A few days later, Qin Wuyang said to Yun Fan, "Come with me. My brother is hosting a banquet today! Your chance to shine has arrived!"
"Understood!"
Yun Fan nodded, understanding Qin Wuyang's intention, and immediately set off with her.
"Speaking of which, you're siblings, you shouldn't be in such a bitter rivalry!"
Yun Fan looked at Qin Wuyang with confusion.
Qin Wuyang explained, "Because both my brother and I are vying for the position of Holy Land Master. Only by truly becoming the successor of the Holy Land Master do we qualify to train in the Pangu Heavenly Domain. Do you understand? My brother and I both want to be the successor, hence the internal strife."
"Understood! Perfectly understood!"
Yun Fan nodded. This made him even more determined to help Qin Wuyang. Only by helping Qin Wuyang become the successor would he have a chance to go to the Pangu Heavenly Domain with her.
However, proposing this request now might be a bit too early.
He was curious to see what kind of formidable expert Qin Wuyang's brother was.
At this moment, Qin Wuyang said, "I've checked your information, but I have no idea about your origins!"
Qin Wuyang had investigated Yun Fan's background but found it to be a mystery. Yun Fan seemed to have just appeared in the Spiritual Martial Holy Land.
Yun Fan chuckled, "My identity is very transparent. I'm just a wandering martial artist. Miss Two, please don't overthink it!"
He had repeated this many times, but Qin Wuyang still seemed to not fully trust him, which was a headache for Yun Fan.
"Is that so?"
Qin Wuyang replied, "Regardless of your origins, as long as you can help me defeat my brother, you won't be shortchanged. Perhaps I'll even take you with me when I go to the Pangu Heavenly Domain!"
"Then thank you, Miss Two!"
Yun Fan immediately promised, "I will do my utmost to assist Miss Two!"
Then, they arrived at their destination.
Qin Wuyang's brother was named Qin Wushuang. Like Qin Wuyang, he was one of the strongest among the younger generation on the Spiritual Martial Continent.
The siblings were from different mothers but were equally matched in strength. In Yun Fan's opinion, Qin Wuyang's strength was no less than that of the Hao Tian Battle God.
Of course, the Hao Tian Battle God belonged to a different era than Qin Wuyang. The Hao Tian Battle God was from the same era as the First God.
Qin Wuyang was from the same era as Yun Fan.
This was a testament to Qin Wuyang's immense talent.
Upon arriving at Qin Wushuang's banquet, many prodigies were gathered, but they were not the focus.
Yun Fan's gaze first fell upon Qin Wushuang.
He realized that despite his youth, Qin Wushuang was undoubtedly a man of deep cunning.
In terms of strength, he might be Qin Wuyang's equal, but in terms of schemes, Qin Wuyang might not be able to outwit him.
Moreover, Qin Wushuang's retainers were of a higher caliber than Qin Wuyang's.
Especially the man beside Qin Wushuang, whom Yun Fan judged to be no weaker than himself, perhaps even a notch stronger.
No wonder he could completely suppress Qin Wuyang's retainers. It would be astonishing if he couldn't.
Upon seeing Qin Wuyang's arrival, Qin Wushuang warmly welcomed his sister.
Of course, this was merely a superficial pretense. Both siblings knew each other's true intentions, but in front of outsiders, they had to put on a show.
"Heh, long time no see. Your strength has grown considerably!"
"The same to you!"
Qin Wuyang replied, "Brother, you're not bad either!"
"Normally, sister, you bring many retainers wherever you go. Why have you only brought one person today?"
Qin Wushuang asked curiously.
"Those useless good-for-nothings have all been dismissed by me,"
Qin Wuyang stated. "I only keep the most essential by my side!"
At this moment, Qin Wushuang also looked at Yun Fan, finding him to be unremarkable. He wondered why his sister valued him so highly.
Since their strengths were comparable, the strength of their retainers became extremely important.
In the previous contests of retainers, he had always held a decisive advantage.
Although Qin Wuyang claimed to have brought her most essential retainer this time, in his opinion, he was simply insignificant.
The crowd genuinely believed that the siblings had a very good relationship.
Just then, Qin Wushuang got straight to the point, "Sister, I know your discerning eye. Since you've chosen this retainer, he must have exceptional qualities. Why not let him demonstrate, so we can all witness his prowess!"
