Rao Mingxing laughed heartily and said, "Stop buttering me up. I'm just a mixed bag with some self-awareness; I can't compare to big brother. He's going straight to the Youth Battle, while I can only attend the Ancient River Trial. Right... you eat first, and I'll ask you something after you're done."

"Alright."

Rao Mingxian vaguely understood what Rao Mingxing wanted to ask, quickly finished eating, walked out of the cafeteria, and headed towards Rao Mingxing in the open space.

Rao Mingxing looked at the sky, puffed out a smoke ring, and handed over a cigarette.

Rao Mingxian took it.

"Mingxian, you're ranked second among the new students at Ruda; you know Zhou Leng, who's ranked first, right?" Rao Mingxing didn't look at Rao Mingxian, continuing to stare at the night sky.

"Yes, I know him," replied Rao Mingxian.

"You've heard that my 'New Qing' spot was taken by him, right?"

"Ah, I hadn't heard about that. I'm really not aware," Rao Mingxian looked puzzled.

Rao Mingxing said, "You might not have been following the large Rao family group. A while back, Ming Si cursed Zhou Leng in the group, all on my behalf because he was upset."

"I seem to recall something like that," Rao Mingxian suddenly realized.

"Originally, with my skills and experience, I wasn't qualified to get a New Qing spot. Third Young Master Zhao came to Rucheng—a huge opportunity that I stumbled upon. Unfortunately, it was snatched by Grandmaster Wang Boxiong, who gifted it to Zhou Leng."

He continued, "Yes, this matter can't be blamed on Zhou Leng. He's just an everyday citizen in Rucheng and wouldn't find a way to New Qing even if he tried selling blood."

"But I can't afford to provoke Wang Boxiong; not our entire Rao family can. He isn't alone; backing him are the Yunhua Gang and a Martial Saint master."

"This matter originally wasn't much, but the other families in Rucheng generally are at odds with us Rao family and have poked fun at me in several encounters."

"This is my fault; when Third Young Master Zhao gave the nod, I thought I had it in the bag and went around boasting."

"My face isn't a big deal, but the Rao family's honor can't be lost."

"Now rumors are rampant outside, saying Saint Zhao has fallen, and that the Zhao family is done for. So those who rely on the Zhao family, like us, will be finished too."

"Do you know how many eyes in Rucheng are watching our Rao family?"

"Especially during such times, the prestige of the Rao family must not diminish."

"Mingxian, although our relationship isn't very close, I genuinely regard you as family."

"Yes, I've always been grateful to you," replied Rao Mingxian.

Back then, he got into trouble with a group and dared not let his grandfather know, seeking help from Rao Mingxing, who brought people to teach the other side a lesson.

And at a family gathering, his grandfather felt Rao Mingxian was embarrassing and grabbed a stick to hit him. It was Rao Mingxing who stepped up and stopped it.

Rao Mingxing said, "I don't necessarily want Zhou Leng dead or alive. With Wang Boxiong behind him, I don't dare overstep. But I heard he's also coming in this time; letting it pass without action would not only disgrace me, Rao Mingxing, but the Rao family would fail to overpower Rucheng, allowing a common citizen to climb over us."

Rao Mingxian opened his mouth, was about to speak, but Rao Mingxing interrupted.

"I understand you're at Ruda, making this matter difficult for you. I don't ask for much, just hope you relay Zhou Leng's news to me promptly; I'll figure it out myself."

"Rest assured, with Wang Boxiong around, I don't dare do anything to him. Just want outsiders to realize our Rao family is still standing."

"Mingxian, as long as your surname remains Rao, the Rucheng Rao family will need you."

Rao Mingxing turned around, looked at Rao Mingxian.

Rao Mingxian slowly said, "Second brother, Zhou Leng helped me greatly."

"I understand, so give it some thought, and respond to me during the official trial. From our generation, truly capable of upholding the Rao family, there are just four or five people. During this year's elder gathering, they mentioned you multiple times."

"Big brother, as Rucheng's top, will definitely go beyond Rucheng to a bigger place. In the end, the Rucheng Rao family must rely on us few brothers teaming up."

Rao Mingxing patted Rao Mingxian's shoulder and turned away.

Rao Mingxian stood under the night sky, until late into the night.

In the big pit at the excavation site, Zhou Leng and Zhao Nandi stood excitedly at the table, looking at the few Jade Tokens in front.

One inch long, half an inch wide, thin like a sheet.

However, due to being around for years, the Jade Tokens were heavily eroded, many areas seeped by soil and rock.

"Guhe Tokens, among the most excavated, many incomplete ones, only sixteen complete pieces."

"Based on our inference, they're Ancient River Sect disciple identifications, possibly with other functions."

"Blood of Tyranny specifically requested to bring one inside."

Zhao Nandi looked around and whispered into Zhou Leng's ear, "The research institute unanimously decided a few days ago that we'll take all the Guhe Tokens inside this time. I specially requested two for us; one is for you. Don't leak it, got it?"

"Thank you, Sister Nandi."

"You brat, only calls me sister when there's benefit," Zhao Nandi said breathily.

"From now on, I'll always address you as such," Zhou Leng said.

"That's more like it," Zhao Nandi laughed happily, then her gaze dimmed.

"If all younger brothers were as worry-free as you, that would be wonderful. Let's go, let's head to pit 3, where there's mostly daily necessities..."

The two worked until late into the night, agreed to continue in the morning, and each entered their rooms.

Zhou Leng chatted with Rao Mingxian, Zhang Feng, and others, explaining his situation, indeed unable to leave, then settled down to cultivate.

Dantian True Qi surged, entered the blood veins, Qi and blood combined.

