Next.


    "I seek the Holy Lord''s permission to return to my cave mansion for healing,"


    Fang Yuan dered, casting a respectful gaze towards Ji Mingxiu while bowing.


    "Permission granted."


    Ji Mingxiu responded. "All disciples are permitted one hour of free movement, but failure to return within the allotted time will lead to forfeiture of yourpetition qualifications!"


    With a nod, he conveyed his decision.


    "Thank you, Holy Lord!"


    In gratitude, Fang Yuan bowed once more, withdrew his flying artifact, and departed for his cave mansion.


    In his wake, several other participating disciples also made their exit from the stage.


    Indeed, not every disciple was capable of recuperating under the intense scrutiny of the vast crowd; some semnce of anxiety was inevitable.


    Yet, Jiang Chen remained on stage.


    Stationed at the center of the primary stage, he sat cross-legged, methodically ingesting pills to replenish his depleted Yuan Power.


    With regards to Fang Yuan, Jiang Chen was certain that he would enlist the aid of Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning.


    Nheless, Jiang Chen harbored no worries.


    The prowess disyed by Fang Yuan during their prior bout hadn''t even touched the threshold of the Middle-stage Inquiring Journey realm.


    Even assuming he made significant progress within the hour, could he possibly ascend to the Dao Comprehension realm!?


    As long as the Dao Comprehension realm remained out of reach, Jiang Chen was confident in his impending victory.


    As time subtly trickled by, Fang Yuan, en route to his cave mansion, conscientiously ingested pills for recuperation and healing.


    In his concluding duel with Jiang Chen, he had enacted the self-damaging secret art, ''Wild Spirit Explosion''. It had not only devoured a substantial amount of Yuan Power but had also inflicted internal injuries.


    Promptly, Fang Yuan found himself within the seclusion of his cave mansion, engaging a myriad of protective formations!


    These defenses had been meticulously reconfigured under the sage tutge of Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning.


    While their ability to shield against divine sense was somewhat limited, offering inadequate protection from divine sense detection beyond the Inquiring Journey realm, these formations were exceedingly sensitive.


    Should even the faintest trace of divine sense attempt to infiltrate, Fang Yuan would be instantly alerted!


    Upon activation of the formations, a sigh of relief slipped from Fang Yuan. Seated on a stone bench, he sharpened his focus on his divine sense, directing it towards the Soul Embodying Ring.


    In a heartbeat, he established contact with Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning.


    "Esteemed seniors!"


    "This victory holds immense significance for me! Given the formidable challenge Jiang Chen presents, I beseech your guidance!"


    With a grave countenance, Fang Yuan made his plea.


    "Fang Yuan."


    "We understand your desire for victory."


    "However, there is no feasible way to elevate your realm temporarily."


    "Even rapid-training killing techniques pose a significant challenge to master. The only usible options are power-boosting type secret arts."


    "But keep in mind, repeatedly invoking such secret arts in a short span can invite dire consequences, potentially undermining a cultivator''s very foundation!"


    Nangong Wan implored earnestly, "We do not wish to see your cultivation foundationpromised."


    "Indeed."


    "Fang Yuan, have you considered conceding? Second ce is an honorable achievement as well."


    Shangguan Ning concurred, "Furthermore, as Jiang Chen pointed out, triumphs and failures aremonce amongst cultivators. You seem to be overly fixated."


    "Jiang Chen, Jiang Chen, always Jiang Chen!"


    "Could you refrain from bringing up Jiang Chen constantly!"


    Hearing Shangguan Ning''s words, Fang Yuan couldn''t suppress the surge of indignation swelling within him.


    "Fang Yuan!"


    "Why do you harbor such an intense prejudice against Jiang Chen?"


    "Do you suspect him of plotting against you? If he truly intended to harm you, you would already be beyond our protection. Do youprehend that?"


    Perceiving Fang Yuan''s audacious retort, a chill crept into Shangguan Ning''s tone.


    "I''m not entirely defenseless against him..."


    Fang Yuan''s voice trailed off, his words punctuated by an awkward pause.


    He dared not venture further.


    After all, Shangguan Ning was a formidable entity of the Void Tribtion realm, her temperament far more vtile than Nangong Wan''s. It would be unwise to provoke her.


