The speaker was the sect leader of the Golden Light Sect, a minor sect. He stood at the back of the crowd, his words normally insignificant, but they now captured everyone's attention.
This world was not one of Xuanhuan cultivation, with no distinct stages like Golden Core or Nascent Soul. Even the strongest of the Old Heavenly Masters could die from a backstab or poison, making cultivation stages an unreliable measure of power.
Thus, strength was perceived through comparison.
For instance, since Yan Shouyi defeated Yuan Jianxin, Yan Shouyi was undoubtedly stronger than Yuan Jianxin. If the Imperial Advisor defeated Yan Shouyi, then theoretically, Yuan Jianxin would stand no chance against the Imperial Advisor, and Yuan Jianxin wouldn't be foolish enough to challenge him directly.
Through comparison, everyone realized that in the power system introduced by Yan Shouyi, he seemed to have surpassed the Old Heavenly Master of the past. This was a potential bug; if this hypothesis proved false, they would have to re-evaluate the Imperial Advisor's strength, and perhaps the matter wouldn't require such a grand mobilization. A few sect leaders from top sects might be enough to handle him.
Yan Shouyi did not show impatience in response to the Golden Light Sect leader's question.
He nodded calmly and said, "If the Old Heavenly Master were still alive, I am confident I could fight him and remain undefeated!"
Upon hearing this, the sect leaders couldn't help but murmur amongst themselves. In their eyes, Yan Shouyi's words were excessively arrogant. Even the sect leaders of the top sects, who didn't know Yan Shouyi well, remained silent, clearly not believing he was that formidable.
Yu Lumíng remained quiet. He wouldn't tell them that he and Yan Shouyi had already exchanged blows the previous night. Although neither had gone all out, Yan Shouyi's ability to break his Celestial Master Talisman had already proven his terrifying prowess. Yu Lumíng also believed Yan Shouyi had many hidden trump cards, and these, combined, would not be much weaker than his own master.
"Words are not enough; President Yan should provide some proof," the Golden Light Sect leader said. "Please don't blame us, President Yan, we simply lack a clear understanding of this matter."
"It's fine."
Yan Shouyi waved his hand. After a moment of thought, he pointed to the sect leaders standing on the left half of the Celestial Master Hall and said, "If I were to unleash my full power, even if all the sect leaders here joined forces, they would not be my match."
Among the sect leaders on the left were Zhang Taisheng, the sect leader of the Wudang Sect, and Mo Shilin, the sect leader of the Laoshan Sect. The two powerhouses were initially stunned, then their expressions turned somewhat awkward. They supported Yan Shouyi based on his talent and character, but his strength… Having been in the Xuanmen for years, they were not ones to admit defeat easily. How could they readily admit they were inferior to a junior, and by such a vast margin? For a moment, these two sect leaders felt embarrassed.
Yan Shouyi bowed slightly, "My apologies, esteemed sect leaders. I am merely stating facts."
Did you think comforting us like this would make us happy, you brat???
Then, Yan Shouyi pointed to the sect leaders on the right half and continued, "Even with all the sect leaders on the right added, while I might not be able to defeat you, I am one hundred percent confident I can retreat unharmed."
"You brat..."
Sect Leader Mao of the Maoshan Sect pointed at Yan Shouyi, shaking his head speechlessly. "We invited you here not to cause a general uproar and stir up animosity!"
This display of arrogance was indeed immense, and immediately, a few hot-tempered sect leaders stood up to accuse Yan Shouyi of being too presumptuous.
"Yan Shouyi, although you are now the leader of the Min Jiao, you should know that there are always greater powers beyond what you can see. What is your intention in mocking us like this?"
"The conflict between the two factions has just been resolved. Do you intend to reignite it? Arrogant brat!"
Even Zhao Chengxiang quietly advised Yan Shouyi, "Brother Yan, shouldn't we be more low-key?"
Low-key?
Yan Shouyi sighed inwardly. If he didn't exert enough pressure on these sect leaders, they would never realize how dangerous the Imperial Advisor truly was. Therefore, he could only resort to this tactic, mocking the sect leaders of these renowned sects, and ideally, fighting them to make them understand the Imperial Advisor's might!
Thus, Yan Shouyi directly targeted Zhao Chengxiang.
He pointed at Zhao Chengxiang and said, "Brother Zhao, back during the Grand Ceremony of Luofu, the gap in our strength wasn't that significant. But now, I can take on a thousand of you."
"What???"
Zhao Chengxiang was stunned. Not only was Yan Shouyi openly mocking him, but he was also using him as a unit of measurement? This was too much, truly too much!
Zhao Chengxiang said angrily, "Brother Yan, you've gone too far!"
"If you don't believe me, come and hit me. I'll let you have three punches!" Yan Shouyi continued to provoke him.
Since Yan Shouyi had made such an offer, how could Zhao Chengxiang let this opportunity pass? Not to mention Yan Shouyi's current mockery, it was also a chance to avenge the previous Grand Ceremony of Luofu.
"You said it yourself!"
So, Zhao Chengxiang stepped out of the crowd and walked up to Yan Shouyi. The Wudang Sect disciples did not stop Zhao Chengxiang. Although Zhao Chengxiang had become the sacrificial lamb, everyone knew that Zhao Chengxiang and Yan Shouyi had a good relationship. What did it matter if he was the sacrificial lamb? They wouldn't get truly hurt, and he could be used to test Yan Shouyi's depth.
Zhao Chengxiang walked up to Yan Shouyi, his face flushed, and said sternly, "Brother Yan, despite our good friendship, you cannot humiliate me like this. You asked me to hit you these three times, so if I injure you, I am not responsible!"
"You talk too damn much, hurry up and do it," Yan Shouyi continued to enrage Zhao Chengxiang.
At this point, Zhao Chengxiang could no longer hold back. He raised his hand and threw a heavy punch at Yan Shouyi's chest. All the sect leaders watched intently, wanting to gauge Yan Shouyi's approximate strength level from this punch.
However, to their dismay, the punch, which looked capable of shattering mountains and splitting the earth, landed on Yan Shouyi's chest as if it had fallen into a deep ocean, without even causing a ripple. Yan Shouyi stood there motionless, his expression unchanged, as if the punch from Zhao Chengxiang was as insignificant as a mosquito landing on him.
"Ah, this..."
Zhao Chengxiang stood frozen. Although he hadn't gone all out, he hadn't expected this result either. The sect leaders remained silent, as they hadn't seen anything conclusive.
"Have you eaten? With this much power in your punch, what use is it for fighting? Go knead dough instead!" Yan Shouyi grinned.
Zhao Chengxiang's face turned red, "I wasn't using my full strength just now, I was joking!"
"Then use your full strength this time, and hit accurately!"
"You..."
Zhao Chengxiang gritted his teeth, then composed himself and said seriously, "Alright, I'll get serious now!"
With that, he took half a step back, assumed a horse stance, gathered his energy in his dantian, and drew a Tai Chi symbol in front of him with his hands. Anyone with discernment could tell that Zhao Chengxiang was about to employ the essence of Tai Chi. This was a supreme skill of the Wudang Sect. No matter how powerful Yan Shouyi was, he wouldn't be able to completely disregard it, would he?