’I remember that with the Longxi Sword-Drawing Technique, I can’t just draw my sword at will anymore. Before drawing, I need to circulate my Magical Power through my body once. That’s to build up momentum.’

’When it accumulates enough power, if I draw my sword then, I’ll unleash my strongest strike...’

As he thought of this, Zhong Ming’s expression turned odd.

Ever since his Basic Technique had been upgraded and he’d gained the Qi Circulation trait, the Magical Power in Zhong Ming’s body was in a state of constant, ceaseless flow and circulation.

This meant that any time Zhong Ming drew his sword, even casually, it was a strike delivered with his full power.

The empowerment from his Magical Power also made his draw incredibly fast, allowing him to draw his sword nearly sixty times in just one minute.

’So fast!’

This rate of improvement shocked even Zhong Ming himself and further drove home the importance of the Basic Technique.

’It feels like I’m cultivating for the first time all over again.’

The rapid improvement of his Longxi Sword-Drawing Technique left Zhong Ming feeling incredibly motivated.

And while he was cultivating, both Lian Zhixia and Lin Yuxuan returned to their respective peaks and reported the results of their attempts to recruit Zhong Ming to their leaders.

...

"He refused."

After hearing Lian Zhixia’s report, Yan Chen of Molten Fire Peak raised an eyebrow slightly.

And when he heard that Zhong Ming had refused because he wanted to restore Longxi Peak’s former glory, he shook his head, speechless. "Incorrigibly stubborn. That certainly fits my general impression of Sword Cultivators."

He didn’t continue to mock or ridicule, but declared with immense arrogance, "If he’s unwilling to join us, then so be it."

"We don’t need anyone else. We can take first place on our own."

"As for Longxi Peak wanting to make it into the top three..." At this, far from being upset, he seemed to be gloating. "Heh, no need to worry about it. It has nothing to do with us. That’s a problem for Cuixiang Mountain and Dharma Seal Peak to worry about."

Clearly, Yan Chen also believed that when Zhong Ming spoke of restoring Longxi Peak’s glory, he was aiming for third place.

He never once considered that Zhong Ming’s target was first place.

In truth, it wasn’t just him; even Longxi Peak’s current Head Senior Sister, Mo Shuying, held the highest expectation of only reaching the top three.

And realistically speaking, setting a goal of third place was far more reasonable.

Aiming for first place bordered on delusion.

Unaware of Zhong Ming’s ambition, Yan Chen didn’t consider him a rival.

Later, when he heard that Xie Yuzhu had gone over to Zhong Ming’s side, his expression didn’t change much.

"Xie Yuzhu has always wanted to study the Sword Dao. If not for her parents’ arrangements, she wouldn’t have even come to Molten Fire Peak. It’s perfectly normal for her to choose to help Longxi Peak. There’s no need to be surprised."

...

Brimming with confidence, Yan Chen didn’t ask for many details and simply put the matter of Zhong Ming and Longxi Peak aside.

In contrast to him, Su Lingya of Cuixiang Mountain was far more meticulous.

She was a woman who seemed to have stepped out of an ink wash painting, with a gentle and graceful beauty.

After listening to Lin Yuxuan’s indignant complaints, she wasn’t the least bit angry about Xie Yushuang’s "betrayal." Instead, she gently tapped Lin Yuxuan on her little head and said softly:

"You shouldn’t say such things. The Seven Profound Sect is a single entity. There’s no such thing as ’betrayal’ between us."

"However, for both Xie Yuzhu and Xie Yushuang to be following Zhong Ming at the same time... it can’t possibly be because of his looks. Yushuang isn’t that superficial, and the Xie Family would never allow it."

"There can only be one reason they’re with Zhong Ming... The Xie Family is backing him?"

"And to send two of them at once... The Xie Family is placing a heavy wager on him."

At this thought, Su Lingya gently shook her head. "I never thought I’d see the day I misjudged someone so completely."

After a moment of self-deprecation, she began giving instructions to Lin Yuxuan.

"Later, invite Yushuang and Zhong Ming. Tell them I’ll be waiting for them at the Elegant Pavilion... Actually, never mind. Once I finish refining this batch of pills, I’ll go see them myself."

"Huh?"

This took Lin Yuxuan by surprise, and she seemed a little displeased. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

"You still want to form an alliance with them?"

Su Lingya replied, "It can’t be helped. We at Cuixiang Mountain focus so much of our energy on Alchemy that our combat strength is admittedly a bit weak. On our own, we can’t contend with Molten Fire Peak and Dharma Seal Peak. If we want to achieve a better result in the grand competition at the end of the month, we must rally more people to our side."

"Behave yourself when you see Zhong Ming later. For the Xie Family to value him so highly, he must have some true skill."

As she advised Lin Yuxuan, Su Lingya found herself feeling a little expectant about the meeting that evening.

’Zhong Ming, I hope you truly have what it takes to help me stand against Yan Chen and Han Yu.’