While Du Yanran was still locked in another round of inner struggle against her heart demon, Jian Dan had already arrived at the main peak of Yunhai with her accompanying group, ascending through the Yunhai Stairway.
Han Pengfei was waiting with a warm smile near the mountain entrance. As soon as he spotted Jian Dan and her group, he stepped forward to greet them.
"Greetings, Jian Lu Zhūnzhǔ. We're honored by your presence. I look forward to learning from you today."
Jian Dan returned his smile and nodded. With Han Pengfei leading the way, they headed toward a subpeak beside the main Yunhai Peak.
Along the road, Han Pengfei introduced the various sights. Disciples of Cloud Sea Sect they passed along the way bowed respectfully to the group. Jian Dan responded with a nod each time, acknowledging the courtesy.
"Jian Lu Zhūnzhǔ, your name has spread far and wide. Even here in Cloud Sea Sect, you're a figure of great renown. Many admire you."
Han Pengfei explained with a light tone.
"That's all just smoke in the wind. Only strength is truly one's own."
Jian Dan spoke casually. Fame could be a burden too. She changed the subject without hesitation.
"Why weren't the demon sects invited this time?"
Catching the shift in topic, Han Pengfei answered accordingly.
"As far as I know, invitations were sent by Daoist powers to the major sects of the demon path. But they declined, saying the war in the Ming Valley had drained their resources."
"I imagine they must have a batch of cultivators ready to break through after the battle. Participating in a grand tournament would get in the way. Life-and-death combat is nothing like sparring on a stage."
"You're exactly right. Our Ancestor said the same. So we didn't press the matter. Still, a few individuals from the demon sects may show up to compete as Loose Cultivators."
"That's fine too."
Their conversation continued as they crossed a massive plaza. From there, they took another stairway to a subpeak of the main summit. This area held only a single, wide circular dueling platform.
The stage was forged from a single block of deep-sea meteorite iron, spanning nearly two hundred square meters. Nine white jade pillars ringed the edges, each carved with the patterns of clouds and waves—forming a formation array designed to absorb impact. The same formation extended across the stage floor.
A patrol of Cloud Sea Sect disciples spotted them and quickly stepped forward with respectful bows. Han Pengfei, already prepared, handed over a cloud-shaped jade token.
"I've registered with the sect. I'll handle the spirit stones to activate the array myself."
"Yes, Hai Yi Jūnshàng."
The patrolling disciple examined the token, found no issues, and returned it with a bow before continuing on his patrol.
Jian Dan overheard and casually tossed a storage ring to Han Pengfei.
"So, Hai Yi is your Daoist title?"
Han Pengfei caught the ring, then chuckled at her question.
"Yes, bestowed by the Ancestor. But everyone seems to prefer calling me Wushuang instead."
He made light of it with a self-deprecating smile.
"Either way, it's just a name. Whether they call you 'Wushuang' or 'Hai Yi,' you're still Han Pengfei."
He nodded in agreement, then slotted the spirit stones from the storage ring into the activation slot at the side of the platform. With a gesture, he stepped up onto the stage first.
Jian Dan turned to Wu Siyuan.
"There might be spectators. Stay alert."
"Yes, Zhūnzhǔ."
Wu Siyuan and the six cultivators behind him cupped their fists in unison. They were guests on another sect's turf. Caution was always wise.
Jian Dan followed Han Pengfei up onto the stage. As soon as both were in place, the platform's protective shield activated. The nine jade pillars shot out beams of light, linking overhead to form a dome that sealed the area.
"Jian Lu Zhūnzhǔ, I ask for your guidance."
"Good. When we begin, don't hold back. Give it your all."
Jian Dan nodded and added a reminder.
"Yes!"
As the word left his lips, the sword named Wushuang was already in his hand. A streak of blue sword light surged toward Jian Dan.
Jian Dan brought her fists together and activated the Obsidian Bracelet, but didn't summon the Mò Xī Jiàn.
