Zhao Rushuang said, filled with righteous indignation.

Chu Lingguang sank into contemplation.

The idea of atoning with the Dragon Claw Tree wasn’t wrong, but Du Wushuang had never mentioned the dangers involved. The day he’d made the promise, Chu Lingguang had vaguely sensed a perilous aura. Still, thinking of how he had taken Du Wushuang’s spot, he had agreed anyway.

He just never imagined that retrieving a single Dragon Claw Branch would be this dangerous.

’Atonement?’

’Could it be that Du Wushuang isn’t the one who wants to atone, but that he wants *me* to atone to *him*?’

’If that’s the case, then haven’t I been tricked by Du Wushuang?’

But as he carefully recalled the events of that day, Chu Lingguang didn’t think Du Wushuang was toying with him. When they first fought, he had defeated Du Wushuang in just two rounds. Du Wushuang had been completely convinced of his strength. Moreover, Du Wushuang was the adopted son of Mr. Du, and Chu Lingguang was one of Mr. Du’s disciples. He shouldn’t have the guts to plot against him.

After thinking it over, Chu Lingguang asked, "Commandery Princess, please tell me where I can find a Dragon Claw Tree in this Trial Ground."

Chu Lingguang chose to trust Du Wushuang.

’Since I promised him, I should at least see what the Dragon Claw Tree looks like and find out how hard it is to get a branch. I can’t just do nothing and tell him I’m not up to the task!’

Deep down, Chu Lingguang still felt a little guilty for taking Du Wushuang’s spot.

Whether Du Wushuang had deceived him or not, Chu Lingguang felt he had to at least try. 𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞

"Is he that important to you?"

Zhao Rushuang wanted to get a clear answer.

"His name is Du Wushuang. He’s the adopted son of Mr. Du. I was only able to enter the Trial Ground to practice because I took his place."

Chu Lingguang explained after a moment’s hesitation.

"Then he’s definitely tricking you! It’s obvious he wants you to use the Dragon Claw Tree to atone to *him*. The man is vicious."

Zhao Rushuang said instinctively.

"Du said he wants to use the Dragon Claw Tree to atone to his clan and parents. He changed his name and became Mr. Du’s adopted son, a sin tantamount to betraying his ancestors. His birth parents can’t hold their heads high in the clan. Only through atonement with the Dragon Claw Tree can they stand tall again, and only then can his name be restored to the family records."

Chu Lingguang explained.

"For a sin that great, he doesn’t handle it himself but asks you to atone for him? He’s definitely just using you."

Zhao Rushuang shook her head, convinced that Chu Lingguang was being manipulated by Du Wushuang.

Chu Lingguang’s resolve began to waver.

Zhao Rushuang’s analysis made sense.

He thought for a moment, then focused on a key point. "Du said that Dragon Claw Trees can only be found inside the Trial Ground. Is that true?"

"Well..."

Zhao Rushuang racked her brain, seeming hesitant.

"Please, Commandery Princess, tell me the truth."

Chu Lingguang was weighing the situation in his mind; Zhao Rushuang’s answer was crucial.

Zhao Rushuang seemed to sense what was on his mind and answered tactfully, "The Great Yuan Dynasty is vast and full of wonders. I can’t say for sure whether Dragon Claw Trees exist outside the Trial Ground, but I believe they must. For instance, in some forbidden forests or ancient ruins... so..."

"So, you only suspect they might grow elsewhere. But in most people’s minds, Dragon Claw Trees do, in fact, only grow inside the Trial Ground."

Chu Lingguang read between the lines and added his own conclusion.

"You’re right."

Zhao Rushuang sighed.

’If Dragon Claw Trees are only found in the Trial Ground, then Du didn’t lie to me.’ Chu Lingguang breathed an inward sigh of relief. He had also been afraid of being manipulated by Du Wushuang. He bowed with his hands clasped and said to Zhao Rushuang, "Please, Commandery Princess, tell me where in the Trial Ground the Dragon Claw Tree is located."

"It’s behind the stone monument. If you circle the mountain, you’ll find it. But I have to warn you, even if Du Wushuang didn’t lie, you shouldn’t go anywhere near that tree."

Zhao Rushuang urged him kindly.

"Alright. Thank you, Commandery Princess."

Chu Lingguang nodded.

He immediately followed Zhao Rushuang’s directions, circling the mountain toward the area behind the stone monument.

"Why is he so stubborn? I give up."

Zhao Rushuang watched Chu Lingguang’s figure circle the base of the mountain. Finally, she stomped her foot in frustration and ran after him, shouting, "Chu Lingguang, wait for me! I’ll take you, or you’ll never find it!"

Just then, Xia Tianzhong and his two companions emerged from the hundred-meter zone. The three of them were covered in blood and sweat, on the verge of complete exhaustion.

"Why are they circling around to the back of the mountain?"

"I heard them talking about the Dragon Claw Tree."

"I think Chu Lingguang is going to cut a branch from the Dragon Claw Tree."

The three of them murmured curiously.

Half an hour later, with Zhao Rushuang guiding him, Chu Lingguang finally saw the Dragon Claw Tree. Its trunk was as winding and thick as a dragon’s body, and its branches were as menacing as dragon claws. The bark had a scaled pattern, as if covered in dragon scales. The entire tree was leafless. Within a hundred-meter radius, not a single blade of grass grew; the earth was parched and cracked. The ancient tree stood alone, its jet-black form looking vigorous yet somewhat frightening.

Chu Lingguang didn’t feel any oppressive draconic aura or see any flashes of lightning. Yet, even from over a hundred meters away, he could clearly feel the True Dragon Power within him being drawn out. It surged uncontrollably, roaring to be released, as if it wanted to feed the Dragon Claw Tree.

"The electrical Potential Energy it carries is terrifying. Even with the protection of your True Dragon Power and your mastery of a fourth-level Dharma Aspect, it’s still dangerous to approach it."

"Furthermore, even if you manage to get close, every single branch is as tough as a blade. Cutting one off is next to impossible."

Zhao Rushuang warned.

"Yes, I understand."

Chu Lingguang gave a slight nod.

Then, he took a deep breath and started walking toward the Dragon Claw Tree. He didn’t act recklessly. Instead, he took a tentative step forward, placing one foot onto the cracked earth first.