Yunshan deliberately released his Rank Ninety-Seven soul power.
Because of Yin Zhang's intention, the fluctuation was neither concealed nor excessive—just enough for every enshrined elder within the Hall of Offerings to clearly sense it.
Now that Yin Zhang and Yunshan had stepped inside, the difference in their positions was immediately apparent.
Yunshan deliberately stayed half a step behind Yin Zhang.
Whether in posture, gaze, or subtle mannerisms, he showed clear respect—甚至 a hint of reverence—toward Yin Zhang.
This scene caused visible surprise among the seven enshrined elders present, including Yin Zhang's own teacher, Golden Crocodile Douluo.
Qian Daoliu's gaze shifted toward Jin E.
At this moment, as Yin Zhang's teacher, Jin E was the most appropriate person to speak.
Before Jin E could open his mouth, however, Yin Zhang spoke first.
"Teacher, honored elders, it has been several months since we last met. Greetings."
The words themselves were plain and courteous—but that wasn't what drew attention.
Immediately afterward, Yunshan also bowed slightly.
"Greetings to all the honored elders."
For a Rank Ninety-Seven peak Douluo, such humility was rare.
Especially when the person he deferred to—Yin Zhang—was regarded as a junior among the enshrined elders.
Jin E's eyes flickered with surprise, but he still chose to ask calmly:
"Xiao Zhang, who is this gentleman beside you? Why has he come to Spirit Hall? Please introduce him to us."
Yin Zhang nodded.
"Teacher, honored elders, this senior beside me is named Yunshan."
"When Hu Liena and I left Spirit Hall earlier, we encountered Senior Yunshan on the way to the Yang family of the Breaking Clan. At the time, he was severely injured. By coincidence, I was able to help him."
"Afterward, Senior Yunshan tested my strength and found it satisfactory. He also wished to find a force to rely on—both to avoid wasting his remaining years for meager resources, and to have a place to settle down."
"Therefore, I invited him to join Spirit Hall."
Yin Zhang paused briefly, then continued:
"However, Senior Yunshan has one condition—he wishes to directly enter the Hall of Offerings as an enshrined elder."
"I have tentatively agreed, but my authority is insufficient to make such a decision alone. That is why I have brought Senior Yunshan here, hoping to receive the approval of my teacher and the honored elders."
His explanation matched exactly what the elders had expected.
After all, what other possibility could there be?
That Yunshan had been convinced by Yin Zhang's strength and voluntarily chosen to join Spirit Hall—while rare—was still reasonable.
Qian Daoliu's interest deepened.
The aura surrounding Yunshan made even him feel faintly vigilant.
He could not tell whether this pressure came from Yunshan's original martial soul—or something deeper.
Jin E, meanwhile, felt both pleased and cautious.
A Rank Ninety-Seven peak Douluo was an extraordinary asset—but caution was necessary.
What if Yunshan harbored ulterior motives?
Yin Zhang spoke again:
"Senior Yunshan's martial soul is wind—more precisely, the wind element. His soul power is Rank Ninety-Seven at the peak, and his ninth soul ring is a hundred-thousand-year soul ring."
Qian Daoliu's expression changed.
After a moment, he spoke slowly:
"Yunshan, Spirit Hall welcomes powerful allies. However, to enter the Hall of Offerings directly, you must pass two trials."
"The first is the Question of the Heart—a soul test personally issued by my Six-Winged Angel martial soul. If you pass, it will prove your sincerity."
"The second trial is a challenge among the enshrined elders."
"If you defeat seven elders, you will become a Seventh Elder."
"If you defeat three elders, you will become a Third Elder."
Yin Zhang transmitted his voice calmly to Yunshan.
"No problem."
Then he asked aloud, "Elder Yunshan, are you confident?"
Yunshan nodded without hesitation.
"Rest assured, Young Master. I've always passed these so-called tests flawlessly since childhood. I'm not sure why—but I've never failed."
Under the system's influence, Yunshan genuinely believed he had grown up in this world, not that he had been created artificially.
Since Yunshan was confident, Yin Zhang felt at ease.
Qian Daoliu nodded in satisfaction and summoned his martial soul.
The Six-Winged Angel appeared, holy light cascading down like a divine judgment.
The hall filled with reverence and awe.
Everyone—except Yin Zhang and Yunshan.
Due to special reasons, Yin Zhang was immune to this pressure.
As for Yunshan, he simply felt no reverence toward an existence he did not recognize as his god.
Qian Daoliu's voice echoed solemnly:
"Yunshan, answer me. Do you join Spirit Hall with sincere intent, or with hidden motives?"
Yunshan's expression remained calm.
"I join Spirit Hall with genuine sincerity and no ulterior motives."
The holy light did not reject him.
Qian Daoliu nodded, relief evident in his eyes.
Spirit Hall had gained another true powerhouse.
With a laugh, Qian Daoliu withdrew his martial soul.
"Very well. Elder Yunshan, choose one among the seven of us to challenge."
"If you succeed, you shall officially become an enshrined elder of the Hall of Offerings."
Yunshan immediately sent a message to Yin Zhang.
"Young Master, who should I challenge?"
For Yunshan himself, the choice hardly mattered.
Other than Qian Daoliu—who still possessed divine power—there was no one he truly feared.
Golden Crocodile Douluo might be worth testing, but Yin Zhang dismissed the idea immediately.
That was his teacher.
Qianjun and Jiangmo were the grandfathers of Qian Gu Yunying—also unsuitable.
Moreover, challenging the lowest-ranked elders would only prolong the process.
Yin Zhang made his decision.
"Challenge the Third Elder—Azure Phoenix Douluo."
Yunshan smiled and nodded.
"Understood. If that's your wish, Young Master, then it shall be him."
Azure Phoenix Douluo, Qingluan, was elegant and refined—handsome in a way that bordered on beauty, yet utterly different from the strange affectations of Chrysanthemum Douluo.
Yunshan scanned the seven elders, then fixed his gaze on Qingluan, who stood beside Jin E.
The two exchanged glances and nodded politely.
Qingluan Douluo felt utterly helpless.
Why does it have to be me?
Yunshan turned toward Qian Daoliu and spoke clearly:
"Senior Qian Daoliu. I choose to challenge the Third Elder—Azure Phoenix Douluo."
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