Zhang Yan withdrew his Heart and Spirit from the Sea of Consciousness, opened his eyes, got up, and after discerning the direction, he soared up in tunneling light, heading east to retrieve the Junyang Pot.

With the help of the Moon Washing Treasure Mirror, he found the treasure pot atop a mountain within an hour.

First finding a smooth green stone to sit upon, he flipped his palm and retrieved Feng Haiyang’s Sleeve Bag.

From what he knew, Feng Haiyang had obtained four token talismans in total. After a careful count, the numbers were accurate, but two had already been used for Junyang Essence.

Zhang Yan suspected that one was used when Feng Haiyang entered the Nascent Soul Third Realm, but the other’s use was unknown. Combined with his own token talisman, there were three remaining, enough to extract three portions of Junyang Essence.

Sect Leader Qin had promised him that the items obtained from the swordfight were at his discretion, so he had no concerns like other sect disciples. He planned to cultivate within the Star Stone while absorbing Junyang Essence, hoping for significant advancement after three years.

Fearing any overlooks, he carefully inspected Feng Haiyang’s Sleeve Bag before cultivating.

Earlier focused on token talismans, he now noticed anew, extracting a sword ball the size of an egg from the bag, its dull gray appearance unimpressive, seeming to have lost its spiritual nature.

Pondering a while, he held the sword ball in his palm and slightly probed with Divine Intent. The object suddenly vibrated, emitting a clear Sword Sound as a sharp aura suddenly confronted him. His brow sword ball also reacted, a "clang" resonating in his ear, two sword intents clashed and retreated.

Surprised, Zhang Yan thought, "Though lacking sacrificial refinement and its spiritual nature dimmed, the sword ball has such a sharp sword intent. If its master were alive, they must be remarkable. It must be Ban Shaoming’s relic." Considering this, he solemnly stored the sword ball.

After a moment, organizing his items, he thought, "The swordfight’s outcome settled, I’ll notify my disciple and fellow Daoists."

He took out Feng Haiyang’s head, placed it in front, extracted a token talisman, and after focusing his spirit, chanted a spell, pointed at the talisman, saying, "Go!"

Moments passed, the talisman trembled, erupting in radiant light, encircled the head, and transformed into a golden beam, rushing beyond the Star Stone.

Meanwhile, in Chengyuan Gorge, countless cultivators of the Ten Sects of Xuanmen awaited the swordfight’s outcome with concern.

Ying Ya Daoist paced anxiously, glancing occasionally skyward, he said, "Senior Brother, why haven’t Daoist Zhang and Feng Haiyang settled yet?"

Elder Liu appeared calm, glancing at the Mingcang Sect’s area, he said, "Mingcang Sect’s Daoists aren’t anxious, why should you?"

Ying Ya Daoist stomped and sighed, "How can I not be? If Demon Sect wins this swordfight, that Junyang Essence..."

He paused, but Elder Liu knew his thoughts. Before the swordfight, the Ten Sect Leaders had discussed Junyang Essence’s allocation. If Xuanmen triumphed, perhaps Bu Tian Pavilion might claim a share, but Demon Sect’s victory meant no hope at all.

Elder Liu shook his head, "Junior Brother, don’t overthink. True Master Zhang entered on behalf of Yao Yin Sect, not within Ten Sects of Xuanmen. Even if he wins, Junyang Essence may not be allocated as discussed. Don’t dwell on it."

Ying Ya Daoist hesitated, then frowned skeptically, "It’s merely Mingcang Sect’s scheme. True Master Zhang is ultimately a Mingcang Disciple, he wouldn’t dare challenge all under heaven."

Elder Liu didn’t argue, "Ultimately, the contest isn’t concluded, it’s premature to speak of victory or defeat. Just wait and see."

After a prolonged wait, suddenly gang winds surged above, disturbing spiritual mechanisms, catching everyone’s attention as they looked up.

Ying Ya Daoist nervously watched as a dazzling golden light penetrated the clouds, thundering fiercely, too swift to discern the person within, but its destination seemed toward Yao Yin Sect’s peak.

His face turned ashen, dejectedly saying, "Lost, lost again, still lost."

Elder Liu’s expression paled, brow furrowed tightly.

On Mingcang Sect’s peak, Huo Xuan, seeing this, felt heavy-hearted, stepped forward, staring at the golden light.

His sharp gaze discerned a head enveloped within, his pupils contracted.

Zhong Muqing sighed deeply, "Junior Brother Zhang is a prodigy, unparalleled in talent among us, unexpectedly..." 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

Luo Qingyu stared blankly, seemingly disbelief, "Junior Brother Zhang... has fallen?"

The atmosphere on the peak turned stiflingly oppressive.

Huo Xuan exhaled, solemnly said, "Junior Brother Zhang is a Mingcang disciple, his remains should be returned to the mountain gate to his senior disciple Liu Yan Yi, hoping his Primordial Spirit remains for a chance of rebirth."

The countless cultivators across both banks, witnessing this scene, were mostly shocked, some lost, some terrified, some disheartened, reactions varied.

Despite East Splendor Continent’s ever-changing layout, Xuanmen were always winners, yet now defeated amid a Demon Tribulation.

Considering the thousand-year span of the Demon Tribulation filled them with unease, while the Ten Sects of Xuanmen might cope, these Independent Sects and smaller factions couldn’t withstand the overwhelming demonic blaze.

...

...(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, visit Qidian (qidian.com) for recommendations and monthly votes, your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users visit m.qidian.com to read.)