The aged Dongfang Z finally succumbed to Lin Hai, a result Ye Wen hadn't expected. What truly surprised him was that Dongfang Yi had managed to hold out against Lin Hai for so long before being defeated.

Dongfang Yi, having exhausted all his strength, stood up with difficulty after several gasps. He cupped his hands toward Lin Hai and said, "Band Leader Lin's martial prowess is indeed admirable; this old man is thoroughly convinced!" With that, he staggered off the stage, needing the support of a Qinglong Society disciple to return to his seat.

The conflict between the Tianle Gang and the Qinglong Society was not mentioned at all. However, there was no need to speak of it; since the Tianle Gang had won this round, the Qinglong Society would inevitably yield ground in any areas where their interests clashed. Otherwise, the preceding duel would have been utterly meaningless.

Moreover, not only was the leader, Dongfang Yi, completely spent, but Dongfang Wuji, whom Dongfang Yi regarded as his right and left arm, was also injured. With the Qinglong Society's high-tier combat power neutralized, a desperate fight against the Tianle Gang would put them in a dreadful position.

"It's just a matter of trivial gains; there's no need to fight until we're utterly ruined!"

When power grows, so do the concerns one must carry. While the Tianle Gang had been aggressive this time, their demands were not beyond the Qinglong Society's capacity to bear. Therefore, Dongfang Yi swallowed the bitter pill of defeat, ceded the disputed benefits, and allowed the Qinglong Society's influence to contract slightly. If they could accumulate greater strength in the future, they could always reclaim what was lost from Lin Hai.

As for Lin Hai upon the stage, he had already retracted his formidable gongli, standing silently and proudly on the platform. At this point, Bei Chengxuan stepped up and announced to the assembly, "The match between Tianle Gang Leader Lin Hai and Qinglong Society Leader Dongfang Yi... Tianle Gang Leader Lin Hai is the victor! By convention, the Tianle Gang secures a permanent seat at the Martial Arts Assembly. Are there any among my fellow martial artists who object?"

The convention for securing a permanent seat at the Martial Arts Assembly required not only sufficient prestige within the Jianghu but also defeating one of the existing permanent members in a direct confrontation during the Assembly. Just as Lin Hai had defeated Dongfang Yi, the Tianle Gang could reclaim a fixed seat, saving them the trouble of traveling a thousand li a year in advance just to ensure their faction had a place to sit.

Simultaneously, upon the awarding of a fixed seat, anyone in the audience who disagreed, believing the faction unworthy of that position, could challenge the victor on stage and attempt to force them down. If successful, that seat would naturally no longer belong to the vanquished; however, the seat would not transfer to the challenger—it would simply be revoked. Since this action offered the challenger no personal gain and would immediately make an enemy of the opposing faction, such blatant spoilers were usually reserved only for sworn rivals.

Lin Hai stood on the stage, sweeping his gaze across the crowd. No one dared meet his eyes. Everyone felt an oppressive aura bearing down on them, causing them to swallow involuntarily, and naturally, no one spoke out against Lin Hai. Furthermore, given the formidable martial skill Lin Hai had just displayed, most present doubted they could surpass Dongfang Yi and were disinclined to leap forward seeking fleeting fame.

Seeing no opposition, Bei Chengxuan was about to offer congratulations, believing the Tianle Gang's position secured, when Lin Hai suddenly addressed the Nashen Sect's delegation: "My Tianle Gang has had some prior grievances with the Shu Mountain Sect. Perhaps we should resolve them now while we have the opportunity. What say you, Sect Master Ye?"

This declaration stunned the entire assembly!

The Shu Mountain Sect had been seated alongside the Tianle Gang since their arrival at the Assembly. Everyone assumed the two factions were incredibly close, perhaps even intimate allies. Later, when the Shu Mountain Sect displayed their powerful techniques, revealing their true strength to the world, observers concluded that the Tianle Gang had secured a formidable reinforcement for this Assembly.

Who would have expected that not only were the Tianle Gang and Shu Mountain Sect not allies, but they appeared to be adversaries? Otherwise, Lin Hai would hardly have made such a pronouncement at this juncture. A minor grievance would typically be resolved quietly later; only if the relationship had deteriorated to a certain point would such a confrontation be forced now.

