C47 Successfully Duplicated

The crowd behind him erupted into murmurs and gasps.

Disciples gazed at Lin Xuan's figure ahead, their hearts pounding with shock.

They hadn't anticipated that a newcomer like Lin Xuan would break into the ranks of the top ten disciples of the Outer Sect.

And yet, there he was, unharmed and undisturbed—not cast out as they might have expected.

This left the disciples in disbelief.

There had been a seasoned Outer Sect expert in the late Qi Gathering Stage who tried to strut to the front, seeking the limelight.

But he was swiftly sent packing by one of the elite top ten, returning with grave injuries that significantly marred his performance in the subsequent competition.

Since then, the disciples had come to understand that the front row was reserved for the top ten of the Outer Sect—a place off-limits to those not of equal standing.

But now, Lin Xuan, a mere novice, had achieved what even seasoned disciples at the late Qi Gathering Stage had failed to accomplish.

The astonishment was palpable among the onlookers.

Another new disciple, also recognized for his potential, watched Lin Xuan bask in the attention of his peers, his envy palpable. He too stepped forward, hoping to share the spotlight.

Regrettably, he barely neared the elite circle before a top ten disciple struck him down.

Despite his status as a promising talent within the Outer Sect, and only a month into the Enlightenment Stage, he was no match for the top ten.

A single punch sent him reeling backwards, blood spewing from his mouth, his injuries severe.

"Why can Lin Xuan stand in the first row and not me? I'm a disciple with potential too!"

"Scram! A newbie at the Enlightenment Stage doesn't deserve to stand with us!" barked the top ten disciple who had repelled the ambitious newcomer.

With his face flushed with humiliation, the potential disciple sensed the overwhelming authority and dared not retort, though his eyes remained fixed on Lin Xuan's back, burning with resentment.

Just then, a veteran disciple came to the aid of the fallen newcomer.

"Didn't you notice we're all standing back here?

You think we wouldn't want to move up if we could?"

It's not that we don't want to, it's that we can't! Unless we're among the top ten disciples of the Outer Sect, we'll be driven away," the seasoned disciple clarified.

"Why can Lin Xuan, a fellow newcomer, walk up to the front then?" the promising disciple persisted, clearly dissatisfied.

"The Third Elder sees great potential in Lin Xuan. He's likely to become a core disciple in the future. You must have caught wind of Lin Xuan's recent exploits. Let me put it this way: Lin Xuan's chances of becoming a core disciple are even higher than those of the top ten, top three, or even Chen Yuze, the foremost expert of the Outer Sect! That's why Lin Xuan, despite being a new disciple, can stand at the very front. He has boundless potential, and the top ten senior brothers of the Outer Sect respect him for it. If you had Lin Xuan's potential, you too could stand at the front, and I assure you, no one would object. But if you lack that talent, quit your grumbling and take your place at the back. Don't even dream of stealing the spotlight. Besides Lin Xuan, none of you qualify! Got it?" the old disciple explained thoroughly, his face hardening at the end.

He had no patience for such presumptuous individuals. If they possessed Lin Xuan's abilities and talent, it would be another story. But they had nothing to show for their arrogance.

"I understand," the disciple with potential said, nodding vigorously, a look of trepidation on his face. He finally grasped the vast gulf between himself and Lin Xuan. They were simply not in the same league. Without further complaint, he turned and made his way to the end of the line.

The other disciples murmured among themselves, the disturbance not insignificant. They were now convinced of the truth behind the rumors. They had heard of Lin Xuan's high talent, that he might be the top prodigy of the Outer Sect. But hearing and seeing are different things, and they had harbored doubts. Now, after the old disciple's clarification, they witnessed Lin Xuan standing unchallenged among the elite of the Outer Sect.

It was at that moment they truly grasped the reality.

Lin Xuan's talent was extraordinary, surpassing even what the rumors suggested.

The Head Elder, Xu Annlan, and the other deacons were all aware of the recent events.

Yet, these were merely scuffles between Outer Sect disciples. Unless things took a serious turn, the elders typically refrained from intervening.

It was through this competition that the Outer Sect disciples thrived, fostering a dynamic environment.

Such rivalry was instrumental in identifying the most exceptional among them.

After all, if they faltered at minor internal disputes, how could they endure the harsh battles of the outside world?

And strengthening the sect? That would be out of the question.

A disciple who couldn't cope with this was not deemed worthy of the sect's resources.

Hence, the Sect Seniors seldom paid heed to these internal squabbles, provided they didn't escalate too far.

At the forefront of the disciples' ranks stood Lin Xuan, positioned near the center.

Unbeknownst to him, his presence had sparked these shifts among his fellow disciples.

His gaze was fixed on the Head Elder and Xu Annlan ahead, intent on replicating their treasures.

Both were formidable practitioners at the Spirit Opening Stage, adorned with an abundance of treasures.

However, after previously duplicating the abilities of other Outer Sect disciples at the Martial Arts Practice Field, he was down to just 200,000 energy points.

He aspired to replicate all the treasures from these two individuals, but his energy points were insufficient.

Lin Xuan pondered over which treasures to prioritize.

Before long, he reached a decision.

"I'll start by copying their talents and Concepts."

Talent was indicative of one's potential and future prospects.

The greater the talent, the more robust the potential.

He was determined not to miss the chance to replicate these assets.

Moreover, certain strength and attribute talents could serve as enhancements, bolstering combat effectiveness.

Concepts, on the other hand, had the power to directly amplify one's abilities!

When a person employed a Concept, their combat power could grow geometrically.

With the upcoming grand competition, he needed to amass a substantial number of energy points.

The competition's rewards were also highly enticing, and he was eager to claim them.

He needed formidable strength, and Concepts had their role to play.

Without further delay, Lin Xuan commenced the duplication process.

"[30,000 energy points expended. Duplication successful. Acquired 20% Sword Intent.]"

"[100,000 energy points expended. Duplication successful. Acquired Spirit Grade Cultivation Talent.]"

"10,000 energy points spent, duplication successful, [Top Grade Strength Talent] acquired."

Within moments, 200,000 energy points had been depleted.

He exchanged these points for several treasures.

Lin Xuan gazed at the replicated items in his attribute panel, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

With these treasures in hand, his power was set to surge once more.

Yet, with the Head Elder and Xu Annlan around, he couldn't integrate the treasures just yet.

He had to bide his time.

Once inside the Puppet Tower, he would combine them.

The tower offered a measure of safety.

The system was, after all, his greatest secret, one he couldn't risk revealing.

Maintaining a calm facade, Lin Xuan continued alongside his fellow disciples, following the Head Elder's lead.

Soon, they stood before a towering edifice that stretched a hundred meters into the sky.

The black tower exuded an aura of solidity and weight.

This was the Puppet Tower.