Seeing this, Song Yan and Zhong Ali exchanged a glance, both their gazes rather complicated.
"Fellow Daoist Zhong, your divine abilities are wondrous indeed. This battle truly taught me that beyond every expert stands another, and beyond every heaven lies another heaven."
Zhong Ali's expression remained calm at his words, though a faint blush rose to her cheeks, as if she were a little embarrassed.
She shook her head gently. "Why are you still saying that, Fellow Daoist Song? Since I used that method at the very end, it was no longer a fair contest between us. Naturally, you won."
Their exchange-one praising the other's formidable divine abilities, the other admitting she had resorted to a shortcut-left the thousands of cultivators below the platform lost in the clouds, exchanging bewildered glances.
For a time, a buzz of discussion rose below.
"Hahahaha! You are both outstanding talents of our age. There is no need to yield to each other."
The Taiyi Sect elder presiding over this Combat Forum stroked his beard and strode forward to stand between them.
"Once inside this Formless Illusion Realm, all divine abilities are sustained and manifested by the spirit vein. The purpose is to exchange insights and test your learning, not to fight to the death."
"You both gave your all and displayed your brilliance to the fullest. Moreover, both of you received a Grade A High assessment, thoroughly deserved!"
He smiled at Song Yan and Zhong Ali. "In this old Daoist's view, neither of you need yield any further. According to the gathering's rules, it is now time for you two True Persons to lecture on and discuss the Dao with our fellow cultivators here, sharing your insights into cultivation!"
"What do you all think?"
A chorus of eager agreement immediately rose from below.
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