Proposition: 【War】

As soon as these words were spoken, the other three elders immediately began whispering among themselves.

"War? That’s actually a compelling theme."

After some thought, Wen Lingwu nodded in agreement.

"Excellent! Through an illusionary realm, we can showcase the grandeur of war while allowing disciples to learn battlefield strategies… Elder Yang’s proposal has my full support!"

Lin Anzai was the most visibly excited.

Before arriving, he hadn’t known Yang Zhengxin would suggest "war" as the theme.

But he wholeheartedly approved of it.

Because when it came to large-scale battles, the strategic prowess of their Tianxuan Sect would be showcased to its fullest!

During the great righteous-demonic war thousands of years ago, the Tianxuan Sect had been at the very core of strategic importance!

Using "war" as the theme would undoubtedly play to their strengths!

"War? Hmph, I have no objections. But I wonder if that brat from the Lingxiao Sect can even pull it off!"

Li Jiujian snorted coldly, glancing at Zhao Wendao.

"Ah, no matter. Given that youngster’s intelligence, recreating a battlefield shouldn’t be too difficult."

Yang Zhengxin waved his hand with a faint smirk.

Zhao Wendao’s expression darkened, but he remained silent.

He had already guessed that Yang Zhengxin was deliberately targeting Lu Ze and wouldn’t let this go easily.

In the world of cultivation, once the concept of war was involved,

it wasn’t just a matter of covering a few hundred meters.

Even several kilometers might not be enough to encompass the scope of a battlefield.

Clearly, Yang Zhengxin had no intention of letting Lu Ze create the illusionary realm in the first place!

"Elder Yang, this theme is far too challenging for a junior."

Zhao Wendao finally spoke up.

"An illusionary realm centered on war isn’t just difficult for a Foundation Establishment cultivator—even you and I would struggle with it!"

His point was simple.

When it came to war, setting aside the sheer size of the illusionary space,

just orchestrating the battlefield and the clashes between countless factions would be an immense task.

"Elder Zhao does have a point… In the past, when elders created war-themed illusionary realms, the results were rather lackluster."

Wen Lingwu, who had a good relationship with the Lingxiao Sect, also spoke up in Zhao Wendao’s defense.

War-themed illusionary realms weren’t unheard of.

But after they were made, cultivators’ reviews had been far from favorable.

The scale was impressive.

There were plenty of battlefields with clashes everywhere.

Yet once participants engaged in combat, it all felt dull and uninspired.

Most of the cannon-fodder soldiers fought mechanically, devoid of any spirit.

Only a few commanders displayed any tactical intelligence.

After a few rounds of fighting, the illusion had the visuals of war but none of its essence.

The sect’s reputation had suffered as a result.

Since then, no one had attempted such a realm again.

Even if Lu Ze could somehow expand the illusionary space,

Wen Lingwu doubted he could capture the true feeling of war.

From that perspective, this was simply too harsh a challenge.

"Now, now, Elder Wen, what kind of talk is that? That youngster’s talent in illusionary realms defies conventional understanding. Just look at his ‘Cultivator’s Descent a Hundred Floors’—who would’ve thought to set traps like that?"

Lin Anzai, however, was adamant about pushing the "war" theme.

He was eager to see Tianxuan Sect disciples shine on the battlefield.

"Who knows? Maybe this kid can breathe life into a challenge no one else has managed to solve!"

Seeing Lin Anzai on his side, Yang Zhengxin seized the opportunity.

"Since Elder Lin agrees with this proposition, along with Elder Li and myself, that makes three votes in favor. Three to one—the ‘war’ theme is decided."

Without waiting for further discussion, Yang Zhengxin slammed the table to finalize the decision.

Zhao Wendao sighed.

Though reluctant, he had no choice.

A tree that stands tall is bound to attract the wind.

Lu Ze’s dazzling performance in recent days had naturally made other sects wary.

"As for Elder Zhao’s concerns about the difficulty for a Foundation Establishment disciple… why not invite Elder Ding back? I’m sure a war-themed illusionary realm would be no trouble for him."

