For the past three days, under the guidance of the father and daughter of the Li family, He Yiming and his companions had toured the world-renowned Glazed Cave several times.

Though far from being intimately familiar with it, the group had already offered endless praise for the marvels of the place.

The entire Glazed Cave was honeycombed with countless natural grottoes, all sculpted by the sublime, untamed artistry of nature itself, bearing virtually no trace of human interference save for a few highly specific locations.

Despite the considerable number of disciples belonging to Glazed Island, vast expanses of the cave system remained entirely vacant.

Yet, what truly staggered He Yiming was the deep volcanic crater situated at the very heart of the cavern complex.

Looking down from the apex of the cave, one could only perceive a vast expanse of fiery crimson below; heaven alone knew the true depth stretching to the bottom. Considering the myriad of colorful, dazzling gemstones throughout the cave, He Yiming finally understood the origin of the name, the Ten Thousand Foot Glazed Cave.

Although the seemingly bottomless deep volcano intensely interested He Yiming, it was the most strictly forbidden area within the Glazed Cave. Even with his current status, he could not freely investigate its depths.

It was much like the summit of the main peak of the Heavenly Pool lineage, where, besides the Heavenly Pool Sect Master, Di Shitian, and the great Divine Calculator, no one else dared to ascend lightly.

On the third day, Li Jiangfeng still intended to lead the group to a famous scenic spot within the Glazed Cave, but the Western envoys had already arrived by sea vessel, having traveled from an island chain favorable to the West.

When He Yiming reached the welcoming cavern where Li Jiangfeng and the others had greeted guests on the first day, he found everyone else had already assembled, including the veteran Venerable Hua Ruijin.

A slight shift occurred in his heart. This visit to the Glazed Cave, apart from these familiar faces, featured no other Venerables, which was somewhat unexpected. But this was, after all, their territory, and whether they chose to present themselves was not something he could dictate.

Seeing everyone gathered, Hua Ruijin smiled and said, "Esteemed colleagues, word has arrived from outside: Venerable Colin of Boulder Island is arriving with a Western guest, specifically requesting an audience with the newly ascended Venerables from the East. I wonder if you are all interested in meeting them."

Jin Zhanyi boomed with laughter, "Brother Hua, since they have the audacity to come here, of course, we cannot refuse to meet them."

Everyone nodded slightly; in this context, even those harboring reservations would find it difficult to voice opposition.

Hua Ruijin glanced at He Yiming, pondered for a moment, and inquired, "Brother He, are you planning to participate in this competition between the newly ascended Eastern and Western Venerables?"

He Yiming was momentarily stunned. He swept his gaze around, noticing the intensely complex expressions in everyone’s eyes.

By now, everyone was fully aware of He Yiming’s martial cultivation—how he had successfully ascended to the Five Qi Great Venerable realm within just a few years of reaching Venerable status.

The gulf between a Great Venerable and an ordinary Venerable was immense, a vast disparity. Should they clash, an ordinary Venerable would stand no chance of victory unless possessing a heaven-defying treasure like a simulated divine artifact.

Moreover, given the power He Yiming displayed in Great Shen of the East, everyone clearly understood that if he chose to act, securing first place would be as effortless as plucking something from his palm, leaving no room for suspense.

However, precisely because of this, everyone maintained such a composed demeanor when Hua Ruijin introduced the Western powerhouses. They simply could not believe that a superpower like He Yiming would emerge from the West as well.

After a moment of thought, He Yiming asked, "Brother Hua, do you believe this junior should participate?"

Hua Ruijin stared for a long moment before letting out a wry, bitter laugh.

He Yiming, this anomaly, was truly unique in the world; this question was indeed difficult to answer.

He shook his head, considered for a moment, and replied, "Brother He, this old man dares not presume to comment on that. Perhaps we should wait to see the Western envoy's intentions."

Everyone secretly nodded their agreement. To be honest, asking the current He Yiming to enter the competition for newly ascended Eastern and Western Venerables, if this news spread, would be excessively bullying.

Even those Venerables with faces as thick as city walls could not bring themselves to utter the request.

Half an hour later, Hua Ruijin stepped out and welcomed two men inside.

One of the two was a typical Westerner, possessing a head of bright red hair and a meticulously trimmed mustache above his lip. His eyes were sharp and penetrating, showing no surprise at the concentration of high-ranking peers surrounding him.

The other was an elder with snow-white hair and beard. Although he had an Eastern face, his pair of azure eyes and high-bridged nose immediately indicated to He Yiming that this man must be of mixed Eastern and Western heritage.

"Everyone, this is Island Master Colin of Boulder Island, and this is Venerable Aerfa, our esteemed guest from the West," Hua Ruijin introduced them unhurriedly.

Colin wore a face full of insincere geniality. As Hua Ruijin introduced the group, he lavished compliments on every single person, making it seem as though each one was the foremost figure of the age in his estimation.

Jin Zhanyi and the others, seasoned veterans of the world, maintained courteous exteriors while inwardly cursing.

To genuinely accept Colin's flattery would mark one as profoundly foolish.

