All of this was a matter of destiny, a matter of fortune.

It was inseparable from hard work, but even more, it required one to stay true to their original purpose. To always forge ahead, to have the strength to cross that shadow, and the confidence to coexist with it.

Chu Lingguang was filled with emotion.

He walked out of the cave, holding the Bone Marrow Cleansing Liquid.

The cave was brightly lit by flames. Everyone saw Chu Lingguang come from behind to easily claim the Bone Marrow Cleansing Liquid on the stone platform. Xia Tianzhong and the others seemed frozen in place, their hands still reaching for the platform, oblivious that the liquid had already fallen into Chu Lingguang’s possession.

The stone platform was now empty.

"Such is time, such is fate!"

Yun Hong lamented.

Chu Lingguang had surpassed everyone’s expectations. He had not only formed a Dantian Qi Sea but also awakened the power of the Divine Image and unlocked a fifth-level Dharma Aspect. Then, in the final trial, he had relied on his transcendent Mental Realm and powerful Spiritual Defense to easily obtain the Bone Marrow Cleansing Liquid. It was all as if predetermined by fate. Though surprising, it felt perfectly natural in hindsight.

"The Bone Marrow Cleansing Liquid?"

Just then, Xia Tianzhong broke free from the Illusion Realm. He reached out to grab it, but his hand closed on empty air. Looking behind him in a daze, he saw that the Bone Marrow Cleansing Liquid was already in Chu Lingguang’s possession and the stone platform was bare.

He stared blankly at Chu Lingguang.

’If I had gotten the Bone Marrow Cleansing Liquid, my body would have undergone Washing Marrow. I would have awakened my Bloodline Divine Abilities much faster than Chu Lingguang. The current gap between us could have been closed, and I could even have surpassed him, leaving him far in my dust.’

But in the end, the Bone Marrow Cleansing Liquid had fallen into Chu Lingguang’s hands.

Recalling the Illusion Realm, Xia Tianzhong, though unreconciled, had to admit that he had stumbled badly when it came to his Mental Realm.

He recalled that day before the Dragon Claw Tree when he had asked Chu Lingguang for his reasons. Back then, he hadn’t understood, even thinking Chu Lingguang was a blockhead. Only now did he realize just how important a strong Mental Realm was.

’I should be like Chu Lingguang. Draw my sword in the shadows, press forward in despair, and never forget my original purpose. Only then can I surpass myself.’

At this thought, Xia Tianzhong walked out of the cave, his face a mask of dejection. This outcome was not what he had expected, but Chu Lingguang had unlocked a fifth-level Dharma Aspect, awakened the power of the Divine Image, and his Heart Guarding Skill was superior. Though Xia Tianzhong felt a sense of bitter loss, he was genuinely convinced of his defeat.

"The Bone Marrow Cleansing Liquid?"

Next, Zhao Rushuang emerged from the Illusion Realm.

She quickly discovered that the Bone Marrow Cleansing Liquid had fallen into Chu Lingguang’s hands, making him the chosen one. She was dazed for a moment, a pang of sadness striking her. Like Xia Tianzhong, she had hoped to use the Bone Marrow Cleansing Liquid to turn the tables and one day surpass Chu Lingguang. Who would have thought that, in the end, it would still fall into his hands?

But when she remembered that Chu Lingguang’s strength was already above everyone else’s and that he was the one who defeated the Demon-Horned Bull, Zhao Rushuang could only accept the outcome. She walked out of the cave in silence.

Following them were Long Xin, Xu Kanghui, and the other three students.

As they emerged from the Illusion Realm, they were first dazed, then frantic when they saw the empty stone platform. When they finally realized the Bone Marrow Cleansing Liquid was in Chu Lingguang’s hands, they were surprised, but also felt it was an acceptable outcome.

At the very least, Chu Lingguang’s contributions made him worthy of the Bone Marrow Cleansing Liquid. They didn’t feel he had gotten it undeservedly.

The contest for the ideal candidate came to a close.

Through a stroke of serendipity, Chu Lingguang had obtained the Bone Marrow Cleansing Liquid.

Although Yun Hong, Poisonous Snake, Xu Zhongguo, and the other Trial Ground instructors were surprised, they also felt this outcome was perfectly fitting.

