Chapter 2154: Chapter 1013: Zhang Lan (Part 2) Just like that, until the next morning when he woke up, Zhang Lan still wore a face of laziness and exhaustion. Were it an ordinary day, Great Elder Zhang would no doubt offer him some earnest advice. He would tell him that cultivators cultivate flesh and spiritual power, but also essence, energy, and spirit. If the spirit isn’t settled and the energy is still agitated, without knowing how to nurture one’s life and temperament, how can one focus on the Dao? But considering they were guests at the Feng family, and indeed, the journey had been tiring, Great Elder Zhang decided not to say anything. Besides, there was an important matter today. They were going to observe the Sword Discussion. Elder Feng specially prepared a table of exquisite spiritual meals and fine wine to entertain Great Elder Zhang and the members of the Zhang family as a gesture of hospitality. Afterwards, everyone headed towards the Mount of Tao. Along the way, there was a constant flow of carriages. Elder Feng spoke to everyone about the famous sites of the Qianxue State Boundary, magnificent mountain palaces. Suddenly, escape lights appeared at the horizon, sometimes Feathered Immortals soared in the sky, stirring up the sea of clouds. The disciples of the Zhang family were inwardly shocked. Even Great Elder Zhang sighed with emotion: "Our Zhang family is a Fourth-Grade Family, dominant within the Canglan State Boundary, with no less than ten Feathered Immortals in the clan. By that account, we consider ourselves a major player." "However, compared to this Qianxue State Boundary, where Feathered Immortals are everywhere, and these aristocratic families having feasts, indeed we are like a Great Witch before a greater one." "There’s no need to be overly modest, Brother Dao..." Elder Feng shook his head and said, "After all, the Qianxue State Boundary is a rare Great Province Boundary. Even among Fifth-Grade State Realms, it is second to none." "Besides, as the saying goes, ’A strong dragon cannot suppress a local snake.’" "Within the Qianxue State Boundary, no matter how many aristocratic families there are, or how strong they are, they are confined within this land." "Unlike the Zhang family, which dominates a region." Within the Qianxue State Boundary, there are many Fourth and Fifth-Grade Families. But when there are too many of anything, they tend to lose value. Many ordinary Fifth-Grade Families within the Qianxue State Boundary might not compare in power and influence to those long-standing Fourth-Grade Families on the Nine State lands that dominate a region. The higher the sky, the farther the emperor; the farther the land, the greater the power. That’s the reasoning. Therefore, although the Zhang family is Fourth-Grade and cannot be considered a strong dragon, it is a powerful "local snake," and it is the only one dominating a region. In the Qianxue State Boundary, the Zhang family might not mean much. But in the territory of the Zhang family within the Kan State, their command might indeed carry more weight than a decree from the Taoist Court. The cultivation world is vast, having more friends means more paths. Even if Elder Feng didn’t have personal ties with Great Elder Zhang, he wouldn’t dare to neglect the Zhang family easily. Moreover, the Zhang family resides within a Fourth-Grade State Realm, with the state realm as a limitation. 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦 In the Fourth-Grade State Realm, the Zhang family doesn’t possess a Heaven Void. But it doesn’t mean that in other Fifth-Grade State Realms, among various clan forces or in renowned mountains and rivers, there aren’t reclusive Heaven Void Ancestors of the Zhang family. It’s just that the Zhang family has always been low-key and never disclosed this. Along the way, the two continued their small talk, discussing the splendor of Qianxue. Two hours later, they entered the Mount of Dao. At this time, the Mount of Dao was completely filled with cultivators. The noise was deafening and chaotic. Entering the mountain was like being in a sea of people, causing a feeling of awe. "Brother Zhang, please follow me." Elder Feng led the way in front, with Great Elder Zhang and his entourage following behind. "Interestingly enough..." Elder Feng spoke while walking, with a somewhat proud expression, "Today, a member of our Feng family will also participate in the Sword Discussion at the Carefree Sect. He is the most talented of our Feng family, with the best spiritual root and highest comprehension of his generation." "And his opponent is from the Taixu Gate, one of the Eight Great Gates. Within the Taixu Gate, there’s the Sword Dao genius Linghu Xiao, and also... the one I mentioned before, that Formation Leader with talent but no virtue, Mo Hua, who likes to use low-level spells to toy with people." "Oh?" Great Elder Zhang’s eyes twinkled, and he nodded, "If that is so, it does indeed make this trip worthwhile." After saying this, he turned to remind a group of Zhang family disciples: "I brought you to the Qianxue State Boundary so you could witness the Sword Discussion Conference and see what a true battle of geniuses looks like." "You have some talent within the clan, but placed in this vast Nine State, the prosperous land of Qianxue, your aptitude is as insignificant as a firefly under the sun; it’s not worth mentioning." "There is always a greater sky beyond a sky, and always someone more talented beyond oneself." "You must be humble, watch carefully, and learn well." His words were mainly directed at the Foundation Establishment disciples with outstanding talents in this generation of the Zhang family. Zhang Lan, in the Golden Core Realm, was not originally included in this group. But as Great Elder Zhang spoke, his peripheral vision also glanced at Zhang Lan, clearly hinting at him. "Yes, Great Elder." The Zhang family disciples responded, cupping their hands. Zhang Lan’s expression was complex, and he had no choice but to cup his hands along with the others. However, upon hearing that the Feng family prodigy was to discuss the sword with that "Mo Hua," Zhang Lan suddenly felt anticipation in his heart, yet simultaneously, an inexplicable sense of nervousness. The viewing platform for the Qianxue Debate was layered and immense. At this moment, the stand was filled with cultivators. Different cultivators had different viewing stands. There were areas for foreign cultivators, foreign aristocratic families and sects, local Qianxue cultivators, local aristocratic families, the elders of Qianxue sects, and sect disciples, as well as special VIP seats in high pavilions, each had their designated area. The crowd was massive but well-organized. The Feng family belonged to the Xun State aristocratic families, considered foreign, but they had a close relationship with the Carefree Sect, including sharing and exchanging cultivation techniques. With this relationship, the Feng family had designated seats on the Mount of Dao. Elder Feng led Great Elder Zhang and his party to the Feng family’s seating area, where everyone sat down one by one. Elder Feng then instructed people to serve fruits and tea, providing complete hospitality. Great Elder Zhang expressed his thanks, and then everyone sat quietly, drinking tea while waiting for the sword discussion to begin.