The thick column of water was forcefully cleaved and torn asunder by the incomparably overbearing Geng Metal True Gang!

The torrent at the top was instantly sliced into the finest mist by its unparalleled sharpness, while the current below was utterly scattered, crushed, and forced back into the lake by the furious Astral Power!

Countless droplets, imbued with Gang Qi and shimmering with a faint golden light, cascaded down like a sudden squall. They struck the lake’s surface with a dense crackling sound, like pearls falling onto a jade plate, yet each carried a sharpness that could pierce through gold and stone!

Just one strike!

That raging Water Dragon, which seemed ready to destroy everything, was utterly shattered and disintegrated!

The churning surface of the lake calmed at a rate visible to the naked eye. All that remained was the thoroughly roiled water, riddled with countless minute, vacuum-like sword marks, and a sharp aura lingering in the air that made one’s skin tingle—a testament to the heart-pounding scene that had just transpired.

He Yuzhou’s figure drifted gracefully back to the viewing platform. His robes fluttered as the faint golden radiance circulating around him slowly receded, as if he had just performed some trivial task.

But for all who witnessed this scene, tumultuous waves crashed in their hearts.

This was the power of the Wutai Sect’s Sect Leader, the Canglang Fisherman, He Yuzhou!

A master of Astral Force... terrifying to this degree!

"The Sect... the Sect Leader’s divine might!" a disciple stammered, his voice trembling with excitement.

"He’s so powerful! Is this the true extent of the Sect Leader’s strength?"

Awe at He Yuzhou’s immense power resonated in the heart of every spectator. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎

However, beneath the calm surface of the lake, the dull, subterranean rumbling had not vanished completely. It had merely become extremely faint.

"Sect Leader He, what is...?"

He Yueting’s brow was tightly furrowed as he watched the still-turbulent water and felt the faint aftershocks underfoot.

Leaning on her staff, Granny Ling Shuang gazed into the depths of Qianchuan Marsh with her cloudy, aged eyes. "Some days ago, this old woman heard that the water veins deep within Qianchuan Marsh were acting erratically, causing earth qi to erupt and the marsh to boil. The disturbance just now... bears some resemblance to those rumors."

"Grand Elder Ling is absolutely right."

He Yuzhou nodded slightly. "The source of the tremor was deep and widespread, far beyond what any person could achieve. The column of water was caused by a pressurized underground current erupting. It seems a water vein deep within Qianchuan Marsh underwent a sudden change, agitating the earth qi and causing the effects to reach this far."

His gaze swept over the still-shaken crowd, and he spoke in a steady, powerful voice that calmed their hearts. "There is no need for panic, everyone. This is merely a random display of nature’s might, not an enemy invasion. The foundation of our Lake Heart Island is stable. Such minor aftershocks are nothing to fear."

"The celebration continues! Elder Sang, arrange for the disciples to handle the aftermath and ensure the banquet in Tingtai Pavilion proceeds as usual!"

Sang Yanping immediately bowed and accepted the command. "Yes, Sect Leader!"

He then began methodically directing the disciples to clean up the mess, calm the guests, and guide the crowd toward Tingtai Pavilion.

Hearing the explanation from the Sect Leader and Granny Ling Shuang, and seeing that the lake was indeed no longer a threat, the crowd’s anxious hearts were finally put at ease.

The buzz of conversation rose again, the topic now shifted to the Sect Leader’s peerless style and power.

’A disturbance in the water veins!?’

Hearing this, Chen Qing was reminded of the previous changes deep within Qianchuan Marsh.

’Could the two be related?’

’Or is the Demon Sect stirring up trouble in the background?’

Chen Qing’s mind raced. He knew things were definitely not as simple as He Yuzhou had made them out to be.

’The entire Lake Heart Island had been shaking.’

This made Chen Qing feel extremely uneasy. ’This is the home of the Wutai Sect, after all.’

’Could it be a probing attack from the Demon Sect!?’

Just as Sang Yanping accepted his orders and was preparing to guide everyone to Tingtai Pavilion, the hitherto silent Li Baichuan spoke up. "Sect Leader, this old man has grown old and lacks energy. I truly cannot bear such a noisy feast. For all subsequent matters, Chen Qing can handle them on my behalf and represent the Cyan Wood Institute with full authority. I will take my leave first and return to my courtyard to rest."

He Yuzhou nodded slightly, his tone gentle with a hint of regret. "It is a true shame that Martial Uncle cannot enjoy the celebration to its fullest today. However, your health is more important. Please, go ahead."

Li Baichuan nodded and said no more.

As he turned and passed by Chen Qing, his steps faltered for a moment. He said coolly, "When the celebration is over, come find me in the back courtyard."

With that said, he walked through the crowd at his usual pace, heading straight for the Cyan Wood Institute, not lingering for a moment on the lively scene behind him.

’Chen Qing understood. Master Li’s instruction was most likely related to receiving gifts, tributes, or the ’perks’ of managing the institute.’

His expression remained impassive as he bowed respectfully toward Li Baichuan’s departing figure. He then turned and announced, "Junior Brothers and Sisters, follow me to the banquet in Tingtai Pavilion."

