Soul Emperor Awakening

Lin Xuan was completely unaware that he had set a new record, leaving Qing Piaoyun a bit speechless. He sighed and remarked, "For someone at your level of Cultivation to last so long in here... it proves your potential is absolutely astonishing. It doesn’t match your talent rating at all! Do you realize that staying here for twenty days is something not even Core Disciples can do, unless they’ve broken through to the Essence Pill Stage?"

Achieving this with a mere Fifth-class Talent was simply shocking—beyond belief, really. It meant that Lin Xuan’s potential was comparable to that of cultivators at the Essence Pill Stage.

The Cyan Cloud Tower subjected cultivators to an immense amount of pressure. Without formidable Control Power and Spiritual Power, it was impossible to remain for long. Only those who reached a certain level of strength could endure an extended stay.

Based on this, if Lin Xuan could just continue to train here, his Cultivation would absolutely skyrocket.

Breaking through from the Third Layer to the Fourth Layer of the Spirit Refining Stage in just twenty days... This speed was astonishing, far surpassing anyone else. Even someone with a Sixth-class Talent couldn’t cultivate this fast.

"It did take a little while..." Lin Xuan now understood why Qing Piaoyun had come looking for him. In truth, he didn’t think it was that big of a deal. With Soul Possession active, his Control Power had risen dramatically.

Without Soul Possession, he estimated he could have lasted ten days at most, perhaps not even that long. But with Soul Possession, it was a different story entirely. His cultivation speed and all other attributes were significantly enhanced.

If not for his Cultivation breaking through, he honestly wouldn’t have awakened from his training. That, and he felt his time was almost up anyway, so it was about time to wake up.

’Who knew my estimate was a bit too short? It actually took twenty days to break through. The next layer will require even more time, and right now, I don’t have much time left to cultivate.’

"The timing is perfect for the upcoming challenge match. You can either choose to continue cultivating and wait for next month’s competition, or you can go prepare for this one," Qing Piaoyun said.

"Continue cultivating?" Lin Xuan asked, puzzled. "But I’m out of time. How can I keep training?"

’I’ve already used up all the days I could exchange for. Now I have to earn more, or wait until next month’s allocation.’

"Don’t worry about that. Regarding the matter of the Five-Colored Spirit Wood we discussed, the Elders have made a decision: you will be the point person for the exchange. A few days ago, it was publicly announced that the Qingcheng Mansion has taken the Shang Family under its protection. Anyone who dares to make a move on the Shang Family is making a move on the Qingcheng Mansion! The Shang Family has also agreed to the terms—a seventy-thirty split. We get seventy percent, they get thirty," Qing Piaoyun said, delivering the good news.

’That split is quite reasonable. It’s a blessing they didn’t demand a ninety-ten split.’

"The higher-ups made this decision in part because they see your potential. You’ll be allowed to take a small portion for your own Cultivation, but the remainder must be handed over to the mansion," Qing Piaoyun stated.

"That’s no problem, but what does this have to do with my training?" Lin Xuan wasn’t particularly concerned with the amount. For him, just having a supply of the material was enough, as it meant he could carve more statues.

As for things like increasing the success rate, while useful, his intention wasn’t to sell his creations for profit.

"Twenty days. Understand now?" Qing Piaoyun said simply.

"Understood." Lin Xuan smiled faintly. ’So that’s how it is. It’s a temporary arrangement.’

"I haven’t discussed this with the Elders, but I’ll make this promise to you right now: from this day forward, you will have unlimited access to the Cyan Cloud Tower for your Cultivation! You’ll enjoy the same privileges as a Core Disciple. As long as you continue to demonstrate your astonishing talent, we will never treat you poorly," Qing Piaoyun said with a smile.

’The same privileges as a Core Disciple!’ Core Disciples truly had unrestricted access to the Cyan Cloud Tower. In fact, Ling Tian, the top-ranked disciple, had been enjoying Core Disciple privileges for a long time.

Even Ling Tian wasn’t completely without restrictions—he was still allocated a set amount of time. However, the amount he received was so vast that it was practically the same as having unlimited access.

"Then please thank the Elders for me!" Lin Xuan was thrilled. This way, he wouldn’t have to scramble around just to earn more days to train.

"You have the privileges of a Core Disciple, but that’s it. Nothing else changes," Qing Piaoyun reminded him. "You still have to go through all the necessary assessments."

"Of course," Lin Xuan had no objection to this. ’To earn the respect of others, you have to display the strength to back it up. Either that, or possess a Heaven-Defying physique so overwhelming that no one would dare to complain.’

After a brief exchange, they ascended together. When they emerged from the Cyan Cloud Tower, the entire crowd was stunned, their faces frozen in disbelief. Lin Xuan had spent a full twenty days inside, yet he looked perfectly fine. A successful training session should leave one invigorated, which made it clear that Lin Xuan hadn’t just been barely holding on—he had truly been able to last that entire time!

Chen Yun’s face turned pale, and his knees felt weak. He turned to Wan Ning with a strained smile. "Boss, he was on the Eighth Layer for a full twenty days... That’s just Heaven-Defying, isn’t it? This upcoming match... I think I’m doomed..."

"You idiot!" Wan Ning snarled. "The match hasn’t even started, and you’re already talking yourself into a loss! Where’s your pride? He’s shown some extraordinary talent, yes, but that doesn’t mean he can beat you *this* time. Understand?!"

’Based on how things are going, it’s only a matter of time before Lin Xuan surpasses Chen Yun,’ Wan Ning thought. ’But it won’t be this time.’

But those were just words. Chen Yun knew his own limits, and his expression soured. He couldn’t bring himself to utter a single one of the taunts he had thrown at Lin Xuan before.

’Because I know I’m up against a monster,’ he thought. ’How could I possibly win?’

Just then, a sharp gaze fell upon him, making Chen Yun’s heart shudder. ’He broke through in just over half a month... He really is a monster!’

"Senior Brother Chen," Lin Xuan said with a faint smile as he brushed past them, "I look forward to our match in a few days. Please, go easy on me."

Chen Yun’s knees buckled as fear gripped his heart. He was terrified of losing, especially to this newcomer. Being used as a stepping stone by him would be an utter disgrace.

All eyes in the crowd turned to him. Many wore expressions of schadenfreude, sensing a good show was about to unfold. Chen Yun had been so arrogant before; now he was getting a heavy slap to the face.

"Calm down! Don’t forget, I even lent you my Weapon. If it comes down to it... you can use *that* move!" Wan Ning said in a low, dangerous tone.

"*That* move!" Chen Yun’s eyes lit up. He stared at Wan Ning and asked, "I can really use it?"

"Of course. Cripple him for me!" Wan Ning’s expression was grim. He could feel his own position being threatened. Getting pushed out of the top ten was a humiliating affair, and more importantly, no one wanted to be a stepping stone for someone else’s rise.

Chen Yun’s expression turned sinister, a vicious glint in his eyes. "Fine! So what if his talent is astonishing? His Cultivation is still weaker than mine right now. With that Weapon, even if I don’t kill him, I’ll cripple him."

No one else noticed their hushed conversation. Upon seeing Lin Xuan emerge, the other disciples dispersed to make their own preparations. After all, this challenge match wasn’t the only one on the schedule.

Still, everyone was eagerly anticipating the match in a few days. They wanted to see just how far Lin Xuan had come and whether he could knock Chen Yun down a peg.

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