Chapter 15

That night, the severely injured Wang Lie and a challenge letter were delivered to the disciples of the Guangyuan Sect. Before the letter was even read halfway, it provoked angry outbursts, with everyone accusing Zhang Yan of arrogance!

A mere registered disciple of the Fengcang Sect dared to challenge an entire sect? Truly, he had no regard for his own life! However, when the challenge letter was finished, it caused an even greater uproar.

This was because the challenge letter mentioned that Zhang Yan wanted to compete with the disciples of the Guangyuan Sect in deciphering the Star Stele!

The difficulty of the Star Stele was well-known to all.

The Star Stele was originally a cornerstone used in the Mystical Script Assembly. At the end of each assembly, a master would come forward to evaluate the outstanding disciples and select one to publicly decipher the Star Stele, demonstrating their true worth. However, this was only possible under the supervision of a master and the protection of talismans to ensure safety.

To directly use the deciphering of the Star Stele as a means of competition? No one had ever been so bold!

In stark contrast to the reactions of the other disciples, the five entry-level disciples of the Guangyuan Sect treated this challenge letter with unprecedented seriousness. They believed this was not a personal decision made by Zhang Yan but rather a move orchestrated by the entire Fengcang Sect.

This misunderstanding made them dare not underestimate Zhang Yan. Initially, they thought he was just a small pawn, but now he seemed to be the Fengcang Sect's trump card, elevating his status to an unprecedented level.

Shen Jingyue read the challenge letter several times and finally sneered, saying, "The Fengcang Sect is indeed clever, not mentioning the Nanhua Sect at all in their words."

The eldest disciple, Wen Jun, remained calm and composed, stroking his long beard, and said solemnly, "All those who appeared previously were our Guangyuan Sect disciples. They naturally would not provoke the Nanhua Sect. However, this move leaves us with no retreat. The Fengcang Sect has seen through our desire for a quick battle and is forcing us to accept the challenge."

Once the news of this challenge spreads, the Guangyuan Sect will be in a difficult position.

As for the Nanhua Sect, their original plan was to let the Guangyuan Sect take the lead, unwilling to easily break ties with the Fengcang Sect and certainly not to step forward at this moment.

"If we do not accept the challenge, all our previous efforts will be in vain," Shen Jingyue threw the challenge letter aside, a faint sneer on his lips. "One person challenging our entire Guangyuan Sect, what arrogance! Deciphering the Star Stele has nothing to do with the number of people, but this Zhang Yan has gained a reputation for nothing."

Wen Jun shook his head and said, "Since the Fengcang Sect has dared to push Zhang Yan forward, it seems he has the abilities as predicted by my junior brother. It may not be easy to defeat him."

At this moment, the third disciple, Zhang Zhen, who had been silent, suddenly stood up and bowed, saying, "Senior brothers, let me try the first round!"

Shen Jingyue looked at Zhang Zhen in surprise and then slowly said, "Among us, although Junior Brother Zhang's calculation skills are not as good as Junior Brother Mo's, they are still rare. However, the Star Stele is fraught with danger and is not ordinary. I will take full responsibility for this, so Junior Brother, you should not go."

Zhang Zhen insisted, "I am a secondary son of the Zhang family of Fengyan. Since joining the sect, the two senior brothers have taken good care of me, and I often think of how to repay you. Now, Junior Brother Mo can boost our sect's prestige at the Heavenly Gate Dao, and as a senior brother, how can I fall behind?"

Shen Jingyue tried to persuade him a few more times, but no matter what he said, his usually honest and simple junior brother would not back down. In the end, he had to agree.

Zhang Zhen finally showed a simple smile and said, "Senior Brother, rest assured. I have observed the Star Stele at the previous assembly, and with my calculation skills, deciphering half of the inscription should be no problem. If Zhang Yan is indeed formidable, I can withdraw at the right time."

Wen Jun pondered for a moment and nodded, "In that case, I will also go."

"No!" Shen Jingyue was shocked and quickly tried to dissuade him, "Senior Brother, you should stay here to oversee. I and Junior Brother Zhang will go." Wen Jun was the eldest disciple of the Guangyuan Sect's Lower Academy and a role model. He could not easily go into battle; if he lost, the damage to his reputation would not be limited to himself.

Wen Jun sighed, "How could I not understand the implications? But if only you go, the Nanhua Sect might think we are not putting in our full effort. Honor is small, but survival is paramount."

Shen Jingyue was startled and fell silent for a moment. Finally, he stood up and respectfully bowed to Wen Jun, saying solemnly, "Senior Brother, you are right. I was negligent."

Wen Jun quickly helped him up and said, "We are all disciples of the same sect, no need for such formalities."

"In that case, Junior Brother Zhang will go first, and I will go second. If we do not win, we will ask Senior Brother to go third!" After careful consideration, Shen Jingyue felt this was the best arrangement, ensuring the Nanhua Sect would not think the Guangyuan Sect was not putting in its full effort.

Finally, he added, "Junior Brother Zhang, do not be greedy for battle!"

Zhang Zhen's round face showed a smile, "Senior Brother, rest assured. I know my limits." He knew his achievements in eroding script were not high, but his plan was to tire Zhang Yan's mind, paving the way for Shen Jingyue.

On the Dangyun Peak, the news of Zhang Yan's challenge to the Guangyuan Sect also reached the ears of the Fengcang Sect's twenty-eight entry-level disciples. Although there were various opinions, their reactions were far less intense than those of the Guangyuan Sect. This was because Zhang Yan was just a registered disciple and had issued the challenge in his personal name. The outcome would have no impact on them, so they were content to watch from the sidelines.

However, one thing was consistent: no one was optimistic about Zhang Yan's chances.

