A thunderous roar echoed across the sky. On the plaza, countless people gasped and raised their heads, only to see the deep purple flames now spreading like a wildfire. The vast expanse of sky was entirely engulfed by surging waves of fire. At the very center of this purple tide, however, a brilliant emerald flame stood out, resolute and unshaken, undeterred by the relentless pressure of the deep purple flames. After a few breaths, the emerald flame suddenly trembled, then surged forth a powerful flame storm. Wherever this emerald flame reached, the deep purple flames instantly melted like snow into boiling oil, retreating swiftly—clearly no match at all for the emerald fire. Initially only a few feet wide, the emerald flame rapidly expanded in an instant, and within a blink, it completely drove out and consumed the vast purple flames that had once filled the heavens. When the last deep violet flame was driven away, a human figure concealed within it finally emerged. A terrifying surge of power instantly poured over the figure like a tidal wave, and at once, a rich crimson stream of blood erupted under the watchful eyes of countless onlookers. The figure, now resembling a bird with broken wings, fell helplessly from the sky. Amidst the waves of stunned gazes on the plaza, the figure swiftly descended. Only when it was still several dozen meters above the plaza did Yunshan, whose expression had been slightly somber on the dais, raise his sleeve with a deft motion to catch it, then gently lower it to the ground. When he landed, ancient River's face was already pale, streaked with blood, and his eyes showed a hint of exhaustion. He was well aware of the terrifying power that Xiao Yan had unleashed—there was simply no chance for him to recover. Even as Xiao Yan's qi flowed, he sensed that the latter had subtly restrained a portion of his strength; otherwise, even if River managed to survive, he would surely have to endure serious injuries. A hush fell over the crowd as they all stared at the pale ancient River, their expressions filled with astonishment, still struggling to accept the reality before them. A young disciple, barely in his twenties, managed to defeat a genuine Duohuang powerhouse in just ten moves—such a formidable display of strength was truly dreamlike. A wave of astonishment and stunned silence lingered on Ancient River's form before shifting collectively toward the heavens. Now, the lush green flames that had filled the sky had completely dissipated. A young man in a black robe stood suspended in the air, his magnificent green flame wings gently fluttering behind him, beginning to take shape as a true aura of strength. At one point in the sky, Jia Xingtian and the others, watching Ancient River fall in the final move, finally exhaled in relief. They exchanged glances, silently marveling—this individual truly was formidable. The devastating strike he unleashed earlier might have only been withstood by Hai Bode and Jia Xingtian themselves. "Now that Guo He has been defeated, the great worry that has been weighing on his mind is finally lifted. Given his nature, he will surely not back down in front of so many people, having accepted Xiao Yan's challenge publicly." Hai Bo Dong wiped a bead of sweat from his forehead and smiled. "Indeed, though Xiao Yan has sustained some losses in the earlier battle, fortunately he has a plentiful supply of pills. His recovery of energy is far superior to that of ordinary people. Otherwise, during the upcoming clash with Yun Shan, things might not go smoothly." Jia Xingtian nodded, recalling that he had personally seen Xiao Yan swallow several pills after defeating Guo He. "When the battle begins, you must hold off Yun Lan Sect's senior monks and elders—make sure they don't form a coordinated attack formation, or else we'll face serious difficulties. As for Yun Shan, simply follow Xiao Yan's plan and let him handle the matter himself." Hai Bo Dong slowly scanned the vast assembly of Yun Lan Sect elders hovering in the air, and spoke with solemnity. "Let him face Yunshan alone... I'd say there's a certain level of danger there, wouldn't you agree?"