"Originally, there were some casualties during the sparring matches—nothing unusual. But these people seem to have mastered no particular cultivation technique; instead, each of them is skilled in various subtle and damaging spells and poisons of the magical arts. Every disciple who faced them fell either suddenly unconscious or poisoned beyond recovery, with injuries so severe that they were difficult to treat. Fortunately, since they are stationed within Yanling Pavilion, they have shown some restraint and no disciple has yet died from serious wounds—this is truly a fortunate turn of events! Ah, now that you've witnessed this scene at Yan Family, I feel deeply ashamed!" Yan Yu said, her expression somewhat embarrassed. "However, upon our departure, we heard that the elders themselves were growing increasingly concerned and had already dispatched messengers to summon the disciples from the Training Hall under my brother's command. Those are our most elite cultivators, trained in secret techniques—certainly, they will deliver a stern reprimand to these individuals." Yan Ling interjected, unable to hold back, and waved her small fist enthusiastically. "Ridiculous! How can a young lady like you always be engaged in constant battles and skirmishes? Now that our guests have come to us, we've had to bring them back—send another batch of attendants dispatched by Master Li right away, so we don't make the others wait any longer!" Yan Yu straightened his face, scolding his younger sister a few times before sending the slightly disgruntled girl off. Turning then to explain to Han Li and the others, he said: "With the recent influx of guests, the mix of visitors has become quite diverse. As a result, we've partially opened the protective seals of our fortress. Now, several key areas within the fortress no longer support long-range spells such as transmission scrolls. That's why I've had to personally go and attend to these matters! Originally, neither I nor my sister were responsible for guest reception, but now, due to the severe shortage of personnel and the emergence of some guests who have come with ill intentions, we've had to step in and assist temporarily." After finishing, Yan Yu glanced solemnly toward the distant area where the Yan family disciples and the strange visitors were now locked in combat. "So you're originally one of Yan Family's top disciples. I imagine you must be highly valued within the family!" Dong Xuaner's eyes sparkled as she smiled gracefully. Her naturally beautiful appearance instantly took on a captivating charm, leaving Yan Yu momentarily stunned across the table. "Hm... well, that's true!" Yan Yu stammered, his mind wandering. He simply couldn't remember what he was saying—he only knew that this young lady was absolutely stunning, almost as beautiful as his ideal dream lover. "Hehe! Then..." "Yan brother, would it be convenient for you to join me in observing the match taking place there? I'd like to find out who the intruder is who dares to disrupt Yan Family's affairs!" Dong Xuaner found the way he was behaving quite endearing and chuckled lightly, eager to tease him further. Yet, unexpectedly, Han Li suddenly spoke up, cutting off her next words. "Ah... observing? Of course!" The one currently engaged in combat with the other party is my cousin, who, in terms of depth and mastery of the Way of the Arts, ranks among the top ten at the Martial Hall—surely capable of delivering a formidable performance! Upon being awakened by Han Li, Yan Yu was first taken aback, then promptly agreed without hesitation. Han Li smiled slightly, recognizing that the other party not only had no solid reason to obstruct him but also genuinely believed this encounter would be a strong contender for victory, which explained their eagerness. Thus, the three of them approached the vicinity of the arena, making their way toward the onlookers. As they drew closer, Han Li was surprised to find that the number of spectators had reached well over a hundred. Moreover, observing their attire, he noticed that the majority were not native practitioners from Yueguo, but rather came from other nations—this was truly unusual! Han Li found himself puzzled, yet, mindful of the guests' status, he hesitated to ask further questions. He therefore quietly held his thoughts, feigning ignorance. As for Dong Xuan'er standing by, she was still chatting and laughing with Yan Yu without ceasing, though the subtle surprise in her eyes had been noticed by Han Li. Clearly, this girl wasn't just a decorative figure like a flower vase! Yet this impetuous one seemed to have some hidden plan—she didn't even ask a single question about the underlying matters, just as Han Li had. This left Han Li somewhat frustrated. "Xuan'er, you've also come! That's wonderful—I thought Red Fu Master wouldn't let you out at all!" But as soon as the three of them passed by, a young male cultivator with a handsome face happened to turn his head and caught sight of Dong Xuan'er. He immediately beamed with joy, strode over in just a few steps, and greeted her warmly. As soon as this man approached, Dong Xuan'er's smile stiffened, while Yan Yu's expression grew slightly displeased, her gaze flickering uncertainly. Han Li, being an