Perhaps it was Li Xuan's previously displayed fighting spirit that had ignited a new source of motivation for these disciples within the top hundred Ren Zhe.
At this moment, facing the sixteen figures, a corresponding number of figures stood opposite them. Clearly, these figures were all top hundred Ren Zhe disciples from various peaks challenging the Xian Zhe disciples or the Holy Sons of their respective peaks.
"This year's Seven Saints Ten Sages Grand Gathering is far more exciting than any previous one," remarked Zuo Changfeng, the peak master of the Second Peak, with a smile as he observed the figures already engaged in battle below.
"This is all thanks to the new Holy Son from the Seventh Peak who ignited the fighting spirit of these individuals. But speaking of which, our Azure Hall has indeed been too peaceful in recent years," Liu Wen chuckled.
An Batian nodded slightly and then slowly spoke, "After this event, each peak should hold more challenges akin to sparring. Although our Azure Hall is the dominant force on the Azure Heaven Continent, if our disciples become too complacent, it will inevitably affect the future development of the Azure Hall."
"The path of cultivation is inherently a struggle against heaven, a fight for life. To simply go with the flow would betray our original intent. Therefore, it is time for us to make some changes."
As An Batian finished speaking, his expression grew slightly solemn. A thoughtful glint flickered in his eyes.
"We obey the Sect Master's command!" Liu Wen and the others immediately bowed and responded.
Although Luo Kang felt a hint of confusion, he also nodded. Once people become comfortable, they are essentially depleting their own lifeforce. Perhaps when a certain height is reached, some become content with their current state. Once this situation arises, it is unlikely they will ever surpass their past achievements.
Time slowly passed, and the fierce battles in mid-air gradually drew to a close.
Despite the challengers displaying astonishing combat prowess, they still fell short against these veteran Seven Saints and Ten Sages, who had participated in numerous previous gatherings.
Furthermore, while these top hundred Ren Zhe disciples had performed beyond their usual capabilities due to Li Xuan's influence, the same could be said for Baili Qi and others. As a result, not a single challenger succeeded in the end.
"The veterans truly possess formidable strength; otherwise, they wouldn't have held their positions so steadfastly. As for myself, I will likely need to work even harder from now on," Li Xuan mused to himself, nodding slightly as he watched all the battles in the sky conclude.
"Haha, that was exhilarating! Junior Brother Li Xuan, this battle today was one I had been anticipating for a long time. Hmm, if you have time, shall we have a drink together privately? Oh, right, allow me to introduce myself, Liu Tianlu from the Fifth Peak."
Liu Tianlu let out a hearty laugh and then walked up to Li Xuan, smiling.
"Greetings, Senior Brother Tianlu," Li Xuan said, rising to his feet and bowing.
Li Xuan had already learned from Su Yueze that the peak master of the Fifth Peak, Liu Wen, had a very good personal relationship with his grand-master Miao Cangmang. Moreover, Elder Pang Deyuan, who had been sent by the Fifth Peak earlier, had voluntarily withdrawn from the competition for the main lineage. It was clear that Liu Wen had a hand in this. Therefore, Li Xuan naturally held a very favorable impression of the disciples from the Fifth Peak.
"Haha, you and I are both Holy Sons now, with similar ranks and statuses, so these formalities are unnecessary. So, Junior Brother Li Xuan, when do you have time for us to get together?" Liu Tianlu waved his hand and then looked at Li Xuan with great interest.
"Liu Tianlu, you're drinking without inviting me? Be careful, I'll tell Junior Sister Piaoxiang not to give you any of that Forget-Worries Dream-Returning Wine."
Just then, a voice chimed in, and Li Xuan felt a presence emerge before him. It was Baili Qi, who had been sitting beside him.
Forget-Worries Dream-Returning Wine?
Li Xuan looked at Baili Qi with surprise. He hadn't expected that the Forget-Worries Dream-Returning Wine he had shared with Senior Brother Su Yueze and others was brewed by Baili Qi's junior sister from the Seventh Peak.
"Haha, Baili Qi, how could I possibly drink without inviting you? However, since you've brought it up, there's another matter you need to help with. I heard that your Junior Sister Piaoxiang has recently brewed another new wine called 'Not a Single Drop Touches the Robe, Ten Miles of Obsession for One Person.' This time, you must let us try it."
Liu Tianlu laughed heartily again.
Baili Qi chuckled at this and then helplessly pressed his forehead. "Sigh, I knew I wouldn't get off easily when I spoke up. But the battles today were so enjoyable, and that's largely thanks to Junior Brother Li Xuan. Very well, I'll have to pull some favors."
"I don't know if my Junior Sister Piaoxiang will grant me this favor, but I'll consider it a treat for Junior Brother Li Xuan."
"I don't know about other people's favors, but I'm sure your Junior Sister Piaoxiang won't refuse yours. It's settled then. If we don't get any good wine this time, your reputation as Baili Qi might be in jeopardy."
Liu Tianlu smiled and then looked at Li Xuan, "Junior Brother Li Xuan, the arrangements for the wine are all set. What do you think?"
"In that case, Junior Brother will respectfully accept. However, may I bring some of my fellow disciples from the Seventh Peak?" Li Xuan nodded and said.
"That, you'll have to ask your Senior Brother Baili Qi. After all, even if he asks, he'll have to pay his junior sister," Liu Tianlu said with a smile, looking at Baili Qi.
Baili Qi gave a wry smile and then said, "Liu Tianlu, you had this all planned out, didn't you? Sigh, I wonder how much my Junior Sister Piaoxiang will extort from me this time."
Li Xuan also laughed. He had initially thought that all the Seven Saints and Ten Sages would be aloof and condescending. However, after interacting with them, they seemed no different from ordinary people. But Li Xuan also understood that he was receiving such treatment because he had become one of them. If he were still in his previous position, they might not have paid him any attention. Everything was a testament to strength and status!
As the challenge for the Seven Saints and Ten Sages concluded, the grand gathering for the ranking challenge of the Seven Saints and Ten Sages also came to an end. The Azure Hall, as the host, naturally hosted a grand banquet for the leaders of various factions and their companions.
The sky gradually darkened, but each peak was illuminated by a massive spiritual light, as if it were daytime. Every peak was currently reveling at the banquet of the grand gathering.
Apart from the top hundred Ren Zhe disciples and the Seven Saints and Ten Sages who remained at the banquet on the main peak, the other disciples were also celebrating in their respective peaks, which served as a form of hospitality from each peak to its disciples. Li Xuan, Baili Qi, and Liu Tianlu's planned gathering was postponed to the next day.
At the banquet, Luo Kang's expression was incredibly excited. After downing several cups, his face turned flushed. Clearly, Li Xuan's victory had put Luo Kang in a very good mood. Li Xuan, Su Yueze, and others also toasted their drinks.
The night passed in silence.