Wan Zhenyuan immediately froze upon seeing Ci Nian and the others. Though displeased, he politely stepped forward and asked, "I am Wan Zhenyuan, Sect Master of the Gezao School. Friends, you arrive uninvited; may I ask the purpose of your visit?"

Ci Nian was equally courteous, pressing his palms together in a Buddhist salute, and bowing as he spoke in standard, fluent Chinese: "Amitabha. I am Ci Nian, from the Shingon Esoteric Buddhism school of Koyasan in Japan. I have brought my disciples, Shen Xiu and Tachibana Chiko, to Han Mountain Temple in Dongwu City to pay homage to Kobo Daishi, the founder of our Shingon sect. We came specifically to pay our respects upon hearing that the biennial Lotus Harvesting Assembly of the Central Plains is being held here!"

Wan Zhenyuan remained outwardly calm. "Master Ci Nian, Buddhism and Taoism are fundamentally two separate traditions. It seems rather improper for your Shingon sect to attend our Taoist Lotus Harvesting Assembly uninvited, does it not?"

Ci Nian chuckled heartily. "Not at all! Although Buddhism and Taoism are distinct, their cultivation paths ultimately share the same source! I once heard it said that the Sect Master of the Gezao School, the foremost authority of the Outer Elixir faction in the Central Plains, is a wise and profoundly righteous spiritual leader. I trust Sect Master Wan understands this principle, do you not?"

Wan Zhenyuan felt a surge of pleasure as Ci Nian bestowed such high praise, taking it as a great honor. However, he glanced around and noticed several cultivators had drawn their attention to the group. After a moment's hesitation, he wondered whether to allow these three Japanese visitors to stay.

At this point, Ci Nian sighed, gently touching Tachibana Chiko beside him. "Chiko, you see? I told you they wouldn't agree. I told you the Central Plains is teeming with hidden masters, that its cultivation world reigns supreme, and that every sect and school here has strict rules—especially for an event like the Lotus Harvesting Assembly, where outsiders are forbidden! You insisted on coming, and now look—you've been given the cold shoulder."

Tachibana Chiko, who understood Chinese, widened her eyes, which were dark and filled with surprise and hurt. Pouting, she muttered under her breath, I was the one who insisted on coming... but you never claimed the Central Plains cultivation world was the absolute best!

Hearing this, Wan Zhenyuan saw the little girl look expectantly from Ci Nian to himself. He suddenly smiled and nodded, saying warmly, "Master Ci Nian speaks wisely. Furthermore, as the Sages teach: 'Is it not a pleasure to have friends come from afar!' Since the three of you have traveled thousands of miles to seek us out, our vast and glorious China cannot be impolite! However, you must strictly abide by the rules—you may observe the matches from the sidelines!"

Tachibana Chiko was instantly overjoyed. She bowed deeply to Wan Zhenyuan and said, "Thank you so much, Master Wan! We apologize for the trouble we've caused!"

Ci Nian also smiled and returned the gesture to Wan Zhenyuan, saying, "Thank you, Sect Master Wan, for making an exception. Should you ever visit Koyasan in the future, I shall offer you the warmest hospitality!"

Wan Zhenyuan chuckled and instructed his subordinates to lead the three to a nearby table.

Ci Nian, Shen Xiu, and Tachibana Chiko were led to sit at the same table as Li Yundong. As soon as she sat down, Tachibana Chiko turned to Ci Nian with a displeased look and spoke in Japanese: "Master Ci Nian, why did you mislead me? I wasn't the only one who wanted to come to the Lotus Harvesting Assembly! And for a monk, you are quite dishonest, lying like that. When did you ever say the Central Plains cultivation world was the best?"

Ci Nian laughed heartily, unoffended. He simply patted the innocent Chiko's head and chuckled, "Chiko, did you not see? These cultivators of the Central Plains may not possess profound abilities, but their tempers are enormous. They remain immersed in the dream of being the 'Celestial Empire,' stuck in the most glorious period of Taoism during the Song, Yuan, and Ming dynasties. If I don't offer them a generous compliment, how could they possibly let us in?"

Tachibana Chiko finally understood, grinning as she made a face at Ci Nian and whispering, "Master Ci Nian, you are so clever! You tricked those self-satisfied Central Plains cultivators completely!"

Ci Nian let out a low sound, waving his hand dismissively. "I wouldn't have done such a thing if it weren't for you. Chiko, didn't you want to witness the magical duels of the Lotus Harvesting Assembly? Now you can watch to your heart's content!"

Tachibana Chiko turned her gaze to the fighting area and saw Li Yundong and Yue Sheng seated across from a square table. On the table between them, their respective Lesser Yang Spirits were constantly shifting, sometimes grappling fiercely, sometimes fleeing in pursuit.

With a child's natural curiosity, Chiko's interest was immediately piqued. She turned to Shen Xiu and laughed, "Shen Xiu, that fellow is the one we encountered at Xiyuan Temple! How skilled do you think he is?"

Shen Xiu glanced briefly at the stage, then quickly lowered his gaze, saying flatly, "Not interested in watching."