Upon hearing this, Qin Wuyang knew her brother intended to humiliate her again.
Therefore, she immediately replied, "Very well! No problem. But how should he demonstrate?"
The assembled guests were also filled with anticipation, as they were eager to know what kind of person could capture Qin Wuyang's favor.
Someone favored by Qin Wuyang must be extraordinary, though there were exceptions, like the many individuals who had previously surrounded Qin Wuyang.
However, they had all been quite mediocre.
At this point, Qin Wushuang proposed, "Let your retainer have a spar with one of mine!"
"Do you have any objections?"
Qin Wuyang looked at Yun Fan.
"Miss Two, rest assured, there are absolutely no problems!"
Yun Fan guaranteed.
"Good!"
Qin Wuyang nodded. "No problems. Then, perform well!"
However, Qin Wushuang added, "Sister, how about we add a little wager to liven things up?"
"You propose,"
After receiving a reassuring look from Yun Fan, Qin Wuyang didn't hesitate.
Qin Wushuang then stated, "Everyone present can place bets on them!"
At these words, everyone understood.
They began placing their bets. The stakes on Yun Fan were not high, as everyone was aware of the strength of Qin Wushuang's retainer, Hei Shui.
It was said that apart from the direct disciples of major powers, no one could suppress Hei Shui.
Therefore, they almost unanimously bet on Hei Shui.
On the other hand, Yun Fan's side looked quite desolate.
Of course, some people placed small bets on him, but it was definitely not due to his strength.
It was merely out of consideration for Qin Wuyang, a perfunctory gesture.
Yun Fan had nothing to say about this, as he was merely a low-profile martial artist.
Unexpectedly, at this moment, Qin Wushuang said, "Sister, they've all placed their bets. If we don't, wouldn't it be a little lacking in excitement!"
"What do you want to bet, Brother?"
Qin Wuyang asked directly. If it weren't for the desire to avoid a complete breakdown in relations, they would have already clashed fiercely.
Qin Wushuang declared, "Let's bet big. Whoever loses, withdraws from the competition for the Holy Land Master's succession, how about that?"
The crowd was dumbfounded. No one expected Qin Wushuang to make such a high-stakes gamble right from the start.
This was truly exhilarating.
Clearly, they all knew that Qin Wuyang would never agree, as the stakes were far too high.
Furthermore, by all accounts, Yun Fan could never be Hei Shui's opponent.
Therefore, Qin Wuyang would refuse.
At this moment, Qin Wuyang glanced at Yun Fan.
Her meaning was evident.
"Can I trust you?"
"Miss Two, rest assured, I will absolutely not disappoint you!"
Yun Fan conveyed his thoughts with his eyes. "I just hope that after Miss Two becomes the Holy Land Master's successor, she won't forget me!"
"Very well! I'll remember you!"
Then, Qin Wuyang said to the triumphant Qin Wushuang, "I agree!"
"What?"
The crowd was utterly stunned. They never expected Qin Wuyang to actually agree. This outcome was completely beyond their expectations.
It seemed Yun Fan was truly extraordinary, otherwise, Qin Wuyang would not have agreed so readily.
"Sister, you truly have courage!"
Qin Wushuang exclaimed. "Let them begin!"
Then, the crowd cleared a path, as the confrontation between Yun Fan and Hei Shui was about to commence.
Under the watchful eyes of all, Yun Fan and Hei Shui faced each other.
Hei Shui sneered, "Kid, I don't know your origins, but it doesn't matter. As long as you kneel and beg for mercy later, I'll only humiliate you, not kill you!"
In Hei Shui's view, humiliation was more soul-crushing than killing. Of course, Qin Wuyang's previous retainers were an exception.
No matter how much he humiliated them, they remained shameless.
However, he could tell that Yun Fan was no ordinary person, definitely someone with a proud spirit.
Yun Fan replied, "It doesn't matter. As long as you have the strength, I'm willing to be humiliated by you!"
"Very good!"
The next moment, Hei Shui attacked.
A powerful surge of Hei Shui's energy surged towards Yun Fan.
Yun Fan initially intended to use his Zhan Tian power to resist, but Zhan Tian power was too conspicuous. He was unsure if these people could recognize it.
