Since breaking through to the middle stage of Foundation Establishment, Lin Tian's cultivation has steadily improved, and his daily cultivation has become exceptionally smooth. Within the cave dwelling, spiritual energy swirls as Lin Tian sits quietly, feeling the operation of the spiritual energy within his body, his mind peaceful. However, as the sect grand competition approaches, he vaguely feels a sense of unease in his heart. This unease seems not to stem from a bottleneck in his cultivation but from the gradually tense atmosphere within the sect. Lin Tian remembers that after returning from the secret realm, Senior Brother Zhou Ming mentioned some rumors, saying that the competition within the sect has become increasingly fierce, and some disciples even resort to unscrupulous means to vie for higher rankings. Although these words sound somewhat exaggerated, Lin Tian can't help but become vigilant. After all, in the world of cultivation, interests and power often drive people to do unexpected things. "It seems that this grand competition is not just a simple contest of strength but hides many undercurrents behind it." Lin Tian ponders inwardly. He understands that the sect grand competition is not only an opportunity to showcase strength but also an important platform for disciples to contend for resources and status. To stand out in the competition, some disciples spare no effort in using various tactics. Thinking of this, Lin Tian can't help but be vigilant. Although he has always been kind to others, he also knows that in such an environment, relying solely on strength is not enough to deal with everything; one also needs to maintain sufficient vigilance. "Under such circumstances, keeping a low profile might not be a bad thing." Lin Tian secretly decides that before the grand competition, he will try to avoid direct conflicts with others and focus on his own cultivation and preparations to perform at his best in the competition. A few days later, while Lin Tian was cultivating in the square of the sect, he overheard two disciples whispering to each other. Although their voices were low, Lin Tian's sharp divine sense still captured their conversation. "Have you heard? Recently, Senior Brother Li from the Inner Sect and Senior Sister Chen have had a serious disagreement, seemingly over the ownership of a treasure." One disciple whispered. "Well, I've heard too. Senior Brother Li has always been assertive, but this time, Senior Sister Chen refuses to give in. It seems that the struggle among the Inner Sect disciples has already begun before the grand competition." Another disciple echoed. When Lin Tian heard this, his heart stirred. Both Senior Brother Li and Senior Sister Chen are renowned and powerful within the sect. Especially Senior Brother Li, who has profound cultivation and extensive connections within the sect. This conflict between him and Senior Sister Chen will undoubtedly draw widespread attention from the Inner Sect disciples. "It seems that the competition within the Inner Sect has also become more intense." Lin Tian ponders inwardly. Such struggles are not merely personal conflicts but might also involve the forces and resource allocation behind them. In such a complex environment of the sect, one might be drawn into it with the slightest carelessness. Lin Tian is not willing to be embroiled in these complex battles, but he understands that at such a crucial moment as the sect grand competition, there is no escape. He must make thorough preparations to deal with various possible situations that may arise. "However, still be careful and not trust others easily." Lin Tian warns himself inwardly. He knows that some fellow disciples are friendly on the surface but, when it comes to interests, the human heart is unpredictable. Instead of responding passively, it is better to actively enhance his own strength to truly be invincible. Just as Lin Tian is concentrating on his cultivation, a sudden challenge breaks the tranquility of his life. One early morning, just after Lin Tian completed a period of secluded cultivation, he heard a commotion outside his cave dwelling.Immediately after, an Inner Sect disciple hurried over, looking somewhat uneasy: "Senior Brother Lin, someone has specifically challenged you by name!" "Challenge me?" Lin Tian frowned slightly. He doesn't remember offending anyone. The disciple nodded: "It's Senior Brother Zhou Yan. He said you obtained something in the secret realm that doesn't belong to you and demands that you hand it over. Otherwise, he will cripple your cultivation before the grand competition." "Zhou Yan?" When Lin Tian heard this name, his heart slightly jolted. Zhou Yan is one of the rare talented disciples within the sect and has already reached the later stage of Foundation Establishment. His strength is far above Lin Tian's. Why would such a strong person suddenly come for him? After pondering for a moment, Lin Tian immediately understood a few points. Zhou Yan's approach is likely not just for a certain treasure in the secret realm but also because his position and prestige within the sect are gradually being challenged, and he needs to suppress other disciples to consolidate his position. "It seems that this challenge is not simple." Lin Tian ponders inwardly. He knows that Zhou Yan's move is not just to show off his strength but more likely to weaken potential competitors before the grand competition through this means. And himself, obviously, has been regarded as a threat. "Senior Brother Lin, should I inform the sect leader?" The disciple asked nervously. Lin Tian waved his hand, indicating