All eyes in the venue turned toward the Shu Mountain Sect. Only the members of the Tianle Gang were bewildered by their leader's sudden move. Shen Yuqing muttered, her eyes wide with surprise, "Lin Hai, what in the world are you thinking?"

Guo Nu was equally perplexed, unable to fathom why the Gang Leader would actively court trouble when success was within reach. They had already witnessed the strength of the Shu Mountain Sect; that faction was clearly not easy to deal with. Moreover, the Tianle Gang's primary objective was to re-establish its status in the Jianghu; any issues with the Shu Mountain Sect should surely be addressed only after that goal was secured.

"Does the Gang Leader perhaps intend to eliminate the Shu Mountain Sect while we still have the advantage?" Guo Nu voiced what most Tianle Gang members were thinking, though whether this was truly Lin Hai's intent remained unknown.

Shen Yuqing clenched her fists, her brow deeply furrowed, contemplating whether she should step onto the stage to accept the challenge. "Is Lin Hai trying to force me to act? But what benefit does that bring him?" After intense consideration, she could find no answer and remained seated, waiting to see how events unfolded, hoping to find a solution. However, the feeling that the situation had slipped from her control deeply displeased her.

Ye Wen's side was equally astonished. He even laughed slightly, remarking, "Heh! We didn't go looking for trouble with the Tianle Gang, yet Gang Leader Lin actively seeks a confrontation with us!"

After exchanging glances with Ning Ruxue and Xu Xian beside him, Ye Wen finally declared, "I will go up first to meet Lin Hai and ascertain his true intentions!" Without waiting for their reply, he leaped onto the stage and cupped his hands towards Lin Hai: "Since Gang Leader Lin wishes to seize this opportune moment to settle the grievances between our two factions, that would naturally be for the best. How does Gang Leader Lin propose we settle this?"

Meanwhile, Daoist Tianyi and Zen Master Huixin were discussing the matter in hushed tones, also surprised by the existing feud between the Shu Mountain Sect and the Tianle Gang. The Tianle Gang had just secured a permanent seat, and Gang Leader Lin Hai’s strength commanded respect. Combined with the four elders, they were undeniably a formidable force.

Both Huixin and Tianyi had favored the rise of the Tianle Gang, particularly because Lin Hai had shown restraint; despite the conflict with the Qinglong Society, he had minimized the escalation, avoiding both an expansion of conflict and casualties. This outcome perfectly aligned with their wishes.

As for the Shu Mountain Sect, this newly emerged faction boasting three young masters—Ye Wen, Ning Ruxue, and Xu Xian, all under thirty—was poised to become a vital new pillar of the righteous martial world, the main force against the Demonic Cult in the coming decades. Furthermore, Ye Wen conducted himself with the bearing of a true gentleman, humble and polite, earning the goodwill of both Huixin and Tianyi, who even considered offering support to Shu Mountain if necessary.

Unexpectedly, at this moment, conflict erupted between the two factions they held in high regard, and it seemed from the exchange that a long-standing enmity already existed.

"Alas! The Demonic Cult remains an intractable threat precisely because the righteous sects cannot maintain unity, constantly generating internal strife. How can we hope to combat an external enemy?" Daoist Tianyi sighed, feeling helpless at the situation. He had already gauged Lin Hai’s temperament; the Tianle Gang leader was an arrogant man, and mediation from him would likely result in nothing but scorn.

Zen Master Huixin remained silent, equally powerless. After softly chanting a Buddhist invocation, he resumed reciting his sutras, though no one knew which passage he was focused on.

Since the two masters abstained, no one else dared intervene in this brewing conflict. The Tianshan Sect members continued to watch the spectacle. The Beijian Sect, owing to Bei Chengyan's earlier words and some past connection to the Tianle Gang, maintained a position of neutrality, standing silently aside.

The Qinglong Society members secretly cursed their poor timing. Dongfang Wuji had just regained consciousness and, seeing Lin Hai confronting Ye Wen, said to his father, "If we had known this, we should have let the Shu Mountain Sect clash with the Tianle Gang first!"