Xu Zhongguo smiled. "Chu Lingguang, you can consume this Bone Marrow Cleansing Liquid right now. We can stand guard and help you expel all the impurities from your body, allowing you to attain a Pure True Body and achieve Physical Body Communication."

"’A Pure True Body and Physical Body Communication?’"

Chu Lingguang was surprised. Those two phrases alone sounded incredibly profound.

"’Physical Body Communication might be an overstatement, but attaining a Pure True Body is certainly possible. After you consume this Bone Marrow Cleansing Liquid and undergo Washing Marrow, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of your own body. It will also become much easier to unlock your Bloodline Divine Abilities in the future.’"

Yun Hong added.

Chu Lingguang nodded slightly. ’It seems Pure True Body and Physical Body Communication are Physical Body Realms. They must be a great help for cultivation and awakening.’

So he asked, "Instructors, is there an age limit for consuming the Bone Marrow Cleansing Liquid?"

"No, but the younger the user, the better the effect."

Xu Zhongguo replied with a smile.

"In that case, if my master were to take this Bone Marrow Cleansing Liquid, it could help him as well."

Chu Lingguang said, clutching the Bone Marrow Cleansing Liquid.

"What?"

His words made everyone freeze.

Pan Tonghui, standing guard in the corner, looked as if he’d been struck by lightning.

"This is the Bone Marrow Cleansing Liquid," Poisonous Snake reminded him. "It performs Washing Marrow and can grant you a Pure True Body."

"Instructor, you may not know this, but my master treats me as his own son. I owe him a debt of gratitude as vast as a mountain. His Qi Blood is failing now, and his health worsens by the day. If this Bone Marrow Cleansing Liquid can help him defy fate and prolong his life, then there is no one more suited to receive it."

Chu Lingguang said with heartfelt sincerity.

There was no trace of hypocrisy in his words.

’First of all, I have my Favor Points to back me up. Second, giving this Bone Marrow Cleansing Liquid to Guo Wei is a way to repay his kindness. Just like when I helped Du Wushuang get the Dragon Claw Branch, the return on these Favors is sure to be beyond my expectations.’

’Furthermore, when Guo Wei learned that I had been the first to awaken the True Dragon Power, he feared my body and bloodline would be damaged. He traveled a thousand miles with Hei Hu, braving the elements all the way to the outskirts of the Hundred Thousand Mountains, just to communicate with me from afar through letters.’

Chu Lingguang could feel the full weight of Guo Wei’s devotion.

’Now that I have a chance to repay him, how can I possibly turn a blind eye?’

’Besides, I feel that Guo Wei needs this Bone Marrow Cleansing Liquid more than I do. Even if I didn’t get any return on the Favor, I would give it to him based on his kindness alone.’

Hearing this, Xu Zhongguo, Poisonous Snake, Yun Hong, and the others fell silent. They exchanged glances, a stifling feeling hanging in the air. They wanted to persuade Chu Lingguang to take the Bone Marrow Cleansing Liquid himself, but the words wouldn’t come.

At this moment, they didn’t think Chu Lingguang was being foolish at all.

On the contrary, they felt that Chu Lingguang’s Mental Realm had reached a state that put them all to shame.

At the same time, they were incredibly envious of him.

The Great Yuan Dynasty placed great importance on respecting one’s master and honoring the path.

But not everyone treated their master as Chu Lingguang did, because not every master was like Guo Wei.

Such bonds between people are mutual.

The fact that Chu Lingguang was so considerate of Guo Wei was a testament to how Guo Wei truly treated him like his own son, with a kindness as vast as a mountain.

Otherwise, how could Chu Lingguang be so unmoved by the allure of the Bone Marrow Cleansing Liquid?

Thinking of this, even Yun Hong couldn’t help but say, "Master Guo has found himself a fine disciple."

(See? I didn’t drag it out at all! Not even a little bit! I let you all enjoy it in one go!)

(Begging for rewards!!)

(Thank you to Carefree Divine Venerable, thank you to Spring Blossoms Autumn Moon, thank you to Moldy Biscuit, thank you to the user ending in 318079, thank you to the user ending in 224359, thank you to the user ending in 32768, thank you to Lost Path Sees Nature, thank you to 34727, and thank you for every one of your donations and all your support!)

(Thank you to all my readers.)