that there's no need: "It's fine. Since Senior Brother Zhou Yan specifically challenges me, I will accept. But there's no need to disturb the sect leader for this matter." The disciple, seeing this, nodded and turned to leave hurriedly. Lin Tian stands in front of the cave dwelling, his gaze profound. Although Zhou Yan is powerful, he is not without a fighting chance. Through the tempering in the secret realm and this period of cultivation, he has a clear understanding of his own strength. He decides to face this challenge and use this opportunity to test the fruits of his cultivation. "Since he has come looking for me, let me see how strong he is." Lin Tian sneers inwardly. The rule in the world of cultivation is that the strong reign supreme. If he can demonstrate sufficient strength in this challenge, he can deter those who have ill intentions towards him. Facing Zhou Yan's challenge, Lin Tian does not act rashly but thinks carefully. Within the cave dwelling, Lin Tian takes out several magical artifacts obtained in the secret realm and carefully examines them. "These magical artifacts might have remarkable effects in the battle, but Zhou Yan is powerful. I can't be careless." Lin Tian ponders inwardly. He knows that relying solely on magical artifacts is not enough to deal with an opponent at the later stage of Foundation Establishment. More importantly, one needs to be perfect in battle techniques and the application of spells. Lin Tian then begins to formulate his battle strategy. Based on his understanding of Zhou Yan, he Speculation several tactics that Zhou Yan might use and comes up with several countermeasures. At the same time, he also practices the combination of the "Heavenly Gang Demon-Suppressing Array" and the "Nine Heavens Thunder Rune" once more to ensure that he can quickly set up the array during the battle to counter Zhou Yan's powerful offensive. "The state of mind is also crucial in such a battle." Lin Tian is well aware of the impact of the state of mind on the outcome of the battle. Therefore, he deliberately spends some time cultivating his state of mind at the Dust-Forgetting Cliff to further stabilize his mind and ensure that he will not be overwhelmed by the opponent's momentum during the battle. After some preparations, Lin Tian feels that he is fully prepared to meet Zhou Yan's challenge. He stands in front of the cave dwelling, looking towards the distant horizon, with a glint of calmness and determination in his eyes. "No matter the outcome, I will go all out." Lin Tian silently makes a vow in his heart. He knows that this is not just an ordinary challenge but also an opportunity to test the fruits of his cultivation. The day of the challenge arrives quickly. On the martial arts arena of the sect, many disciples have already gathered. They have all heard the news of Zhou Yan's challenge to Lin Tian and have come to watch. For these disciples, this battle is not only a contest between two strong individuals but also a highlight before the grand competition. Zhou Yan has already stood in the center of the arena. Dressed in white, he looks calm and composed, seemingly confident of victory in this battle. Lin Tian, on the other hand, walks forward slowly, his gaze like torches, looking directly at Zhou Yan. "Junior Brother Lin, I heard that you obtained many good things in the secret realm. Why not share them with me?" Zhou Yan smiles and says, his tone carrying a hint of provocation. "Senior Brother Zhou is joking. Opportunities in the secret realm are obtained by those with fate. Since I was able to obtain them, they belong to me." Lin Tian's expression remains unchanged as he coldly responds. Upon hearing this, Zhou Yan smiles and then suddenly moves, lunging towards Lin Tian. His speed is extremely fast, approaching Lin Tian in the blink of an eye. Simultaneously, his spirit sword is unsheathed, carrying a sharp sword aura and stabbing directly at Lin Tian's chest. Lin Tian is well-prepared. With a light tap of his foot, his figure retreats like the wind. At the same time, he makes hand seals and instantly condenses a force of thunder in his palm, meeting Zhou Yan's offensive. The two forces collide in the air, emitting a deafening explosion, causing spiritual energy to scatter in all directions. The disciples watching around are all amazed. This initial strike showcases the powerful strength of both sides. Especially Lin Tian's force of thunder, which makes people look at him with new eyes. "Junior Brother Lin is indeed extraordinary. However, relying on just this won't enable you to defeat me." Zhou Yan sneers and launches another offensive. This time, his figure transforms into several afterimages, quickly surrounding Lin Tian. Simultaneously, the spirit sword draws out several sword auras, blocking Lin Tian's retreat. Facing Zhou Yan's offensive, Lin Tian remains calm. He has already anticipated Zhou Yan's speed and attack method. Therefore, the moment Zhou Yan launches the attack, Lin Tian promptly sets up the "Heavenly Gang Demon-Suppressing Array". With the activation of the array, the spiritual energy around suddenly changes. A powerful oppressive force surges from all directions towards Zhou Yan. Zhou Yan only feels that the space around him seems to freeze instantly, his movements become sluggish, and the flow of his spiritual energy is greatly hindered. "What kind of array is this?" Zhou Yan is startled in his heart. Clearly, he did not expect Lin Tian to be able to set up such a Exquisite and exquisite array. Lin Tian does not answer but continues to operate the array. Simultaneously, he activates the