Grasping Wind and Thunder Strength after practicing martial arts for just over a year was no small matter. After a few days, the news that Lu Ren had comprehended it had already spread.

Xu Yang heard from Zhang Hong that the Gu Family, who had previously looked down on Lu Ren, was now taking him seriously again and had even improved his benefits.

Many people looked toward Lu Ren. To be personally addressed by Han Xing was an absolute honor.

"It was just a fluke!" Lu Ren took a step forward, clasped his fist, and replied humbly.

"Comprehending Wind and Thunder Strength is no fluke. Brother Lu, you are too modest. We should exchange some pointers when we have the chance," Han Xing said with a smile.

"Alright!"

Han Xing nodded and beckoned over a junior brother from behind him. "Everyone, please follow my junior brother inside first. I still have to greet the other guests. I will be back to make my apologies shortly."

"Please, Senior Brother Han, don’t let us keep you!"

After Sun Tao clasped his fist, the group followed the Tongbi Fist Hall disciple inside. The first thing they saw was a massive Martial Arts Arena, far larger than Weiyuan Hall’s Outer Courtyard, and with much better facilities.

Weiyuan Hall’s Outer Courtyard had basically nothing.

But the Outer Courtyard of Tongbi Fist Hall had everything: pavilions with tables and chairs, rockery gardens, and flowing streams. It was even more beautiful and exquisite than Weiyuan Hall’s inner hall, resembling the courtyard of a wealthy estate.

Of course, no one present was a stranger to the world, so they didn’t make a fuss. For five silver a month, it would be strange if this place was the same as Weiyuan Hall.

"Xu Yang, have you comprehended Wind and Thunder Strength yet?" Zhang Yong asked in a low voice.

Based on past patterns, Xu Yang should have comprehended Wind and Thunder Strength by now. After all, several days had passed since Lu Ren announced his own breakthrough.

In an instant, everyone held their breath, waiting to hear Xu Yang’s answer.

Lu Ren’s breath caught in his throat. A flash of uncontrollable panic surged in his heart, terrified that Xu Yang would utter the words, "I have comprehended Wind and Thunder Strength."

Xu Yang shook his head. "Not yet."

Everyone looked disappointed, except for Lu Ren, who felt a wave of relief, as if a great weight had been lifted from his chest. The heart that had been hanging in suspense finally settled.

’He really has changed,’ Xu Yang thought to himself.

Given Lu Ren’s old temperament, he would have taken this opportunity to belittle him, but this time, Lu Ren didn’t say a word.

"His Cultivation was only able to keep up with Lu Ren’s because his master secretly funded him. But when it comes to comprehending Wind and Thunder Strength, his master can’t help," Zhao Zhifei said with a laugh.

By now, everyone knew that Xu Yang had achieved his current success not because his talent surpassed Lu Ren’s, but because Lin Cheng had been secretly funding his training and providing him with resources, allowing him to keep pace with Lu Ren every step of the way.

"Some gaps can be closed with resources, but for others, no amount of resources will help," Jiang Ping said.

The thought that he had actually expected Xu Yang to comprehend Wind and Thunder Strength as well now struck him as laughable.

"Senior Brothers, let’s not make a scene for outsiders," Lu Ren said.

Not only did he not belittle Xu Yang, but he actually stopped Jiang Ping and Zhao Zhifei. Hearing this, Zhao Zhifei and Jiang Ping fell silent.

Having comprehended Wind and Thunder Strength, Lu Ren was no longer on equal footing with them. In a way, his status had already surpassed theirs.

Although Lu Ren didn’t have their family background now, the future Lu Ren would certainly be stronger than them.

The group followed the Tongbi Fist Hall disciple for a while longer, eventually arriving at a wide, open area.

A platform had been set up here, tables were laid out, and many people had already arrived.

"Everyone, this is your table!"

The Tongbi Fist Hall disciple led them to a table and then turned to leave.

Several people were already seated at the table. They were the same disciples from the Tiger Roar Boxing Hall who had come to form an alliance last time.

Seeing Xu Yang’s group arrive, they all clasped their fists in greeting. They were especially enthusiastic toward Lu Ren; neither Jiang Ping nor Zhao Zhifei was as popular.

Since they didn’t have a chance to introduce themselves last time, they started now. One was named Li Shun, another Wang Feng, the third was Zhou Yong, and the fourth was Gao Peng.

Li Shun seemed to be the leader of the four. Xu Yang and his group also politely introduced themselves.

After all, they would all be disciples of the Purple Sun Sect in the future, fellow brothers-in-arms. Getting to know each other in advance couldn’t hurt.

Among the four, Xu Yang only had an impression of Li Shun. During the Martial Arts Examination, Li Shun had a Late-Stage Qi Gathering Great Success Cultivation. He had watched one of Li Shun’s fights and knew his strength was not to be underestimated.