"Yes, Chief Brother!" the disciples of the Cyan Wood Institute replied in unison.

Tingtai Pavilion had already been impeccably prepared and was brightly lit with lamps.

The massive hall was divided into several inner and outer tiers. The innermost section was naturally reserved for the Sect Leader, the Deans of the various institutes, the honored guests from the three major sects, and the Chief Disciple of each institute.

The next tier out was for the Sect’s Elders, important Stewards, and representatives from the families of the Prefecture City.

The outermost area was for the other Inner Courtyard Disciples and representatives of minor and medium-sized powers.

Chen Qing led the Cyan Wood Institute disciples into the inner hall area, guided by a Steward.

As arranged, he took his seat in the spot reserved for the Chief Disciple of the Cyan Wood Institute.

Embracing Pill Disciples such as Xu Qi and Luo Xinyi sat in the seats slightly behind him.

The banquet was of an exceptionally high standard.

Each zitan wood table was set with exquisite jade tableware. In the center of each was a steamed five-year-old Treasure Fish, clearly fresh from the water.

Accompanied by all manner of rare delicacies and fine wines, the spread fully displayed the seven-hundred-year heritage of the Wutai Sect.

At the main table in the inner hall, He Yuzhou was speaking in a low voice with Sang Yanping, his expression no longer holding the relaxed air he had worn while reassuring the crowd.

"...definitely not an ordinary tremor."

He Yuzhou’s voice was condensed into a thin line that traveled directly into Sang Yanping’s ear. "Before the column of water erupted, I faintly detected an extremely subtle aura that was definitely not from the earth veins. Although I can’t definitively say it was the Demon Sect’s doing, for such a disturbance to occur during the Sect’s grand celebration is too much of a coincidence."

Sang Yanping’s expression grew solemn. "Sect Leader, you mean to say... the remnants of the Demon Sect are probing us? Or trying to create chaos?"

"It’s hard to say."

He Yuzhou’s eyes were profound. "Perhaps they want to use the chaos to do something, or perhaps they simply want to disrupt things and cause problems for our Wutai Sect. Junior Brother Sang, go personally and thoroughly investigate the waters around Lake Heart Island, especially the underwater rock formations and the path of the earth veins in the core area of the disturbance. Don’t let a single clue escape you. Regardless of whether the Demon Sect is making trouble, you must find the root cause and prevent this from happening again. Keep it quiet, and don’t disturb the guests further."

"As you command!"

Accepting the order, Sang Yanping discreetly slipped away from his seat, his figure quickly disappearing through a side door of Tingtai Pavilion.

The atmosphere inside the pavilion gradually grew more festive.

The Deans of the various institutes and the experts from the three major sects toasted one another and exchanged pleasantries.

He Yueting was chatting and laughing animatedly with Tan Yang, the topic naturally revolving around Yan Yaoyang and He Lanxin.

Yan Yaoyang himself sat primly at his table, accepting congratulations from all directions, while He Lanxin looked on with a bashful expression.

Soon, the surrounding crowd of well-wishers gradually dispersed, breaking off into their own conversations.

Just as Yan Yaoyang raised his cup for a small sip, he saw Nie Shanshan standing before him, cup in hand. "Congratulations, Junior Brother Yan, on finding such a fine match. Junior Sister He is a woman of rare grace and virtue; you are truly a perfect pair."

Yan Yaoyang set down his cup and smiled. "Thank you, Senior Sister Nie."

His gaze swept across the lively scene, and he lowered his voice slightly. "I imagine you didn’t come over just to offer congratulations, did you, Senior Sister?"

Nie Shanshan nodded slightly, lowering her voice as well. "The Mansion Master sent an invitation. He’s invited us to a ’Cloud Platform Gathering.’"

"The Mansion Master?"

Yan Yaoyang’s gaze sharpened, and several thoughts instantly flashed through his mind.

’The Mansion Master of Yunlin Prefecture... he’s a provincial governor who wields administrative authority over the entire prefecture and represents the will of the Court!’

’His status is entirely different from that of a Sect Leader from the Jianghu Sects.’

"Mm."

Nie Shanshan nodded, her voice even lower. "The invitation explicitly states that it is for this year’s newly ranked ’Five Heroes and Seven Talents,’ as well as a few other young geniuses who, though not on the list, are recognized for their exceptional potential. The location is the ’Yuntai Villa’ outside Pavilion Master City."

She paused and gave Yan Yaoyang a meaningful look. "A personal invitation from the Mansion Master... I’m sure you understand some of its implications, Junior Brother. It’s not just the two of us. Xiao Bieli of Cold Jade Valley and the two from Qixia Manor are also among those invited."

Yan Yaoyang’s eyes flickered as he instantly grasped the deeper meaning.

’Everyone who received this invitation is a leading figure of Yunlin Prefecture’s younger generation.’

’The Court wields immense power in the local territories, but looking at the entirety of the vast Great Yan Country, its deep heritage and solid foundation still make it a colossal entity.’

’This summons from the Mansion Master is a clear attempt to show goodwill and win them over. There would undoubtedly be significant benefits involved.’

...