With a roar, one man on the training ground stepped forward, his fist the size of a vinegar jar swinging out like a gale. Though the opponent tried his utmost to defend, he was ultimately no match for the sheer ferocity of the blow, being struck clean out of the white line.

He glanced down, his face a mask of dejection, bowed in a tight-fisted salute, and retreated silently.

The victor’s eyes gleamed with joy as he, too, stepped outside the circle marked by the white line.

Next, another pair entered the circle. They bowed to each other with cupped fists, locking gazes in deep concentration. After a long pause, they attacked almost simultaneously, engaging fiercely with their most formidable martial arts.

Across the entire plaza, there were ten such white circles. Outside each circle stood two experts of the Xiantian realm, observing the matches. Inside the rings, the disciples of Tianchi were engaged in the foundational competition, giving their absolute all.

He Yiming settled comfortably onto the high platform. Surrounding him were several elders from Hengshan, along with various Xiantian-realm powerhouses who had always maintained good relations with the Hengshan lineage.

Unnoticed, a small circle had formed, centered around He Yiming.

Naturally, to join this intimate circle, one needed at least the cultivation of the Xiantian realm. Those in the Houtian realm, no matter how envious, could not penetrate this exclusive gathering.

There were a few other clusters on the high platform. Beside Zhang Zhongjin, several individuals were gathered, chatting and laughing convivially, clearly enjoying each other’s company. He Yiming was utterly impressed by the treasure merchant’s social skills; it seemed he could find suitable companions wherever he went.

Glancing down at the crowd, he noted that everyone’s focus was entirely fixed on the competition. As for the brief appearance of Xiong Wuji earlier, to them, it had been nothing more than a slight diversion.

Under normal circumstances, such an event might be discussed for days, but facing the stakes of the Golden Core Xiantian competition, no one dared to be careless now.

Though the martial arts displayed by the disciples of the various branches below now appeared to He Yiming as mere flashy displays, seeing the earnest expressions on their faces made him understand their true dedication to this moment.

He felt a pang of emotion, recalling that night which had changed the trajectory of his destiny.

If not for the miraculous encounter at the bottom of the lake, he would not only be sitting on the high platform today, but it would have been utterly impossible for him to even qualify as one of the countless combatants struggling below.

Suddenly, a call snapped him out of his reverie.

He looked up and saw the strange expressions on the faces around him. He offered a slight smile. "My apologies. I was just contemplating the battle with Xiong Wuji. Though he is a member of the Totem Clan, his attainments in the Martial Dao are truly extraordinary and offer much for me to learn from."

The others relaxed, but a degree of unspoken admiration subtly entered their gazes toward him.

At that moment, a shared thought crossed their minds: while He Yiming’s natural talent was unparalleled, without this constant, dedicated focus on Martial Dao cultivation, he could never have achieved such success at his age.

Furthermore, they all understood that his progress on the Martial Dao path would certainly not cease here.

As for how far he would ultimately go, that was beyond the comprehension of anyone present.

"Brother He, the disciples of your Hengshan lineage are truly skilled. You have a very strong chance of securing a spot in the top ten this time," Zhu Baqi said with a wide smile.

Among this gathering, Zhu Baqi, possessing the strength of the Yixiantian level, was naturally one of the peak figures. Coupled with his status as an elder of the main peak, he commanded immense respect.

He Yiming paused, a flush of shame creeping into his heart.

As the Grand Elder of the Hengshan lineage, he realized he didn't even know exactly how many of their disciples were participating in the trials. It seemed utterly inexcusable.

The Medicine Daoist shot him an annoyed glance, but constrained by propriety, he remarked subtly, "Uncle-Master Zhu, Hengshan should have a guaranteed spot in the top ten, but that is uncertain now."

Zhu Baqi glared at him crossly. "Nonsense! Are you expecting Brother He to enter the competition himself?"

The Medicine Daoist hesitated, then finally shook his head with a faint sigh.

After He Yiming’s duel with Xiong Wuji, his prestige was now such that it rivaled that of the Venerables. To expect him to participate in such a mere contest was purely comical. If he simply stood there, without making a move, it was guaranteed everyone below would revolt.

He Yiming cleared his throat lightly. "Brother Zhu, which of our Hengshan disciples do you think has a real chance to advance to the top ten?"

Zhu Baqi pondered for a moment. "The greatest hope lies with one who cultivates both Earth and Metal..." He frowned, glancing towards Yu Xichen.

He had only taken a quick look; although he knew the man was from the Hengshan lineage, he couldn't recall the name.

Yu Xichen quickly interjected, "Uncle-Master Zhu, that is Che Wenjun, a disciple from Thumb Peak. Although he only reached the tenth level of Neijin last year, he possesses remarkable talent in combat techniques. He might not even lose against an opponent at the peak of the tenth level of Neijin."

As he named the disciple, a flicker of pride crossed his face; he was clearly very confident in him.

