C68 The People of the Sect Were All Shocked
The news had spread from the mouths of the Outer Sect disciples and the deacon overseeing the competition. It seemed implausible that so many people could be fabricating the same story simultaneously, right? Moreover, the presence of the Outer Sect's Head Elder and Core Disciple Xu Annlan at the event lent the news even more credibility. Since neither of them stepped forward to refute the claims, the veracity of the information was all but confirmed.
So, it was true?
The revelation sent shockwaves through the crowd. It took a moment for them to regain their composure, a collective gasp of astonishment escaping their lips. Lin Xuan had achieved such a feat in a mere month, a testament to his extraordinary talent. Was it possible that his abilities surpassed even those spoken of in the rumors?
The thought that Lin Xuan's talent might eclipse that of Elite Senior Brother Liu Qianyu, despite their reluctance to accept it, was a reality they had to face. Liu Qianyu's performance in the Outer Sect paled in comparison to Lin Xuan's. Lin Xuan's exceptional talent placed him among the elite of the Drifting Cloud Sect, and by extension, at the pinnacle of Cangyuan Country's rankings.
The news of Lin Xuan's prowess caused a stir that could not be quieted. His reputation spread rapidly; he became a well-known figure within the Outer Sect and gained significant recognition in the Inner Sect. Xu Annlan's presence at the event had even drawn the attention of many Core disciples to Lin Xuan.
Meanwhile, in the heart of the Drifting Cloud Sect, within the Drifting Cloud Palace, the Head Elder stood before the Sect Master. "Sect Master, I have personally witnessed the events of the competition, and I assure you there has been no deception," he reported with a respectful bow. The developments of the day were astonishing, and after leaving the Outer Sect's Martial Arts Practice Field, he had felt compelled to report the incident to his superiors, never anticipating that it would capture the Sect Master's interest. The Sect Master had even summoned him to verify the account personally. The Head Elder recounted the details of the competition to the Sect Master, who listened intently, his tall figure turned away from the elder.
"In that case, he truly is a prodigy worth investing in," the Sect Master remarked, his usually impassive voice betraying a hint of emotion. Clearly, he wasn't as detached as he seemed. The Head Elder listened quietly.
After a moment, the Sect Master added, "We will provide him with more resources. For everything else, we should refrain from intervening and allow him to progress in his cultivation at his own pace, just like the other disciples. The sect will keep a discreet eye on him. That will be all; you may go now."
"Understood, Sect Master!" The Head Elder bowed respectfully and departed.
Once the Head Elder's silhouette had vanished into the distance, a long, contemplative sigh echoed through the hall. "Genius is not so easily defined."
As time swiftly passed, several hours slipped by unnoticed. Finally, Lin Xuan opened his eyes, exhaling deeply. He could feel the robust power coursing through his body and nodded with satisfaction. This time, he had duplicated an abundance of treasures, and it had taken him considerable time to fully assimilate and integrate them.
He then gazed into the void before him. "My strength has significantly improved this time," he observed. Lin Xuan scrutinized the attribute panel floating in the void and his brow furrowed. "However, it seems I've duplicated quite a few martial arts of high caliber. There are too many; I should start by synthesizing them."
Without delay, Lin Xuan set about merging the martial arts. After another half-hour, he completed the task.
Looking into the void once more, Lin Xuan reviewed the information displayed by the Divine Level Duplication System.
"Host: Lin Xuan."
"Cultivation Stage: Qi Gathering Stage Level 4."
"Talents: Spirit Grade Cultivation Talent, Top Grade Talents (Speed, Strength, Swordsmanship), High-grade Saber Talent, Top Grade Attribute Talents (Sharp Gold, Fierce Wind, Crimson Fire), High-grade Attribute Talents (Crimson Fire, Earth, Green Wood, Heavy Water), Middle-grade Attribute Talents (Ice, Lightning)."
"Martial Arts: Mixed Essence Formula (Low Rank 7, Initial Perfect Level), Wind Flame Saber Technique (Rank 6 High-grade, Great Completion), Gale Sword Art (Rank 6 High-grade, Great Completion), Barbarian Elephant Art (Rank 6 High-grade, Great Completion)."
"Tyrant Fist (Rank 6 High-grade, Great Completion), Shocking Wave Palm (Rank 6 High-grade, Great Completion), Split-Space Leg (Rank 6 High-grade, Great Completion), Shadow Pursuing Skill (Rank 6 High-grade, Great Completion)."
"Concept: 20% sword intent, 10% saber intent, 10% conception of wind, 10% conception of gold, and 5% conception of fire."
"Energy Points: 237,000."
"Walkspace: 44."
Lin Xuan gazed at the Attribute Panel floating in the void and gave a slight nod of approval.
His Attribute Panel, cultivation base aside, was likely among the elite in both the Outer and Inner Sects of the Drifting Cloud Sect.
Naturally, this excluded those at the Spirit Opening Stage, the Sect's higher echelons, and the Elite Disciples.
Nevertheless, his achievements were commendable.
Lin Xuan felt quite pleased with himself.
"And look at these energy points. In such a short time, you've amassed over 200,000?"
His eyes moved to the bottom of the Attribute Panel, and his pupils tightened in surprise.
The figure was astonishingly high.
Initially, after duplicating treasures from the Head Elder and Xu Annlan at the Martial Arts Practice Field, he had a little over 60,000 energy points remaining.
But now, in just a few hours, his energy points had skyrocketed to 237,000—an increase of 170,000.
Wasn't this rate of growth alarmingly fast?
It took him by surprise.
"It seems the disturbance from the tournament was quite significant."
After some time, Lin Xuan exhaled deeply, steadying his emotions and pondering the situation.
His eyes sparkled with delight.
The greater the stir he caused, the more energy points he could gather.
Consequently, the more treasures he could duplicate, the quicker his strength would grow.
Lin Xuan was elated.
Furthermore, judging by the trend, he might end up with five or six hundred thousand energy points.
That would be ample for duplicating numerous high-grade treasures.
Lin Xuan was even more content with the prospect.
"Next, it's time to head to the Golden Origin Hall in the Outer Sect to exchange for some cultivation resources."
After a moment of composure, Lin Xuan stowed the Attribute Panel, rose to his feet, and prepared to move forward.
With his abundant talent and rock-solid foundation, all he lacked now were cultivation resources.
And with over 5,000 contribution points at his disposal, he was well-equipped to acquire them.
He decided to stock up on a few items with his contribution points before retreating to cultivate in seclusion.
His goal was to advance to the Qi Transformation Stage in one go and make his way to the Inner Sect.
Having reached the pinnacle of the Outer Sect, with no more treasures worth duplicating, there was no reason for him to remain.
To accelerate his progress, duplicate more, and access higher-grade treasures, the Inner Sect was his next destination.
Lin Xuan tidied up and left his small courtyard, heading straight for the Golden Origin Hall.
The Golden Origin Hall served as the marketplace for the Outer Sect to exchange for cultivation resources.
A variety of pills, spirit medicines, spirit weapons like swords and sabers, and other essentials for martial artists were available for purchase with contribution points.
This setup was quite convenient indeed.
He could also opt to use gold coins or spirit stones, but within the Drifting Cloud Sect, contribution points were the preferred currency.
Transactions with contribution points were not only more straightforward but often came with substantial discounts.
In contrast, trading with gold coins and spirit stones lacked these conveniences.
