To see Xiao Yan stand so confidently without showing the slightest hesitation, Feng, the Elder, was also momentarily taken aback. Though he didn't know exactly why the young man had been chosen as a disciple by the highly discerning Ye Elder—whose standards were exceptionally high—his sheer courage at this moment alone was enough to command attention. With Feng's seasoned judgment, he knew that Feng Qing'er was undoubtedly strong. While Xiao Yan had also reached the Dou Zong level, it remained uncertain who would ultimately prevail in this match. Feng had heard some of Xiao Yan's accomplishments before, but as far as he knew, it was due to the presence of a powerful soul body within him. However, in this current contest, that very soul body had been first restricted by Lei Elder, significantly weakening Xiao Yan's combat strength. As he glanced at Xiao Yan, Lei Elder could sense the presence of a strong soul body, yet he was somewhat disappointed to find that this soul resonance was not quite the same as that of Ye Elder. "Be careful—this girl is no ordinary contender. If my assessment is correct, after soaking in the Tian Shan Blood Pond, she has truly reached the Dou Zong level, and with her background, her combat prowess surpasses that of most Dou Zong practitioners..." Master Feng gently leaned forward and whispered. "Even if we fall short, there's no need to fight her to the last. Feng Qing'er's talent is indeed exceptional among the younger generation—several years ago, even Qing Luan would have been outmatched. To lose to her wouldn't be a source of embarrassment at all." "Heard this, Xiao Yan was momentarily stunned, then smiled and nodded. With Wang Chen already able to reach half the way to the Douzong level through the Tianshan Blood Pond, it was far from impossible for Feng Qing'er—whose talent was even more extraordinary—to break through and achieve Douzong status as well. Yet the identity mentioned by Feng Zun'er did seem rather surprising. Of course, while maintaining a polite nod on the surface, Xiao Yan subtly straightened his posture. Feng Qing'er had her own pride, and so did he, Xiao Yan—each of them possessing an unyielding sense of dignity. Now, meeting Feng Zun'er for the first time, though the latter was clearly doing his best to protect him, Xiao Yan felt it necessary to make a certain impression—something not meant to boast, but simply to earn recognition of his teacher's judgment, especially in front of Feng Zun'er. Taking a deep breath, Xiao Yan clenched his hands, and the massive black Xuanzhong Scale instantly materialized and glided forth. With his identity now revealed, the Xuanzhong Scale could now be freely deployed." With her feet stepping through the void, she moved slowly downward, under the countless sets of eyes watching her, then gently settled her steps upon the plaza, lifting her gaze slightly toward the proud young woman dressed in vibrant colors across from her, gradually tightening her grip on the ruler. As soon as Xiao Yan's feet touched the plaza, the atmosphere around the square immediately grew tense, and everyone could feel the mounting tension between the two. Feng Qing'er's reputation over the years had nearly reached the pinnacle among the younger generation of the North Region of Zhongzhou. Even among the Four Palaces, no one could match her. It was said that she once faced off against a senior monk from Fenglei Palace, whose strength had reached the rank of Two-Star Battle Sect, and though she ultimately did not win, she also did not lose—remarkably, at a time when she had not yet broken through to Battle Sovereign status. That achievement was truly impressive. Now, with her officially stepping into that tier, her combat prowess had only grown stronger. Of course, although Feng Qing'er has an impressive reputation, Xiao Yan is far from weak. Though he has only recently surged rapidly in stature, the feats he has accomplished have been profoundly impressive. From his initial arrival in Tianbei City, where he defeated the outstanding Tian family prodigy Hong Chen, killed Shen Yun and Hong Tianxiao—two genuine Douzong-level masters—and successfully broke through the Nine Heavens Thunder Prison array laid out by the three senior elders of Fenglei North Pavilion, to later escaping safely from Fei Tian, the North Pavilion's master, these achievements are, in the eyes of ordinary people, nothing short of breathtaking. While it's now widely known through rumors that Xiao Yan's success is largely due to the presence of a powerful soul body assisting him secretly, this still cannot entirely erase the strength and capabilities of Xiao Yan himself. Upon hearing this, many people felt a surge of passion, as Xiao Yan and Feng Qing'er might very well represent the pinnacle clash among the rising generation of the North Region. "Stumped, he murmured softly. The Thunder Monarch turned to Fei Tian, glanced at him with a calm tone, and said, 'What's there to be angry about? Qing'er stepped in on your behalf and spared you from gaining a bad reputation.' 