outsider to the scene, remained calm and composed throughout, showing no sign of surprise whatsoever. He was quite certain that this person was likely one of Dong Xuan'er's former guests. Yet, the surname Feng—wasn't that the "Feng family boy" mentioned by his wife-in-law last time? "Feng brother! Truly unexpected—Du uncle had invited you to attend this gathering!" Dong Xuan'er's slight surprise faded quickly as her eyes twinkled and she then warmly and directly greeted him, as if he were merely an ordinary friend. This immediately eased the expression of Yan Yu beside her, though Feng brother himself was momentarily taken aback, only then noticing Yan Yu and Han Li standing beside Dong Xuan'er. Han Li fared well—he simply smiled gently when Feng brother looked at him and slightly stepped back from Dong Xuan'er, appearing uninvolved. In contrast, Yan Yu gave him a direct, unyielding gaze, making it clear to Feng brother who his real rival was. He now frowned and scrutinized him steadily. Han Li found this scene both amusing and somewhat puzzling. Wasn't it said that Dong Xuan'er and this Feng senior had already made up their minds to practice dual cultivation together? Yet this currently impetuous young lady shows no clear preference for Feng senior. Could it be that the rumor was mistaken? Han Li thought it over briefly, then shook his head slightly, deciding to let it go. He simply didn't want to waste his brain on such trivial gossip. So he took a few steps forward, leaving the other three behind. Han Li didn't care at all whether Feng senior or Yan Yu were competing for his attention, nor did he mind how Dong Xuan'er skillfully managed her position between them—he was completely absorbed by the struggle within the light shield. Yan Yu hadn't been exaggerating at all! Indeed, his cousin was no ordinary person. His earth-based spells were performed with extraordinary mastery. Stones the size of a several-yards-wide grinding disc were continuously hurled from his hands, striking the opposing side with relentless force, as though they never ran out. At the same time, he raised a triangular yellow banner in front of him, summoning a yellow wind that enveloped him completely, offering him solid protection. But the green-robed figure on the other side also chose to yield! Several dark, ink-black streams surged from his body, hissing and swirling like venomous serpents, weaving together into an impervious black net that deflected the rocks right back—sometimes even returning them to the opposing side, which left the elite of the Yan family momentarily flustered. As for his magical artifacts, six or seven gleaming white skulls floated around him, their purpose still unclear. Thus, one launched a relentless assault while the other maintained a steady, passive defense, temporarily establishing a deadlock! Clearly, however, both were still in the process of mutual assessment, not yet committing to full intensity. Despite the vibrant scene—rocks cascading through the air, dark energy swirling constantly—they remained calm and composed, neither hurried nor strained, showing no sign of exertion. Han Li watched in deep concentration, and suddenly heard Dong Xuan'er exclaim, "Master Han, is that correct?" This startled him slightly. Before he could turn around, he instinctively nodded with a soft "hm." But as soon as the "um" escaped his lips, Han Li immediately felt a pang of worry and quickly turned to look. To his surprise, the two rivals—once expected to be at odds—now stared at him with displeasure, as if united in their opposition. Clearly, he had been set against by this impetuous girl! "You heard me, didn't you? Master Han himself admitted it—he has to stay with me at all times throughout this journey. That's exactly what my master ordered!" Dong Xuan'er said, adopting a delicate, pitiful expression. Yet, while the two men were absorbed by her charm, she swiftly gave Han Li a sly look, leaving him utterly speechless. By seizing this moment of distraction, Dong Xuan'er had successfully exploited a gap, now burdening Han Li with two serious complications. It was clearly because, throughout the journey, she had been constantly overshadowed by the name of Hong Fu, which had left her resentful—now she was retaliating against him. If he were to be scolded or taught a lesson by these two, she would surely be delighted! Han Li glanced at the two who were now glaring at him intently, sighed, and was about to speak. But before he could open his mouth, the expressions of the two on the other side suddenly changed—especially Yan Yu, who grew noticeably tense. Their gaze shifted instantly from Han Li to the arena. Recognizing this change, Han Li immediately understood that something significant had just unfolded on the field and turned to look in that direction. There, the confrontation within the light dome had finally broken! The Yan family member had ceased using the stone technique and now held a fan of pale green and yellow in both hands, facing his opponent, vigorously扇ing it back and forth with growing difficulty. Though the fan was light and delicate, each motion seemed to drain immense strength from the disciple, who now was drenched in sweat. There's one more chapter to come—sometime later!