On the vast square, banners fluttered in the wind.

As the Tianyan Sect was built on a plain, looking down from mid-air, the view was layered with interconnected palaces and pavilions, stretching as far as the eye could see, as if occupying more than half of Xiling's territory.

The seats were neatly arranged in rows, and naturally, none of the influential figures from each sect would be left out. As the host, the Tianyan Sect must have understood this in advance, hence the arrangement. Regardless of the size of the other sects, they all came at the invitation. If not handled well, it would be considered a slight and inevitably dampen the enthusiasm of the other sects.

To facilitate viewing the competition in the field, the chairs were all arranged in a large circle. As if to make up for the cracks caused by the friction the other day, the Shangxuan Sect was seated at the top, followed by the Tianyan Sect, Qinggu Sect, and so on.

Qingying and her group arrived neither early nor late. From a distance, many sects had already arrived, including young talents and beautiful female cultivators. When everyone gathered together, it was inevitable to compare and contrast, look around, exchange greetings, and interact with each other.

Next to each sect, a flag was inserted, clearly indicating the name of each sect in various colors such as red, white, black, and green. The first thing everyone did when they arrived at the square was to find their own position, and the second was to identify the positions of other sects.

Naturally, major sects like Shangxuan Sect, Tianyan Sect, and Qinggu Sect frequently received attention, with Shangxuan Sect being the most prominent. Putting aside the title of being the number one in the world, yesterday's discord between Yun Zong and the Tianyan Sect had already spread like the wind throughout the Tianyan Sect.

Those who had experienced the Tianyan Sect's overbearing attitude naturally had to secretly exclaim "well done"; there were also some fence-sitters who thought that the Tianyan Sect's rise was unstoppable, but after this incident, they became a bit indecisive; moreover, those who had secretly colluded with the Tianyan Sect couldn't help but feel apprehensive, fearing that they might inadvertently be used as scapegoats without even realizing it.

In short, people had different thoughts, but almost everyone did the same thing - first finding the positions of those major sects, and as soon as they saw the Shangxuan Sect's banner, they would stop and carefully observe.

Upon closer inspection, it was discovered that the Shangxuan Sect did not send many people, with only one Nascent Soul stage cultivator and two Core Formation stage cultivators, which did not match the Shangxuan Sect's great reputation. Looking at the dozen or so Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment disciples standing behind, it seemed that they were more likely brought along to broaden their horizons.

However, even with such a lineup, they were still able to fiercely counterattack the Tianyan Sect's attempt to gain the upper hand yesterday. Based on this alone, people did not dare to underestimate them. The title of the number one sect in the world was not just for show; they indeed had the capability to back it up.

With this in mind, even more people took the initiative to come to the Shangxuan Sect to greet them, with almost every sect participating.

After Zhou Yin's rebirth, although he had traveled to several places, he did not pay attention to the origins and history of each sect, and he hardly recognized anyone he met. After Yun Zong introduced a few people to him and found that Zhou Yin truly knew nothing when asked, he couldn't be bothered to waste his breath and handed this glorious task over to a disciple beside him named Cao Hang.

Faced with his idol, Cao Hang naturally did his best. Although his cultivation was not high, his ability to recognize people was quite strong, and of course, his ability to gather information was even stronger.

"Zhou-shishu, that old monk over there is the abbot of Lingyin Temple, Yuanjue. There are not many Buddhist cultivators on this continent, and Lingyin Temple alone accounts for one-third of their strength. I heard that Yuanjue's most proficient skill is a technique that can instantly conceal his figure, called Bodhidharma Wall-Gazing. Hehehe..."

He laughed halfway through, and Zhou Yin looked at him in confusion.

Cao Hang coughed and said, "This technique is said to have been comprehended by him when he was forty years old. At that time, he had not become a monk yet and had incurred many love debts in the secular world. Those lovers were all formidable, and they all came to him. He could neither fight nor scold them, so he was extremely troubled. He simply shaved his head and became a monk. After a three-year closed-door cultivation, he comprehended the Bodhidharma Wall-Gazing technique."

Zhou Yin looked in the direction he pointed and indeed saw a group of Buddhist cultivators either standing or sitting, forming a small crowd. In addition to Lingyin Temple, there were also Lingtai Temple, Flying Dragon Temple, Benhuan Monastery, and so on. Benhuan Monastery consisted of nuns, not just monks.

"Now look at the person about forty steps to your right. His name is Wu Hao, and he is an elder of the Qinggu Sect. Although he looks virtuous on the surface, it is said that in private, he practices the demonic cultivation methods and has used many young girls for that purpose. Tsk tsk, that's why his skin is even more tender than tofu!" Cao Hang said in a low voice, his face flushed and talking non-stop, with the glow of gossip on his face.

"And that woman who just walked past us without coming to greet us is called Fairy Bibo." Cao Hang gritted his teeth somewhat.