    "Very well."


    "Fang Yuan, perhaps it''s best to let this one pass."


    Nangong Wan continued her gentle coaxing, "If you wish to challenge Jiang Chen, future opportunities will be plentiful."


    "No!"


    "This is my inaugural battle since starting afresh, I cannot afford a loss!"


    With a shake of his head, Fang Yuan wore a look of resolution.


    This battle was vital to restoring his self-confidence!


    Moreover, this confrontation also implicated Ji Ruxue.


    Fang Yuan had a nagging sense that should Jiang Chen ascend to the role of the Holy Son, Ji Mingxiu might arrange a betrothal between Ji Ruxue and Jiang Chen!


    This was a scenario he would unequivocally reject!


    Therefore, despite his injuries, victory in this battle was non-negotiable!


    Nangong Wan acquiesced, "Then, we will extend our support."


    Drawing from her wealth of life experience, she could discern Fang Yuan''s mindset and understood the profound impact this potential defeat might inflict.


    That''s why she consented.


    "However."


    "Remember, the self-harming type secret art canpromise your cultivation foundation. Tread with caution!"


    Shangguan Ning added, "Here is the ''Vigorous Sift Diagram'', a unique power-boosting type secret art. It''s simple to grasp and potent. Begin practicing it immediately!"


    With that, she and Nangong Wanbined their limited soul power to materialize a convoluted scroll.


    Activating his divine sense, Fang Yuan examined it. Instantly, he was greeted by a cascade of peculiar images and countless characters interspersed within them.


    Moreover, a wave of intense, raw intent assaulted his mind, causing his eyes to re open instantly, the whites of his eyes tinged with a startling crimson!


    Time continued its relentless march.


    In what seemed like a mere blink, a whole half-hour had whizzed by.


    ''Trainingplete!!''


    ''This time, I will undeniably defeat Jiang Chen!''


    ''The victory is mine, the Holy Son''s mantle is mine, Ji Ruxue is mine, everything is mine! Everything is mine!''


    Having sessfully mastered the ''Vigorous Sift Diagram'', Fang Yuan''s eyes shimmered with a blood-red hue, brimming with an insatiable thirst for battle!


    With thepletion of his practice, Fang Yuanmandeered his flying artifact towards the bustling Holy Land Square.


    Soon, the square, brimming with multitudes of people, registered within Fang Yuan''s divine sense.


    The assembled cultivators, for the most part, had their gazes riveted on Jiang Chen, their eyes a mix of awe, admiration, fanaticism, adoration, obsession, and a spectrum of other emotions...


    ''Just you wait!''


    ''The ultimate victor will undoubtedly be me!''


    ''All of you wille to regret your judgments!''


    Fang Yuan''s hand clenched into a fist before he descended onto the number two fighting tform.


    "Fang Yuan has arrived!"


    "Oh, he''s brave enough to show up. I thought he might be too embarrassed to make an appearance!"


    "Wow, he''s really testing the limits of his allowed time, isn''t he? How much can he improve within a mere hour, and how many breaths can hest under Senior Brother Jiang Chen''s might? Let''s wait and watch!"


    "..."


    Many disciples directed their attention towards Fang Yuan on the number two fighting tform, their words carrying hints of mockery and ridicule.


    ''Has he arrived?''


    ''Fang Yuan must have made some improvements.''


    Jiang Chen mused, ''Yet, it doesn''t appear he''s ascended to the Dao Comprehension realm. My conjecture likely holds true.''


    Despite his thoughts, he maintained a healthy vignce towards Fang Yuan.


    Consequently, he was prepared to confront any unexpected turns.


    At present, he had amassed quite a substantial amount of Viin Value!


    Exchanging it for treasures packed with abundant qi and blood was entirely usible.


    If any unforeseen circumstances arose, he would exchange his points of Viin Value for treasures that contain qi and blood, enabling him to swiftly grasp additional cultivation methods!


    With this approach, triumphing over Fang Yuan was virtually guaranteed!


    Just then.


    "Time''s up!"


    "We now announce, the rankingpetition officially begins!"


    The Elder supervising thepetition proimed loudly, "Disciples, please select your challenge targets!"