These exchange gatherings primarily tested the strength of the sects' Embracing Elixir Force disciples, the pillars supporting their sects. Previously, the Nine Yang Gate had only three Pill Embracement disciples in total, and their strength was mediocre, so it always finished last.
"You've just reached Pill Embracement, so you'll be participating this year too. Go back and prepare thoroughly." Mu Xuanzhou held little hope of achieving a good result and securing a larger share of the Hu Family's assets. He would not even be surprised if they finished last again this year, so long as they did not lose too disgracefully.
Still, the Nine Yang Gate gaining another Pill Embracement disciple this year had already done much to bolster its reputation.
Early in the morning three days later, in Beautiful Water Alley, Zhao Feng assumed his stance, his eyes half closed, and sank his awareness into his mind as he began circulating the mental formula of True Yang Cotton Palm. The true qi within his dantian flowed like a dormant warm current, slowly traveling through his eight extraordinary meridians. As it passed through acupoints such as Shoulder Well and Crooked Pool, it met slight resistance before suddenly flowing freely, and warmth welled steadily from his palms.
Zhao Feng continued silently reciting the essentials of the mental formula. His true qi rose and fell with the rhythm of his breathing, drawing rivers into the sea as he inhaled and surging like released floodwaters as he exhaled. He concentrated the true qi in both palms, which gradually took on a faint crimson glow.
The next instant, Zhao Feng opened his eyes and smoothly raised both palms. His movements were gentle, yet concealed unmatched force as he began practicing True Yang Cotton Palm. This palm technique shunned fierce, head-on clashes above all else,