Zhou Yin understood that this woman was Yun Zong's former fiancée.

"She clearly had a marriage agreement with Yun-shishu, but she actually broke the engagement and married someone else, latching onto the son of the Tianyan Sect's Sect Leader. No wonder she's so arrogant. In my opinion, she doesn't have much ability and is just relying on her pretty face..."

"Junior Brother, what are you talking about so happily?" A sinister voice rang out. It was Yun Zong, who had just walked away.

Cao Hang shivered and smiled apologetically, "No, nothing. We were talking about beautiful women!"

As soon as he finished speaking, he caught sight of a graceful figure in white, with an elegant and otherworldly bearing, not inferior to Fairy Bibo from earlier. The young lady had a red cinnabar mark between her eyebrows, which made her skin appear even more fair and beautiful, like a goddess of the Luo River or a snow fairy.

Cao Hang was stunned by the sight and even forgot what he was saying.

In a daze, the young lady actually walked towards them. Cao Hang searched his mind but couldn't remember knowing this person. He couldn't help but look around and saw that many people around him were also staring at her intently.

The white-clothed young lady walked straight up to them and smiled at Zhou Yin, "Big Brother Zhou, do you still remember me?"

Zhou Yin nodded, "Zhou Zhang's junior sister."

"That's right." Ling Long admired Zhou Yin, and by extension, she also felt very close to Zhou Yin. "This time, my senior brothers also came, but they are quite far away and couldn't find you. It was I who wandered around and unexpectedly had the pleasure of running into you!"

With that, she pointed to the distance, and indeed, the banner of the Jinting Sect was fluttering on the opposite side of the square, only obscured by the crowd and obstacles in the middle, making it not very visible.

Ling Long exchanged a few pleasantries with Zhou Yin, only then noticing that Zhou Yin was sitting in Shangxuan Sect's seat, with a Core Formation cultivator beside him, the same man she had seen behind Jinting Sect. Surprised, she also felt that her sudden arrival was a bit abrupt, and couldn't help but feel at a loss.

It was Qingying who, seeing her beautiful appearance and lovely disposition, spoke to her warmly.

As time passed, the people had gradually gathered. In the vast square, standing or sitting, a sea of people surrounded a stone platform in the middle, to be used for the martial arts competition.

Ling Long, seeing that it was about time, realized that she had lingered here for too long. She hurriedly apologized and left.

By now, the disciples of Shangxuan Sect had become quite familiar with her. As her demeanor was graceful and poised, she did not incur the jealousy of the female disciples. Everyone watched her leave with reluctance, and Cao Hang seemed a bit lost and distracted.

Qingying, however, was not in the mood for the chatter and laughter of her disciples. She was well aware that the Tianyan Sect, having lost face yesterday, would certainly try to regain their standing through today's martial arts competition.

This was Tianyan Sect's territory; if they wanted to play tricks, it would be an easy matter. She couldn't help but sigh inwardly, having no other choice but to act according to the situation.

In an instant, a white light was seen in the sky, followed by three red lights. The white and red streaks were dazzling, moving at such speed that many people couldn't see clearly.

Then, four people appeared on the stone platform. The leader, with sparse eyebrows and bright eyes, tall and straight, standing like a jade statue, as if an immortal, was none other than Shangguan Han, the sect leader of Tianyan Sect.

Behind him, three red-robed women, eyes lowered, each holding a box.

"I am Shangguan Han of Tianyan Sect, welcome all to our sect!" Shangguan Han laughed heartily, his voice calm and upright, reaching the entire audience.

Qingying said in a low voice, "This Shangguan Han is a formidable figure." She was talking to herself, but also reminding the other disciples.

The disciples of Shangxuan Sect may not have been able to grasp the depth of her words, but that did not prevent their astonishment.

It should be known that the higher the cultivation, the more difficult it is to advance. Now, on the continent, there are only a few dozen early Nascent Soul cultivators, and even fewer mid-Nascent Soul cultivators. Like the Shangxuan Sect's sect leader, Qinghe Zhenren, due to being entangled in worldly affairs, he was only at the early Nascent Soul stage and found it very difficult to progress further.

But the Tianyan Sect's sect leader before them was even more powerful, having reached the mid-Nascent Soul stage.

A buzz arose from the crowd, obviously many people were as shocked as the Shangxuan Sect disciples by Shangguan Han's cultivation level.

"Tianyan Sect is greatly fortunate to have the gathering of cultivators from all over the world here to discuss important matters. Now, with demon beasts rampant, and the demon beast race rising from the ashes, it is time for us to step forward! Tianyan Sect, favored by you all, hosts the sect conference with the intention of uniting cultivators from all over the world to stand together against the enemy!"

