Nalan Yanran walked slowly toward the platform's forecourt, just as Tang Ying stepped forward from the crowd. He glanced at Feng Qing'er at the far end of the stone staircase, then turned to Jin Shi, bowing respectfully, "I am Tang Ying, a disciple of the Ten-Thousand-Jian Pavilion. It is a pleasure to meet you, Master Jin." Jin Shi nodded slightly, his eyes briefly scanning Tang Ying. The sharp aura of sword energy emanating from the young man caused him to give a subtle nod of approval. Indeed, the Four Pavilion's training system produced truly capable disciples—no wonder they hold such esteemed status in the Central Region. After the bow, Tang Ying struck his back against a large blue sword resting there. With a sharp clink, the sword automatically launched itself into the air, hovering before him, radiating a powerful, cutting aura that made several people feel a chill on their skin. Tang Ying then lightly touched the ground with his toe, and with a graceful motion, settled himself onto the sword's surface. Gazing at Tang Ying standing on the sword, a peculiar glow passed through Xiao Yan's eyes. With his sharp observation, he could clearly see that energy filaments were emanating from Tang Ying's fingers and soles, adhering to the sword's surface and providing the energy that kept the great sword suspended in the sky. "This is the Wan Jian Pavilion's sword-handling technique," Lan Yanran whispered softly beside Xiao Yan, explaining as she had come to know these major powers well over the years in the Zhongzhou region. "At its highest level, practitioners can control the sword with their mind, guiding it as they move—flying at an extremely swift pace. It's truly the Pavilion's unique method." "Indeed, quite remarkable," Xiao Yan nodded with a smile. The Zhongzhou continent truly boasts an abundance of outstanding talents. Such an unusual combat technique is quite rare elsewhere. As the two conversed, Tang Ying gradually ascended, coming to a halt about three or four zhang above the ground, his gaze tightly fixed on the dense throngs of gold-devouring mice flanking the stone staircase. His eyes narrowed slightly, and then, with a sudden sweep of his sleeve, his long sword shot forth like a meteor, emitting a sharp cry, transforming his figure into a streak of azure light that surged straight toward the summit. Amidst the numerous admiring glances on the platform, Tang Ying had remarkably surged through successive sound waves within less than a couple of minutes. With a swift movement, he reached the summit and then descended gracefully, his breath slightly labored, his eyes gleaming with rare excitement. Though the duration had been brief, the intensity of the encounter had been no less than a full-scale battle against a peer of equal strength. "Success," nodded Jin Shi upon seeing Tang Ying successfully reach the summit, then declared. "Next." At once, a yellow figure darted forward, stepping out ahead of Xiao Yan and bowing to Jin Shi: "Wang Chen, Yellow Spring Sect." As he spoke, he glanced back at Xiao Yan, standing not far behind, a cold smile playing on his face. Xiao Yan, however, paid no attention, maintaining a subtle smile on his face. Wang Chen didn't hesitate, swiftly turning around, glancing at the two figures atop the mountain, then chuckling. Dark, ink-black ki surged from within him, rapidly forming a solid black sphere that enveloped him. With a firm stomp of his foot on the ground, the sphere shot forth with a raw, forceful burst, hissing through the air. As Wang Chen entered the range of the stone stairs, the sonic attacks surged again, yet he met them head-on, relying entirely on the strength of his ki to absorb and withstand each wave. Moving with steady, agile strides, he covered over fifteen paces in a single sweep, and within a moment's time, reached close to the mountain's summit. Seeing the method he had chosen, several people on the platform were astonished, then quietly breathed a sigh of relief—his ki was indeed powerful, enabling him to forcefully break through the sonic array. Though it appeared somewhat clumsy, it was certainly a viable strategy. "Haha!" The dark spherical projectile surged forth once more, then spun through the air, finally landing atop the mountain peak with a hearty burst of laughter. "Success," said Jin Shi, a slight smile tugging at his lips as he glanced toward the summit. The young fighter's aura was notably stronger than that of an ordinary Peak-level Duke, and particularly rare—dark-type aura. Otherwise, even if he managed to break through the sonic array, he would have surely