'That young man is truly unbearable—even Senior Shen Yun fell victim to him. How can such a matter simply be settled like this?' Fei Tian replied firmly. 'If you believe that going to war with the Starfall Pavilion would benefit us greatly, then we may very well continue to press the issue.' The Thunder Monarch said coldly. Upon hearing this, Fei Tian paused, then reluctantly clenched his teeth. With the Wind Monarch's intervention, the Wind-Thunder Pavilion's determination to eliminate Xiao Yan completely had now been completely dashed. 'However, in the current clashes, swords and blades are merciless—some injuries during combat are inevitable. Even the Wind Monarch has little to say.' The Thunder Monarch's eyes darkened slightly as he glanced at Xiao Yan, who stood facing off against Feng Qing'er, his voice low. 'What would the Master mean?' Fei Tian blinked, then narrowed his eyes slightly. "I've already instructed Qing'er—should the opportunity arise, even if it means using decisive force, it would be perfectly acceptable. Though that young man has also reached the Battle Sect level, he cannot harness the mysterious soul-body power to assist him. I suspect he wouldn't stand a chance against Qing'er. Indeed, casualties during battle are quite normal." Master Lei spoke slowly. Fei Tian nodded slightly, a somber smile forming on his face. Xiao Yan had seriously undermined his prestige—had he simply let the matter pass without any consequence, where would he even place his face? On the tense plaza, Feng Qing'er lifted her gaze to Xiao Yan, noting that his aura had grown significantly stronger since their first encounter in the Tian Mù Mountain Range. It was no wonder he now dared to come to Lei Mountain. "Though I'm not certain why Wind Master stands behind you, if you believe this alone will allow you to roam freely and dominate on Lei Mountain, you may indeed be a little too naive." Feng Qing'er's voice remained as crisp and melodious as ever, like a phoenix's call, carrying an undeniable air of dignity and grace. Yet, Xiao Yan seemed entirely unimpressed, his gaze steady and unchanging upon her, as the powerful qi within him stirred like a python emerging from hibernation, flowing steadily through his body. With each pulse of qi, a strong aura gradually rose, surging upward toward the heavens. "In my perception, you've always relied on external forces to create an impression—your soul form as well, and even the current Feng Lord. In other words, this might be what people call 'fox borrowing the tiger's strength.' But today, that very facade of strength appears to have lost its effectiveness," Xiao Yan said, his composed demeanor causing Feng Qing'er's dark brows to slightly furrow. She didn't appreciate it when a peer of similar age to herself displayed such an ungracious demeanor before her. Xiao Yan lifted his eyes to glance at Feng Qing'er, suddenly breaking into a smile. "I didn't expect you to be such a quiet, reserved woman. Given that, I'd like to be honest with you—should you lack the backing of the Fenglei Pavilion or any other influential family, your beauty alone would make you the most desirable choice for men, perhaps even the ultimate prize." A look of serene beauty slowly deepened into coldness as Feng Qing'er's eyes remained ice-cold and fixed upon Xiao Yan. Her presence radiated a power no less formidable than his, like a volcano suddenly ignited, sending forth a roaring surge of wind and thunder. Staring at Xiao Yan with her eyes as cold as ice, after a long silence, Feng Qing'er's face gradually curved into a steady, composed expression. "Believe me—you'll regret this very moment." Xiao Yan smiled gently, his voice calm yet carrying an unyielding firmness. "I'll be waiting." As soon as he finished speaking, the coldness on Feng Qing'er's face deepened further, and her eyes slowly closed. At the very instant her eyes closed, the atmosphere in the arena suddenly tightened, a chilling, sharp aura of deadly intent sweeping across the half-space! "Shh!" In the blink of an eye, Feng Qing'er's eyes snapped open—now her irises had transformed into an eerie silver-blue! That aura of sharp, cold lethality had reached its peak!