Tachibana Chiko pouted. "You are so annoying! I find it fascinating!" Without waiting for Shen Xiu, she began watching with keen interest.

At the same table, Su Chan, Zhou Qin, Ziyuan, and the little foxes heard the Japanese conversation and all turned to give the newcomers a look. Su Chan muttered softly, "Why are there Japanese people here?"

Ruan Hongling quietly asked Ziyuan, "Senior Sister Ziyuan, what are they saying?"

Ziyuan’s expression grew slightly displeased. She gave Ci Nian a meaningful look before quietly stating, "Nothing important. Let's ignore them and continue watching Li Yundong and Yue Sheng duel."

The others turned their faces back to the spectacle.

By this time, the duel between Li Yundong and Yue Sheng had reached a fever pitch. They continuously manipulated their Yang Spirits to counter the opponent's changes. Less than a second after one changed, the other would instantly follow suit. In just a few minutes, the circular table had witnessed dozens of transformations!

Changing the Yang Spirit demanded a massive drain on True Essence (Zhen Yuan). Not long into the fight, white vapor began to rise from the heads of both combatants. Yue Sheng’s forehead was covered in a dense layer of fine sweat, his complexion turning pale, while Li Yundong’s face flushed a deep red, as if he had downed strong wine.

Initially, their changes were rapid, but gradually, Yue Sheng’s transformations began to slow. His face grew paler and whiter, eventually looking as translucent as thin paper. In contrast, Li Yundong’s face deepened to the color of the crimson-faced Guan Gong, yet, despite this alarming appearance, his eyes remained clear and profound, like a boundless ocean, suggesting he had inexhaustible reserves. His speed of transformation showed no sign of slowing; in fact, it seemed to be accelerating!

The spectators watched in silent horror. The first match, Li Yundong versus Chen Yunyan, tested lightning control. This match tested the raw burst power of True Essence. The second match, Li Yundong versus Sun Baitian, involved the Five Elements, testing the exquisite and subtle control of True Essence. This third match, Li Yundong versus Yue Sheng, testing Yang Spirit transformations, was a trial of True Essence endurance and stamina!

Li Yundong had fought three consecutive matches—his burst power and control were already at monstrous levels—how could his stamina and depth of True Essence be so profound?

Tachibana Chiko, watching from the sidelines at the contrasting appearances of Li Yundong and Yue Sheng, curiously asked, "Master Ci Nian, why is one red-faced and the other white-faced? Hehe, it looks like an opera performance!"

Ci Nian chuckled. "The white-faced man is pale because he has over-expended his internal True Essence. The red-faced man is red because his True Essence is circulating too rapidly and intensely."

Tachibana Chiko asked, puzzled, "Why is that?"

Ci Nian knew that although Chiko was a cultivator, she practiced the arts of spirit summoning and divine possession, relying on faith and contracts to draw down the power of ghosts and spirits. This was entirely different from the cultivation methods used by the Central Plains practitioners, making it impossible for her to grasp these martial fighting techniques.

Ci Nian explained with a smile, "The cultivation techniques of the Central Plains Taoists differ from those of our Shingon sect. They cultivate essence, breath, and blood (Jing, Qi, Xue), refining these three vital forces of the human body into True Essence through specialized breathing methods. This pale-faced man, having severely depleted his True Essence, is forced to desperately mobilize his internal essence, breath, and blood, rapidly transforming them to maintain his ability to fight. But this is like drinking poison to quench thirst; it cannot last long. The temporary, massive depletion of his vital essence causes his face to turn pale."

As he spoke, Ci Nian pointed to Li Yundong. "Look at the red-faced man; he is flushed because his internal True Essence is so vast and vigorous."

Tachibana Chiko nodded slightly, as if grasping the concept. "So, excessive True Essence circulation makes the face red?"

Ci Nian affirmed, "Precisely. True Essence is very ethereal; it resides within the body's meridians, but its movement and deployment are propelled by Qi and blood. Breath (Qi) commands the blood; hence the term 'Qi and Blood.' To mobilize True Essence, one must first circulate Qi. Circulating Qi then drives the flow of internal blood, which activates the True Essence. When the speed of True Essence circulation reaches a certain intensity and height, the flow of blood accelerates, causing the skin to appear increasingly red."

Tachibana Chiko exclaimed in realization, "Ah, I get it! It’s like running a marathon, right?"

Ci Nian nodded slightly. "While not entirely accurate, the underlying principle is not far off."

Tachibana Chiko clapped her hands and laughed, "Then this match should be decided very quickly?"

Ci Nian chuckled. "If I am not mistaken, the victor will be determined within ten seconds!"

No sooner had the words left his mouth than Yue Sheng on the stage finally failed to maintain his form. His last transformation happened to be a White Tiger, and Li Yundong immediately shifted into a Azure Dragon. At this point, Yue Sheng's True Essence was nearly depleted; he could not manage another change.

Yue Sheng’s True Essence was severely overdrawn. His body swayed, his lips were cracked, and his voice was dry as he managed a strained smile toward Li Yundong, cupping his hands in salute. "Immortal Li, I concede!"

Li Yundong smiled faintly and retracted his Yang Spirit. He laughed, "Immortal Yue, you were too humble!"