Dongfang Yi was far calmer. He merely stated, "Stop saying useless things. Lin Hai likely wouldn't have provoked the Shu Mountain Sect if he hadn't defeated us Qinglong Society first!" He had now understood: the Shu Mountain Sect and the Tianle Gang were not allies, but rather enemies. The earlier amicable facade was likely Tianle Gang's attempt to secure a rapport with Shu Mountain, ensuring they wouldn't create unnecessary complications before Lin Hai's fight with him. Now that the Qinglong Society had fallen to the Tianle Gang, and their core strength was crippled, Lin Hai dared to openly engage the Shu Mountain Sect.

Dongfang Wuji grasped the situation and said resentfully, "Let the Tianle Gang have its moment of triumph. After the Assembly, if the Tianle Gang dares to encroach upon our territory, we will send Second Brother out to teach them a lesson!" He thought these words might cheer his father, but Dongfang Yi immediately scolded him: "Your Second Brother is currently deep in crucial cultivation. How can he be dispatched lightly to deal with the mere Tianle Gang? Moreover, your Second Brother is the Qinglong Society's most significant trump card right now; we must not use him over such minor matters!"

Dongfang Wuji bowed his head in acceptance of his father’s reprimand, yet unconcealed resentment flickered in his eyes. Dongfang Yi knew his son’s thoughts but sighed inwardly, realizing that such lessons could only be learned through experience; only then would Dongfang Wuji understand how difficult it was to be a leader.

While the Qinglong Society was loudly deliberating, the Yudong Sect remained silent. Both Jiujian Xian and Yuqingzi were surprised that the previously unheard-of Shu Mountain Sect had amassed so many enemies. While the prior conflict with the Leijian Gate was somewhat understandable, the enmity with the Tianle Gang was utterly baffling.

Turning to his junior brother, Yuqingzi remarked, "Junior Brother, you need to reconsider. The Shu Mountain Sect seems intent on making enemies; they may not last long in this world..." Jiujian Xian did not reply, a flicker of confusion mingled with a trace of anticipation in his eyes, though what he anticipated, even Yuqingzi did not know. Seeing his silence, Yuqingzi merely sighed and returned his gaze to the stage.

On stage, Lin Hai and Ye Wen exchanged greetings before getting down to the main topic. Lin Hai began: "Sect Master Ye killed one of my gang's Helmsman and one Hall Master years ago. That debt can be settled today!"

Ye Wen countered: "If your Tianle Gang hadn't ambushed my disciples first, and then spied on our mountain gate under the cover of night, those two would not have met their fate!"

Lin Hai laughed heartily: "Why speak of so much preamble? A battle is inevitable today regardless; those old matters are merely the pretext that allows you and me to stand here!" Saying this, his jinqi coursed through his body, and a flowing luminescence enveloped him. He moved slowly, yet it seemed to be brewing a storm of terrifying proportions.

Seeing Lin Hai’s stance, Ye Wen understood that Lin Hai had only called him up for a fight; the past events were merely justification. Is this Lin Hai a martial fanatic? he wondered internally. Despite his suspicion, his zhenqi did not slow in the slightest. He mobilized the innate purple energy around his body, causing wisps of violet vapor to drift out and circle him. At a glance, it appeared as though Ye Wen were an immortal descending on clouds.

As soon as this anomaly appeared, Zen Master Huixin remarked to his old friend, "Sect Master Ye's martial arts bear a distinct similarity to your own, Daoist Tianyi!" Daoist Tianyi, however, seemed already aware and showed no surprise, simply nodding with a faint smile.

It turned out that Ye Wen's entire martial foundation was rooted in Daoist profound techniques. When Ye Wen had previously carved the stone monument with the Zixiao Dragon Qi Sword, Daoist Tianyi had already glimpsed that Ye Wen practiced a Daoist lineage. Seeing this now only solidified his earlier guess. "This auspicious cloud energy is indeed a phenomenon achieved when Daoist techniques are cultivated to a certain level! However, I don't know which divine art Sect Master Ye practices; I have never seen this purple vapor before!" He even wondered if the Shu Mountain Sect held a secret inheritance from some hidden Daoist lineage, and this young man, Ye Wen, having inherited it, was now breaking his seclusion to make a name for himself at the Martial Arts Assembly. If that were the case, Daoist Tianyi felt it might even be a blessing.

