The old Daoist already suspected that Ye Wen might be a survivor of the Martial Cultivator lineage, but he felt that this alone was insufficient for a definitive judgment.

For instance, the Wudang Sect was not considered part of the Martial Cultivator lineage. Although Wudang practitioners possessed formidable close-quarters combat skills and the sect was renowned for its internal martial arts—which offered certain cultivation benefits—most Wudang seniors understood some form of close-quarters fighting techniques.

However, the foundation of Wudang cultivation remained Daoist immortal cultivation; martial arts were merely supplementary aids, barely even secondary studies. This stood in stark contrast to the primary focus of the Martial Cultivator lineage.

Though the old Daoist witnessed Ye Wen's responsive gesture, he remained uncertain if Ye Wen truly belonged to the Martial Cultivators, sparking the thought of testing him personally to draw a correct conclusion.

"Sect Master Ye, be careful!" As he spoke, he prepared to lunge forward, but just as he began to gather his internal energy, he saw Ye Wen sharply raise a hand, making a 'wait' gesture. He was forced to immediately retract the qi he had just summoned. It was only due to his long cultivation, profound power, and masterful control over his spiritual energy that he managed to halt his momentum and await Ye Wen's words.

Ye Wen suddenly frowned, scrutinizing both men as he paced back and forth a few steps, then posed a question so jarring it nearly made both of them spit blood: "We've been facing each other for a while now, but I still don't know your names! If we are to fight, shouldn't we exchange titles first?"

The old Daoist was momentarily flustered by this utterance, but the middle-aged man quickly smoothed things over: "Heh heh, Sect Master Ye is right, it is we who have been remiss!" This middle-aged man appeared remarkably composed—likely a result of his deep study of Confucian essentials. Furthermore, despite not knowing precisely how long Ye Wen had cultivated, the status of a sect leader demanded a degree of respect, so the middle-aged man subtly positioned himself slightly lower in the exchange.

"I am Zhang Jiyu of the Huashan Sect!"

"This humble Daoist is Wang Pan of the Wudang Sect!"

Upon hearing this, Ye Wen bowed respectfully to both in turn. Once they had finished, he offered a formal self-introduction: "Ye Wen of the Shushan Sect!" In truth, this introduction was unnecessary; from the previous conversation, he already knew his background details had been obtained. It seemed the Kunlun Sect, while offering the goodwill of an alliance, had been busy taking actions detrimental to him behind the scenes.

Considering this, his impression of the Kunlun Sect immediately plummeted. Although he understood that from the Kunlun Sect's perspective, they hadn't erred in their actions, the fact that they were targeting him meant he couldn't feel pleased, and a degree of resentment began to brew toward them.

Conversely, his impression of the Wudang and Huashan sects remained relatively positive. Although they were currently adversaries, their approach had been open and honorable, living up to the reputation of righteous sects.

Once the introductions concluded, Ye Wen gestured toward the old Daoist named Wang Pan: "Please!" The old Daoist accepted without ceremony, offered another bow, and surged forward. Beneath his feet, the Yin-Yang Fish spun ceaselessly, holding him aloft in the void. He rushed forward as if traversing solid ground, exhibiting no sign of abnormality.

Witnessing this, even Ye Wen entertained the possibility of an invisible floor, yet he understood this was merely the marvel of the Yin-Yang Fish beneath the old Daoist’s feet, not actual footing.

In an instant, the old Daoist reached Ye Wen and launched a devastating "Heart-Punching Hammer," the momentum of which was terrifying. Even before the strike landed, Ye Wen felt a strong premonition, knowing he could not afford to meet this move carelessly, lest he suffer a loss.

With this thought, he countered with his specialty, the Soft Palm, interspersed with moves from other styles—perhaps a few techniques from Quanzhen Swordplay or Iron Palm—which Ye Wen executed seemingly haphazardly, lacking any set pattern, yet each move landed precisely where it needed to be.

He first met the old Daoist's Heart-Punch with a palm strike, then followed up with dual palms; one utilized the Iron Palm technique, while the other suddenly shifted mid-motion to employ a sword move from the Quanzhen Swordplay, aiming precisely at the old Daoist's side of the neck. Had this struck true, it would have instantly rendered the old Daoist unconscious.

