Zhao Changhe thought to himself, "So that's how it is... If that's the case, the Great Han could extend their influence by setting up an education system, providing an accessible ladder for many ordinary families and sects to reach for the Secret Treasure, even to ascend to the Imperial Realm. That would truly be a formidable weapon. Then—only then—the heroes of the world would rush in droves."

If this proposal had been raised early on, it would have been used by the Four Symbols Sect as a ladder for proselytizing. But now things are different... That's why Wanzhuang pointed out the need to eliminate the hidden danger between the Great Han and the Four Symbols Sect, to take the lead themselves. With such a foundation, it would be much easier for the Great Han to carry out these operations than in the Central Pass, given the extent to which they were at each other's throats...

As he was mulling over this, a sudden chant of "Amitabha Buddha..." came from outside.

A stir went through the crowd in the square, and the people who were listening to the teachings quickly made way, craning their necks to see the mountain gate.

A monk of splendid appearance, wearing the abbot's kasaya, led a group of monks into the pavilion and made their way directly toward Yuxu, proclaiming, "Greetings to you, brother Daoist... Your spiritual cultivation is profound. In the recent debate, my junior monks were no match for you, and we suffered a great defeat. Today, this old monk has come down from the mountain specially to seek guidance, and I hope you will be generous with your teachings."

Dai Qingge's spirits lifted. "Excellent, excellent! I was finding it dull, and now we get to see a river of blood—let the battle begin!"

Zhao Changhe laughed and said, "So I was right to bring you here, wasn't I? How could you ever see such a spectacle if you kept cooped up in the gambling dens?"

"Exactly, exactly! You are like my own brother!"

Zhao Changhe laughed, looking toward the center of the scene, his mind filled with astonishment and uncertainty. The Buddhist monk who had come, a likely manifestation of Bodhisattva, had previously been passing the teachings in secret, hadn't he? Without building a more solid foundation, he was rushing into the Taoist Sect to initiate a new round of Buddhist vs. Taoist debates? Logically, debates required a group of officials and nobles to witness, to publicly refute the other side would make sense. With too few dignitaries present, the result would have to be spread by word of mouth, which wasn't as direct.

Upon the platform, Yuxu opened his eyes and took a moment to appraise the newcomer, saying indifferently, "This master is quite unfamiliar to me. May I know your Dharma name? If I am not mistaken, the opponents in the recent debates included many Divine Monks of the Yuan generation. Master doesn't seem old, yet you call them your junior monks?"

The newcomer chuckled and said, "This old monk is Kong Shi, indeed one generation above the Yuan generation. Seniority and age do not necessarily correlate."

Yuxu responded indifferently, "So there is still a Divine Monk of the Kong generation in the world. I seem to have been ignorant... What issue does the Divine Monk wish to debate?"

Kong Shi's dignified bearing was intact as he raised one palm in greeting: "I wish to discuss martial matters."

Yuxu's expression shifted slightly, and the square erupted into noise!

This was not a debate on scriptures! This was a challenge!

Moreover, it was the most common kind of public challenge seen in the Worldly Society—Cui Yuanyong against Yue Hongling, Chi Li against Ba Tu of Jiangnan, Zhao Changhe against Wan Dongliu—all had such confrontations before. But at a certain level, when much was at stake, such challenges were almost unheard of. And now, Yuxu was third on the Heavenly List, the top in the Divine Continent!

Was this Kong Shi, a name not found in the scriptures, courting death?

Dai Qingge was ecstatic: "Fight, fight!"

Let alone Dai Qingge, even Zhao Changhe was filled with excitement. A battle with someone who ranked third on the Heavenly List was not something you could witness every day! This Kong Shi must definitely be Bodhisattva, for only Bodhisattva would dare to confront Yuxu of the Imperial Realm face-to-face. The significance of observing this battle alone was immense.

In theory, Yuxu's status meant that he could certainly refuse these absurd challenges. If every Tom, Dick, or Harry could challenge someone of this level, would anyone get anything done? But under the circumstances of the Buddhist vs. Taoist contention, in a scene where everyone was watching, Yuxu couldn't really refuse!

One could imagine that if he lost, his reputation would instantly collapse. The Taoist Sect could then completely withdraw from Chang'an, and he, Yuxu, could hide in Kunlun for the rest of his life, not bearing to show his face. The stakes were too high for him to lose. But if the opponent lost, as long as it wasn't too disgraceful, his fame could still soar, and he could remain seated in Chang'an.

It was an unfair match, but Yuxu had no way to refuse.

Yuxu narrowed his eyes and locked gazes with Kong Shi for quite some time before slowly saying, "Well then... I shall afford the Master the advantage of one hand, please."

Zhao Changhe inwardly cried out, hoping the old Taoist wouldn't capsize now. On the surface, conceding a hand seemed like a graceful solution that maintained face, but only if you didn't lose! If you did, after the word got out, outsiders wouldn't care about your graciousness—a loss was a loss, who asked you to concede? Of course, if you won, then the Buddhist Sect would lose face. Theoretically, one shouldn't abruptly undertake such a challenge without any way to retreat. One wonders what madness had struck Bodhisattva.

If the opponent were someone who cared about the dignity of a martial artist, they wouldn't accept such terms. However, Bodhisattva, clearly not someone who cared for face, actually chuckled and said, "Then I will take this undue advantage, Daoist. Be attentive."

With these words and a slight bow, a brilliant flash of golden light burst forth from him, heading straight for the elevated platform. Even this gesture of attack, part of the ritual of etiquette, caused an uproar all around!

Releasing Gang Qi was no trifling matter, and to do so with such ease! What level was this?

This was equivalent to the level of Dragon Sparrow before its ascension, when unleashing a single strike would leave it exhausted! Just based on this move alone, this Master Kong Shi was at the very least among the top ranks of the Earth List.

Yuxu remained as calm as a deep well, responding with a single-handed gesture of his own. The golden light, upon reaching one foot from his body, seemed to enter an invisible mire, struggling to progress. It then began to rotate, forming a Tai Chi symbol.

Yuxu didn't even stand, merely waving his hand back, and the golden light transformed into a Tai Chi symbol hurtled back at the sender. As it flew back along its path, it grew larger and, by the time it reached Kong Shi's forehead, it was like the majestic weight of Mount Taishan bearing down.

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