Many people weren’t interested in the Treasure Yi Tianyun offered up; their greatest interest was that Yi Tianyun was actually the Mansion Master!

At that, the truth was out. No wonder Yi Tianyun had been standing at the forefront, speaking on behalf of Celestial Extreme Mansion. They never expected him to be the Mansion Master himself. This was something none of them had ever imagined. Yu Shiqian and her group were dumbfounded. To have ascended to the position of Mansion Master at such a young age—just what was going on?

Many people suspected that Yi Tianyun was the former Mansion Master’s son, or perhaps had some other powerful backing. Otherwise, how could he have taken the position of Mansion Master at such a young age?

It was true that in some factions, a successor might take the title of Mansion Master early. However, they typically held no real authority; the power would rest with the Great Elders. Only after they had matured and become familiar with their duties could they wield true power.

But judging from everything that had happened, Yi Tianyun clearly possessed real power—absolute power, even. This was what they couldn’t figure out.

It never even occurred to them to consider his strength. How high could his cultivation be at such a young age? It wasn’t their fault, though; they simply couldn’t see through Yi Tianyun’s power. As long as he didn’t release his aura, they had no way of judging him. Unless they placed a hand directly on his body to probe his cultivation, it was impossible to find out.

"No wonder he came with the Celestial Extreme Mansion contingent. To think he’s their Mansion Master..." Li Tianlong’s eyes glinted with newfound interest.

Most people, however, were merely curious. Many shared Nan Fengyun’s opinion: for someone so young to become the Mansion Master could only mean that the Celestial Extreme Mansion had fallen into decline and had no one left!

Yi Tianyun just smiled, completely unconcerned by the stares of others. He quickly returned to his designated area and waited for the effects of the Bad Luck Divine Pill to kick in.

Nan Fengyun stared at the Ice Divine Sword Yi Tianyun had presented. It was a slap in the face. He had just claimed Yi Tianyun wouldn’t have any valuable Treasures, yet one had been produced—and a high-grade one at that!

"Lord Cheng, my weapon is far stronger than this one. After all, mine is inscribed with a Fifth-Grade Divine Rune, while his doesn’t even have a single Divine Rune!" Nan Fengyun sneered. "How about this? Why don’t we have a little preliminary entertainment? We can see what level the new Mansion Master of the Celestial Extreme Mansion is at and test the might of our two weapons at the same time."

Without a moment’s hesitation, Cheng Fen laughed. "An excellent suggestion. I too would like to see what the new Mansion Master of the Celestial Extreme Mansion is capable of. To have attained such a position at his age, his skills must be considerable. Let it be decided, then! We’ll treat it as entertainment. Mansion Master Yi, you have no objections, do you?"

Down below the stage, Yi Tianyun’s expression remained indifferent. ’This Nan Fengyun is just trying to set me up, to make a fool out of me here. He wants to use this chance to humiliate me!’

"No problem," Yi Tianyun replied with a calm smile.

"Since Mansion Master Yi has no objections, we can begin now," Nan Fengyun said with a grin. "I won’t take advantage of you by picking someone too old. As it happens, I brought an outstanding disciple with me today. He’ll be your opponent. Let’s test the true level of the Celestial Extreme Mansion’s Mansion Master."

The implication in his words was clear: if Yi Tianyun lost, it would mean that even a mere disciple from their mansion could be the Mansion Master of the Celestial Extreme Mansion!

"For this match, Zheng Wu, you’re up!" Nan Fengyun gestured to his disciple.

As he spoke, he tossed his weapon over. A young man leaped into the air, snatched the Longsword, and descended gracefully, looking quite elegant. He landed within the designated dueling area, hands clasped behind his back, his white robes fluttering. His eyes, filled with disdain, were fixed on Yi Tianyun. His cultivation was not low, having reached the sixth level of the Core Formation Stage. For someone his age, he was considered a very talented disciple.

However, he was still several years older than Yi Tianyun, which made many from the other sects frown. ’And he called this "not picking someone too old"?’ This guy was practically a generation older; they weren’t in the same league at all.

However, among the people Nan Fengyun had brought, he was indeed the youngest.

"Mansion Master Yi, here’s your weapon. Catch!" Nan Fengyun grabbed the Ice Divine Sword that Yi Tianyun had presented and hurled it. The sword shot forward like a Sharp Arrow, fast enough to kill!

Nan Fengyun was clearly trying to sabotage Yi Tianyun. If he couldn’t even catch his own sword, he would have no one to blame but himself.

With a light tap of his foot, Yi Tianyun launched himself into the air. He reached out and flicked the body of the blade. The Ice Divine Sword spun in the air before he effortlessly caught it by the hilt. He then landed gently, the entire motion as effortless and graceful as a passing cloud, showing no difficulty at all.

"Can we begin now?" Yi Tianyun’s move drew cheers from many onlookers. It seemed he definitely had some skill.

"Hmph!" Nan Fengyun’s eyes flickered. He immediately turned to Cheng Fen and said, "In a duel on the stage, swords have no eyes. If a little blood is shed later, I hope Lord Cheng won’t take offense."

"Not at all. I understand the principle that ’swords have no eyes.’ If one doesn’t even have the stomach for a bit of bloodshed, how can they fight on a real battlefield?" Cheng Fen laughed heartily, completely unconcerned.

This was a clear authorization for an all-out attack. Even if someone were to be killed, it wouldn’t be a problem!

"In that case, Zheng Wu, show your true strength! Let Lord Cheng see how formidable you are!" Nan Fengyun said with a smile, his eyes narrowed. He then turned to Yi Tianyun. "Mansion Master Yi, I hope you’ll also display your abilities. It would be quite embarrassing if you were to lose. After all, Zheng Wu is just a relatively ordinary disciple of our Divine Rune Mansion."

That last sentence was tantamount to saying that if a dignified Mansion Master lost to an "ordinary disciple," it would only prove how pathetic the Celestial Extreme Mansion had become.

"If I lose, then I am not worthy of being the Mansion Master of the Celestial Extreme Mansion," Yi Tianyun said faintly.

His words sent a shock through the crowd; this showed some real resolve. However, many still shook their heads. Yi Tianyun looked too young. ’His cultivation can’t be that high.’ It was a pity he had fallen so easily into Nan Fengyun’s trap.

Only the Great Elder’s eyes flickered. ’Dealing with this Zheng Wu should be no trouble at all. If he really loses, then he truly isn’t qualified to hold this position.’

"Such ambition! Then let’s just see if you’re qualified to be a Mansion Master!" A cold glint flashed in Nan Fengyun’s eyes.

At his command, Zheng Wu, holding his Longsword, shot forward like a streak of sharp light, tracing a cold arc through the air. The Fifth-Grade Divine Rune on his Longsword pulsed, unleashing a dazzling radiance that instantly boosted its power by two whole levels!

This was the power of a Fifth-Grade Divine Rune. The higher the wielder’s cultivation, the greater the power boost. With his current cultivation, Zheng Wu was already capable of fighting opponents at a higher level than himself.

Over on her side, Yu Shiqian couldn’t even bear to watch. The gap in their weapons was already vast; she feared the gap in their cultivation was even greater.