He surveyed the expressions of the people below the stage and said with passion, "I believe you all know that today is not a sect conference, but a martial arts competition, intended to provide a platform for fellow cultivators to exchange skills, and also to serve as a whetstone before the demon extermination!

"I hope that fellow cultivators can showcase their skills and learn from each other, in order to glimpse the Dao together! In this time of trouble, we must cooperate sincerely, regardless of you or me. So whether you are from a sect or a rogue cultivator, Tianyan Sect will treat everyone equally, so--!"

He raised his hand, and the three girls behind him stepped forward gracefully.

Shangguan Han's hand pressed on the first box on the left, removing the seal on the box, then unlocking and opening it.

A surge of spiritual energy instantly poured out from the box, shooting straight into the sky.

There was a commotion from the crowd. Those standing widened their eyes, those sitting unconsciously sat up straight.

It was a jade clasp.

Jade clasps are ornaments worn by many people, used by men to fasten their belts and by women to tie the silk sashes on their skirts, each with different styles and craftsmanship.

But the jade clasp before their eyes, carved in the shape of a plum blossom, attracted the gaze of all the cultivators.

Each petal, even the stamen, was covered with a layer of crystal clear yet nearly blue frost. At first glance, it shimmered with a radiance that even the bright moon in the sky or an ancient mirror reflecting a deity could hardly describe its brilliance.

Someone exclaimed, "Could this be the Falling Plum Clasp?"

Shangguan Han smiled slightly and nodded, "Indeed, this is the Falling Plum Clasp."

Legend has it that when Yuzhang Zhenren ascended to the upper realm, he left many things to his disciples. This Falling Plum Jade Clasp was refined by him during his early Nascent Soul stage and is a rare defensive magic treasure in the world.

With this jade clasp imbued with the spiritual power of a Nascent Soul cultivator, one naturally need not fear being attacked or schemed against. It is truly a must-have for traveling outside.

Everyone was already excited about the martial arts competition, and seeing this Falling Plum Clasp, their eyes became even more fervent.

Shangguan Han said, "I should let you fellow cultivators know that although this Falling Plum Clasp is a supreme treasure, due to its age, its magic power has inevitably diminished. Even if I exhaust all my strength, I can only slow down the rate of its dissipation. At this rate, the Falling Plum Clasp can only be used for at most twenty more years."

The crowd was a bit disappointed upon hearing this, but then thought that for such a treasure, it would be a luxury to possess it for a year or half, let alone twenty years. If one's cultivation was successful within these twenty years, it would be sufficient.

Seeing the crowd calm down a bit, Shangguan Han then opened the second box.

Inside was a sword over four feet long, its blade faintly green like a clear spring, without any patterns or decorations. However, an oppressive murderous aura, sometimes hidden, sometimes visible, quickly made those who were closer and had insufficient cultivation feel their blood boiling.

"This sword is called Seven Kills. Although not as precious as the Falling Plum Clasp, it is also a rarely seen magic treasure. Most importantly," Shangguan Han paused and smiled, "it has no usage limit."

The crowd all laughed.

Shangguan Han then reached for the third box.

The moment the box opened, a sound like the wonderful music of immortals resounded through the entire venue. The crowd felt as if their hearts had gone with this sound, riding the wind, wandering in the Nine Heavens.

This time, it was a zither.

The zither body was small and exquisite, simple and unadorned, only a little over a foot long, with five strings.

On the Yueshan, which is the position of the zither head, was carved a phoenix. As Shangguan Han's fingers plucked the zither strings, the originally dull and colorless phoenix actually displayed a golden yellow color along the lines, as if spreading its wings and about to fly.

Shangguan Han said, "This zither is the Angu Qin that Sword Immortal Xuan Ying made for his old friend back then."

Where is the old friend now, a zither to repay an old acquaintance.

Most of those present had heard the name of Sword Immortal Xuan Ying, but had never heard of this Angu Qin. It seemed there was still an unknown secret that had been lost with the passage of time, unable to be traced.

However, the Angu Qin in Shangguan Han's hands was a real existence. A single tune could stir one's soul, clear the mind, and strengthen one's resolve. Moreover, with the player's performance, it could make the listeners unable to stop, as if enchanted. This was the power of the Angu Qin.

Shangguan Han placed the Angu Qin back into its case and turned around with a hearty laugh, "The Tianyan Sect doesn't have many outstanding items, but these three magical treasures are quite decent. A precious sword rewards a confidant, fine wine is presented to heroes. When competing in magical techniques, there must be a prize. From today onwards, within a three-day period, fellow Daoists can freely challenge each other. After three days, the top three winners with the most victories will then compete based on their cultivation levels. The final victor can choose one of these three treasures that they fancy."

"Moreover, to ensure fairness, this seat has already discussed with the various major sects yesterday that all sect masters and elders are not allowed to participate, leaving the opportunity to the rising stars among you!"