Therefore, he decided against using Zhan Tian power and opted for his normal strength.
*Bang!*
They exchanged a blow, and Yun Fan was pushed back several steps.
"Hmm?"
Qin Wuyang's expression immediately turned grim. After all, she had placed immense trust in Yun Fan, only to feel such a jolt of apprehension in the very first round.
Qin Wushuang, on the other hand, smiled wryly, knowing that the outcome was already decided and there was no suspense.
The onlookers were also greatly surprised by Hei Shui's strength.
They hadn't expected Hei Shui to have become so powerful.
Now, Yun Fan should be facing defeat.
Indeed, in the next moment, Hei Shui attacked again, intending to seize the opportunity and decisively defeat Yun Fan.
However, just as he reached Yun Fan, Yun Fan unleashed his long-brewed, formidable power. His Zhan Tian power was converted into normal strength within him.
Although not as potent as directly releasing Zhan Tian power, for Yun Fan, it was sufficient.
As expected, when their attacks collided, Hei Shui felt a tremendous force surging through his body.
"Pfft!"
The next moment, Hei Shui spat blood. If Yun Fan hadn't dodged quickly, he would have been covered in it.
"What?"
This time, Qin Wushuang and the others couldn't remain calm. The opening exchange had gone well, but why was Hei Shui faltering in the second round?
Qin Wushuang was also greatly shocked. If Hei Shui failed, his losses would be catastrophic.
Of course, the others felt the same, as they had bet too heavily on Hei Shui and simply couldn't afford to lose.
"What kind of power are you using?"
Hei Shui looked at Yun Fan in shock, as his Hei Shui power had been completely suppressed by Yun Fan in that instant.
Why was this happening?
Yun Fan declared, "My Invincible Power!"
"I'll see how invincible you are!"
The next moment, both combatants abandoned the struggle of raw power and began to unleash their ultimate killing moves.
Their battle was contained, allowing the spectators to clearly observe their every move.
Surprisingly, Hei Shui's formidable strength was insufficient to suppress Yun Fan. It was clear they had underestimated Yun Fan.
Seeing Yun Fan perform so well, Qin Wuyang felt reassured. She had thought her gamble was wrong, but now it seemed to have been the right choice.
Whether it was entirely correct remained to be seen in the subsequent performance.
The intense battle between them lasted for a hundred rounds. After a hundred rounds, Yun Fan, who was seasoned in countless battles, found an opening and severely wounded Hei Shui with a single strike.
"Pfft!"
Hei Shui was sent flying backward.
"What?"
The crowd was stunned. They hadn't expected Hei Shui to perform so poorly today.
In reality, it wasn't Hei Shui's poor performance, but Yun Fan's overwhelming strength.
Qin Wushuang's face darkened. He knew the implications of losing today.
Even if he had prepared to renege on the bet afterward, it would be incredibly disgraceful. He had expected Hei Shui to win with certainty.
However, the reversal had come so quickly.
Qin Wuyang, though outwardly calm, was ecstatic in her heart. Now she finally understood why Yun Fan had said it was better to have just him than so many others.
This was a perfect opportunity to slap Qin Wushuang in the face.
At this moment, Hei Shui struggled to rise, his heart utterly devastated.
He never imagined he would falter, to be defeated by an unknown youngster like Yun Fan.
"You lost!"
Yun Fan stated directly.
The crowd was very displeased. If Hei Shui truly lost, they would be ruined. Qin Wushuang was even more unhappy.
If Hei Shui lost today, it meant his moment of humiliation had arrived.
As expected, Hei Shui did not disappoint them. He declared, "As long as I haven't completely fallen, I haven't lost!"
"So, are you challenging me to a fight to the death?"
Yun Fan countered.
"Precisely!"
Hei Shui asked, "Are you afraid?"
"Of course not!"
Yun Fan replied, "If you're unconvinced, then I'll make you utterly convinced. But remember, if we are to fight to the death, I will show no mercy, even if you beg for it on your knees!"
"Rest assured, I would rather die than kneel!"
The next moment, Hei Shui unleashed his ultimate power. Yes, this was the prelude to a desperate struggle.
The crowd and Qin Wushuang held their breath. For them, Hei Shui's survival was not the most important thing.
What mattered was that Hei Shui absolutely could not lose.