"Many people’s auras have grown much stronger compared to during the Examination," Sun Tao whispered in Xu Yang’s ear.

Xu Yang nodded lightly. If the people present weren’t the absolute cream of the crop of Qingyuan County’s younger generation, they were very close to it.

Nearly two months had passed since the Martial Arts Examination; it was normal for their Cultivation to have improved.

In fact, those with powerful backgrounds had spent the last two months using their resources for arduous cultivation, hoping to reach Qi Gathering Perfection before entering the Purple Sun Sect to prepare for the Qi Cultivation Gang stage.

"Kong Yu is here!" someone suddenly murmured.

Xu Yang looked over and saw Kong Yu walking in, followed by two disciples from Gale Hall.

As the one with the best Root Bone in this year’s batch, Kong Yu’s reputation was no weaker than that of people like Cao Rong and Yun Feng. It was only because he had been training for a short time that he didn’t have a stunning performance at the Martial Arts Examination.

"Gale Hall only has three disciples who achieved Dragon Ascension?" Lu Ren was a little surprised.

Before the Martial Arts Examination, the disciples of Gale Hall and Weiyuan Hall had sparred, and it was Gale Hall that had won.

Jiang Ping said, "They would have had Zhu Yang, who was expected to achieve Dragon Ascension, but he was killed by Junior Brother Xu."

In the distance, Kong Yu strode forward with his head held high, paying no attention to Xu Yang’s group. It was unclear if Gale Hall had discovered Jiang Yi’s disappearance yet.

"Brother Kong Yu, why not join us over here!" At the head table, Cao Rong stood up.

Kong Yu nodded, separated from his fellow disciples, and walked toward Cao Rong.

Xu Yang’s group had noticed that table earlier. Everyone sitting there was one of the top performers from the Martial Arts Examination.

Cao Rong, Yun Feng, Qin Ze, Gu Haoming, and several other geniuses who had comprehended Hidden Strength were all at that table.

Cao Rong’s gaze then shifted to Xu Yang’s table. He called out, "Brother Lu Ren, please come over as well."

"Alright!"

With a calm expression, Lu Ren rose to his feet and strode over, much to the envy of Jiang Ping and Zhao Zhifei.

That was a table they weren’t qualified to sit at. The same Lu Ren who once had to curry favor with them was now personally invited over by Cao Rong. This was the prestige that came with Wind and Thunder Strength.

In the Qingyuan County Martial Arts Examination, over one hundred and sixty Qi Gathering Great Success Martial Artists participated, but the number who had comprehended a power on the level of Wind and Thunder Strength could be counted on one hand. This alone showed Lu Ren’s current standing.

"They’re the main characters here. At this Dragon Assembly, we’re just here to make up the numbers," Sun Tao lamented.

As for discussing when everyone would depart, that would ultimately be decided by the few strongest and most well-connected individuals.

Soon, everyone had arrived. Han Xing appeared and took a seat at the table with Cao Rong and the others.

Tongbi Fist Hall was well-prepared. Platters of meat were brought to the tables, along with fine wine, pastries, and other refreshments.

Everyone began to eat and drink, their voices rising in lively conversation.

"Is this Dragon Assembly just about eating a meal?" Zhang Yong asked.

Sun Tao replied, "What else? Did you expect to see a tournament? We all just fought each other in the Examination. Who would fight here? We’ll all be sect brothers in the Purple Sun Sect soon. This is just to build some rapport."

After a little while, people began to get up and move around, toasting and clinking glasses with those they knew.

Xu Yang didn’t know many people, so no one came to talk to him, and he was happy to enjoy the peace and quiet.

"Everyone," Cao Rong suddenly stood up and announced, "after some discussion amongst ourselves, we have decided to set off for the Purple Sun Sect in three days. Does anyone object?"

"We’ll follow Brother Cao’s arrangements!"

A chorus of agreement rose up; no one voiced any dissent.

Cao Rong nodded in satisfaction and sat back down. His table had already made the decision; any opposition from the others would have been useless.

"As you all should know, the Purple Sun Sect is not a monolithic entity. It’s rife with factions. For people like us to gain a foothold there, we must unite. I propose that we form our own power to protect ourselves and stand against the disciples from other regions."

Cao Rong looked at the others at his table, his expression solemn.

Several people paused what they were doing.

Lu Ren said nothing.

Han Xing smiled but remained silent.

Gu Haoming was the first to voice his support. "I think what Brother Cao says makes sense. We must remember that we aren’t the only new disciples entering the Purple Sun Sect. There are also the candidates from the surrounding Six Counties. With so many people joining at once and only so much cake to go around, disputes are inevitable. Uniting is the only way to advance."

"I don’t object either, but who will be the leader?" Yun Feng asked coldly.