Soul Emperor Awakening

The scene of a single staff strike Shattering Void lingered in everyone’s minds, leaving them shocked beyond measure.

Just a moment ago, Chen Hao’s momentum had been at its peak. Yet, in the blink of an eye, Lin Xuan had shattered it with a single blow from his staff. So what if Lin Xuan’s own aura had seemed weaker? After that strike, Chen Hao’s borrowed momentum was gone, reducing him to the level of a common man! It was an attack impossible to withstand unless one possessed truly Heaven-Defying strength.

Such people did exist—those who could shatter the void with a single punch, relying solely on their own power without borrowing any of the Power of Heaven and Earth. However, that required an extremely high level of Cultivation, something Lin Xuan was incapable of at his current stage.

Besides, not using the Power of Heaven and Earth when it was available was simply idiotic. Unless the opponent had it completely locked down, any sensible cultivator would make use of it.

"S-so powerful... Chen Hao’s momentum was gone in an instant. What kind of Martial Arts is that?"

"Could it be that his Spiritual Artifact is just that powerful? Strong enough to crush his opponent so easily?"

"I think it has to be the Martial Arts technique. Otherwise, he never could have achieved something like that!"

...

After snapping out of their shock, the crowd erupted in discussion once more. The fight had been too exhilarating; in the blink of an eye, Chen Hao’s advantage had vanished! It was obvious that Lin Xuan’s Cultivation had advanced again. His progress was simply too fast for them to comprehend. They had no idea how he even practiced his Cultivation.

"Chen Hao’s power was all superficial, whereas Lin Xuan’s is internal," a young man squatting nearby chimed in. "True experts are reserved; they don’t just flaunt their power recklessly. You all should give that some thought." His gaze flickered toward Lin Xuan, his eyes blazing with the will to fight.

The disciple who had been contradicted said nothing. While the speaker wasn’t Ling Tian, he was Lei Zhantian, ranked second in the Inner Hall. He had an uninhibited air about him, sitting casually to the side without any regard for his appearance.

"I... I lost..." Chen Hao felt as if a part of him had been hollowed out. The Half-Spiritual Artifact in his hands was in pieces. ’If Lin Xuan had struck me with that staff,’ he thought, ’my body would have been shattered instead.’

A chill ran down his spine as he fully processed what had happened. He had seen Lin Xuan fight before, so he knew his opponent was strong. But he had believed that even if he were to lose, especially after his breakthrough, the defeat wouldn’t be this absolute. Who could have known it would be like an egg smashing against a rock?

He had lost completely and utterly. His earlier dissatisfaction vanished without a trace, replaced by a profound sense of awe.

Lin Xuan finally lowered his White Pupil Rod, returning it to his Storage Space. He then turned, walked over to Liu Yue’er, and scooped her into his arms, once again looking like a doting dad.

’This Heaven-Striking Staff Technique really is powerful. If it weren’t for the Soul Pearl, I never would have been able to cultivate it to this level.’ Lin Xuan was extremely satisfied with the move. He had only practiced it in his spare time, and this was his first time ever using it in a real fight. The results had far exceeded his expectations.

’I guess Lin’s Staff Technique and the Heaven-Striking Staff Technique each have their own strengths,’ he mused. ’But for now, the Heaven-Striking Staff Technique is clearly more domineering, while Lin’s Staff Technique focuses more on fundamentals. In the end, it just means Lin’s Staff Technique is easier for beginners, while the Heaven-Striking Staff Technique is a lot harder to learn.’

"I’m sorry. I overestimated my own abilities in challenging you. Please forgive my earlier behavior." Chen Hao was a man who could accept his losses. A defeat was a defeat. He approached Lin Xuan and spoke with respect.

"Don’t say you overestimated yourself," Lin Xuan replied, not minding in the least. "If I were in your shoes, I would have done the same. How can you know who’ll win or lose until you’ve actually fought?" As the saying goes, you don’t slap a smiling face. Since his opponent was being so gracious, Lin Xuan had to return the courtesy and save Chen Hao from any further embarrassment.

