"Chu Ning counts as one. Among the Foundation Establishment Cultivators, I think no one can surpass him in alchemy."

Ling Cang spoke first at this moment.

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone nodded in agreement.

Yu Changge also nodded slightly at this time.

"Moreover, judging by the means he used to kill the Black Flood Dragon in the Black Dragon Pool.

Although he is only at the Middle Stage of Foundation Establishment, his Magical Combat is quite good. He can compete with Foundation Establishment Late Stage Cultivators. We can give him a Magical Treasure according to his needs."

Chu Ning’s spot was the first to be decided.

Ge Liuyang then spoke: "Lu Jiakang will compete on behalf of the Artifact Refining Pavilion.

His Artifact Refining Technique is second only to mine in the pavilion, and he is at the Foundation Establishment Late Stage.

Although he does not excel in Divine Techniques, he has been at the late stage for long enough. His cultivation has improved significantly over the past five years, and he has learned several Divine Techniques.

With a stable and solid approach, he should not be at a disadvantage against most Foundation Establishment Late Stage Cultivators.

I will give him a Magical Treasure. He should have a chance of winning."

Yu Changge nodded, acknowledging Ge Liuyang’s suggestion.

After a moment of contemplation, he turned to Ling Cang and said:

"Chu Ning and Lu Jiakang may not be able to secure two wins, so the last candidate must come from your Alchemy Pavilion.

We need one more person who has a chance to win even a single match, so we have a chance to win the competition."

Ling Cang thought for a moment and said: "Then let it be Yuan Rongzhang."

Hearing that Ling Cang suggested Yuan Rongzhang, Yu Changge was somewhat surprised.

"I thought you would choose He Yanmao." 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

Ling Cang shook his head and said: "In recent years, Yuan Rongzhang has improved his Alchemy Technique quickly, not much worse than He Yanmao.

However, in terms of Magical Combat, Yuan Rongzhang has a stronger competitive spirit and has received guidance from Senior Brother Yuan, making him more suitable than He Yanmao."

Yu Changge nodded at Ling Cang’s words.

"Let’s proceed then. Inform those three to come here now."

Shortly afterward, Yuan Rongzhang and Lu Jiakang arrived at the great hall.

"Senior Brother Chu is in secluded cultivation."

Upon hearing Yuan Rongzhang’s words, everyone was unsurprised.

After all, Chu Ning’s fondness for secluded cultivation was well known.

Yu Changge spoke in a deep voice:

"We’ll wait until he concludes his cultivation and address this matter. In the meantime, let’s discuss with the two of you to prepare."

He intended to wait for Chu Ning, but unexpectedly, a month passed, and there was still no sign of Chu Ning finishing his secluded cultivation.

"Is Chu Ning still in secluded cultivation?"

With Daluo Sect soon arriving at Jiuhua Sect, even the usually composed Yu Changge was starting to feel anxious.

Hearing Yu Changge’s inquiry, Ling Cang smiled wryly and shook his head.

"I visited his Cave Mansion, and the Array Restrictions have powerful defenses. Even I couldn’t break in.

However, given the considerable disturbance caused by my attempt to break the array yesterday, he should be able to sense it from within.

Ling Cang hesitated and said:

"Sect Leader, should I team up with Senior Brother Yuan for a forceful Forbidden Breaking?"

"No!" Yu Changzong immediately shook his head.

"If that’s the case, Chu Ning is likely at a critical point in his cultivation.

There’s no need to wait any longer; initiate the backup plan and let He Yanmao step in."

"Well... alright!" Ling Cang sighed lightly.

Yu Changge reached out and gently patted Ling Cang’s shoulder, saying:

"I know what you’re thinking, but for us, our disciples are more important than the competition and inheritance.

We weren’t certain of victory in this trial anyway.

Even if we fail to gain more entries or secure inheritance, it’s not the end."

Yu Changge’s face showed determination.

"Jiuhua Sect will flourish, and it will do so under our leadership!"

As he spoke, an astonishing aura surged from Yu Changge, who usually concealed his brilliance!

His Golden Core Late Stage power was fully revealed at that moment.

Seeing Yu Changge in this manner, Ling Cang and the others showed signs of excitement.

This was the Yu Changge they knew!

Over the years, he has silently borne the pressure and withdrawn his sharpness.

Few within the sect are aware that this person before them was once someone all Jiuhua Sect disciples aspired to keep up with during the Qi Refining Stage, and who suppressed all Cloud Peak Alliance prodigies during Foundation Establishment.

Yet, ever since entering the Core Formation Stage and succeeding as the Sect Leader of Jiuhua Sect, he hasn’t displayed the same elation from before!

Just as Ling Cang and the others intended to speak further, Yu Changge suddenly lifted his head, looking afar.

"Let’s go; people from Daluo Sect have arrived."

With that, Yu Changge took the lead and left the great hall, followed by eight elders.

Except for Grand Elder Gong Yuyuan guarding the relic, all others were present.

The nine of them flew out beyond Jiuhua Sect’s Mountain Gate. Soon, a gigantic Flying Boat arrived from afar.

The boat was nearly a hundred meters long, yet its speed was astonishing.

At the forefront of the boat stood a black-haired, bushy-browed elder, who turned out to be a Golden Core Late Stage Cultivator.

Behind him stood three Golden Core Cultivators and nearly a hundred Foundation Establishment Cultivators.

Staring at the Flying Boat, Ge Liuyang’s gaze flickered with a complex expression.

It was hard to say whether it was envy or anger.

Evidently, the Flying Boat had an impressive origin.

At this moment, the boat hovered above Jiuhua Sect’s Mountain Gate but showed no intention of landing.

The black-haired elder floated below the boat and laughed heartily, saying:

"Sect Leader Yu, bringing so many here to welcome us is overly gracious!"