Yue Sheng waved his hand, recalling his Yang Spirit. He took a deep breath, slowly regulating his breathing. After catching his breath, he asked, "Immortal Li, there is something I don't quite understand, and I hope you can enlighten me."

Li Yundong observed that although Yue Sheng was arrogant, he was ultimately a man of integrity, unlike the previous two who relied on trickery. Li Yundong took a liking to him and smiled, "Immortal Yue, please ask."

Yue Sheng looked both astonished and uncertain as he asked, "Immortal Li, I transformed one hundred and eight times, and you matched me with one hundred and eight transformations. I must ask, if I hadn't conceded, how many more transformations could you have sustained?"

Li Yundong smiled, guided his Yang Spirit back onto the tabletop, and without a word, began transforming again. This time, he clearly replicated all the forms they had previously dueled with, finally concluding with a smile. "Immortal Yue, I could maintain transformations like these for three days and three nights!"

This statement left every cultivator present from the various schools utterly pale with shock and dread!

Yue Sheng was a top expert in the cultivation world. He had battled Li Yundong in Yang Spirit transformation only to exhaust his True Essence in under five minutes, yet Li Yundong claimed he could last three days and nights?!

Was this truth or fabrication?

If it were a lie, his increasingly vigorous demeanor during the fight suggested otherwise! But if it were true, he was terrifyingly powerful. The thought of exhausting Li Yundong's True Essence first, expecting an easy win, now seemed utterly delusional!

Everyone present wrestled with their thoughts. Du Fei of the Quanzhen Longmen Sect sipped his tea impassively, but inside, he was experiencing a tidal wave of shock. He thought: Li Yundong has only been cultivating for half a year. His immense True Essence is understandable, given his Recreated Golden Core body. His potent spells are also comprehensible—perhaps a rare fortune. But such profound True Essence, such sustained vitality, allowing his Yang Spirit transformations to last three days and nights—this indicates he has reached the realm of Unity of Heaven and Man, where the greater and lesser universes are self-sufficient! He is only one step away from the Golden Body Realm! How can he possess such might at such a young age? He must have mastered the long-lost Nine Revolutions Golden Elixir Technique; otherwise, this level of power is impossible!

Witnessing Li Yundong’s divine spectacle, Du Fei’s ambition stirred once more, focusing on how to acquire the Nine Revolutions Golden Elixir Technique from him!

Zou Ping of the Zhengyi Sect, who usually disliked Li Yundong, couldn't help but gasp softly, "Three days and nights? How is that possible? How can his vitality be so enduring?"

Zhang Ling snorted coldly. "This boy must have cultivated the Nine Revolutions Golden Elixir Technique combined with the Human Origin Golden Elixir; only then could he be this powerful!"

"Master, I have an idea on how to obtain the Nine Revolutions Golden Elixir Technique!" Zou Ping leaned over and whispered two sentences into Zhang Ling's ear. Zhang Ling narrowed her eyes, her expression thoughtful, before slowly saying, "We will discuss this when we return. It requires careful planning and strategy."

Wan Zhenyuan watched as the cultivators from all schools displayed expressions of fear and despair that they could no longer conceal after this single match. Li Yundong's might had far exceeded everyone's expectations.

It was not terrifying if one person possessed powerful magic, nor was it terrifying if one mastered the Five Elements. But if a person had both powerful magic and mastery of the Five Elements, and also possessed inexhaustible, vast True Essence and ceaseless vitality, like a boundless river that never ran dry—that person was an unsolvable monster!

Wan Zhenyuan stared at Li Yundong in shock, thinking to himself: This fellow's cultivation speed is too fast. His current strength far surpasses that of cultivators his own age; he is nearing the level of the old masters of the cultivation world! Terrifying, truly terrifying! Can that old fox truly keep control of such a frightening figure?

Yue Sheng forced a bitter smile and bowed to Li Yundong. "Immortal Li, I am convinced. You are superior; I am not your match! However, today I am not your match, but that does not mean I won't surpass you tomorrow! I will overtake you someday!"

Li Yundong smiled faintly. "Immortal Yue, you are too kind!"

Yue Sheng managed a weak smile and returned to his seat, lowering his head in silence, ignoring the attempts by Wei Qing beside him to tease or cheer him up.

Seeing the usually aloof Yue Sheng so utterly defeated, Wan Zhenyuan couldn't help but offer a wry smile. He bowed to the other cultivators. "Distinguished guests, is there anyone else who wishes to step forward?"

At that moment, which cultivator dared to come forward? They all harbored fear, their eyes darting away evasively.

Seeing this, Wan Zhenyuan could only smile bitterly. "If no one comes forward, then I must declare Immortal Li the victor!"

In the corner, Ding Nan whispered to Zheng Yuan, "Master, are you still going to fight Li Yundong? He... he is too strong!"

Zheng Yuan chuckled, a sinister smile playing on his lips. He whispered, "I don't need to fight him on the stage to defeat him! Watch me..."

As he moved to stand, suddenly, someone else on the stage stood up abruptly and boomed, "Wait a minute! I have something to say!"