Of course, had Ye Wen's Iron Palm strike landed solidly, it too would have knocked the old Daoist out. After all, the Iron Palm was renowned for its fierce, rigid power, not inferior to the Eighteen Dragon-Subduing Palms; ordinary men would never dare meet it head-on. Given Ye Wen's current power level, a normal person struck by this would likely be smeared into a pulp. While the old Daoist possessed profound cultivation, he was ultimately not someone who specialized purely in martial arts, and his physique lacked the robustness of a true Martial Cultivator. Thus, he was even more hesitant to be struck by Ye Wen's blow.

In a hasty maneuver, he employed a "Cloud Hands" move from Tai Chi to dissolve Ye Wen's Iron Palm strike, immediately following up with a "Single Whip Hand" to force Ye Wen back.

Unexpectedly, Ye Wen shifted his technique. As his hands moved and rotated, he evaded the old Daoist’s two moves, seamlessly transitioning into sword techniques. Not only were faint sword glows visible at his fingertips, but the old Daoist clearly heard the crisp sound of a blade slicing through the air.

"Releasing sword energy with bare hands?"

The old Daoist was knowledgeable enough to recognize that meeting Ye Wen head-on at this moment would only result in disadvantage. Seeing this, he immediately sprang backward while forming a hand seal, condensing a Tai Chi Diagram before him.

Just then, Ye Wen jabbed forward simultaneously with both index fingers, unleashing two bursts of Zixiao Dragon Qi sword energy. The old Daoist and Zhang Jiyu, standing nearby, only saw two purple lights flash; then, the Tai Chi Diagram before the old Daoist shattered, unable to withstand Ye Wen's two sword energies.

"To release such formidable channeled energy with just a wave? Wudang's Tai Chi Protection Diagram couldn't even hold it?"

Zhang Jiyu was greatly astonished. If Ye Wen had used a magic weapon or flying sword to break Wang Pan’s Tai Chi Protection Diagram, he wouldn't have been surprised. The strength of this Wudang technique lay in its speed and convenience of use, making it highly practical in combat, but its sheer defensive power was not its strong suit.

However, Wang Pan was a seasoned master of long cultivation; the protective diagram he casually summoned was far beyond what ordinary Wudang disciples could manifest. Even Zhang Jiyu admitted that without using his own writing brush or a few of his more potent array formations, he could not break this technique.

The fact that Ye Wen shattered Wang Pan's Protective Tai Chi Diagram with a simple wave demonstrated the sheer power of those casual bursts of sword energy. If he were careless for even a moment, he might be injured by Ye Wen in a single exchange.

"Martial Cultivators are truly overbearing..."

Although Zhang Jiyu had cultivated for many years, in his early days, he focused solely on secluded study and rarely descended the mountain, meaning he had never truly encountered a Martial Cultivator. He had only heard tales from his peers and sect leaders about them—tales claiming their bodies were immensely strong, their combat skills peerless, and that they could contend with flying swords using sheer physical strength alone. At the time, he hadn't fully believed it, thinking his peers exaggerated.

But now, witnessing Ye Wen’s casual display, he realized those claims were not exaggerated. Ye Wen’s casual bursts of outward energy were comparable to an average magic weapon. If struck solidly by his physical blows, unless saved by a top-tier defensive artifact, one would certainly perish.

While maintaining vigilance internally, his gaze on the duel grew increasingly grave. After shattering the old Daoist's protective Tai Chi Diagram with one strike, Ye Wen showed no restraint, instead charging forward rapidly, employing a move from the Eighteen Dragon-Subduing Palms with his right hand.

The Eighteen Dragon-Subduing Palms were the most rigid palm techniques in the world. Although Ye Wen was not specialized in this style, his current cultivation level ensured his execution did not dishonor the technique. A massive dragon seemed to coil above his palm, and a ferocious dragon head materialized before his hand, rushing toward Wang Pan with its monstrous maw wide open in a roar.

That wasn't all; as soon as Ye Wen delivered the first palm strike, a second followed immediately. Two giant dragons, one chasing the other as if in a race, rushed toward Wang Pan. Though the two energy bursts appeared separate, they were actually converging; the trailing force reinforced the leading force, creating an interconnected wave of energy whose might was amplified further.

