In the vast, distant sky, under the watchful eyes of countless people, the two fading silhouettes of Yunshan each powerfully clenched their fists, channeling a terrifying aura that sent shivers down spines, and forcefully drove them toward Xiao Yan's head. Yet when everyone believed that Xiao Yan was surely doomed, a mighty surge of qi rippled outward from him, suddenly erupting in a powerful wave. As the qi passed, two separate figures—each capable of directly countering even the waves of the sea—were instantly frozen, then, with a deep resonant boom, exploded into nothingness under the stunned gazes below. Everyone stared in wide-eyed disbelief at the two figures that had vanished into the sky, even the nearby Jia Xingtian and his companions, who were momentarily taken aback. As powerful斗皇-level warriors, they could clearly perceive the strength of those figures—no mere illusions, but tangible energy manifestations summoned through an unknown secret technique by Yunshan. To put it plainly, the combined power of these two figures alone equaled that of two full斗皇-level warriors. Of course, this assessment was based solely on the sheer magnitude of their energy. If a true斗皇-level warrior had to face these two figures, it would certainly be a challenge, but not insurmountable—after all, figures are still figures, and their resilience and ability to withstand attacks were far less than that of actual斗皇-level warriors. Had it not been for Hai Bo Dong's initial surprise and "This power…" Hai Bo Dong stared in astonishment at Xiao Yan floating in the sky, feeling the immense energy suddenly surging forth from within his own body. After a long pause, a look of sudden excitement flashed into his eyes: "Has he finally awakened that hidden power?" "What on earth? Xiao Yan's strength... it seems to have surged by nearly several levels all at once!" Jia Xingtian turned to Fama, speaking in shock. "This... I don't know either. The aura emanating from him is actually stronger than mine." Fama shook his head with a wry smile, his face nearly displaying a state of numbness. Over the past few months, in this young man under twenty, Fama had witnessed countless moments of astonishment. Now, with this latest development—another powerful revelation—Fama had been completely overwhelmed, entering a state of near-mechanical numbness. On the ruins above, Yun Yun's eyes were fixed on the spot where Xiao Yan was located in the sky, her gaze flickering as her delicate hand unconsciously covered the slightly parted, rosy lips. Across the scattered and chaotic square, the Cloud岚 Sect disciples were all staring upward, though with their current strength they couldn't fully grasp the true power of the two spectral figures summoned by Yun Shan. Yet, from the way these spectral forms interacted with Hai Bo Dong's lightning, they could still glean some insight. Nevertheless, the sheer strength of these figures—so powerful that even a Supreme Sovereign-tier warrior would have struggled to withstand them—was completely shattered by Xiao Yan, a mere Grand Master-level cultivator. This outcome deeply shook the Cloud岚 Sect disciples, who had always regarded Yun Shan as a divine presence. The entire scene at the Cloud岚 Sect was left stunned and in profound shock by Xiao Yan's sudden outburst. … The fading of the residual aura also immediately alerted the true form of Yun Shan, who swiftly broke free from Medusa Queen's grasp, his expression serious as he gazed at Xiao Yan at a distance. "I didn't expect him to conceal such a move. Yet since you've managed to handle it, I have no desire to engage further. My soul energy, however, won't last much longer..." Medusa Queen's eyes were likewise stunned by the surge of overwhelming power that erupted, and as she turned to gaze at Xiao Yan, she murmured in awe. His expression slightly gloomy, a气势 no less potent than that previously displayed by Xiao Yan surged steadily from Yun Shan's body. With light steps that seemed to tread upon the void, he materialized before Xiao Yan, furrowing his brows and speaking seriously, "I truly underestimated you. I never expected to find such formidable power hidden within you—thus explaining your consistent confidence. Yet... I suspect this power may not be truly yours." Given Yun Shan's experience, he knew well that, despite Xiao Yan's exceptional talent and even the highest-grade pills he might have consumed, it was impossible for him to match a Daoist Grand Master's level of strength before the age of twenty. Thus, Yun Shan immediately revealed the subtle nuances of Xiao Yan's power. "Regardless of who this power truly belongs to, it certainly responds to my commands as if it were an extension of my own will." Xiao Yan raised his hand, and a dense, pale flame erupted, swiftly dancing and leaping with the grace of a sprite at his fingertips. "Hmph. Relying on external forces to artificially enhance one's strength—nothing more than a temporary