"Because the heaven-and-earth spiritual treasure was snatched by Tang Yan, he is currently being hunted by Yun Zhonghe, Leng Ning, and Bai Yu. I fear that the moment he shows himself, he will face the combined suppression of all three," the Eleventh Elder answered truthfully.

Xiao Cangshan chuckled lightly at these words. "He really is a troublemaker. To make enemies out of three Black Rank Ninth Grade cultivators proves he has some talent. Everyone, keep an eye on him. Even if his Star Token is truly shattered, we can still make an exception and recruit him. Alright, let us all take a look at the Star Value rankings."

Immediately after, a wall suddenly rippled with mist. The scene shifted, revealing densely packed names arranged across the surface.

Looking at the rankings, everyone nodded in satisfaction. The overall strength of this year's disciples was quite impressive.

Just as they were engrossed in discussing the disciple rankings, a beam of light suddenly flared from the middle-upper section. It surged upward with unstoppable momentum, finally landing in fourth place on the overall ranking!

The group of elders was dumbfounded. Just who was so fierce as to shoot forward so many ranks at once?

When they saw the name clearly, all the elders could not help but rub their eyes.

The name glaring at them from the ranking was none other than Tang Yan!

A youth from a small place-how had he managed this?

"Leng Ning's name has disappeared," the Fifth Elder noted, spotting the crucial detail.

Everyone's expressions shifted slightly. To rise so many ranks in a single breath required a massive amount of points to support it. Tang Yan had instantly skyrocketed up the board, while Leng Ning had been completely wiped from it. Could this truly be a coincidence?

"Elder Bai Kong, display the current scene around Tang Yan," Xiao Cangshan ordered.

"Yes." The Eleventh Elder waved his sleeve. The wall covered in Star Values twisted once more, and the situation upon Water Blue Peak appeared before their eyes.

"He really did defeat Leng Ning. Just how strong is this kid?" A hint of surprise flashed through Xiao Cangshan's eyes. "Mo Bin, you've found a truly good seedling for the Azure Dragon Academy this time!"

"Hehe, I told you that kid possessed great potential. Still, this rate of progress is indeed a bit unbelievable." Mo Bin smiled, though he made no attempt to hide the shock in his eyes.

...

"I must admit, you do have some skill." Yun Zhonghe looked at Tang Yan, a flicker of surprise in his eyes.

He thought he had already overestimated the boy's strength, but seeing Tang Yan truly bare his fangs, Yun Zhonghe knew his initial judgment had been completely wrong.

"Although your strength is decent, you still only won by a fluke. If Leng Ning hadn't underestimated you from the start and had directly used her martial techniques, you would never have escaped defeat!" Bai Yu steadied his mind and analyzed the situation seriously.

"Correct. Even if your strength is genuinely good, under the combined might of Young Master Bai and myself, you will have no power to resist.

"Young Master Tang, if you are smart, hand over the heaven-and-earth spiritual treasure, and we will not pursue today's matter any further." Yun Zhonghe put on an air as if he were granting a massive favor.

Tang Yan knew the two were right. Leng Ning had only given him an opening because she looked down on him. That had allowed him to unleash his hidden moves and catch her completely off guard.

If these two joined forces, he truly wouldn't have much of a chance to win.

"I've already swallowed the heaven-and-earth spiritual treasure. How else could my strength have advanced?" Tang Yan grinned.

Seeing Tang Yan's playful smile, Yun Zhonghe felt his blood surge violently. A faint killing intent began to spread around him. "Young Master Tang, I advise you not to joke."

"I only joke with friends. What the hell are you?" Tang Yan curled his lips in disdain.

"Young Master Bai, it seems this kid doesn't know his place. Shall we take him down together?" Suppressing the anger in his heart, Yun Zhonghe turned to look at Bai Yu. "I promise you right here and now: the heaven-and-earth spiritual treasure and all of this kid's possessions will be split evenly between us."