副会长米切尔略作迟疑，说道. "Don't worry—remember that mysterious teacher assisting Xiao Yan, and if things get dire, I and Old Jia, along with that ancient sea-jade dragon beast, will swiftly step in to lend our support. With our combined strength, even Yunshan won't be able to hold out for long." Sea Po Dong glanced toward the central platform where Yunshan stood on the square below, speaking calmly. "As soon as the battle begins, I'll send the signal. Then, Tianye will personally command the hundred thousand troops stationed below and launch an immediate assault on the mountain!" Old Jia nodded, speaking with steady resolve. Hearing this, Hai Bo Dong also nodded slightly, his gaze firmly locked on Yun Shan, and coldly remarked, "Now, let's keep a close eye on this old fool..." "Yun Yun, perhaps your choice was indeed correct—after all, I truly do not measure up to him..." Gazing at Guo He's wistful smile, Yun Yun remained silent. Guo He had always carried a strong sense of pride; it took great strength for him to say such words, especially after his defeat to Xiao Yan. Yet even now, she found herself at a loss for words. After a while, she finally whispered softly, "Are you all right?" "Nothing serious," Guo He waved his hand, then looked up toward Yun Shan on the wedding platform, bowing respectfully, "Master Yun Shan, today I have failed in my endeavor. I shall therefore fulfill my promise—not to interfere further in the affairs between these two parties. As for this wedding, I kindly request that you release me from it. I shall now step down." With that, he did not hesitate to overlook the slightly discomposed expression on Yun Shan's face, and turned, walking steadily toward Yun Lan Sect under the watchful eyes of the crowd. As the silhouette of Goro gradually faded, murmurs began to rise across the plaza. Some of the stronger guests who had been invited by Goro exchanged glances, then smiled wistfully—having seen the main figure depart, their presence now seemed pointless. They had long-standing ties with Goro, and if he had asked for their assistance, they would have readily agreed. Yet now that Goro had accepted his defeat without a word of complaint, they found themselves hesitant to step in forcefully. Moreover, even if they did step forward, they would likely end up humiliated—after all, Goro himself, a formidable force, had barely managed to withstand ten rounds against Xiao Yan. How could they possibly hope to do better? Since the ancient river has already flowed away, they naturally wouldn't stay any longer. Though they were deeply eager for the terrifying battle that would unfold on the Cloud Ridge Mountain, they were far from foolish—they well knew that if drawn into this situation, they might only face unforeseen misfortunes. Thus, after exchanging glances in silence, some of the more composed ones bowed respectfully and bid farewell to the Cloud Ridge Mountain platform, while others, with more reserved temperaments, said nothing at all, simply turned and walked out toward the outer reaches of the Cloud Ridge Sect. As these powerful figures departed, the square gradually opened up, leaving behind mostly those forces and individuals who had been invited by the Cloud Ridge Sect and who were mindful of the Cloud Mountain's formidable presence. Though they understood that staying might only mean becoming victims themselves, the weight of the Cloud Mountain's increasingly somber expression compelled them to remain, despite their reservations. On the stage, as the strong ones departed with the ancient river, Yun Shan's eyes flickered, his expression growing increasingly gloomy. He had intended for Xiao Yan and the others to clash fiercely, allowing him to reap the benefits as the ultimate beneficiary. Yet he hadn't expected Xiao Yan to offer a ten-move challenge—and indeed, to defeat the ancient river within those ten moves. What truly stirred his ire was that the rigid, one-dimensional ancient river had genuinely upheld his word, quietly and humbly leading his people away. Above, Xiao Yan glanced at Yunshan and coldly remarked, "At last, you've lost your patience?" "But if this is all you have to offer, then I must regret to inform you that this time, you will not survive to step down from Yunlan Mountain!" With a shake of his head, Yunshan's face suddenly grew cold, and he clenched his palms tightly, a mighty and terrifying aura surging forth from within his body! The overwhelming pressure spread out, causing the numerous strong warriors beneath the joy platform to momentarily pause their breath. Soon, they were struck with astonishment, realizing that even their internal Qi flow had begun to falter under this immense pressure! A Dao Sect master could already command such formidable presence! Feeling the powerful aura surging from within Yunshan, Xiao Yan's expression grew steadily serious. Indeed, this man had grown significantly stronger than he was three years ago—this battle would truly be one of life and death. "All members of Yunlan Sect, listen! Today, no one shall be spared!" Lifting her gaze, Yunshan's cold voice echoed steadily across the heavens. "I will make every person in the Gamma Empire aware—anyone who dares to offend our sect shall be executed without mercy!"