The cycle of Qi and blood circulated within, gradually enhancing various aspects of the body.

Since advancing to the Vitality Stage, every cycle of Qi and blood left Zhou Leng with a faint sense of powerlessness.

The current Qi and blood can't fully exert the Might of Giant Body.

This is the main reason why the power isn't as great as the Mountain and River Origin.

The Qi and blood inside the Mountain and River Origin are more surging and powerful.

Zhou Leng quietly cultivated, not knowing how long had passed, when he suddenly felt the Spiritual Qi around him become denser.

Previously, the Spiritual Qi seemed to slowly drift into his body, but now it was rushing in.

Overall, the concentration of Spiritual Qi hadn't changed much, but its activity suddenly increased.

"Truly worthy of the Ancient River Ruins..."

Zhou Leng cast aside distracting thoughts and continued his practice.

The next day, Zhou Leng got up early and walked out of the living area.

The Ancient River Ruins Research Institute covered a vast area, comparable to a small town within the walls.

Zhou Leng looked around, seeing many martial artists quietly practicing boxing on the expansive grounds.

Zhou Leng found an empty spot and first practiced his moves without True Qi.

After going through the routine three times, he then utilized True Qi to perform slow boxing.

Finally, he began practicing boxing normally.

In his Martial Arts perception, the True Qi circulation of the Sea Suppressing Technique seemed slightly stronger than the previous day.

After practicing, Zhou Leng returned and just happened to see Zhao Nandi walk out of a door.

Her whole outfit—a white coat—was simple, yet she appeared radiant and beautiful.

"Finished your morning exercise?"

"Mm."

"Cultivate or eat?"

Zhou Leng glanced at the time, it was already six in the morning, and said, "Let's eat together."

"Let's go."

Zhou Leng asked, "Sister Nandi, is there any special cultivation land here?"

Zhao Nandi replied, "We haven't found it yet. However, all ruins are the same; if your cultivation technique resonates with the ruins, your practice will progress faster. The Ancient River Sect Technique is close to the Water Element, so your cultivation effectiveness should have an advantage over others."

"I see, no wonder the Spiritual Qi here seems more active."

"Indeed, you came to the right place."

After they finished eating, they left Rao Mingxian behind and continued to study the Ancient River Ruins.

Rao Mingxian watched their backs helplessly and went to find others.

By evening, all eleven people who had escorted the Ancient River Jade Stele had arrived, along with Zhang Xinglie and Song Juesi.

The appearance of Elder Song caused a small commotion.

People from other cities didn't recognize Elder Song, but those from Rucheng, West Sea Demon City, and Shuizhou Demon City within the Yangtze River Delta had all heard of Song Juesi's reputation.

Everyone greeted Song Juesi one by one, and Song Juesi responded cheerfully.

With the help of Li Yuanhe and Zhang Xinglie, along with Rao Mingxian and Elder Song, thirteen people gathered together because of Zhou Leng.

Rao Mingxian told them about Zhou Leng and Zhao Nandi, and the group teased Zhou Leng for prioritizing romance over friendship.

Song Juesi and Zhang Xinglie both appeared thoughtful.

At dinnertime, Zhou Leng and Zhao Nandi entered the cafeteria and were surrounded by Li Yuanhe and others.

Upon seeing Zhao Nandi, everyone became polite, the teasing words they had prepared were suddenly too embarrassing to say.

They finally understood why Zhou Leng ignored Rao Mingxian; they would have done the same.

Only Zhang Xinglie paused, glanced at Zhao Nandi a few times, his eyes moved slightly, becoming even more silent than usual.

After Zhou Leng introduced Zhao Nandi, everyone moved tables to sit together.

In no time, they became familiar with each other.

The group talked about this and that, quickly reaching the topic of the Ancient River Trial tickets, with some complaining heavily, some saying they used several favors, others lamenting the cost to their families, and some were too disheartened to speak.

Zhang Xinglie, Li Yuanhe, and Rao Mingxian had discussed it with Zhou Leng beforehand, playfully thanking Elder Song for giving them the tickets.

Song Juesi cheerfully admitted it.

Zhao Nandi occasionally glanced at Song Juesi, seizing the opportunity to ask about the types of tickets in Zhou Leng and the others' possession.

After some chatting, the group started scooping food and eating.

The cafeteria was bustling and noisy, so they didn't discuss any key matters.

After eating, they left the cafeteria to find an empty conference room and began discussing the Ancient River Trial.

Everyone shared the information they had obtained, each gaining something.

During the conversation, they discussed cooperation for entering the Ancient River Trial.

Zhang Feng lightly coughed, raised his voice slightly, and said, "Let me share my opinion first."

The conference room quieted down; most people present knew he was ranked second on Rucheng's Qi Blood Chart, and all eyes turned to him.

"A snake without a head doesn't work. Before this cooperation starts, I think we should select a leader; in case of any disagreement, the leader will make the final decision to avoid a situation where we're all scattered. We've all experienced the Demon City battles and studied history, so we should understand the consequences of being scattered."

Rao Mingxian said, "Elder Song is highly respected, experienced, and I feel he could be our leader."

Zhou Leng and others nodded in agreement, most had the same thought.

Song Juesi shook his head and said, "Though this old man knows a bit about the Divine Texts and is a few years older, compared to everyone here, I have one drawback: my body can't keep up. If something major happens, I'll be the first to fall, and I can't be the leader. It's not that I'm refusing; it's that my body and energy are unsuitable."

Everyone sighed softly; indeed, Elder Song's physical condition was a shortcoming.

Zhao Nandi silently glanced at Elder Song a few times.

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