. So, after hearing their reputation, aside from Junior Brother Jin, no one else was willing to get entangled with them.”

He Yiming subtly glanced at Jin Zhanyi, an amused feeling stirring in his heart.

Though Zhang Zhongju spoke vaguely, his tone was filled with clear dissatisfaction toward the Twin Devils of Qilian.

Given his attitude, those previously challenged by Jin Zhanyi likely shared the same sentiment.

Jin Zhanyi shook his head slightly. “Senior Brother, these matters are mere trifles. The real reason no one can stand alongside me is that no one shares the same predicament as the Twin Devils of Qilian.”

He Yiming’s heart tightened, then he suddenly understood.

The Twin Devils of Qilian were facing the end of their lifespan, hence their desperate arrival at Lingxiao Palace to challenge Jin Zhanyi.

But given their similar cultivation levels, a two-on-one situation was impossible. However, for a two-on-two engagement, finding another opponent matching Jin Zhanyi’s level would be difficult.

After all, such a confrontation was fraught with unknown dangers. Unless one was as desperate as the Twin Devils or as fiercely eager for challenges against peers as Jin Zhanyi, no expert of that caliber would easily get involved.

Zhang Zhongju visibly relaxed. “Junior Brother, since you cannot find a companion, why not simply tell them directly: if they wish to fight you, they must fight one at a time. Otherwise, there’s nothing to discuss.”

Jin Zhanyi, however, shook his head slightly. “In the two hundred years since they debuted, the Twin Devils of Qilian have always fought as a pair, regardless of the opponent. Their combined power is ingrained in their very bones; if separated, they probably couldn't unleash even half their true strength. If that’s the case, what would be the point of me accepting their challenge?”

Zhang Zhongju opened his mouth, “Junior Brother has a point, but if you intend to face both of them alone, you certainly won’t receive approval from our Venerable Seniors.”

Jin Zhanyi offered a knowing smile. “Senior Brother need not worry. Though I am confident, I’m not delusional enough to think I could defeat both of them fighting in tandem.”

Only then did Zhang Zhongju breathe a sigh of relief. As long as Jin Zhanyi didn't act recklessly, he wouldn't worry.

A moment later, Jin Zhanyi suddenly turned his head and offered He Yiming a slight smile.

He Yiming was momentarily startled and, out of courtesy, returned the smile.

Then he heard Jin Zhanyi say, “Brother He, you are the foremost figure below the Northwest Venerables, and your Three Flowers cultivation possesses abilities that are unfathomably mysterious. I hold you in the highest regard.”

He Yiming felt a subtle, ominous premonition stirring within him. He frowned slightly. “Brother Jin, if you have something to say, please be direct.”

Jin Zhanyi’s face became serious. He cupped his hands in a deep bow. “I wish to spar with you, Brother He. What say you?”

He Yiming watched him quietly. Having traveled with him for so long, what was inevitable had finally arrived…

Taking a deep breath, He Yiming announced loudly, “If Brother Jin wishes it, I shall gladly accompany you.”