Wang Pan sweated just looking at the momentum of these two dragons, realizing he had met an unbreakable obstacle today. Despite his formidable cultivation, he had initially intended only to probe Ye Wen’s status as a Martial Cultivator, thus employing a fighting style that was not his strongest. He had presumed that with the many miraculous techniques of the Wudang Sect, even if he couldn't injure Ye Wen, he could at least force a stalemate. He never anticipated being at a disadvantage immediately. Martial Cultivators had been absent for too long; even when Wang Pan had encountered them before, he had nearly forgotten their terrifying combat prowess.

Wang Pan recognized that these recent moves by Ye Wen were not mere spells, but genuine martial arts; the sword energies and giant dragons were merely external manifestations of channeled force. Martial Cultivators at a certain level could all achieve this, and the manifestations would align with their respective techniques. Seeing the two formidable dragons now confirmed that these palms were immensely powerful, hard-hitting techniques, and meeting them head-on would require significant effort.

He retreated while waving his hands, condensing one Tai Chi Protection Diagram after another before him, each one being torn to shreds by the two dragon strikes in succession.

However, this constant forced retreat, coupled with the energy expenditure of the Protective Tai Chi Diagrams, diminished the momentum of the dragon strikes significantly. Seeing this, the old Daoist swiftly retrieved a bead from his robe—the Electric Fireball. After taking a steady look, he commanded, "Go!" Immediately, a flash of crackling thunder and fire erupted from behind a Tai Chi Diagram, and a bead shimmering with blinding thunderous fire shot out, colliding squarely with the second palm strike Ye Wen had unleashed.

Rumble! A tremendous noise erupted, like thunder cracking out of thin air right next to their ears, followed by surging kinetic energy and gale-force winds, occasionally mixed with flashes of lightning.

But these phenomena had no effect on the individuals present. Ye Wen didn't even blink. He focused his gaze and saw an ordinary-looking bead fly out from the epicenter of the explosion and return to Wang Pan's hand. Although this impact neutralized Ye Wen's palm energy, the Electric Fireball had sustained damage and required careful repair before it could be used again.

Breaking one of Ye Wen’s palm strikes with a magic item did not mean Wang Pan could rest easy. Wang Pan then gave two sharp kicks, causing the Yin-Yang Fish he had been standing on to suddenly fly out, condensing into the shape of a Tai Chi Diagram in mid-air and rushing toward the first palm strike.

By this point, Ye Wen's first palm strike, having broken through over ten layers of Tai Chi energy shields, was already nearing exhaustion. When the old Daoist kicked out the Yin-Yang Fish and formed it into a Tai Chi Diagram, Ye Wen understood that both his palms were likely about to be dissolved. Still, forcing the old Daoist into such a desperate state with just two palms should have made his opponent understand a few things by now.

As he pondered this, the Tai Chi Diagram suddenly vibrated, forcefully shattering Ye Wen's palm energy. Afterward, the diagram's brilliant light dimmed, revealing its true form: an iron plaque.

This iron plaque was shaped like the Bagua, appearing pitch black and unremarkable. Ye Wen strained his vision slightly, perceiving that the plaque seemed to be inscribed with many complex patterns, though he couldn't make out the details.

The old Daoist waved his hand, and the plaque, which had been vibrating in mid-air, suddenly burst forth with dazzling light once more, regaining the appearance of the Tai Chi Diagram before turning in the air and returning to the old Daoist’s side.

This time, the old Daoist did not stand on the plaque but let it circle around him rapidly, before he scrutinized Ye Wen: "Sect Master Ye is indeed extraordinary. If not for this Tai Chi Plaque, this old Daoist might have already been defeated by Sect Master Ye's bare palms!"

At this point, he no longer doubted whether Ye Wen was truly a Martial Cultivator. Seeing Ye Wen's terrifying combat strength, which forced him into such a predicament without even using a magic artifact, anyone who claimed Ye Wen was not a Martial Cultivator would instantly incur the old Daoist's wrath. Moreover, since the Wudang Sect had historically entered the Dao through martial arts, they had a decent understanding of martial disciplines. Even a master from Wudang couldn't withstand three of Ye Wen's punches or kicks...