While he was pondering, the scene on stage shifted again. The luminescence around Lin Hai began to concentrate on his fists, the sea-blue color on them now visibly deeper than when he fought Dongfang Yi. Seeing this, Dongfang Yi's expression shifted: "Lin Hai was holding back when fighting me!" At first, he found it unbelievable, but upon careful reflection, he realized that during their duel, while Lin Hai had exerted immense force, his expression had never changed, and his movements seemed slightly casual. He had initially attributed this to Lin Hai’s natural fighting style, but now understood it was far from the truth.

Correspondingly, the purple energy around Ye Wen gradually receded, leaving only a few faint tendrils circling his body. Yet, no one felt that Ye Wen was any easier to handle. His entire aura was like a drawn sword; his slightly raised right hand had formed a sword-finger, from which unpredictable sword qi spat forth, emitting a dazzling purple glow visible even to those farthest from the stage. "Like a precious sword—impossible to ignore!"

Lin Hai glanced at the pulsating sword light emanating from Ye Wen’s finger and suddenly exclaimed in admiration, "Sect Master Ye's Tingtao Jue [Wave-Listening Art], I presume its power increases with the depth of its color! Just like the ocean, the deeper the color, the more perilous the depths! Judging by this hue, it must be the color found only in the deepest abysses, indicating an extreme level of danger..."

Though Lin Hai didn't know what an "abyss" was, Ye Wen's inference that deeper color meant stronger power was correct. He didn't intend to conceal it and admitted, "The Tingtao Jue is the pride of my life, and I imagine Sect Master Ye has heard of it. I wonder what name Sect Master Ye gives to this skill of yours?"

Seriously? Detailed introductions of techniques before a fight? Are we in a shonen manga? Despite his internal grumbling, Ye Wen did not conceal the truth. After all, introducing one's supreme technique before the world’s assembled heroes was a form of advertisement for his sect’s unique art. With that thought, he stated plainly, "This technique is called the Zixiao Longqi Jian [Purple Heaven Dragon Qi Sword]. It is a style I created after thoroughly integrating the various martial arts of my sect! However, I have only just managed to master its initial form; how many more years it will take to truly bring it to completion, I do not yet know!"

Lin Hai was secretly startled by this. He didn't doubt Ye Wen's words: "To achieve such power after only just completing the initial stage—this technique is truly extraordinary! To witness the mastery of Sect Master Ye's unique art today is truly a fortune of three lifetimes!" The audience had clearly seen Ye Wen carve the stone with sword energy, and hearing that this technique was not yet fully realized shocked everyone, save for Li Xuan, whose eyes gleamed with renewed interest.

Ye Wen inwardly mused, It certainly isn't complete. According to my original design, reaching the pinnacle should allow me to unleash sword qi at will, without needing set forms—just pure qi overwhelming the enemy! As it stands now, I still have to calculate every move and hesitate before striking; it is indeed just the nascent stage! Thus, he did not feel he was exaggerating.

Lin Hai suddenly voiced, "I truly wish to witness the power of your supreme art when it reaches true completion!"

"Gang Leader Lin will have the opportunity!" Ye Wen had no doubt he would cultivate this technique to its absolute peak. The Shu Mountain Sect possessed ample rare treasures, and the primary limiting factor for this art was internal energy capacity. Even without precious resources, Ye Wen's consistent cultivation would eventually bring him to that level.

Unexpectedly, Lin Hai gazed up at the sky, watching the drifting clouds, and said languidly, "I fear I shall not see it..."

At these words, Ye Wen's expression immediately changed, and his mind raced furiously. Not just him, but the entire Shu Mountain delegation was startled, wondering if Lin Hai intended to strike lethally and wipe out their sect entirely. It wasn't just the Shu Mountain Sect; even the Tianle Gang members thought the same, yet Shen Yuqing suddenly felt a sense of profound foreboding, sensing something terrible was about to happen.