He Yiming’s mind raced, and he finally recalled the disciple’s background. Among all the tenth-level Neijin cultivators in Hengshan currently, this was the only disciple practicing both synergistic elemental affinities. After successfully aiding Lu Zhengyi in fortifying his meridians, He Yiming had promised that once Che Wenjun’s Earth and Metal Neijin both reached the peak of the tenth level, he would personally assist in protecting his meridians and help him break through to the Xiantian realm.

At this moment, a main peak disciple tasked with serving refreshments hurried over, stopping before their small circle and bowing low. "Senior He, Venerable Ai requests your presence."

Hearing the invitation from Ai Wenbin, everyone else stood up. They held deep respect for this Venerable of the Summit Gathering realm. However, seeing that He Yiming had received a personal invitation from the old man, the others couldn't help but feel a pang of envy.

He Yiming nodded slightly, glancing at the main peak disciple, sighing internally.

The man was not old, only in his thirties, yet his Neijin cultivation had already reached the peak of the eighth level, on the verge of breaking through to the ninth at any moment. If he were not a core lineage disciple, in ten years he might very well be one of the fighters striving below.

Turning his attention away, He Yiming ascended towards the very top of the platform, soon arriving before Ai Wenbin and the others.

Even before reaching the summit, He Yiming felt two searing gazes fixed upon him. He didn't need to look up to know those glances surely belonged to Jin Zhanyi.

He smiled wryly in his heart. After Xiong Wuji departed, Jin Zhanyi had evidently pinned his hopes for breaking through to the Summit Gathering realm entirely on He Yiming.

Yet, speaking honestly, he didn't entirely reject such an uninvited opportunity. While Jin Zhanyi was calculating against him, He Yiming was doing the same. If the chance presented itself suitably, he wouldn't mind a fight, as it was far from certain who would reap the greater benefit from such a confrontation.

With these thoughts swirling, he reached Ai Wenbin and paid his respects. Ai Wenbin got straight to the point. "He Yiming, why did you make that wager with Xiong Wuji? Did you truly believe he could prevent the Snake and Wolf Tribes from seeking revenge against you prematurely?"

He Yiming smiled faintly. "In truth, beforehand, I only had about a fifty percent certainty. However, after I proposed it, Xiong Wuji did not vehemently object, which gave me a hundred percent certainty."

Ai Wenbin looked intrigued. "Interesting. How did you deduce that?"

"Divine Beast Blood," He Yiming stated gravely. "In fact, after unleashing the Heaven-Overturning Seal, I had already awakened from my epiphany and saw Xiong Wuji administer Divine Beast Blood to the Fox-Bear Spirit Beast. Only Divine Beast Blood could possess such terrifying power to instantly heal injuries this severe." As he spoke, a look of supreme confidence returned to his lips. "How precious is Divine Beast Blood? Even within the Deep Mountain Totems, I doubt everyone possesses it. I reasoned that Xiong Wuji must hold an extremely important status and position in the mountains. So, I put forth a test, but I didn't expect Xiong Wuji, being so proud, to merely offer a slight demurral before tacitly agreeing."

Ai Wenbin chuckled heartily. "I see now. Well done, your luck is considerable. Although I myself do not know Xiong Wuji’s exact background, the fact that he could represent the entire Deep Mountain Totem tribe here at Tianchi, and have the standing to converse directly with the Qilin Holy Master, and his spirit companion is on the verge of advancing past the Holy Beast level—if such a person has agreed to your terms, then a mere twenty years should present absolutely no problem."

He Yiming felt a weight lift from his chest. While he had possessed a degree of certainty, it had been pure speculation. Now that even a Venerable like Ai Wenbin affirmed it, a significant worry was finally laid to rest.

The smile on Ai Wenbin’s face abruptly vanished. "He Yiming, you agreed to a twenty-year term. Do you truly believe twenty years is enough time for you to acquire the ability to protect yourself?"

He Yiming’s expression grew serious in response. He looked up, his eyes brimming with confident light, then gently patted the Five Elements Ring secured under his arm, declaring loudly, "Once I can condense this item and unify the Five Elements, I believe I will possess the means for self-preservation."

Li Mingxuan scoffed. "A mere twenty years? Do you think you can condense the Flower of the Five Elements in that time?"

The Five Elements Ring was no ordinary divine weapon, and He Yiming’s intention was clear: to maximize its might, the Flower of the Five Elements needed to be fully manifested.

He Yiming opened his mouth, smiling widely.

"Twenty years... is more than enough."

Li Mingxuan looked thoroughly unconvinced. She started to speak, but when she saw the fierce confidence radiating from He Yiming’s face—a confidence that even affected her—and then noticed the silent yet clearly supportive expression on Yuan Lixun's face, as well as the equally bright eyes of Jin Zhanyi, the words died on her lips.

For the first time, she had a vague premonition: perhaps the future of this world truly belonged to them...