It wasn't that she looked down on Han Pengfei. His foundation was solid, but the difference in cultivation realm still stood. She had no desire to injure him in a simple spar.
"Not bad!"
Wushuang Sword, made of rare materials and possessing additional offensive properties, added to the force of Han Pengfei's strike.
Jian Dan met the blow head-on. One punch shattered the incoming sword light. Han Pengfei twisted his wrist and slashed again from the side.
"Don't waste motion. Fancy techniques only slow your sword. Try again."
Jian Dan didn't attack, simply blocked, correcting Han Pengfei's mistakes as they sparred.
He understood immediately. The Zhūnzhǔ was giving him pointers. He calmed his mind and began striking again, one blow after another, gradually eliminating unnecessary flourishes from his movements.
The seven onlookers outside the stage watched with sharp eyes, seizing the rare opportunity to learn.
They whispered back and forth. If Young Master Wushuang made mistakes, they might be making the same. Every angle and motion of the blade came under scrutiny.
Wu Siyuan also nodded from time to time. Han Pengfei responded quickly to Jian Dan's advice. With a few more drills, his swordsmanship would improve significantly.
Just then, Wu Siyuan's divine sense picked up a group of female cultivators approaching in flight. The woman in front wore green robes. He recognized her. She had once visited Yunyin Peak to see Young Master Wushuang.
Wu Siyuan frowned. Female cultivators were always the most troublesome to deal with. He signaled to the six behind him with a glance.
Though their eyes remained on the duel, the six were fully aware of the surroundings. Catching the cue, they subtly shifted their positions, blocking the view of the control platform.
Yu Yaoyao had originally come to the main peak looking for Han Pengfei. She knew he had always been cold to her, but then again, he treated all women the same. At least she could still rely on her identity to exchange a few words with him, which was already enough to keep her satisfied.
But ever since that Jian Lu Zhūnzhǔ from the Heavenly Sword Sect arrived, Han Pengfei had completely changed. He went out of his way to seek her out repeatedly. Even if he didn't always manage to see her, it was enough to stir jealousy in Yu Yaoyao's heart.
As the daughter of a Cloud Sea Sect Elder, Yu Yaoyao believed she matched Han Pengfei in appearance, cultivation, and family background. She had hinted many times, but every attempt had fallen flat without a single reply.
She had even gone to her Ancestor in the Unity Realm and expressed her desire. But the Yu Family Zhūnzūn merely said calmly:
"If you wish someone to be your Dao partner, I won't stop you. But unless he's willing, there's nothing I can do. I won't humble myself just to be refused by Yun Yun Zhēnzūn. My reputation matters too. You should understand how much hope Yun Yun Zhēnzūn places on Han Pengfei."
Yu Yaoyao had felt aggrieved. Shouldn't her Ancestor be fully supporting her? If she and Han Pengfei formed a Daoist couple, the clan would benefit as well. But she didn't show her displeasure. Instead, she promised to use the opportunity of this tournament—where Han Pengfei was in charge—to get closer to him.
After Yu Yaoyao left, the Yu Family Ancestor, who looked like a teenage boy, could only shake his head. He had once opposed his younger generation approaching Han Pengfei, because the latter had a death tribulation looming over him. His days were numbered.
But since returning from Yunling City, Han Pengfei's death tribulation had vanished. Yun Yun Zhēnzūn was overjoyed and offered his full support. With that, Han Pengfei succeeded in reaching Divine Transformation within a hundred years.
The Yu Family Ancestor had observed his breakthrough personally. Han Pengfei was no ordinary cultivator. He was destined for greatness, perhaps even leading the sect to new heights one day.
That made it all the more impossible for someone like Yu Yaoyao to reach him.
Still, he had spoken. Whether Yu Yaoyao listened was another matter. She was already trapped in a web of her own longing. So he would let her chase the illusion until she crashed into the wall of reality.
Only then would she finally turn back.