413: Chapter 413 Gathering!!

"The duel is set for tonight."

Xiao Shan instructed Qin Yan, "During this time, stay by my side. Do not wander too far, just in case."

"I understand," Qin Yan replied solemnly.

He also knew that before such a crucial duel, the Dragon Whale Clan might resort to underhanded tactics.

Such as assassination, poisoning, or mental interference.

Staying by the side of a Great Grandmaster like Xiao Shan was undoubtedly the safest option.

Afterwards, Xiao Shan gave detailed instructions to the assembled generals regarding tonight's defenses, observation, and emergency measures.

The generals received their orders, cupped their fists in salute, and filed out of the tent.

In the blink of an eye, only the three mentors—Xiao Shan, Director Liu Mu, and Lin Shui—remained in the large tent along with Qin Yan.

Silence returned to the tent after the generals departed.

Xiao Shan, Director Liu Mu, and Lin Shui didn't say much. Each sat cross-legged on a prayer mat and entered a deep state of meditative breathing.

For a while, only the long, steady sound of the three men's breathing remained in the tent.

Along with that faint, majestic aura that seemed to resonate with heaven and earth.

Seeing this, Qin Yan didn't feel awkward or idle.

He wasn't one to sit still, and having just learned he would participate in an important duel, his fighting spirit had already been ignited.

Simply waiting here would instead make his mind wander.

So, regardless of the consequences, with a thought, the ink trace long spear was already in his hand.

He stepped back a few paces, found a relatively spacious area, and began practicing his Spear Technique on his own.

The wind from the spear whistled, cutting through the air with a low "whooshing" sound.

In the originally silent tent, it was exceptionally clear, even somewhat "ear-piercing."

However, none of the three mentors, who were meditating with their eyes closed, spoke up to stop him.

Although Xiao Shan, Director Liu Mu, and Lin Shui didn't open their eyes, with their cultivation, every move of Qin Yan's was within their perception.

The more they perceived, the more astonished they became.

As Qin Yan brandished his long spear, his moves seemed ordinary, yet a charm of fluid harmony and intent following the body...

...was already faintly emanating!

The trajectory of the spear tip aligned with a certain mystery; the mobilization of blood qi and true qi was smooth and natural.

Especially that "qi" condensed on the spear shaft, restrained but ready to be unleashed.

It had already surpassed the scope of ordinary "techniques" and touched the edge of "Intent"!

"This kid... his Spear Technique has actually reached the fifth stage Perfection. He's just a hair's breadth away from condensing Spear Intent!"

Director Liu Mu sent a message via Mental Energy, his tone filled with surprise.

"To have such attainments in the Spear Dao at eighteen or nineteen is truly astounding."

"This talent is top-tier even among the students of martial arts universities throughout history."

Vice Dean Lin Shui also marveled inwardly.

Although Xiao Shan didn't transmit a message, waves of emotion similarly rose in his heart.

"Is this kid's talent just too incredible, or... does he also possess some kind of Spear Dao 'Profound Truth'?"

Xiao Shan speculated privately.

He leaned towards the former.

After all, for Qin Yan to successfully master the basics of the Five Elements Primordial Scripture—a technique widely recognized as a "money pit"—in such a short time, his comprehension and martial talent were definitely at a monstrous level.

As for Profound Truth... that was far too rare and precious.

Even for someone like Xiao Shan, a standout among Eighth-Rank Grandmasters, the Sword Dao Profound Truth he possessed was only "two-thousandths" inherited from his ancestors.

And Qin Yan's background, which he had already investigated thoroughly, could only be described as "ordinary"; it was almost impossible for him to have an ancestral Profound Truth.

The only reasonable explanation was that Qin Yan might have had a fortuitous encounter in the "Secret Realm Tower" of Modu University of Martial Arts.

Throughout the history of Modu University of Martial Arts, there had been no shortage of brilliant students who obtained Profound Truth fragments from the upper levels of the Secret Realm Tower.

"However, compared to Wangshu, he is still slightly inferior."

Thinking of his granddaughter who was currently in seclusion, a hint of irrepressible pride and expectation appeared on Xiao Shan's brow.

"Once Wangshu finishes this period of seclusion, there's a high probability her sword realm will break through in one go, officially entering the 'Sword Intent' level."

At this thought, the usually dignified old Great Grandmaster's lips curled up ever so slightly.

Qin Yan was immersed in the world of his Spear Technique, completely unaware of the secret observation and thoughts of the three mentors.

He practiced the spear forms over and over, his mind clear, feeling the subtle changes as the spear merged with his body and his body merged with his intent.

He seemed to be getting closer and closer to that thin layer of paper.

Time passed quietly amidst silent cultivation and waiting.

As the sun sank in the west, Xiao Shan slowly opened his eyes, a divine light shining in them as if two giant silver swords were hidden within.

"The time has come."

He stood up, and Director Liu Mu and Lin Shui opened their eyes and stood up as well.

Qin Yan also withdrew his spear and stood at the appropriate time, his aura steady and his gaze bright and sharp.

"Let's go."

Xiao Shan spoke concisely and took the lead in walking out of the tent.

Qin Yan followed closely behind, with Director Liu Mu and Lin Shui on either side, faintly protecting Qin Yan in the middle.

The four walked out of the tent without taking any form of transportation.

Xiao Shan took a light step forward, and the space around him rippled like water.

A gentle yet irresistible force enveloped Qin Yan.

The next moment, Qin Yan felt the scene before him suddenly blur and distort!

Wind whistled past his ears, and everything around him seemed to turn into lines of flowing light, receding rapidly!

This was a way of moving far beyond his understanding; it wasn't just simple speed, but more like a folding and leaping of space.

After only a few breaths, the sensation of high-speed movement abruptly stopped.

The scene before him became clear and stable once again.

Qin Yan took a closer look and couldn't help but feel a shock in his heart.

They had already left Zhenhai City and appeared in the sky above a vast, boundless deep-blue sea!

Beneath their feet was the surging, bottomless ocean.

Above their heads was the starry, deep, and infinite night sky.

The sea breeze was strong, carrying the unique saltiness and faint pressure of the deep sea.

About several miles ahead, on the surface of the sea, the human and sea race camps were facing each other across a wide stretch of water!

The human side was centered around several massive warships.

The warship decks and the surrounding floating flight spirit weapons were crowded with densely packed human soldiers in bright armor, exuding a murderous aura.

On the sea surface opposite them, the scene was even more eerie.

The seawater seemed to have a life of its own, spontaneously rising and condensing to form massive "platforms" and "thrones" constructed from flowing water.

Tens of thousands of sea race warriors of various forms stood on the water platforms or half-floated in the sea.

They were densely packed, stretching beyond the horizon.

Among them were hideous mermen, massive Crab Soldiers, ethereal Jellyfish Demons, and Naga with human torsos and snake tails.

One could even see a few relatively small but exceptionally fierce Dragon Whales appearing faintly in the deep sea, stirring up undercurrents.

A massive aura, a mixture of bloodiness, savagery, and coldness...

...emanated from the sea race camp, clashing fiercely in an invisible struggle with the murderous, iron-blooded aura of the human side.