Chapter 247: Contesting Favor

"Ahem, while some casualties in the competition were to be expected, what was alarming was that certain participants, whose cultivation methods were unknown, were proficient in sinister demonic and poisonous arts. Every disciple who lost to them either mysteriously fainted or was severely poisoned, their injuries extremely difficult to treat. Fortunately, due to their presence within Yanling Fort, these individuals showed some restraint, and no disciples had yet died from severe injuries. This was, at least, a blessing in disguise. It's truly embarrassing for you both to witness this at the Yan family," Yan Yu said, looking chagrined.

"However, when we left, we heard that the elders were getting restless. They'd already sent for the elite disciples from my brother's martial arts hall, who cultivate secret techniques. They'll definitely teach those people a good lesson!" Yan Ling, standing nearby, couldn't help but interject, even shaking her small fist.

"Nonsense! As a young woman, why do you only think about fighting all day? We've already brought back these guests. Quickly tell Uncle Li to send the next group of disciples to greet new arrivals. We mustn't keep other guests waiting any longer!" Yan Yu sternly rebuked his sister, then sent the somewhat displeased young girl away.

Then, he turned to Han Li and the others to explain:

"Due to the recent influx of guests, some of whom are questionable, our Yan family has partially opened the fort's protective restrictions. Now, in several special areas within the fort, long-distance spells like sound transmission talismans can't be used, so my sister had to make the trip herself! My sister and I aren't usually tasked with greeting guests, but the fort is currently severely understaffed. And with people coming here with ill intentions, we've had to temporarily step in to help." After Yan Yu finished speaking, his expression darkened as he glanced towards the distance, where Yan family disciples and the strange individuals were already engaged in battle.

"So, Senior Brother Yu is an elite disciple of the Yan family. You must be highly regarded here!" Dong Xuan'er said with a captivating smile, her eyes sparkling. Her already beautiful features instantly radiated an irresistible charm, causing Yan Yu to momentarily lose himself in a daze.

"This... I suppose so!" Yan Yu murmured, his mind elsewhere, unsure of what he was saying. He only felt that this Miss Dong was too beautiful, exactly like his dream lover.

"Hehe! Then..."

"Brother Yan, would it be convenient to observe the competition over there? I'd like to see who dares to cause trouble at the Yan family!"

Dong Xuan'er found his expression amusing and chuckled a few times, about to tease him further! But unexpectedly, Han Li suddenly spoke, interrupting her.

"Ah... observe? Of course! The one currently competing against them is a cousin of mine. He's one of the top ten most skilled practitioners in the martial arts hall. I'm sure he'll give them a powerful showing!" Yan Yu, roused by Han Li's words, was first startled, then readily agreed.

Han Li subtly smiled upon hearing this. He knew that, on one hand, Yan Yu had no reason to stop him, and on the other, he likely felt confident in victory, which is why he agreed so readily.

With that, the three flew towards the vicinity of the arena, making their way towards the crowd of spectators.

As they drew a little closer, Han Li was surprised to see over a hundred cultivators gathered, and by their attire, most were not from Yue State but from other countries. This was truly strange!

A great many questions arose in Han Li's mind, but as a guest, he found it inappropriate to inquire too much. He could only suppress his curiosity and feign ignorance.

As for Dong Xuan'er, she continued to chat and laugh with Yan Yu. However, Han Li caught the subtle surprise in her eyes. It seemed this woman wasn't just a pretty face after all!

But this unruly girl's intentions were unclear; she, like Han Li, showed no inclination to ask about the strange circumstances, which left Han Li somewhat puzzled.

"Xuan'er, you're here too! This is wonderful, I thought Master Aunt Hongfu wouldn't let you out!" Just as the trio approached, a handsome male cultivator in front inadvertently turned around and spotted Dong Xuan'er. He immediately looked overjoyed, taking a few steps towards her and addressing her with immense familiarity.

As he ran over, Dong Xuan'er's smile faltered, and Yan Yu's expression turned somewhat displeased, his gaze beginning to flicker.

