All three had already awakened their True Dragon Power. Xia Tianzhong, like him, had even unlocked the fourth-level Dharma Aspect. They were catching up too quickly, and Chu Lingguang worried he would be completely suppressed for the remaining forty days.

However, even knowing he couldn’t beat them, now that he was on the shortlist and qualified to become the best candidate, Chu Lingguang couldn’t possibly run away without a fight.

Facing the trio’s provocation once again, Chu Lingguang learned from his experience and said calmly, "Perhaps I won’t be the only one competing with you when the time comes."

The three of them were stunned.

Then, they all looked toward Zhao Rushuang, who was standing behind Sima Army and the others.

Zhao Rushuang’s Bloodline Level had already evolved to be the same as the trio’s. As a Commandery Princess, the cultivation resources she had enjoyed since childhood were not to be underestimated.

Having entered the Trial Ground to cultivate this time, she must have also considered becoming the best candidate.

Besides, she was now also a student with Heavenly Talent.

"I certainly couldn’t win against you all."

Zhao Rushuang said with a smile.

Her words made Xia Tianzhong and the other two stiffen. Zhao Rushuang had just indirectly declared that she would also compete for the title of best candidate.

"The three of us all witnessed the Commandery Princess’s performance before the stone tablet. We welcome the Commandery Princess to compete."

Xia Tianzhong said with a laugh, then turned and left.

Long Xin and Xu Kanghui both gave Chu Lingguang and Zhao Rushuang a deep look.

"Chu Lingguang, why did you have to drag me into this?"

Zhao Rushuang said, displeased.

"Forgive me, Commandery Princess. I had no other choice. The three of them together are too strong. To have any chance against them, I need allies, and I believe you can help me."

Chu Lingguang explained.

The trio was aggressive and had all awakened their True Dragon Power. Chu Lingguang felt that in the remaining forty days of cultivation, he would be facing pressure from them on all fronts.

He needed allies. Zhao Rushuang had previously shown him goodwill, her own talent was extraordinary, and she knew the trio’s background. If he could learn everything about them from her, Chu Lingguang’s chances of winning would increase.

The reward, Washing Marrow, was an experience second only to a complete Rebirth—a total physical evolution in one’s Martial Arts Cultivation. Chu Lingguang couldn’t just ignore it. Even if he couldn’t win against the trio, he had to give it his all for his own sake.

’No point in overthinking it. I just have to do my best.’

"I knew you weren’t as simple and honest as you look. Fine, I’ll work with you."

Zhao Rushuang didn’t refuse. In fact, she had already been planning to cooperate with Chu Lingguang. The allure of Washing Marrow was too great for even her to resist.

"If you gentlemen are interested, you can join us as well."

Chu Lingguang looked at Sima Army and the others.

"Don’t joke around, Chu. You and Commandery Princess Rushuang both have Heavenly Talent. You’re already on the shortlist, and the Commandery Princess probably will be soon. As for us... we’re not qualified."

Sima Army said self-deprecatingly.

"There are still forty days left. Who’s to say you can’t also achieve Heavenly Talent?"

Chu Lingguang said encouragingly.

He knew that Sima Army and the others joining them wouldn’t necessarily be enough to defeat Xia Tianzhong’s trio. However, three heads are better than one. With their help, not only could they gain a better understanding of Xia Tianzhong’s trio, but they could also learn more throughout their remaining time for cultivation.

"Chu Lingguang is right. He isn’t afraid of Xia Tianzhong and his group, so why should you be?"

Zhao Rushuang teased. She also wanted more allies to help her and Chu Lingguang strategize. Even if it was just sharing insights with one another, it might produce an unexpected effect at a critical moment.

"Alright, I’m in!"

"Me too!"

"Count me in!"

...

In the end, Sima Army and the others were persuaded. They weren’t interested in competing to be the best candidate, as they knew their own limits. However, the idea of forming an opposition to Xia Tianzhong’s trio within the Trial Ground, engaging in an unseen contest, was a process they greatly relished.

After all, they would never get another chance like this once they left the Trial Ground.

After forming the alliance, the group began to secretly investigate every detail about Xia Tianzhong’s trio. As the Commandery Princess, Zhao Rushuang had many eyes and ears, and her knowledge in this area far surpassed that of Sima Army and the others. 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

That very night, she sent a thick stack of documents to Chu Lingguang.

Chu Lingguang spent the whole night reading and gained a completely new understanding of Xia Tianzhong’s trio. He discovered that whether it was Xia Tianzhong, Long Xin, or Xu Kanghui, each of them seemed to be an invincible existence.

It was as if three Yan Zhens were standing before him.

But since he was on the shortlist for best candidate and had a chance to receive the Washing Marrow, Chu Lingguang couldn’t give up so easily. He could only take it one step at a time.

And so, Chu Lingguang, Zhao Rushuang, and the others moved forward, each with their own agenda and calculations.

「The next day, inside the Learning Palace.」

The goat-bearded elder finally began to teach everyone how to cultivate the Zhenyuan Technique.

In Chu Lingguang’s imagination, people like Zhao Rushuang or Xia Tianzhong should have long since been practicing an Inner Power Heart Method, perhaps even cultivating the Mixed Element Skill. He never expected that they hadn’t even come into contact with an Inner Power Heart Method yet. Or rather, their strength hadn’t yet reached the point where they could begin cultivating one.

Guo Wei had once said that only after cultivating an Advanced Breathing Method to its absolute peak and building a solid foundation could one specialize in an Inner Power Heart Method and attempt Opening the Dantian and Qi Sea.

Whether it was Xia Tianzhong or Zhao Rushuang’s group, they were all exceptionally talented. Through their Breathing Technique, Operation Technique, Pile Skill, and even Bloodline Evolution Method, they had all taken a critical step on their cultivation path. Like Chu Lingguang, Xia Tianzhong’s trio had already formed a Qi Vortex in their abdomens, making them all Entry Level experts of the Qi Sea Realm.

On the path of cultivation, one could open the Dantian Qi Sea using an Inner Power Heart Method. However, if the conditions were right, and one’s Breathing Technique and Pile Skill reached a certain level, it was also possible to form a Qi Vortex in the abdomen before even starting to cultivate an Inner Power Heart Method.