To decipher the Star Stele, the stele had to be brought down from the peak. But since it would not harm anyone and could also suppress the aggressive Guangyuan Sect, Zheng Xun was happy to facilitate it. He ordered the six Star Steles to be moved from the peak and a ten-zhang square earthen platform to be built at the foot of Dangyun Peak. The six inscriptions were arranged in a row, allowing all the disciples to see them clearly.

Once this news spread, it caused a sensation throughout the Cangwu Mountain.

Not only the disciples of various sects, but even those who were not qualified to attend the assembly flocked to see who was so bold as to challenge an entire sect alone. Within two days, no fewer than a thousand cultivators gathered at the foot of Dangyun Peak.

For a time, the disciples of various sects were all inquiring about Zhang Yan. Even before the formal competition, his name was already known to all.

Three days passed quickly. At the foot of Dangyun Peak, on the high platform, the six Star Steles in front of the platform glowed with a mysterious light under the blazing sun. Due to their age, the edges of the steles were worn, but this added a sense of ancient simplicity and weight. Each stele was inscribed with thousands of eroding scripts, making one feel dizzy and disoriented just by looking at them.

In the center of the platform, Ai Zhongwen had arranged a desk, a mat, and writing materials. Five other desks were arranged in a ring, clearly distinguishing the host and the guest.

Under the watchful eyes of a thousand people, Zhang Yan walked up the platform with a calm demeanor, ignoring the various complex gazes of disdain, contempt, condemnation, and admiration from below. His composure alone earned him respect.

No one knew that he was not worried about the challenge but was thinking that after today, he would be famous among the sects. As long as nothing went wrong, one of the three "Shou" generation masters would surely take him as a disciple.

Once he became a disciple, the door to the Great Dao would be half-open to him, bringing him one step closer to immortality.

Thinking of this, his eyes showed a determined look.

"Are you Zhang Yan, Junior Brother Zhang? I am Shen Jingyue. I have long heard of your name, Senior Brother Zhang."

Shen Jingyue stepped onto the platform half a step behind Zhang Yan, bowed to him, and observed him closely. He saw that Zhang Yan was handsome and composed, clearly confident in the upcoming duel.

Zhang Yan returned the bow and said, "I am not worthy. I am just a junior disciple, Zhang Yan." Although the Guangyuan Sect was a small sect, Shen Jingyue was an entry-level disciple, and in front of so many people, he had to show respect.

Shen Jingyue did not comment on Zhang Yan's humility, smiled faintly, and said, "Junior Brother Zhang, the first round will be between my junior brother Zhang Zhen and you. Before the competition, would you like to hear a word from me?"

"Senior Brother, please speak."

Shen Jingyue took a step forward, looked at Zhang Yan intently, and said softly, "Junior Brother Zhang, if you win this competition, all is well. If I win, would you consider joining our Guangyuan Sect?"

"What?" Zhang Yan was surprised. He had expected Shen Jingyue to persuade him to withdraw or threaten him, but he never thought the other party would suddenly bring up this topic.

Shen Jingyue observed Zhang Yan's reaction and, seeing no disgust, continued, "Junior Brother Zhang, you are just a registered disciple. My father is an elder in the Upper Academy of the Guangyuan Sect. If you join our sect, you will immediately become an entry-level disciple. You can choose any scriptures or elixirs. If you open your immortal meridians, I can persuade my father to take you as a direct disciple. What do you think?"

Shen Jingyue's attitude was sincere, and the offer was generous. It was impossible for Zhang Yan not to be tempted.

Although the Guangyuan Sect was now a small sect, it had once been a major sect in Donghua Continent. Even a withered camel is bigger than a horse, and one advantage was the scarcity of entry-level disciples, meaning less internal competition.

Indeed, due to the small number of disciples, the Guangyuan Sect always acted as a united front, and the relationship among the disciples was unusually harmonious.

However, Zhang Yan had other concerns.

First, although Shen Jingyue made many promises, how could he be sure this was not a strategy to shake his resolve? He dared not believe it.

Second, he did not have a good outlook for the Guangyuan Sect. Although the Nanhua and Guangyuan Sects were allies, the Guangyuan Sect was always dependent on the Nanhua Sect. The Nanhua Sect's silence in the face of the Guangyuan Sect's challenge to the Fengcang Sect showed that the Guangyuan Sect could not act independently and might be abandoned at any time. Such a sect offered him no sense of security.

Third, the Fengcang Sect was a major sect in Donghua Continent. Here, the Zhou family would not dare to force him, but if he joined the Guangyuan Sect, the situation could change.

Therefore, regardless of whether Shen Jingyue was sincere or not, he would not agree. He firmly rejected the offer.

Shen Jingyue sighed, clearly regretting Zhang Yan's decision.

His offer to recruit Zhang Yan was genuine. After the challenge, Zheng Xun and others did not rush to defeat the prodigy Mo Yuan. The disciples no longer sat idly in the side hall, and news came down the mountain that Zhang Yan was challenging the sect alone, with no support from behind.

Impressed by Zhang Yan's courage and ability, and seeing his outstanding qualities, Shen Jingyue was moved by his talent. The Guangyuan Sect needed new blood and was not particular about the disciples' backgrounds, so he extended the invitation on the spot.

However, Zhang Yan did not look favorably upon the Guangyuan Sect and instead intended to use them as a stepping stone to the Great Dao.

He took a step back, folded his hands behind his back, and said solemnly, "Further talk is useless. Senior Brother Shen, please have your junior brother come up. Let us decide the outcome today!"

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PS: Unless there are any unexpected changes, future updates will generally be posted at 22:30. Starting tomorrow, there will be two updates per day. Thank you for your support!

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