Yang Zhengxin, feeling his scheme had succeeded, spoke smugly.

"Very well…"

Just as Zhao Wendao was about to concede, a calm young voice rang out from below:

"No need to trouble Elder Ding over such a trivial matter… I alone am more than enough."

The previously noisy Hall of Spirit Nurturing fell silent once more, just as it had three days prior.

The five elders on the platform stared at Lu Ze below as if they’d seen a ghost.

Lu Ze’s master, Nangong Yuan, immediately grew anxious:

"Lu Ze! Don’t be reckless! This kind of thing—"

"Zhao Wendao, your Lingxiao Sect has truly produced an extraordinary figure! Even elders find this illusionary realm challenging, yet he claims he can accomplish it alone?"

Yang Zhengxin burst into laughter, his gaze turning sinister as he looked at Lu Ze.

Originally, he had planned to force Zhao Wendao to replace Lu Ze, then humiliate him during the competition.

Now, he changed his mind.

Since Lu Ze claimed he could do it, let him try!

He wanted to see how a disciple who could only create an illusionary space of a few hundred meters would conjure the grandeur of a battlefield!

Fail?

Then the Lingxiao Sect would be disgraced alongside him!

Zhao Wendao quickly stepped in to mediate: "Haha, Elder Yang, don’t take it too seriously. Youngsters don’t understand the difficulty of this theme—it’s normal for them to be overconfident. How about—"

"Oh? So only the young are allowed to be ambitious, while this old man must lack spirit?"

A trace of anger flickered in Yang Zhengxin’s smile.

"This old man insists on seeing how he’ll create this illusionary realm today!"

Zhao Wendao and Nangong Yuan exchanged glances.

The two shared a silent understanding.

They both knew today’s matter wouldn’t end peacefully.

Yet before either could speak, Lu Ze smiled faintly and responded first:

"This disciple meant no offense… It’s just that my master has taught me many illusionary techniques. Applying them to the ‘war’ theme is more than sufficient."

Nangong Yuan’s eyes nearly bulged out of his head.

What nonsense! When had he ever taught Lu Ze how to create a war illusion?

He couldn’t even make one himself!

"Lu Ze, stop this foolishness! It’s still too early for you. Wait until your cultivation stabilizes before attempting such a challenge!"

Zhao Wendao frowned, quickly adopting a stern tone to feign reprimand.

"That won’t do! Your Lingxiao Sect already designated the creator of the illusionary realm. Now this junior has agreed himself… To change now would make your sect seem untrustworthy and dishonorable!"

Yang Zhengxin flatly refused.

Originally, he had wanted to help his ally, but now he only wanted to see Lu Ze humiliate himself.

Zhao Wendao’s brow furrowed.

Arbitrarily replacing the chosen candidate was indeed a serious breach of protocol.

If word spread, it would damage the sect’s reputation.

But the "war" theme had yet to be perfectly executed by any cultivator!

If Lu Ze were at the Nascent Soul stage or above, capable of constructing an entire world, his brilliance might have given him a chance.

At his current level, it was simply impossible!

On one side was his favored disciple; on the other, the sect’s honor.

Zhao Wendao was torn.

At that moment,

Lu Ze clasped his hands and bowed deeply.

"Master, Grand Elder. This disciple is willing to try."

Zhao Wendao stared at him in disbelief.

After a moment of hesitation, he nodded solemnly. "Then give it a try."

"As you command, Master."

Lu Ze bowed respectfully.

It wasn’t that he enjoyed being the one to step forward.

But this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to promote his game—he couldn’t let it slip away.

"Excellent! Truly, heroes emerge from the young! Now, let me elaborate on the other requirements for this task!"

Yang Zhengxin clapped his hands and began listing his demands in an orderly manner.

"First, since this is about war, the illusion must be themed around the ancient [Righteous-Demonic War] from millennia ago."

"Second, it must showcase the unique techniques of each participating sect."

"Third, the disciple representatives must enter the illusion together, participate in the war, and be evaluated through a clear scoring system."

"Fourth..."

"The illusion must be completed independently—no assistance or involvement from anyone else is permitted!"