Chapter 5146: Ability Editor: Misty Cloud Translations The other three furrowed their brows slightly. One of them said, "Who would’ve thought his methods were so formidable? There were still some cultivators left on this immortal island who hadn’t departed, but now he’s subdued them all and is using them at his command." "The Phoenix Empress instructed us to await his orders. Now that things have turned out this way, if the Phoenix Empress finds out, might..." Events had not unfolded as they anticipated, throwing their plans into disarray and stirring unease within them. "So what do you suggest we do? Bow down to him?" One Monarch asked, his face grim, displeasure in his eyes. "That Du Fan? That brat only dares act this way because he’s close to the Phoenix Empress. If we submit today, how can we ever hold our heads high again?" "Given the current situation, what solution do you propose?" The first Monarch rebuked. At this, they fell silent for a moment. After a pause, the displeased Monarch spoke: "Since ancient times, strength has commanded respect. We could submit to his command only if his power surpassed ours." Glancing at the other three, he continued: " I shall challenge him to combat. Should I prevail, he shall serve under our command. Moreover, he must personally report to the Phoenix Empress that he relinquished his authority due to incompetence. What say you?" "But... he’s no fool. Knowing he cannot defeat you, how could he possibly accept your challenge?" Another Monarch shook his head, convinced Du Fan would never agree to such an absurd demand. "How will we know unless we try? If I lose, what harm is there in bowing to him?" The Monarch stood, swept his robe, and strode toward the main hall. Inside the main hall, Du Fan had arranged a long table for handling affairs. He sat there managing matters while listening to several cultivators reporting from the center of the hall. "Young Master, this is the inventory list after the island’s thorough check. All items have been categorized and secured. Guards are stationed to protect them. You may inspect them anytime." As he spoke, one of the attendants stepped forward and placed the list before Du Fan. "Young Master, after the announcement was made, we’ve received numerous visiting cards from Monarchs today. These are the cards they sent in. Their envoys are waiting outside the Immortal Island, awaiting your summons." Another attendant said, presenting the visiting cards. "Young Master, these are the materials you instructed us to gather." A third attendant placed the documents before him and then stepped back to stand at attention. Du Fan skimmed through the visiting cards—about a dozen in total—each bearing the self-reported family lineage and background of the sender. After a cursory glance, he consulted the reference materials for further details on these visiting Monarchs. "Admit them," Du Fan said without looking up, continuing to flip through the documents. "Yes, sir," the cultivator replied respectfully before withdrawing. "You two wait nearby," Du Fan instructed the two cultivators in the hall, still not looking up. "Yes." The two responded, exchanged a glance, then moved to stand guard beside him. However, before the visiting monarchs arrived, the four monarchs who had been idly waiting on the Immortal Island came first. As the four entered, the one leading the group spotted Du Fan buried in his documents and cleared his throat loudly. "Is there no one guarding the hall?" Du Fan frowned, lifting his head with displeasure.