In the luxurious halls of the Western General's residence, Guan Xuantong sat down with his son, Guan Wei. The room was adorned with extravagant decorations, but the stern expression on Guan Xuantong's face made it clear that this was no ordinary conversation.

"In two months, the Harmony Spirit Academy will be conducting the Yearly Martial Art Assessment," Guan Xuantong began. "The first-place winner in the 2nd-year bracket will be rewarded with a 10-year-old Silver Pine Tree with its flower intact."

Guan Wei raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the prize. "What's so special about a Silver Pine Tree, father?"

Guan Xuantong leaned in and whispered, "A 10-year-old Silver Pine Tree can produce flowers that are enough to make Silverpine extract every year. And when it reaches 100 years old, it can even yield 30 portions of Silverpine extract, along with a single Silverpine seed that may turn into a sapling. But, it requires a significant amount of qi to reach that level, and most trees perish when they turn 99 years old."

"But what's so special about Silverpine extract?" Guan Wei asked.

His father smiled. "The nectar produced by the Silverpine flower is rich in nutrients that can promote skin regeneration and elasticity. It is often consumed by skin tempering cultivators to rise a level, making it highly sought after in the cultivation world."

Guan Wei nodded, understanding the value of such a treasure. "I'll make sure to win the competition, father. No one in my year can match my skills."

"Don’t just brag, do it, or you will not like the consequence," Guan Xuantong said with a mocking tone. For Guan Xuantong, it's not just about the reward; it's about showing everyone that he is the best. He wants his son to be the first place, to prove his superiority.

Guan Wei puffed out his chest proudly. "You can count on me, father."

After their conversation, Guan Wei called upon his lackey, Hu Xinlan. He entrusted him with a small pouch containing the spores of the Blindthorn Fungus, a dangerous weapon in the right hands. The spores were colorless, odorless, and tasteless, making them the perfect tool for a covert attack. It can make low-level cultivators lose their sight for the rest of their lives 3 days after the contact. Guan Wei instructed Hu Xinlan to use the spores on Yan Sen during the upcoming competition. He wanted to ensure that his rival would suffer the consequences of crossing him.

Hu Xinlan smirked, accepting the task. "Don't worry, young master. Yan Sen will regret ever crossing paths with us."

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Back at Yan Manor, an hour before Li Wei and Mei Lin's arrival, Yan Sen was deep in conversation with the Time Sovereign. The small wisp of the Time Sovereign's soul that resided in the Chrono Orb warned Yan Sen about the dangers of revealing his existence to anyone, even his closest friends and family. The Time Sovereign's enemy was powerful enough to see through the heavenly secrets of countless mortal worlds, and any hint of his presence could put Yan Sen in grave danger. Only Yan Sen is safe from other Sovereign prying eyes because the Chrono Orb can hide his thought and presence from the world.

"But Master, how can I teach Li Wei and Mei Lin the cultivation technique without telling them about you?" Yan Sen asked with a furrowed brow.

The Time Sovereign sighed, "You can simply tell them that you have been accepted by a powerful master who soars in the sky. You must impress upon them the need for secrecy and assure them that this powerful master will guide them to greatness."

Yan Sen nodded, understanding the importance of maintaining secrecy. He felt a mix of excitement and responsibility in sharing this secret cultivation technique with his friends. As he welcomed Li Wei and Mei Lin to his courtyard, he made them promise not to reveal anything he was about to tell them.

With eager eyes, Li Wei and Mei Lin listened to Yan Sen as he shared the mysterious cultivation technique. They were thrilled at the prospect of becoming stronger, even if it meant six years of hard work. Yan Sen assured them that with a special array he had prepared, their six years of cultivation in the courtyard would only be six days in the outside world.

As Li Wei left to inform his parents about his decision to stay and cultivate with Yan Sen, the three friends prepared to start their journey together. Yan Sen carefully wrote the array on the floor with Mei Lin's help, and they positioned the one bathtub in the center, following the array's intricate patterns.

With everything set, the three friends sat cross-legged inside their designated bathtub. Yan Sen began to teach them the Mortal Level Unified Chrono Heart Cultivation Technique, repeating the words the Time Sovereign fed into his mind. Unbeknownst to them, through the array, their souls were sucked inside the Chrono Orb, undergoing cultivation as the Chrono Heart Cultivation sharing array took effect.

Time seemed to pass differently within the orb, and as minutes outside turns to days inside, Yan Sen felt the camaraderie and determination grow stronger among his friends. They laughed, learned, and supported each other as they delved deeper into the cultivation technique.

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Array - refers to a special formation or arrangement of objects, symbols, or energies that possess magical or mystical properties. Arrays are often utilized in the cultivation world to enhance spiritual power, create defensive barriers, or produce various effects that aid cultivators in their martial arts journey.

Arrays are usually composed of specific patterns, symbols, or runes arranged in a particular geometric shape. When activated through the infusion of energy or spiritual power, the array can trigger its intended effects. These effects can range from offensive techniques to defensive shields or even granting access to hidden realms and treasures.