Bai Yu hesitated. After all, it was Yun Zhonghe that Tang Yan was provoking right now. If the two fought and mutually injured each other, he could swoop in and reap the benefits.

However, if he refused and Yun Zhonghe somehow instantly killed Tang Yan, he alone would not be able to stand against the entire Immortal Sword Gang.

Splitting the spoils evenly was the safest course of action.

Having made up his mind, Bai Yu nodded. "In that case, I will gladly comply."

Tang Yan's expression darkened. Facing two Black Rank Ninth Grade cultivators at the same time was indeed a heavy pressure.

"Tang Yan, run quickly! They can't catch you!" Wan Fei and the other three called out urgently from the side.

"Capture those four!" Yun Zhonghe waved his hand, and four subordinates immediately charged toward Wan Fei and the others.

Tang Yan steeled his heart. The Heaven and Earth Creation Flame spun rapidly within his chaotic space, and True Qi surged out like a tidal wave, flooding through his limbs and bones.

His figure transformed into a blur of lightning as the Unblemished Sword in his hand directly met the four Black Rank Eighth Grade experts.

"Pfft!" A spray of blood arced through the air. The crowd watched in shock as Tang Yan's Unblemished Sword cleanly severed one person's throat.

One strike, instant death, without the slightest hesitation or mercy.

This sheer ruthlessness made the hearts of everyone present tremble.

"Anyone who dares to move will be killed without mercy!" Tang Yan unleashed his force. Amplified by the effects of the Divine Capture Art, the sheer pressure caused the remaining three attackers to forcefully halt their charge.

Although their leader's orders were important, compared to their own lives, they were unwilling to throw themselves into the jaws of death.

"A bunch of trash!" Yun Zhonghe cursed furiously and shouted, "Brother Bai, strike!"

The strength Tang Yan had repeatedly displayed had indeed given Bai Yu quite a shock.

"Blue Flower Fist!"

"Shadowless Palm!"

Caring little about ganging up on a single opponent, Bai Yu and Yun Zhonghe shouted sharply and unleashed their high-grade Black Rank martial techniques.

With two Black Rank Ninth Grade experts attacking at full force, the surrounding air seemed to freeze in that instant.

"It's over." The crowd looked at Tang Yan with regret, shaking their heads.

"Ganging up on one-aren't you afraid of losing face!" Suddenly, a highly discordant voice rang out from the crowd.

An equally tyrannical aura abruptly locked onto Bai Yu.

"Menluo Palm!"

Yu Juechen flashed onto the battlefield, raising his hand to strike directly at Bai Yu.

Bai Yu was startled. This aura was clearly at the Black Rank Ninth Grade! Just who was opposing him?

Forced by the pressure, Bai Yu had no choice but to abandon Tang Yan and turn to meet the incoming strike.

Seeing who had arrived, Tang Yan relaxed slightly and smiled. "Brother Yu, thanks."

"No need to thank me. For these four days, I am your man!" Despite being in the middle of a battle, Yu Juechen's tone was surprisingly relaxed. With just a few words, Tang Yan had completely dispelled the negative mindset that had oppressed him for years.

Tang Yan seemed to sense Yu Juechen's newfound ease. He paused for a moment, cast him an appreciative glance, and then confidently threw himself back into the fight.

"Flame Burst Palm!"

A faint red light enveloped Tang Yan. Immediately after, streaks of deep blue surged forth, intertwining with the crimson glow.

The surrounding air began to burn with scorching heat, and an incredibly terrifying aura emanated from Tang Yan's palm.

Right from the start, Tang Yan unleashed his strongest strike!

This was a move born of necessity. After all, he was only at the Black Rank Seventh Grade. Even if his pure physical strength could match or surpass an Eighth Grade, there was still a substantial gap when facing a Ninth Grade.

His true advantage was that he had comprehended the Combat Heart.

Only by seizing the initiative right from the beginning and establishing an advantage with a storm-like offensive could he force out his opponent's flaws and deal a true blow.

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