As expected, when Hei Shui's powerful aura descended, it instantly enveloped the surroundings.
At this moment, Hei Shui was at his most brilliant.
He was at least twice as powerful as before. With such strength, they believed he could crush Yun Fan.
Some were overjoyed, while others were filled with dread. Qin Wuyang, however, could not be happy. Originally, Yun Fan was supposed to win, but now Hei Shui was going all out in a life-or-death battle with Yun Fan.
How could this be fought?
Therefore, at this critical juncture, she was deeply worried about the situation.
Indeed, in the next moment, Hei Shui's powerful pressure bore down. Everyone believed that even if Yun Fan survived, he would be severely injured.
Of course, in their opinion, Hei Shui would also suffer greatly.
In any case, this was a mutually destructive fighting style.
Who could have imagined that at this moment, Yun Fan also made his move, placing his normal strength on the periphery, with Zhan Tian power as the core?
As long as one didn't observe closely, his Zhan Tian power would remain hidden.
*Boom!*
The instant they collided, a tempestuous wave erupted, causing even the containment array to crack.
It was evident how terrifying their attack was. If it were unleashed outside, it could destroy the entire final epoch.
While everyone was in suspense, they discovered both figures standing silently in place, not uttering a word.
No one knew who had won.
Just as the crowd was guessing, Yun Fan calmly turned around.
"What?"
Everyone was instantly stunned. They hadn't known who won a moment ago, but now they did.
Yes, Yun Fan had won.
As expected, at this moment, Hei Shui collapsed heavily onto the ground. Before his death, he still didn't understand what kind of power Yun Fan wielded.
It could so easily suppress his Hei Shui power, and he would pay with his life.
With Hei Shui's fall, everyone's eyes went dark, a feeling of utter despair washing over them. They knew what this meant.
They only knew they were ruined by the impending losses.
However, those who had bet on Yun Fan out of respect for Qin Wuyang were overjoyed.
For them, Yun Fan was their benefactor. This decisive battle had made them incredibly wealthy.
Qin Wushuang remained stunned for a long time. He couldn't believe Hei Shui had lost, and not only lost, but also lost his life.
Of course, it didn't matter much. While retainers of Hei Shui's caliber were not abundant, they could still be found.
However, his previous bet was simply too enormous. He knew the consequences of losing.
At this moment, Qin Wuyang nodded calmly at Yun Fan, extremely satisfied with his performance.
Yun Fan knew that the young lady was inwardly thrilled but was pretending to be composed.
He wondered if Qin Wuyang would get sick from holding back her emotions.
Of course, for Qin Wuyang, even if she got sick, she would endure it. This was the perfect moment to show off.
Therefore, at this point, Qin Wuyang said to Qin Wushuang, "Brother, unfortunately, your retainer is dead. Of course, the bet between you and me was just a joke. Don't take it seriously!"
She said this so loudly that everyone present could hear her.
Qin Wushuang's vision went black. Saying it was a joke after speaking so loudly clearly left him with no room to back down.
Therefore, although he was filled with rage toward Yun Fan, wishing he could tear him apart, he could only force a smile and say, "Since it was a wager, it must be honored. From today onward, I will no longer contend for the position of Holy Land Master's successor with you!"
Upon hearing this, everyone admired Qin Wushuang, recognizing him as a true gentleman.
Such commitment to a contract deserved praise.
However, they seemed to have overlooked one point: Qin Wushuang's intention was that he would indeed withdraw, but if the position somehow fell to him, he couldn't help it.
After all, sometimes being shameless was better.
Of course, Qin Wuyang knew that Qin Wushuang had already prepared a countermeasure, but it didn't matter.
For her, the primary objective was to humiliate Qin Wushuang and regain her pride. Now, that pride had been restored.
It was precisely because of this battle that she began to see Yun Fan in a new light.
"After today's battle, Qin Wushuang must hate me to the bone!"
Yun Fan chuckled, especially as Qin Wushuang had desperately wanted to tear him apart before he left.
He enjoyed Qin Wushuang's inability to stand him yet unable to do anything about it. This display of arrogance was perfect.
However, he wasn't showing off for himself, but for Qin Wuyang.
Qin Wuyang said with satisfaction, "What are you afraid of? With me here, he can't do anything to you! As for you, you've truly surprised me. I never realized your potential before!"