Whether intentional or not, Hua Ruijin introduced the pair to He Yiming last.

Upon hearing the name He Yiming, a distinct change flickered across Colin’s eyes. But what puzzled the others was that Venerable Aerfa remained utterly unmoved, as if he had never heard the name before, instead focusing his attention keenly on Jin Zhanyi.

The assembly of cunning veterans exchanged doubtful glances. Could this man truly be unaware of He Yiming’s reputation? Yet, judging by Colin’s reaction, that seemed unlikely.

While they were covertly speculating, Aerfa stepped forward and, following Western custom, bowed to the assembled group. "Esteemed sirs, the contests between newly ascended Venerables from the East and West throughout history have always followed a pattern where each side takes turns designating the venue. This cycle, it falls to us to decide." He paused briefly. "Star Island—it is an excellent location. What are your thoughts?"

The group exchanged bewildered glances; they hadn't expected the man to be so abrupt, bringing up the matter immediately after introductions.

In the East, serious discussion could not begin without at least half a day of pleasantries, but the Western style was clearly different; until their mission was accomplished, they seemed uninterested in anything else.

Li Jiangfeng frowned slightly. "Star Island is one of the treacherous locations in our Southern Border. Choosing that place for the contest might be somewhat inappropriate."

Aerfa waved a dismissive hand. "Venerable Li, we have already dispatched scouts. Although the environment there is perilous, it should not pose a significant hindrance to combat between Venerable-level experts such as ourselves."

Jin Zhanyi raised his eyebrows. "Brother Li, where exactly is Star Island located, and why is it termed a dangerous place?"

Li Jiangfeng paused in thought, then stated solemnly, "Star Island lies a thousand miles from our Glazed Island. The island itself is quite substantial, but the surrounding sea is riddled with whirlpools. Apart from a Five Qi Great Venerable capable of flying using divine light, no one can enter or exit smoothly."

Jin Zhanyi, being thoughtful, inquired calmly, "What about entering by treading the water?"

Li Jiangfeng replied smoothly, "The suction from those whirlpools is quite considerable. While we can force our way in, it will inevitably consume extra time."

The others immediately understood; given Li Jiangfeng’s phrasing, there was absolutely no exaggeration involved.

Aerfa gave a cold sneer. "Gentlemen, this competition is not a game. If anyone believes they cannot enter Star Island based on their personal strength alone, then please do not come."

The expressions of the gathered Venerables turned grim. They now realized the challenger had deliberately set this hurdle.

Jin Zhanyi laughed heartily. "Esteemed sirs, since Venerable Aerfa has shown such interest, how could we possibly decline?"

Everyone nodded slightly, their eyes filled with cold, disdainful amusement.

Only Hua Ruijin and the Li father and daughter looked considerably strained. They were acutely aware of the immense power of those whirlpools; safely navigating in and out would likely drain considerable vital energy.

Aerfa’s gaze swept over the faces of everyone present, treating each one equally. Finally, he concluded, "Since you have all accepted the invitation, we shall await your esteemed arrival at Star Island in five days."

Having spoken, he nodded once toward Colin and then turned, walking away without a backward glance.

He Yiming exchanged glances with the others, seeing the shared flicker of displeasure in their eyes. Had this man not been a Western envoy, some among them might already have moved to intercept him due to such arrogance.

Hua Ruijin scoffed, "An ignorant, stubborn fool." He then turned to Colin. "Brother Colin, Boulder Island has always maintained neutrality. Why bring him here this time?"

Colin offered a bitter smile. "Do you think I wished to? But the Western Venerables happened upon me this time; I had no choice but to comply."

Hua Ruijin frowned deeply. "These fellows were the same last time, insisting on causing trouble for the neutral islands. Humph, they truly lack decorum."

Colin nodded, his gaze finally shifting to He Yiming. "So Brother He has arrived as well. Then this competition has no suspense."

Jin Zhanyi’s mind stirred. "Island Master Colin, did Aerfa and the others not know Brother He’s name?"

The entire assembly immediately fell silent. Although He Yiming’s rise in Great Shen had not been long, his two recent accomplishments were too audacious. It was hard for them to believe the Westerners remained completely ignorant.

Colin let out a wry laugh. "I did mention Brother He’s distinguished name to Venerable Aerfa in front of him, but..." His face twisted into an expression of helpless amusement, "But that gentleman claimed all of it was mere Eastern propaganda, insisting that such a person absolutely does not exist in this world."

Everyone looked at one another, their eyes similarly filled with a strange light.

If they were in his shoes, without having witnessed it firsthand, perhaps they would harbor the exact same suspicion.

He Yiming offered a slight, bitter smile, observing the wavering gazes around him, uncertain what thoughts churned within his own heart.

He turned his gaze toward the distance, seemingly piercing through the dense stone walls to the faraway Star Island.

In five days, they would discover whether that was merely rumor...

However, at that very moment, He Yiming's expression abruptly changed. He drew a deep breath. "Brother Li, this junior requires a day in solitary retreat. Please prepare a quiet chamber for me."

Everyone’s eyes widened—retreating now?

In their estimation, this person became increasingly inscrutable...