sustained immense strain. Yet here he was, moving with ease. Indeed, the Huangquan Pavilion truly deserved its status as one of the four great pavilions. "Next," he said. His gaze settled on Mu Qinglun, and the composed expression on his golden-stone-faced countenance finally softened into a few warm smiles. Nodding slowly, he said, "Miss Qinglun has grown increasingly eloquent. When your family appointed you as a disciple of Feng Zun, it seems to have been a most sound decision." "Feng Zun?" Xiao Yan, whose eyes had been casually scanning the platform, suddenly had them freeze in place. After a moment, he turned his head stiffly, his gaze filled with disbelief fixed firmly on Mu Qinglun. Was she indeed one of Feng Zun's disciples? Xiao Yan had long harbored the intention of journeying to the Zhongzhou Continent to seek out his close friend, Feng Zun—the one who had been a life-long companion of the renowned Dr. Yao. Yet, until now, he had received no word at all. Now, here, unexpectedly, he was receiving news directly related to Feng Zun? Mu Qinglun is from the Xingyin Pavilion. If Feng Zun is her teacher, then Feng Zun must also be a member of the Xingyin Pavilion. Xiao Yan's thoughts raced swiftly, and soon a surge of joy spread across his face. He had finally received the news from Feng Zun, and if Master Yao's words were true, Feng would prove to be a significant support—no longer would he have to face the journey alone. As Xiao Yan's thoughts flowed, Mu Qinglun gently stepped onto the stone staircase and began walking steadily toward its far end. When the overwhelming wave of sound surged forth, a clear, bird-like hum emerged softly from Mu Qinglun's lips. Under this gentle hum, the surging sound waves seemed to encounter their match, retreating swiftly and dispersing. For a moment, the entire sound array became disordered, its tones suddenly tangled and unstable. Amidst this chaos, Mu Qinglun moved with calm composure, reaching the summit nearly ten minutes later. Among all the people present, she appeared to be the most at ease—those sonic waves capable of inflicting deep soul wounds seemed to have no effect on her at all. Witnessing Mu Qinglun's effortless ascent to the summit, many people were left speechless. No one had expected the sonic array to be so easily and effortlessly surmounted. "Success—next one," Jinshi remarked, shaking his head in resignation. He had forgotten that the sonic attacks of the Gold-Mousethief had little impact on Mu Qinglun; this time, she had indeed managed to outwit the array. Xiao Yan was equally stunned when Mu Qinglun passed with such ease, gazing around in surprise for a while before finally sighing and shaking his head. His eyes swept across the crowd. Now, with Feng Qing'er and her three companions successfully stepping onto the stage, only about ten people—including Xiao Yan and his companion—had not yet taken the stage, while the available spots were limited to just four. Seeing that no one else had stepped forward, Xiao Yan exhaled gently, then turned to Nalan Yanran, nodding slightly with his chin. Under the collective gaze of the crowd, he strode confidently forward. Nalan Yanran hesitated briefly before following him. "Hearing this name, Jinshi's keen eyes slightly narrowed. He had heard of this young man—someone who even failed to capture despite Feitian's direct intervention—and it came as a surprise to learn he had also come here. 'The Sonic Array strengthens with the number of people present. Are you certain you need to bring someone?' Jinshi glanced at Nalan Yanran, clearly able to judge that, given her strength, she still wouldn't be able to pass through the Array. Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan hadn't yet spoken, and Nalan Yanran hesitated, softly saying, 'Why don't you go alone? Bringing me would be a burden.' 'Come along then. It's a gift to her.' Xiao Yan shook his head and then slowly walked toward the stone staircase. 'A gift to the teacher, you mean...' Nalan Yanran watched Xiao Yan's back, lightly biting her full lips, a touch of self-mockery shimmering in her eyes. Then, with a quiet sigh, she lifted her foot and followed. Gazing at Xiao Yan and Na Lan Yanran, who gradually came to a halt before the stone staircase under the collective gaze of the crowd, many people were filled with curiosity—curious to know whether this figure, recently so widely acclaimed, truly possessed a level of prowess befitting his reputation. Under the watchful eyes of all, Xiao Yan took a deep breath, stepped lightly with his foot, and then settled gently upon the stone staircase.