Wang Pan furrowed his brow, deep in thought. He mused, "Ye Wen is indeed a Martial Cultivator. Martial Cultivators excel in combat; perhaps forcing the issue today will be difficult. Negotiating might be the best solution?" With this in mind, he began to contemplate discussing matters with Ye Wen. Thus, after spinning a few times, the Tai Chi Plaque gradually slowed down. Seeing this demeanor, Ye Wen knew the old Daoist wished to cease fighting and likely intended a serious discussion.

Ye Wen was not opposed to this, as the entire situation was baffling, and he lacked understanding of many circumstances. Learning the full details today would be far better than blindly stumbling forward. As for Zhang Jiyu, he grasped Wang Pan's intention upon seeing his actions; he offered no comment, simply standing quietly to the side.

Truthfully, Zhang Jiyu also felt resistance toward this whole affair. He felt that the esteemed Huashan Sect should never engage in such ignoble actions; bullying the weak was a major taboo. If the stakes hadn't been so high, he would never have left the Kunlun Immortal Realm, choosing instead to continue his secluded cultivation there.

"Sect Master Ye, this old Daoist speaks rather bluntly. If anything I say offends you, I hope Sect Master Ye will not take offense!"

The old Daoist offered Ye Wen considerable respect, and Ye Wen reciprocated warmly: "Daoist Master, please speak your mind!"

Wang Pan nodded, then continued: "The Nine Provinces Cauldron in Sect Master Ye's possession is of grave importance to the Chinese nation. This old Daoist hopes Sect Master Ye can grant a favor to the cultivation world of China and relinquish the Nine Provinces Cauldron!"

"Hmm?"

Ye Wen was confused. What connection did his possession of the Nine Provinces Cauldron have with China? He had initially assumed that because he had obtained a great treasure, many powerful cultivators were simply unable to resist temptation and had gathered to forcefully seize it from him. He had planned on displaying his power to show them that the Shushan Sect and he, Ye Wen, were not easy targets, thereby extinguishing their ambitions. He hadn't realized the trouble was far more complex than he imagined. If he refused to hand over the Nine Provinces Cauldron, it might lead to a massive conflict with the Chinese cultivation world.

Seeing this, the old Daoist Wang Pan frowned and explained to Ye Wen: "Sect Master Ye must be aware of the current global environment. The cultivation world of China has reached a critical juncture of life and death..." Ye Wen knew of these matters, but he still didn't understand the connection to his Nine Provinces Cauldron. He thought, I'll just listen to what this old Daoist has to say, and remained silent, awaiting the continuation.

"Moreover, the existence of the Chinese cultivation world not only ensures the legacy for us practitioners but, more importantly, guarantees that the descendants of China can live securely in this world, generation after generation!"

Ye Wen frowned, surprised that the matter involved such vast implications. But after a moment of reflection, he understood: this world was not simple. Since every country and region possessed such invisible forces, if China lacked one, its people would likely have faced extinction long ago. Thinking this, he could deduce more. At this moment, he finally understood why China had been so powerful in the past, yet had become progressively weaker in recent centuries—it was because the influence of the cultivation world had waned, affecting the secular population.

"So, the strength of the European Papacy or those of the Islamic faith must be far greater than I imagined..." However, he still couldn't grasp the link between his Nine Provinces Cauldron and this crisis. Did the treasure in his hands actually possess the power to save the entire Chinese cultivation world? Honestly, he didn't believe it! Treasures were valuable, but surely not to such a heaven-defying degree?

"What does this have to do with the Nine Provinces Cauldron?"

Wang Pan, seeing Ye Wen was genuinely ignorant, began to explain: "The Nine Provinces Cauldron possesses the miraculous ability to refine the essence of heaven and earth and distill spiritual energy..."

Ye Wen started, immediately recalling the world he previously lived in, which was overflowing with spiritual energy. Could that abundance have been due to the presence of the Nine Provinces Cauldron?

"Do these people want to enter that Cauldron to cultivate? But surely the world within the Nine Provinces Cauldron cannot accommodate cultivators of that level?"

While he was speculating, he heard Wang Pan continue: "Therefore, the ancestors of the Kunlun Sect and our own sect conceived a plan: once preparations are complete, they intend to detonate the Nine Provinces Cauldron, using the massive surge of spiritual energy generated at that instant to re-temper the ambient celestial energy across the entire globe!"

At these words, Ye Wen nearly tumbled from the sky, his entire being stunned into stupefaction!