The answer was... the official sparring match between guests from various schools and sects and the Kunlun disciples.

'A large pool of participants should significantly increase the proficiency,' His lips curved into a faint, contemplative smile,.

Finally, a solution to alleviate the relentless burden weighing on his mind presented itself. Beside that face, he could also... 'Use the duplicated martial art,' he mused, his penetrating gaze fixating on the Kunlun Aura Ascension.

From its very name, it was glaringly apparent that this external art belonged to the Kunlun sect, likely designated exclusively for disciples who had ascended to the fifth realm.

Yet here he was, possessing this valuable external art through the use of the skill.

Beside that, his thoughts then drifted to the other two martial arts: 'One is a movement art, and the other is an external art requiring Fire Sword Aura to manifest the attack.'

Hundred Steps and Twin Phoenix Dance

Regarding the movement art, he already had one. As for the external art that manifests Sword Aura through fire elemental resonance, it would be a pity to let it go to waste...

Thus, he silently pondered the nuances of each, an impatient hum escaped his lips, only then reminding him that he had yet to fully experiment with the vast array of elemental resonances at his disposal.

Should he try it?

'Well, there's nothing wrong with giving it a try,' he decided.

In that moment, his crimson gaze fell upon the sole object within the vast, gloomy living quarters he called home - an enormous iron cauldron previously utilized for his agonizing breakthrough to the second stage of the Unbreakable Vajra discipline.

The imposing vessel stood silent and motionless, layers of dust and grime accumulated from long disuse. However, the more Ji Wuye studied the innocuous cauldron's form, the higher his pale brows arched in budding epiphany.

Herbs...

'Then...what about utilizing the herbs?' The thought struck him like a thunderbolt; he vividly recollected many of the potent herbs and reagents associated with - or even imbued by nature with - distinct elemental properties, akin to the hellish alchemical process he had endured to facilitate his ascension.

As these profound insights blossomed within Ji Wuye's consciousness, he wordlessly lowered himself onto the unyielding cold wooden floor, long snowy white tresses splayed about his head like a pale halo.

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

He breathed slowly and deliberately as his eyes gradually slid shut, a satisfied smile of anticipation etched upon his lips in the stillness of the midnight hour...

…

The long night gradually gave way to the golden rays of morning.

This marked the third day since the famous Kunlun gathering commenced, though it only counted as the second for the outside world - as the famous sect had graciously permitted all guests to enter their home.

As before, the crisp morning atmosphere buzzed with frenzied activity. Throngs of common folk steadily trickled towards the winding stone stairs leading to Kunlun's entrance.

However, this day bore witness to nearly twice the number of people flocking to gain entry compared to the day prior. This dramatic surge was likely attributable to the inexplicable situation that had recently unfolded within the Central Courtyard.

The nascent sun's brilliant beams bathed the assembled masses in warm golden light as they steadily converged upon Kunlun's sprawling Central Courtyard.

The vast marble floor was already awash in a veritable sea of upturned faces, the crowd craning their necks to watch the large raised wooden platform serving as the arena stage.

In a stark departure from previous days when the commonfolk were strictly prohibited from even setting foot upon - let alone sitting on - the stairs leading to the Inner Courtyard, today those very steps were packed with spectators eagerly vying for premium vantage points high above the proceedings.

As for the esteemed guests in attendance...

"Let's see how Kunlun handle this precarious situation today!" A youthful man in his early twenties beamed excitedly, eyes blazing with palpable anticipation as he greedily drank in the unparalleled spectacle of the teeming masses - a sight he had only ever witnessed within the Imperial City during the height of the Song Dynasty's pomp.

"Amitabha, Benefactor Wanh...you should not speak so lightly on such grave matters. Life ebbs and flows eternally like water in a stream, yet the unenlightened commonfolk flock here to indulge their basest impulses by gawking at gratuitous violence...rather than heeding the Buddha's teachings of compassion," cautioned the bald male monk seated beside the excitable young man known as Wang Huang.

The serene monastic's eyes remained calm as he slowly shook his head, palms cupped before him in a posture of meditative repose.

"I wonder where that intriguing benefactor I encountered not long ago has wandered off to..." he murmured contemplatively while surveying the assembled guests milling amongst the crowd.

There existed an open terrace possessing an elevated vantage point even higher than the stairs, strategically positioned to overlook the Central Courtyard's expanse from just below the Inner Courtyard's lofty bounds.

This location was traditionally where Kunlun's Elders seated during the yearly evaluation proceedings. It has now become a place where guests and disciples from other sects or factions invited by Kunlun are observing today's sparring match.

Beside the excitable young man Wang Huang and the serene Buddhist monks, the remainder of the distinguished guests maintained a relatively hushed silence .

A few couldn't help but allow faint, knowing smirks to crease their lips as their keen eyes finally fell upon the group of expected Kunlun disciples they would soon face in the sparring arena.

However, the air of solemnity was abruptly shattered by a gaggle of rambunctious young trainees clad in crisp cerulean martial robes who eagerly crowded around one of their senior brothers.

"Ssh... Senior Brother!" one particularly youth whispered softly. "Do you think Sister Lian will grace us with her presence and join the ranks for today's sparring matches?"

The Senior Brother or Shi He's lips curled into an indulgent, knowing smile as he observed the barely restrained excitement radiating from his Juniors.

He then let out an exaggerated, theatrical sigh. "Well now...that's quite the burning question weighing heavily on all your minds, isn't it?" he teased.

"W-Well..." The group of disciples looked away shyly, though they couldn't resist furtively narrowing their eyes and sneaking sidelong glances toward Senior Brother Shi He from the corners of their vision. "It's just that... um... we only wish to know for sure, after all..."

"Hmph! Just look at the lot of you..." a third disciple snorted derisively, though his own ears had turned a vivid crimson, betraying his feigned disdain. "Fawning and falling over yourselves like hopeless, lovesick puppies at another sect's disciples! Shame on you!"

"Oh? And who was it that oh-so-nonchalantly 'happened' to amble around the creek, counting each falling leaves like a besotted fool?" The first disciple jabbed his elbow into his friend's ribs, prompting a fresh wave of raucous laughter to erupt from the impish gaggle.

Shi He arched a stern eyebrow as he pointedly cleared his throat, his expression hardening into one of practiced severity. "It seems the rigors of your training have been...sorely lacking as of late, you unruly lot."

Just as they were talking, the crowd suddenly gasped as the representative from Kunlun finally appeared.