"Miss Two, there are still many things you haven't discovered!"
Yun Fan replied, "I will surprise you even more in the future!"
"You're getting carried away!"
Qin Wuyang said to Yun Fan, "After this humiliating defeat, the true competition between my brother and me begins. You must help me from now on!"
"No problem!"
Yun Fan said, "Miss Two, may I make a request?"
"What request?"
Qin Wuyang knew Yun Fan was finally going to state his purpose. She didn't believe Yun Fan would help her for no reason.
He must have some ulterior motive.
However, this was normal. If Yun Fan had no ulterior motive, she would be more uneasy.
"My request is, after Miss Two wins, can you take me with you when you go to the Pangu Heavenly Domain for training?"
Upon hearing this, Qin Wuyang replied, "Firstly, I'm not guaranteed to win. Secondly, if I do win, what benefit would I gain from taking you?"
"There are many benefits!"
Yun Fan stated, "When the time comes, I will do my utmost to help Miss Two stand out!"
"Stop bragging!"
Qin Wuyang retorted, "If I win, I'll take you."
"Don't worry, I believe Miss Two will definitely win!"
Yun Fan said with great confidence.
No matter what, even for his own sake, he had to ensure Qin Wuyang's victory.
As for how he would achieve it, that depended on his methods.
...
In the Spiritual Martial Holy Land, a figure flashed. Her power was unimaginably immense.
In any case, she was definitely at the pinnacle of the Spiritual Martial Holy Land, and even the entire Pangu Continent.
Her mere aura distorted the surrounding space. In terms of strength, she was likely above Ning Tianxue.
At the very least, she was on the same level as Ning Tianxue.
She was the foremost expert of the Spiritual Martial Holy Land, Qin Ying.
Currently, Qin Ying was in charge of the Spiritual Martial Holy Land, but she was merely acting as regent. Once Qin Wuyang and Qin Wushuang's situation was resolved, she would step down from the position of Holy Land Master, allowing one of them to succeed her.
She had originally been in seclusion. This grand era had awakened, signifying the prelude to an impending darkness.
To protect herself amidst this darkness, one had to reach the Upper Three Realms before the darkness arrived.
However, that was merely a legend. For instance, her ancestor, the Spiritual Martial Heavenly Venerate, was said to have been a cultivator of the Seventh Realm of Heaven's Mandate.
But legends were ultimately legends. The era was too distant to verify.
Qin Ying would not let this grand era pass her by. Therefore, she decided that the successor of the Holy Land Master must be chosen now.
Otherwise, she would have less time in the future.
Furthermore, the Pangu Heavenly Domain was about to open. The sooner the successor was chosen, the better.
She hadn't expected to awaken so soon, but she was stirred by a familiar power.
Yes, it was Zhan Tian power.
Although Yun Fan had concealed his Zhan Tian power very well, it had been exposed when he killed Hei Shui.
Others might not recognize it, but it was impossible to hide it from a powerful figure like Qin Ying.
If Qin Ying had been present at that time, she would have immediately recognized Yun Fan's identity. Even if Yun Fan had changed his appearance, it would have been futile.
At this moment, Qin Ying searched for the source of Zhan Tian power, intending to devour the wielder of this power.
Only then could she vent her hatred.
However, she still hadn't found him.
...
In the following period, Yun Fan refined the rewards given to him by Qin Wuyang. After all, Qin Wuyang was the biggest winner in the previous wager.
However, she had given it all to Yun Fan in the end, which showed her generosity. She was definitely not a stingy person.
Yun Fan naturally did not refuse and refined these resources, which led to an improvement in his strength.
But he did not achieve a breakthrough.
He felt that the cultivation realms of the Lower Three Realms of Heaven's Mandate were extremely difficult, and the Middle Three Realms were even more so.
Otherwise, with so many martial artists throughout history, there wouldn't be so few strong cultivators in the Middle Three Realms.
Of course, the span of the Middle Three Realms was enormous. The weaker ones were at the level of cultivators like Da Xu Tian, while the stronger ones were top figures like Ning Tianxue.
Therefore, the Middle Three Realms were undoubtedly an all-encompassing realm.
For Yun Fan, it was normal not to break through, as breakthroughs were not easy at this level.
At this moment, Qin Wuyang arrived.