Han Li, as an outsider, remained as calm as ever, showing no surprise! He was well aware that this person was most likely one of Dong Xuan'er's former admirers. Could he be from the Feng family, which his Martial Aunt had mentioned last time?

"Senior Brother Feng! I never expected that Uncle Du would have you participate in this conference!" Dong Xuan'er's momentary change in expression quickly vanished. Her eyes darted around, then she greeted him openly and directly, as if he were just an ordinary friend.

This immediately improved Yan Yu's mood considerably, but Senior Brother Feng was startled, only then noticing Yan Yu and Han Li beside Dong Xuan'er.

Han Li merely offered a faint smile when the man looked his way, and subtly stepped half a pace away from Dong Xuan'er to indicate his innocence. Yan Yu, however, returned his gaze without courtesy. At this point, Senior Brother Feng naturally knew who his rival was and immediately began to scrutinize him with a scowl.

Han Li found the situation somewhat amusing but also peculiar! Weren't Dong Xuan'er and this Senior Brother Feng rumored to have already intended to form a cultivation partnership? Yet, the unruly girl didn't seem to favor Senior Brother Feng now! Could the rumors have been false?

Han Li pondered for a moment, then shook his head, too lazy to dwell on such gossip. He didn't want to waste his mind on such trivialities.

So, he took a few steps forward, leaving the other three behind.

Han Li paid no mind to the rivalry between Senior Brother Feng and Yan Yu, nor did he care how Dong Xuan'er skillfully navigated between them. He was entirely engrossed by the battle within the light barrier.

Yan Yu truly hadn't exaggerated!

His cousin was indeed extraordinary, his mastery of earth-attribute Dao techniques reaching a peak of perfection. Millstone-sized boulders were thrown from his hands one after another, seemingly endless, crashing towards his opponent. In front of him, a triangular yellow banner stood erect, summoning a swirling yellow wind that enveloped him, providing an impenetrable defense.

But the green-robed figure opposite was not to be outdone! Several streams of ink-black gas erupted from his body, howling like venomous snakes as they danced, weaving into an impenetrable black net in front of him. This net deflected all the boulders, sometimes sending them right back at the Yan family elite, making him scramble. As for magic tools, the green-robed figure had six or seven pale white skulls floating around him, their purpose unknown.

Thus, one relentlessly attacked while the other steadfastly defended, temporarily forming a stalemate.

However, it was clear that both were merely testing each other and hadn't yet shown their true power. So, despite the lively scene with giant rocks flying and black gas swirling, they remained calm and composed, showing no signs of strain.

Han Li was engrossed in the spectacle when he suddenly heard Dong Xuan'er say, "Senior Brother Han, don't you agree?" This startled him slightly. Before he could turn his head, he instinctively replied, "Hmm?"

But the moment the "hmm" left his lips, Han Li immediately realized his mistake and quickly turned his head to look.

He saw the two rivals, who should have been hostile towards each other, now glaring at him with a shared animosity.

Clearly, this unruly girl had set him up!

"You heard it, didn't you! Senior Brother Han himself admitted it; I must stay with him every step of the way. This is my master's direct command!" Dong Xuan'er said, feigning a pitifully helpless expression. But when the two men, utterly captivated by her, weren't looking, she quickly made a face at Han Li, leaving him speechless.

Dong Xuan'er had seized an opportunity during his moment of carelessness, finding a large loophole to land him with two major troubles. It was clear this was her revenge for him constantly using Hongfu's name to suppress her along the way, causing her resentment. She probably thought she'd be in a much better mood if these two taught him a lesson!

Han Li looked at the two glaring figures, sighed, and was about to say something. But before he could speak, the expressions of the two opposite him suddenly changed, especially Yan Yu's, which became visibly tense. Their gazes shifted from Han Li to the arena.

Seeing this, Han Li understood that something else must have happened in the arena and quickly turned his head to look.

The standoff within the light barrier had finally broken!

The Yan family member had stopped using boulder spells and was now holding a yellowish-green paper fan with both hands, facing his opponent, strenuously waving it non-stop. This paper fan should have been light, yet each wave seemed to consume an immense amount of the Yan family disciple's energy, leaving his face covered in sweat.