"It seems I need to go back into seclusion to focus on my Cultivation. I hope we can have another match the next time we meet!" With that, Chen Hao turned and left, not even sparing a glance for his broken weapon. Someone would clean it up eventually.

CLAP! CLAP! CLAP!

Qing Piaoyun walked over, applauding. He had been watching the match from within the crowd for some time. Seeing Lin Xuan defeat Chen Hao with such ease filled him with relief and satisfaction. It proved his recommendation had been the right choice, and that his judgment was sound.

"Fifth Elder, I’ve successfully reached the top ten and completed the second objective ahead of schedule," Lin Xuan said, not bothering with pleasantries. He was in desperate need of resources. "So, what’s the reward?"

"Of course there’s a reward," Qing Piaoyun said with a smile. "I’ve just given it to you ahead of time."

"Ahead of time... Are you talking about the Half-Spiritual Artifact? That counts as the reward?" Lin Xuan felt a little ripped off, but a Half-Spiritual Artifact was still a respectable prize for completing the second objective. They certainly weren’t cheap.

"Of course. That was one part of the reward," Qing Piaoyun said with a smile. "The other reward was access to the Cyan Cloud Tower. I already approved you for unrestricted Cultivation there, so that reward was also given in advance. Are you still not satisfied?" He wasn’t lying; unrestricted access to the Cyan Cloud Tower for Cultivation was indeed part of the prize for the second objective.

Lin Xuan’s face fell with disappointment. He knew both rewards were valuable, but receiving them in advance robbed him of the joy of the accomplishment.

"Young man, one should learn to be content!" A smile touched Qing Piaoyun’s eyes. Seeing Lin Xuan’s crestfallen expression, he couldn’t resist adding, "Alright, alright, I’ll stop teasing you. There is one more reward. Here!"

He retrieved a Blood Jade Fruit from his Identity Token and handed it over. "This is a Third Grade Blood Jade Fruit, a rather precious Spirit Fruit. It’s perfect for you and will greatly strengthen your Physique!"

Lin Xuan took the fruit, his expression a bit odd. It was an excellent reward, but he had already taken one before. Consuming another would have diminished effects.

The eyes of the surrounding disciples lit up with envy when they saw it. That was a truly fine treasure, something they all craved but couldn’t obtain!

"What is it? Are you not satisfied?" Qing Piaoyun asked, his brow furrowing.

"I am, of course I’m satisfied!" Lin Xuan replied. ’Who would have expected a Blood Jade Fruit?’ he thought. It was still a good reward. But even if there hadn’t been another prize, he wouldn’t have minded. The only thing he truly wanted right now was to fight his way into the ranks of the Core Disciples!

"Good, as long as you’re satisfied." Qing Piaoyun nodded. "Now, aside from your reward, there’s one other thing I need to notify you about."

"What is it?" Lin Xuan asked, raising an eyebrow. He had a feeling it wasn’t good news.

"In one month, the top ten disciples of the Inner Hall will compete in a final Peak showdown. You need to be prepared," Qing Piaoyun said. "No matter the result, it will only be to your benefit. There are no drawbacks!"

"A Peak showdown for the top ten?" Lin Xuan’s eyes lit up. "Does that mean I’ll have a chance to fight Ling Tian?"

"If you manage to fight your way to the top ranks, then yes, that shouldn’t be a problem," Qing Piaoyun replied after a moment of thought.

"Now that is something to look forward to!" Lin Xuan’s gaze sharpened. Even if he couldn’t defeat Ling Tian, he would at least be able to gauge the true gap in their strength.

Not that he believed he would lose to Ling Tian. He still had plenty of trump cards left to play. If he could defeat Ling Tian, he would become a Core Disciple next month. And then, he would finally be able to see Lin Xue.

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