measure. I simply don't believe you can sustain this power for long." Yun Shan coldly remarked. "Regardless of your true capabilities, if you manage to kill one of our senior monks and then depart without further resistance, then what face will Cloud Lake Sect have in standing tall within the Jamar Empire?" "Go ahead and try," said Xiao Yan, his expression remaining calm and unshaken, undisturbed by Yun Shan's words. He lifted his gaze, and at that moment, a surge of white flame erupted from his hands. "For all these years, the people I've sought to retain within my sect have never failed to meet with setbacks!" His eyes cold and steady, Yun Shan swiftly formed hand seals. As the seals took shape, ripples began to spread through the surrounding space, and gusts of wind gathered around him. With the gathering of pale green winds, an intense, dazzling white glow suddenly emerged from the tip of his right finger, appearing strangely and unexpectedly. "Hey, you've wronged my disciple. Today, I'll see just how far you can go—despite my strength being only two or three tenths of my peak—before you can hold me." With a slight lift of his brow, "Xiao Yan" murmured a cold, low chuckle, gazing at the faint, shimmering white glow at the tip of Yun Shan's fingers. "Teacher... you... do you know Xiao Yan?" Suddenly, a soft voice broke out beside her. Yun Yun was startled and turned to see Na Lan Yan Yan biting her lower lip, her eyes slightly dimmed with faint traces of weariness, fixed steadily on her. Seeing Na Lan Yan Yan in this moment, Yun Yun found her own gaze unexpectedly wavering and hesitant. Yet, as Na Lan was the head of her own clan, after a brief moment of inner turmoil, she managed to compose herself, smiled gently, and patted Na Lan's shoulder lightly, saying, "I've met her several times before, but each time he used a different name. Also, I had never actually seen him before, so I hadn't recognized him until our first meeting—then I was truly surprised. "He truly does enjoy deceiving people with false identities..." Lan Yanran said with a bitter tone. The man who had first inspired her admiration among peers and sparked a subtle, intimate feeling between them—was none other than this very person, crafted in disguise. The blow was almost as severe as losing the three-year agreement she had held so dear. With cloud Yun watching over her for so long, Na Lan Yan Ran's beautiful eyes suddenly glistened with tears. She suddenly threw herself into her arms, and after all these years of pent-up sorrow, finally broke down into quiet sobs: "His retaliation truly is merciless... Teacher, I regret it now..." "Ah." Cloud Yun sighed softly, gently stroking Na Lan Yan Ran's smooth hair, and with a wry smile said, "I too have made mistakes. Back then, I should have refused your persistent appeals and insisted on keeping my engagement—otherwise, all these troubles would have arisen." "Teacher, what should I do now?" Na Lan Yan Ran lifted her head, her tear-streaked gaze delicate and touching. Yun Yun's expression wavered, then she broke into another苦笑—her heart was currently a tangled mess, all due to Xiao Yan. Moreover, given Xiao Yan's current relationship with Yunlan Sect, becoming an adversary was now inevitable. And having known him for some time, she understood his nature well. Thus, she was certain that Xiao Yan harbored nothing but pure ill will, even aversion, toward her. That rejection had been like a divine axe splitting the heavens, establishing an unbridgeable chasm between them. To expect Xiao Yan to develop any feelings for her—well, that seemed nearly impossible. That would certainly require at least a Spirit Combatant level to enter—though you are the one in this generation who can resonate with the Gate of Life and Death, entering now would be too dangerous," Cloud Yun said, startled. "That's where the successive Cloud Lake Sect masters rest. As a member of the Cloud Lake Sect, I surely will be protected by them. Teacher, please promise me—my current condition isn't suited for continued quiet cultivation." Nalan Yanran shook her head. "Ah..." gazing at Nalan Yanran's determined expression, Cloud Yun paused, then sighed and nodded, gently brushing her long hair. "The Gate of Life and Death has traditionally been the final trial for a Cloud Lake Sect master before becoming the next master. Yet you've insisted on entering. Then I'll speak with your senior teacher about it. Early exposure to the Gate of Life and Death will undoubtedly benefit you." "Upon hearing Yun Yun finally agree, Nalan Yanran also breathed a subtle sigh of relief, lifting her gaze toward the young man standing directly opposite the cloud peaks in the sky—his eyes reflecting a complex blend of emotions. Meanwhile, as they spoke, the battle in the heavens reached its most intense phase, with two warriors of caliber equal to the Douzong level colliding in a powerful clash that would shake the entire Gamma Empire."