Yu Lumen had spent fifteen years reading books and had never once contended with anyone. The fiercest thing he had ever done in his life was merely chase away pesky mosquitoes and flies with a bamboo strip.
From the books in the library, he had understood magic and sword intent. Thus, when he sparred with opponents like Yuan Jianxin, he never truly made a move. Instead, he directly proposed a contest of sword intent with Yuan Jianxin, and in the end, Yu Lumen defeated Yuan Jianxin by utilizing the sword intent he had gleaned from the books.
Therefore, when dealing with Liu Yiren at this moment, the two of them were like infants wielding weapons, possessing strength but not knowing how to use it. Continuing to compete in such a manner would yield no results.
“Let’s compete on whose magical power is more profound,” Yu Lumen proposed.
Liu Yiren considered for a moment, then silently shook her head, “I inherited the magical power of Grandmaster Chang Shi. If we were to compete on magical power, you would not be my match, and I do not wish to bully you.”
Yu Lumen touched his nose. The situation indeed seemed to be as she said, “What do you think we should compete on then?”
“Let’s compete on perseverance, to see who desires to become the Celestial Master more,” Liu Yiren stated.
The outcome was Yu Lumen shaking his head, “No, I have studied for fifteen years and inherited the spirit from books. In terms of perseverance, you are not my equal, and I cannot bully you either.”
The audience listening could not help but chuckle.
These two truly didn't bully each other at all. If they continued to compete like this, it was likely they wouldn't be able to determine a winner even next year.
However, their exchange also garnered favor from everyone. No one liked those who bullied the weak, and Yu Lumen and Liu Yiren were not such people.
Some even felt that it wouldn't matter whether Yu Lumen or Liu Yiren inherited the position of Celestial Master in the end; both seemed acceptable.
Benevolence begets benevolence.
Yet, one possessed profound magical power, and the other had a strong spirit. Crucially, neither of them was adept at fighting. What should they compete on?
At this moment, Yu Lumen glanced at the Old Celestial Master, then at the Myriad Law Altar beneath his feet, and suddenly said:
“Your magical power is profound, and my spirit is strong. Why don't we find a balance and compete on both magical power and perseverance together!”
He pointed to the Myriad Law Altar beneath his feet.
“The Myriad Law Altar itself is an ancient magical formation. Legend has it that by infusing enough magical power into it, one can open the gate to ascension! Every ancestor of Longhu Mountain has attempted it, all ending in failure. Now, let us two try it as well. Whoever can persist until the end wins! What do you say?”
Infusing magical power not only tested the profundity of one's magical power but also the strength of one’s willpower. Therefore, Yu Lumen's proposal somewhat balanced their respective strengths and weaknesses, making it relatively fair.
However, the Old Celestial Master couldn't help but let out a wry smile, “You scoundrel. I should have hidden some of those ancient books back then. Now, it seems there are no secrets in this world that this kid doesn't know!”
The Myriad Law Altar being an ancient formation was known to very few people. In the entire library, only one ancient text had a brief record of it. That ancient text was placed in an obscure corner, one that no one would bother to flip through.
Yet, Yu Lumen had read it and, of all things, knew about this matter.
However, the Old Celestial Master had no intention of intervening. If the ancestors, after so many years, had not been able to open this so-called gate to ascension, how could it possibly be opened by two juniors?
He could simply sit back and watch the show.
“Let’s do as you say,” Liu Yiren agreed to Yu Lumen’s proposal.
Thus, the two individuals sat on opposite sides of the Taiji diagram, closing their eyes.
Slowly, a wind began to stir around the Myriad Law Altar.
The duels of the Luo Tian Grand Ceremony these past two days had seen the weather change as if it were commonplace, and people had grown accustomed to it.
After settling down, the two began to infuse their magical power into the Myriad Law Altar. The Myriad Law Altar indeed reacted. From beneath them, golden light flowed, like water entering a parched channel, outlining golden runes on the Myriad Law Altar.
However, the speed at which the runes were drawn was extremely slow, like a snail's progress. In ten minutes, only about half a meter had been drawn.
Meanwhile, Yu Lumen and Liu Yiren were already drenched in sweat, their faces looking pale.
It was evident that infusing magical power into the Myriad Law Altar was not a simple matter. It required not only profound magical power but also unwavering willpower; otherwise, one could fail at any moment.
Only now did the spectators understand Yu Lumen's proposal. This was a dual test of magical power and willpower. Although both had their strengths, in the face of the Myriad Law Altar, their advantages were neutralized.
Now, it all depended on who could last the longest.
“This will be a tough battle,” Lü Jing remarked with emotion.
“It all depends on who can outlast whom,” Zhang Shantong said, then prepared to leave.
Long Feicheng asked in confusion, “Grandpa, where are you going?”
“Back to rest,” Zhang Shantong replied. “Their competition won't conclude for several hours, so it's better to go back and eat and drink, and then come back to watch when a winner is decided.”
As soon as he spoke, a light rain began to fall from the sky. The raindrops landed on Yu Lumen and Liu Yiren, but they remained like sculptures, unmoving, not even a flicker of a frown crossing their brows.
“It’s raining?”
Yan Shouyi looked up suspiciously, sensing something was amiss.
When he had faced Yan Guochao, he had studied the feng shui of the Celestial Master Hall. This place should have been clear skies year-round. Today was not a day for heavy rain, nor was anyone performing rituals, so why had it suddenly started raining?
He looked towards the Old Celestial Master and saw that the Old Celestial Master had already risen and entered the Celestial Master Hall, seemingly having also discovered some anomaly.
Disciples of Longhu Mountain began setting up rain shelters, but many spectators still chose to leave. They likely knew that this final match would not be decided quickly.
“Shall we leave?” Long Feicheng asked.
“Let’s withdraw first and leave this place to them.”
Yan Shouyi made his decision, and his group began to depart.
Just then, Zhang Wuma found Yan Shouyi, holding an umbrella.
He waved at Yan Shouyi from a short distance. Yan Shouyi understood and went to find him alone.
“Is there any progress?” Yan Shouyi asked.
Zhang Wuma shook his head, “That coffin carrier is very stubborn. Even Hall Master Shan Li could not handle him, so they specifically ordered me to invite you to take a look.”
Yan Shouyi gave a wry smile, “If Uncle-Grandmaster can’t handle him, how can I?”
“If it weren’t for you, we might not have been able to capture him. You understand folk sects so well; you must have a way.”
“Alright then, I’ll go back and inform them, and then I’ll go with you.”
Yan Shouyi turned back and asked the others to return to their courtyards to rest. Everyone knew Yan Shouyi had important matters and left without saying anything.
However, before leaving, Lin Zitong quietly cautioned Yan Shouyi, “It’s best not to get too deeply involved in matters of Longhu Mountain. If this affair doesn't have too much connection to us, you shouldn’t take on every burden yourself.”
Lin Zitong knew Yan Shouyi’s character, so she worried he might get implicated. Though these words were somewhat selfish, they were also natural human sentiments.
Yan Shouyi squeezed Lin Zitong’s hand, reassuring her. He cast one last glance at Yu Lumen and Liu Yiren on the Myriad Law Altar, then left with Zhang Wuma.
Inside the Celestial Master Hall, the Old Celestial Master did not leave, still waiting for the outcome.