thunder force of the "Nine Heavens Thunder Rune" and launches a counterattack against Zhou Yan. The combination of the thunder force and the suppressive force of the array immediately forms a powerful offensive, forcing Zhou Yan to retreat repeatedly. "Lin Tian, you do have some tricks." Zhou Yan is secretly surprised. Only now does he realize that he has underestimated Lin Tian's strength. However, as a strong individual at the later stage of Foundation Establishment, Zhou Yan will not easily admit defeat. He grits his teeth and forcibly operates his spiritual energy, attempting to break through Lin Tian's array blockade. "Thunder Shakes the Nine Heavens!" Lin Tian shouts loudly and quickly makes hand seals. Immediately, thunder rumbles in the sky and several bolts of lightning descend like swimming dragons, directly targeting Zhou Yan's head. Zhou Yan's expression changes upon seeing this and he hurriedly wields his sword to defend. However, those bolts of lightning seem to have a spirit of their own, bypassing his defense and directly hitting his body. Zhou Yan groans and is struck by the lightning. His figure trembles and he retreats several steps. He feels a chaos in his internal spiritual energy and has clearly suffered significant injuries. "It seems that this time you underestimated me, Senior Brother Zhou." Lin Tian coldly says, his gaze carrying a hint of battle intent. He knows that he has gained the upper hand in this confrontation. The disciples watching around start discussing among themselves upon seeing this scene. None of them expected that Lin Tian could gain the upper hand in the confrontation with Zhou Yan and even force Zhou Yan into retreat. "Humph, Lin Tian, don't be too complacent!" Zhou Yan grits his teeth, clearly unwilling to admit defeat. With a furious roar, the spiritual energy within his body suddenly erupts, seemingly restoring his condition in an instant. His gaze becomes sharp and his entire person transforms into a fierce beast, launching a final assault towards Lin Tian. Lin Tian has already anticipated this move from Zhou Yan. He is not panicked but once again activates the array and the thunder force, engaging in a fierce confrontation with Zhou Yan. The two's offensives continuously interweave. The spiritual energy and lightning collide in the air, emitting dazzling light. The fluctuation of spiritual energy on the entire martial arts arena is intense, as if it could be torn apart by their battle at any moment. The disciples watching hold their breaths and nervously observe this head-on confrontation. At this moment, they all know that this is not just an ordinary challenge but a contest that determines status and honor. The battle gradually reaches a white-hot stage. Both Lin Tian and Zhou Yan have reached their limits in their offensives. Lin Tian, relying on the combination of the "Heavenly Gang Demon-Suppressing Array" and the "Nine Heavens Thunder Rune", successfully suppresses Zhou Yan. However, he knows in his heart that this state cannot be maintained for long and the battle must be ended quickly. Although Zhou Yan is powerful, under the suppression of the array, his spiritual energy consumption is also extremely severe and he is already somewhat powerless. His offensive becomes increasingly wild, as if he wants to use his last strength to break through Lin Tian's blockade. At this critical moment, Lin Tian suddenly changes his battle strategy. He withdraws part of the suppressive force of the array and concentrates all his spiritual energy on the thunder force in his hand. With a shout, the lightning in the sky suddenly condenses into a huge thunderbolt, directly targeting Zhou Yan. Zhou Yan's expression changes drastically upon seeing this and he hurriedly operates his spiritual energy to defend. But that thunderbolt is extremely powerful, instantly penetrating his defense and landing heavily on him. "Boom!" With a loud explosion, Zhou Yan's body is struck by the thunderbolt and flies backward, heavily landing on the ground. His spiritual energy is completely scattered and he spits out a mouthful of blood, clearly having suffered severe injuries. Lin Tian, seeing this, withdraws his spiritual energy and slowly walks towards Zhou Yan, coldly saying: "Senior Brother Zhou, this time you have lost." Zhou Yan lies on the ground, his gaze carrying unwillingness and anger. But he knows that he is no longer capable of continuing the fight. Lin Tian's strength far exceeds his expectations. Especially under the suppression of the thunder force, he was unable to exert his full strength. The disciples around, upon seeing this scene, all let out exclamations of surprise. None of them expected that Lin Tian could achieve victory in the confrontation with Zhou Yan. The outcome of this battle exceeds everyone's expectations. "Junior Brother Lin is truly remarkable. It seems that in this sect grand competition, there will undoubtedly be a place for you." One disciple sighs, his eyes carrying a hint of admiration. Lin Tian does not respond but turns and leaves the martial arts arena. He knows that although he has won this battle, the forces behind Zhou Yan will not let it go easily. He must be more cautious and prepare for more challenges that might arise next. With Lin Tian's departure, the commotion on the martial arts arena gradually subsides and the disciples disperse one after another. However, the aftermath of this battle stirs up quite a wave within the sect. Everyone realizes that this sect grand competition will be an exceptionally fierce battle and Lin Tian will undoubtedly be one of the most dazzling presences.