They had no idea how much time had passed in the outside world, only knowing they were continuously undergoing training, relentless training, insane training. They were constantly failing, and with each failure, they grew accustomed to it.
At the training base, Zhou Yan and the others spent several more months before commencing the third phase of their training.
In this phase, all the students undergoing training participated together, as they were about to engage in offensive maneuvers against each other.
This time, everyone was divided into two teams and would engage in mutual attacks. The victors would receive rewards, the greatest of which was rest, as the training was arduous and ceaseless. For them, rest was the most cherished reward.
Those who failed would face punishment, being sent to another dimension to be tormented by monsters, a cruel ordeal for the students.
The two sides quickly drew lots to form their teams, then began summoning their territories, dispatching soldiers, and advancing towards the enemy.
However, they fought individually, resulting in chaos, and were ultimately punished by Gu Long.
For a period afterward, they trained in coordinated combat. But wherever Zhou Yan was present, his side was invariably victorious. This was mainly because Zhou Yan's territory was so formidable that no one could breach it.
Team territorial combat taught them the importance of unity and cooperation. Subsequently, they transitioned to individual ambushes, defensive battles, and free-for-all combat. Gu Long ensured they experienced every form of combat that could train them.
Time flew by, and their training at the base finally concluded.
Everyone was physically and mentally exhausted. The training had been incredibly demanding, but its effects were astonishing. Each individual had grown significantly, their improvement tangible and real.
Due to the unique spatial factors of the training grounds, Zhou Yan's soldiers cultivated within the territory's [Cultivation Secret Realm], leading to a substantial increase in their cultivation realms.
Bai Qi and the others' realms even reached over seventy heavenly layers. Zhou Yan's territory finally boasted a large number of powerful individuals, though truly top-tier experts remained scarce, requiring continued effort.
After a few days of rest, they finally prepared to leave the training base.
They had initially expected to stay for only half a month, but ended up spending nearly a year.
Yet, only fifteen days had passed in the outside world.
Gu Long, Bei Junya, and Wen Ling were not only their instructors but also the leaders representing the Divine Dragon Kingdom in the upcoming competition.
"The training has concluded. You will now face opponents from foreign countries. I have only one demand: defeat your opponents with all your might."
"Use any means necessary to defeat your opponents, and you will be champions. Your opponents will also stop at nothing to win. You represent our nation, our Divine Dragon Kingdom, in this competition. Do not disappoint me, do not disappoint our country."
After speaking, Gu Long led everyone out, finally returning to the outside world. He then said, "Tidy up. We will gather in an hour. We are heading to the competition venue – the Capital!"
"The Capital! Isn't that our country?"
"So, we don't have to go abroad this time. Our country is the host."
"Since our country is the host, we must not bring shame upon ourselves."
"Bring glory to the nation!"
Ye Bufan said to Zhou Yan, "The Capital is my territory. Once we're there, I'll definitely show you around and introduce you to my family. I'm sure they'll be delighted."
"My family also welcomes you warmly," Feng Qingyang added.
"Weren't you going to marry a woman from the Feng Luan family after graduation? Speaking of which, your Phoenix family still likes these arranged marriages," Ye Bufan remarked directly.
"As if your Dragon King family doesn't! Like me, you've also been arranged for the sake of the family," Feng Qingyang retorted.
"We are different. Our method is more like a matchmaking session. If it works out, we get together; if not, we remain friends. It's not a forced union."
"Our family is more open and humane now. They arrange many girls for us to meet, and the suitable ones naturally come together. It's not like your Phoenix family, where once it's arranged, there's no other path. I truly pity you."
Ye Bufan was satisfied with his family's unique approach to arranged marriages. While still a form of union, it at least expanded the pool of potential partners considerably.
In the real world, incidents of young masters from prominent families falling for poor girls, while not unheard of, were as rare as winning the lottery.
Families, to protect their interests, naturally chose partners of equal standing for arranged marriages, which benefited both sides.
Although Dong Qingyi liked Ye Bufan, he did not reciprocate her feelings. His affections lay with Zhao Qingwu of Ziwei Academy.
While Zhao Qingwu was not from the Capital, Ye Bufan had thoroughly investigated and found her to be from a prominent family in Modu. A union with her would pose no problem whatsoever.
It was precisely for this reason that Ye Bufan chose to be with Zhao Qingwu, and after considerable time spent together, they had successfully formed a relationship.
If Zhao Qingwu had been an ordinary girl, Ye Bufan would have undoubtedly let her go, as family was paramount to people of their status.
Since the competition was being held in the Capital, Feng Qingyang and Ye Bufan had shared much about its historical sites with Zhou Yan and expressed their desire to show him around.
Accompanying them were over a dozen students from the Divine Dragon Academy. After spending so much time together, they were no longer strangers to one another.
Overall, their interactions had been quite harmonious.
Each grade participating had five individuals, with two reserve members.
The four grades combined totaled twenty-eight participants, accompanied by three instructors and teachers from various academies.
"You've been here for half a month, and I assume it's been good for you. You look a little different."
Han Feng observed Zhou Yan and the others, noting the significant changes in them.
For Han Feng and the others, only half a month had passed. However, for Zhou Yan and his companions, significantly more time had elapsed; they had spent roughly a year within the training space.
"We're finally departing. This competition concerns the nation's prestige and your own honor. Do not disappoint us!"
Leng Yue addressed Zhou Yan and the others.
"Understood, Teacher. Rest assured, we know who our opponents are this time and will strive our best," Zhou Yan replied.
"Let's go, the airship awaits us."
Chu Luoyan looked at the group and led the way towards the airship.
Over a hundred individuals headed towards the Divine Dragon Academy's airship. This vessel was exquisitely designed and offered a comfortable interior, embodying true luxury and sophistication.