She said to Yun Fan, "Previously, both my brother and I received a summons from my aunt. She has decided to choose one of us as her successor, but she finds it difficult to decide, so she has asked my brother and me to fight for the outcome!"
This was the predicament Qin Wuyang was currently facing.
"Your aunt?"
Yun Fan asked curiously, as he had not paid attention to these details before and didn't know who Qin Wuyang's aunt was.
"My aunt is the strongest person in the Spiritual Martial Holy Land, Qin Ying!"
"A good name!"
Yun Fan praised, but the next moment, his eyes widened and he trembled uncontrollably.
It wasn't for any other reason, but because in the list provided by the Hao Tian Battle God, Qin Ying was ranked as a top-tier existence.
This meant that Qin Ying was absolutely someone Yun Fan couldn't afford to offend, and furthermore, she was an enemy, a mortal enemy.
Yun Fan never expected to have walked into a wolf's den. What should he do? If Qin Ying discovered his identity, there was no need to even think about it; he would surely die.
Moreover, according to the detailed records of the Hao Tian Battle God, Qin Ying was not someone he had pursued, but she had become his mortal enemy.
Yun Fan had no idea why this was the case.
If it were due to affection, perhaps Qin Ying would be like Ning Tianxue and hesitate to kill him, but if it wasn't for affection, then this posed a significant crisis for Yun Fan.
Therefore, at this moment, Yun Fan was already preparing to flee.
"So that's how it is!"
Yun Fan asked, "Do you have a chance of winning?"
Clearly, his expression was unnatural at this moment.
"It's fifty-fifty between us. It will be difficult for either of us to defeat the other!"
Qin Wuyang explained the situation. "Do you have any way to help me?"
"This... this... I really don't have a way to help you!"
Yun Fan said awkwardly.
At this, Qin Wuyang said stubbornly, "I don't care. This battle will definitely determine both our fates. I absolutely cannot lose!"
Yun Fan understood the importance of this matter. However, his strength was not as great as theirs. To put it another way, even if he were as strong as them, he couldn't fight in Qin Wuyang's place.
After all, this was a battle between siblings.
Therefore, Yun Fan said, "Let me think of something!"
"Then hurry up! I'll be waiting here for you!"
Qin Wuyang had no intention of leaving, which made Yun Fan very awkward.
However, he quickly came up with a solution.
At this moment, Yun Fan said, "I do have a good idea!"
"Hurry up and say it! Are you trying to drive me crazy?"
Qin Wuyang complained. At such a crucial moment, Yun Fan was still playing games.
Yun Fan calmly stated, "I possess a mysterious power. If I transmit it to you, it cannot help you break through or grow, but it can enhance your existing power, making your combat strength more powerful and sustainable!"
"That magical?"
Qin Wuyang was surprised that such a miraculous power existed in this world.
Yun Fan replied, "Don't get too excited yet. I need to verify it first to be sure!"
Yes, Yun Fan had a bold idea: to transfer his Zhan Tian power to Qin Wuyang.
However, this was extremely risky. Let's not forget that Qin Ying was his mortal enemy. If it were discovered, he would be doomed.
But in order to go to the Pangu Heavenly Domain, he had no choice.
Of course, he had already devised a corresponding plan: to instruct Qin Wuyang never to reveal his identity.
As long as Qin Ying didn't know the power originated from him, he would be absolutely safe, or so Yun Fan believed for now.
Therefore, after making his decision, Yun Fan decided to take the risk. After all, the most dangerous places were often the safest.
If he didn't take a gamble, he wouldn't know his true potential.
So, he immediately began his plan.
Under the invisible enhancement of his Zhan Tian power, Qin Wuyang felt that her strength had indeed improved compared to before.
It wasn't a change in cultivation realm, but purely an increase in raw power, a completely different level from before.
"I didn't expect you to have such a magical power!"
Qin Wuyang exclaimed, "Now I have a hundred percent certainty of defeating Qin Wushuang!"
"Mmm-hmm!"
Yun Fan replied, "However, Miss Two must promise me one thing!"
"What is it?"
Qin Wuyang was displeased. Why was Yun Fan being so hesitant?
"Miss Two, you absolutely must not reveal this secret to anyone. Do not tell anyone that I transmitted this to you!"
"Why?"