With his mind free of distractions and resources in abundance, Chen Qing’s cultivation progressed at a miraculous pace.

The Primordial Five Elements True Astral in his Dantian grew ever more condensed and potent. The chaotic-hued vortex spun slowly, containing an astonishing aura.

His *Dragon Elephant Wisdom Vajra Body* was also steadily advancing toward the Fourth Layer. As his vital energy surged, the faint sounds of a dragon’s roar and an elephant’s trumpet echoed in the Quiet Chamber.

Time flew by. Seasons changed, and the view outside his window shifted from the lush green of midsummer to the golden hues of autumn, finally welcoming the first snow of winter amid a desolate landscape.

「On this day」 Xu Wang Mountain was draped in silver. Fine specks of snow drifted down from the gray sky, covering the mountain forest in a thin white blanket.

Inside the Quiet Chamber, Chen Qing slowly finished his practice and opened his eyes. The surging aura around him gradually receded inward.

He exhaled a turbid breath. The white vapor shot out like an arrow, lingering in the frigid air without dispersing.

[Primordial Five Elements True Astral Sixth Layer (19,850/20,000)]

[*Dragon Elephant Wisdom Vajra Body* Third Layer (8,988/10,000)]

[*True Martial Demon-Vanquishing Spear* Great Success (5,113/10,000)]

[*True Martial Seal* Great Success: (6,162/10,000)]

After five months of arduous, secluded cultivation, aided by the new, improved elixirs from Zhang Yi and his own unwavering focus, Chen Qing’s cultivation was just one step away from breaking through to the Late Stage.

His cultivation of the *Dragon Elephant Wisdom Vajra Body* had also progressed rapidly. His vital energy surged and roared throughout his body, like a hibernating dragon and elephant, waiting only for the right opportunity to break through to the Fourth Layer.

As for the *True Martial Demon-Vanquishing Spear* and the *True Martial Seal*, while his progress in these two Unparalleled Martial Arts was remarkable and their lethal power grew daily, reaching the Realm of Perfection would still require several more months of painstaking effort.

’Soon. In a few days at most, I’ll reach the Late-stage Astral Force.’

Chen Qing thought to himself as he looked inward at the mass of Primordial Five Elements True Astral within his Dantian.

He recalled how, before obtaining the new elixirs, he had estimated it would take at least a year and a half of grinding to break through to the Late-stage Astral Force.

Now, having done it in less than five months, his progress had far exceeded his expectations.

After tidying himself up, Chen Qing set off, treading across the unmelted snow of Xu Wang Mountain toward the Four Seas Pavilion on Guest Welcoming Peak.

Three days prior, he had received an invitation from Meng Qianxue for a gathering of most of the True Successor Candidates within the Sect.

Lu Chenming’s prestige was growing daily. Having defeated one powerful opponent after another, his reputation for being invincible in the Astral Force realm was now firmly established. This had caused many candidates, who had once held a sliver of hope, to completely abandon the thought of challenging him, turning their attention instead to a more distant future—breaking through to the True Essence Realm.

As a result, the dynamics within the Sect had quietly shifted.

Nearly every True Successor Candidate had accepted the invitation to this gathering.

After some thought, Chen Qing decided to attend.

He wanted to hear everyone’s true opinions on Lu Chenming, as well as any recent news they had gathered about his progress toward his next breakthrough.

Working in isolation was not a sound strategy.

As he stepped into the familiar, elegant private room at the Four Seas Pavilion, a wave of warmth and the aroma of tea greeted him. Quite a few people had already arrived.

Wan Shangyi, Qian Baole, and Liu Yun were sitting together, chatting in low voices. The atmosphere seemed relaxed.

On another side, Wu Anren, Luo Qianjue, and He Shuang were also gathered. Wu Anren was speaking about something while Luo Qianjue listened intently. He Shuang, as aloof as ever, merely offered an occasional nod.

Somewhat surprisingly, Han Xiong was also present. However, compared to his usual high-spirited demeanor, he was now silent and reserved, his aura far more restrained.

Seeing Chen Qing enter, Wu Anren was the first to rise, a gentle smile on his face. "Junior Brother Chen, over here," he called out.

Luo Qianjue rose as well, nodding at Chen Qing in acknowledgment.

He Shuang’s gaze turned to him, and she gave him a slight nod by way of greeting.

As they had all been chosen from the Hundred Sects selection, there was a natural affinity between them.

From Wan Shangyi’s group, Qian Baole SNAPPED open his folding fan and gestured to Chen Qing with a smile. Wan Shangyi and Liu Yun also looked his way, nodding with smiles of their own.

Even Han Xiong, who was sitting a little farther away, raised a cupped fist in a brief salute upon seeing Chen Qing.

In response to Han Xiong’s somewhat abrupt gesture of goodwill, Chen Qing remained placid, simply offering a slight nod in return.

He had heard about what had happened to Han Xiong. The Shen Family had cut all ties with him, withdrawing their support and resources entirely.

He was well aware that the Shen Family’s decisive action was largely a display for his benefit. They intended to dispel any lingering resentment from the previous marriage alliance debacle and attempt to smooth things over.

After all, though Han Xiong had been defeated, he still held the status of a True Successor Candidate. If he managed to break through to the True Essence Realm, his potential could not be underestimated.

Before long, Meng Qianxue arrived.

She wore a goose-yellow dress today that made her skin seem fairer than snow. Her eyes were bright and captivating, and her smile had regained its former spirit. She looked like a completely different person from the dejected figure she had cut after her failed challenge, a refreshing sight to behold.

"I was just instructing the kitchen on the menu. My apologies for being late, everyone," Meng Qianxue said with a smile, her voice clear and bright.

Wan Shangyi laughed heartily and teased, "To see Junior Sister Meng back to her brilliant self is a joy for us all. A little waiting is nothing."

After a few pleasantries, everyone took their seats.

Meng Qianxue was the first to raise her cup. "I’ve invited you all here today for two reasons. First, it has been too long since we last gathered, and as fellow candidates, we should grow closer. Second, I hoped we could use this opportunity to exchange cultivation insights for our mutual benefit."

The atmosphere at the table gradually livened up. They exchanged toasts, chatting and laughing cheerfully as they discussed interesting anecdotes from the Sect or debated subtle points of Martial Arts. On the surface, at least, everything was harmonious.

After three rounds of drinks, the conversation naturally drifted to the topics that concerned everyone most: the True Inheritance position and the path of cultivation.

Just then, Wan Shangyi set down his cup, his expression turning grave. "According to my sources," he said, "after Brother Lu finishes this period of seclusion to stabilize his foundation, he will absolutely make another attempt to break through to the True Essence Realm within three years. And... he is extremely well-prepared this time. The masters in his lineage estimate his chances of success are at least eighty percent."

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