Seeing Di Guxue walking away in indignation, Bai Xingyan stared at her retreating figure, lost in thought, unable to suppress a deep sigh.

Shu Han approached, patting the dejected shoulder of his disciple, and asked, "Young one, why such sighs?"

Bai Xingyan responded, "Master, you are right. I still bear deep-rooted enmity, and I shouldn't be occupied with love and affection. On the stage, I hesitated. If it were not under your protection, but outside facing an enemy, perhaps I might have been killed instantly. Moreover, having hurt her like this, I fear we might now be foes, and there will be no chance for reconciliation."

"You foolish lad!"

Shu Han chuckled, "Your mission is not only about vengeance but also to continue the Bai lineage. How will you carry on the Bai bloodline if you avoid love? Furthermore, I assure you, after these three years, if you work hard, Di Guxue will surely be yours! She's straightforward and easy to manage. In the future, when she challenges you, never concede. Suppress her like today, and she'll surely be swayed."

Bai Xingyan looked surprised, "Is it really that simple?"

Shu Han explained, "She has a competitive spirit. The stronger you are, the more she will seek to challenge you. After numerous encounters, feelings will inevitably develop. With her by your side, I won't worry about your lack of ambition."

Bai Xingyan felt enlightened, and hope was rekindled in his heart.

After a three-day rest, Bai Xingyan advanced to the next round. After defeating Di Guxue, his mastery over the Heavenly Quadrant Sword Formation only strengthened. He dominated the competition and decisively entered the finals.

Though Bai Xingyan was a newcomer, his terrifying Heavenly Quadrant Sword Formation shook the core disciples of the Fiery Cloud Instant Sect. He was hailed as the top contender since the era of Song Changyi.

Even before the finals began, the consensus was that Bai Xingyan would secure the top position. Although his opponent, Zhang Huajian, had dominated the Earth Fire Leaderboard for years and displayed exceptional performance this year, many felt he paled in comparison to Bai Xingyan.

Shu Han, after watching Zhang Huajian's fights, initially considered him a formidable opponent for Bai Xingyan. However, after observing a few matches, he concluded that Zhang was of average capability.

With a peak cultivation of the twelfth layer and a few exceptional magic tools at his disposal, Zhang Huajian still couldn't match the disciple personally trained by Shu Han in terms of magical tools, magical power, or spells.

Thus, Shu Han didn't overthink it, believing Bai Xingyan had the victory in his grasp, and was already looking forward to his disciple's fiery ascendancy.

After Bai Xingyan's Fiery Cloud Baptism, Shu Han planned to administer the Grand Yin Essence to him, striving to rapidly elevate him to an intermediate level. Then, he would impart the Starry Stellar Wish Formation and the Silent Heartbreak Formation to him. With these, Bai Xingyan would have the power to exact revenge for the Bai family and ensure its continued lineage.

By doing so, Shu Han would fulfill his master's dying wish and achieve the lifelong ambition his master couldn't realize. A weight would finally be lifted from his heart.

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Even though he was certain of Bai Xingyan's victory, Shu Han still made his way to the final arena to watch the match.

As expected, Wei Haolong and Song Changyi arrived. However, Di Guxue was nowhere to be seen. Upon inquiring, Wei Haolong mentioned that his disciple felt the outcome was already decided and chose not to attend, focusing instead on her secluded intensive training in Flowing Robes and Fiery Cloud Dance.

The bell signaling the start of the finals rang out, and a confident Bai Xingyan stepped onto the stage.

The arena was surrounded by a roaring crowd, cheering enthusiastically for Bai Xingyan. They had been impressed by his overwhelming strength these past few days. In contrast, Zhang Huajian seemed like a mere backdrop, appearing as if he was just a side character about to accompany the champion to the finish line.

Seeing the confident and proud Bai Xingyan, Zhang Huajian's face darkened considerably.

He had initially believed this competition would be his solo show. However, the emergence of Bai Xingyan stole all the limelight, even threatening to snatch away his chance at the Fiery Cloud Ascension.

Bai Xingyan greeted him respectfully, "Junior brother Bai Xingyan seeks guidance from senior brother Zhang."

Such a greeting would normally be considered courteous, but it sounded mocking to Zhang Huajian's ears. He responded with a sneer, "Junior brother has indeed transformed from a sparrow to a phoenix overnight. Originally, you weren't even qualified to enter the mountain gate, yet in just three years you've become the dark horse of the Earth Fire Leaderboard. Your master has really invested a lot, elevating trash like you to such heights. Doesn't your master know that those who rise too fast fall even harder?"

Under Shu Han's guidance, Bai Xingyan was no longer the timid person he used to be. He retorted, "With your abilities, senior brother, you're not qualified to make me fall. Instead of investigating my background, you should focus on improving your own skills. I've observed that the senior brother struggled in the previous matches. This time, to spare you the fatigue, I'll ensure you leave the stage in just a few moves."

"Arrogant!"

...

From below the arena, Shu Han sensed the hostile atmosphere rising between the two combatants and thought that the battle should end quickly.

At that moment, a jovially smiling middle-aged man approached. He greeted Shu Han, saying, "You must be junior brother Yu, right?"

Shu Han responded with a bow, "Indeed, and who might you be, senior brother?"

"Oh, it's understandable that you, being new, don't recognize me. I'm ranked eleventh in the Heavenly Fire Leaderboard, Huang Zheming."

Shu Han asked, "What brings senior brother to me?"

Noticing that Shu Han didn't react upon hearing his name, Huang Zheming's face clouded with anger, "Now that you've heard my name, why pretend to be so indifferent?"

Shu Han, puzzled, responded, "What should I be concerned about? Please clarify, senior brother."

Huang Zheming retorted, "Playing ignorant! Your disciple is challenging mine for the top rank on the platform. Haven't you investigated my disciple's background?"

Shu Han, taken aback, realized he was talking to the rival's master. Not wanting to prolong the conversation, he simply replied, "There was no need."

This response further angered Huang Zheming, who sarcastically said, "No need? Do you think my disciple isn't worthy, or perhaps I am not worthy?"

Almost amused by his peculiar train of thought, Shu Han said, "Senior brother Huang, perhaps you should pay more attention to your disciple. He seems to be struggling."

"What?! How could it happen so quickly?!"

Huang Zheming swiftly turned and was met with the sight of Zhang Huajian, who, in a shimmer of golden light, was already defeated, left in tatters, with wounds all over, desperately trying to escape.

Huang Zheming then turned to Shu Han, his voice dripping with menace, "Junior brother Yu, you've indeed trained a formidable disciple. You must have invested a lot in him. I wonder how you'd feel watching your disciple get defeated on the platform?"

"What did you say?!"

Startled, Shu Han's Clear Bright Spiritual Eye fixed on the arena.

Through the Clear Bright Spiritual Eye, he saw the fleeing Zhang Huajian pull out three dazzling mid-grade spirit stones with his left hand, while his right hand held a triangular array disk. The spirit stones were swiftly placed on the array disk.

A chill ran down Shu Han's spine.

He recognized it all too well.

Formation treasure!