Zhang Yan remained silent, for Zheng Ying's earlier display was dazzling and masterful. He could not simply subdue the Nine-headed Dragon Whale in a mundane fashion like the others—it would be far too trivial. After pondering for a moment, he devised a plan.

Amusement flickered across Zheng Ying's face. Although he appeared to handle the Dragon Whale with ease earlier, it was the result of countless grueling practice sessions in private. It was not something that could be replicated by just anyone stepping forward. Furthermore, his ability to subdue all nine Dragon Whales at once was already comparable to cultivators whose elixir formation reached the Second Grade.

To his mind, years of arduous cultivation had earned him this moment of fame—why should Zhang Yan compete with him? How could Zhang Yan possibly compete?

Among the disciples gathered outside the cliff, some, from sects such as Yuan Yang, Tai Hao, and Yuxiao, were unfamiliar with Zhang Yan and eagerly inquired about his background.

At this moment, disciples from the Mingcang Sect, particularly those from noble families, began recounting Zhang Yan's prior accomplishments in detail, eliciting waves of gasps and exclamations.

However, these noble family disciples were not perturbed. In their view, Raging Wave Rock would be where Zhang Yan's ambitions shattered. No matter how radiant or colorful his past deeds were, they would merely serve as a prelude to his inevitable downfall. The greater his prowess, the clearer the distinction between him and the noble families' superiority would become. By tomorrow, all of his achievements would be trampled underfoot, fading like fleeting clouds.

The Elixir Tasting Daoist glanced at Zhang Yan, saw that he was silently gazing downward, and assumed he was hesitating. Stepping forward proactively, he offered, "Shall I bind a few Dragon Whales for you? Just let me know."

Zhang Yan shook his head and replied, "No need to bind them."

The Elixir Tasting Daoist paused for a moment, then cast him a thoughtful glance before quietly stepping aside.

A flash of light flickered in Zhang Yan's eyes as he pointed forward. A stream of vapor shot out from his fingertips, descending straight toward the ocean.

The vapor was as fine as a spider's silk thread, single and slender, barely perceptible to the eye.

The Elixir Tasting Daoist's eyelids twitched slightly. As someone chosen to evaluate elixirs, his discerning eye caught the extraordinary quality of Zhang Yan's vapor—it was refined to utmost purity without the slightest imperfection. On closer observation, Zhang Yan's elixir formation evidently was more advanced than the rumors had suggested. Though he had concentrated the vapor into a single stream without dispersing it, which defied conventional methods, he refrained from making rash judgments and simply watched intently.

Once the vapor entered the sea, it attached itself to one of the Dragon Whales. In an instant, it spread out, looping several times around the massive creature's body.

With a faint smile, Zhang Yan flexed his finger. The Dragon Whale, usually ferocious and mighty, capable of stirring tempestuous waves, was unexpectedly swayed by this slight pull. Shocked and flailing, it thrashed about vigorously, causing the tranquil blue waters to churn as if brought to a boil.

Zhang Yan's expression remained composed as he intensified his effort. Without any dramatic gestures, the fifteen-zhang-long Dragon Whale, appearing as though hooked by a fishing line, leapt out of the water with a thunderous splash, soaring skyward. Despite its desperate thrashing and piercing cries in an attempt to break free, it was hopelessly unable to escape the binding force.

The spectacle drew murmurs of astonishment from the gathered disciples. Yet, others remained unimpressed, considering the feat lacking in difficulty.

Observing for a brief moment, Zheng Ying scoffed coldly with a mocking smile and said, "Zhang Yan, is this all you know? Showing off petty tricks?"

A few True Masters exchanged brief glances, their eyes betraying hints of intrigue followed by understanding.

So, it was merely a change in approach!

Zhang Yan was indeed sharp.

After all, while prior demonstrations relied on suppressing the Dragon Whales underwater, this method—hoisting one into the air—was visually striking and left a lasting impression. At the very least, it outshone others in sheer spectacle.

Zhang Yan's ability to devise this solution under pressure revealed commendable quick-thinking.

Moreover, lifting a Dragon Whale into the air, though seemingly straightforward, demanded exceptional mastery over elixir power. A single misstep would lead to humiliation. Even if others conceived such an idea, few would dare to execute it.

Watching from below, Zheng Hongtu's gaze remained fixed and cold. Zhang Yan indeed possessed some skill, living up to his reputation. Nonetheless, trivial tricks mattered little in the grander scope.

Ultimately, measuring elixir power relied on evaluating elixir formation quality, not indulging in showmanship with cunning maneuvers.

However, the Elixir Tasting Daoist's expression grew serious. At such close range, he observed everything with clarity—the Dragon Whale displayed no resistance whatsoever, completely at Zhang Yan's mercy, as if it were no more than a small fish being plucked from the water. Meanwhile, Zhang Yan seemed utterly unperturbed, hardly lifting an eyelid, embodying an effortless and confident demeanor, suggesting he still held considerable reserves of power.

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