C76 He Had a Lot of Gains

Thanks to Lin Xuan's intervention, the Inner Sect disciples were spared from having to pay any extortionate protection fees. They knew that as long as Lin Xuan remained, they would be free from such demands and were deeply appreciative of his help.

They also recognized that with Lin Xuan's arrival, the Inner Sect was unlikely to remain tranquil. A top-tier talent like him wouldn't settle for mediocrity, and they eagerly anticipated more news about his exploits.

Lin Xuan, however, paid them little mind. He gathered his belongings into his storage ring and moved on to the neighboring house, taking about ten minutes to tidy up.

Settling down on the bed, Lin Xuan examined the storage ring he had acquired from Zhao Gang more closely. Previously, he had only glanced at it, but now he saw it was filled with numerous spirit stones—enough to sustain his cultivation for some time. It warranted a thorough inspection.

His search soon brought him great joy. Inside, he found 843 Substandard Spirit Stones and an anonymous identity card loaded with over five thousand contribution points. Having won first place in the Large Competition, he had already earned five thousand contribution points, but breaking through to the Qi Transformation Stage had cost him two thousand, leaving him with a balance of three thousand.

He hadn't anticipated such a windfall upon entering the Inner Sect—five thousand contribution points and a wealth of Substandard Spirit Stones. He was suddenly flush with resources.

"Robbery really is the quickest way to wealth," Lin Xuan mused with a hint of irony.

He was aware, however, that fortune had smiled upon him. His strength and renown had allowed him to catch Zhao Gang right after a hefty collection of protection fees. Such an opportunity was unlikely to come again.

"It's time to focus on my cultivation," Lin Xuan reflected, considering his next steps.

The abundance of spirit stones and contribution points constituted a significant fortune, especially among the Inner Sect's elite. By seizing their assets, he had made a formidable enemy in Chen Xiao. While his formidable reputation might intimidate some, he doubted it would deter Chen Xiao.

Chen Xiao could come looking for him at any moment.

At such a time, he couldn't be sure he'd manage to fend off Chen Xiao.

Moreover, if he were to reveal all his techniques, he'd risk exposing even 20% of his sword intent.

That could lead to even greater complications.

After all, even Xu Annlan, a standout among the Core Disciples, had only grasped 20% of sword intent.

For him, a mere Early Period Qi Transformation Stage Inner Sect disciple, to have done the same was excessive.

Being slightly ahead would suggest talent, but being far ahead would raise questions beyond mere talent—there had to be a secret.

And that could very well draw the probing eyes of the Sect Seniors. Given his current modest strength, that would spell danger.

It was wiser to keep his true power under wraps.

He needed to focus on bolstering his strength first.

Once he was strong enough, no obstacle would remain.

Even if he harbored a secret, no one would dare to delve into it.

Besides, his innate talent was nothing to scoff at—it even surpassed that of Core Disciple Xu Annlan.

For now, within the Inner Sect, there were few skills worth emulating.

He had to prioritize enhancing his strength and cultivation level before anything else.

So, after careful consideration, Lin Xuan resolved to persist with his secluded cultivation.

"I'll give cultivating with Spirit Stones a try this time," Lin Xuan mused, gazing into his storage ring with a slight smile.

The truth was, upon reaching the Qi Transformation Stage, he could forcibly draw spiritual qi from the Spirit Stones for cultivation.

But this method would only harness most of the qi, resulting in considerable waste.

And Spirit Stones were no small luxury—ten contribution points for just one substandard stone.

Using medicinal pills was more economical.

Though their effects might not match those of Spirit Stones, they were significantly cheaper.

Yet, Lin Xuan urgently needed to enhance his strength.

And he wasn't one to fret over using these Spirit Stones.

He decided to proceed with his cultivation using the stones directly.

With that, Lin Xuan made his way to the cultivation chamber.

He settled himself cross-legged on the meditation cushion, then retrieved dozens of spirit stones and arranged them neatly to the side. Lin Xuan selected a few and began to channel the Mixed Essence Formula, drawing in the spiritual energy to cultivate. Instantly, a refreshing coolness washed over him, and he could tell his cultivation speed had increased manifold compared to before. Indeed, using spirit stones was the way to go! A flicker of amusement danced in Lin Xuan's eyes as he delved deeper into his cultivation, his aura growing steadily stronger.

While Lin Xuan was deep in seclusion, whispers about him began to ripple through the Inner Sect. Lin Xuan, the newcomer who had joined the sect just over a month ago, had bested all the Outer Sect disciples in their competition, claiming the top spot—an impressive feat. Yet today's gossip suggested something even more astonishing: Lin Xuan had broken through to the Qi Transformation Stage and ascended to the Inner Sect.

This piece of news was met with skepticism by many who heard it. However, given Lin Xuan's previous exploits, it wasn't entirely out of the realm of possibility. But there was more to the story.

On his very first day at the beginner level, Lin Xuan had an encounter with Zhao Gang, a seasoned Inner Sect disciple known for extorting protection fees from his juniors. Unaware that the new disciple was Lin Xuan, Zhao Gang had targeted him for trouble. Demanding payment, Zhao Gang was met with resistance; Lin Xuan, a top-tier talent and the foremost expert of the Outer Sect, was not one to submit. Instead of paying up, Lin Xuan turned the tables and seized the protection fees Zhao Gang had collected.

A conflict erupted between the two, as many had anticipated. They wondered, 'Surely this time Lin Xuan will be defeated, right?' But the outcome defied expectations. Lin Xuan preserved his undefeated streak, overpowering even Zhao Gang, who was at the Seventh Level of the Qi Transformation Stage. Zhao Gang was no match for Lin Xuan, who bested him with a few swift moves, leaving him severely wounded on the ground. And notably, Lin Xuan had triumphed using his own prowess, without resorting to the Concept.

Everyone fell into stunned silence, rooted to the spot, struggling to believe what they had witnessed.

It took a moment before they collectively caught their breath, each drawing in a sharp, cold gasp.

Their understanding of Lin Xuan's extraordinary talent had crystallized in that instant!

In just four days, Lin Xuan had soared from the fourth layer of the Qi Gathering Stage to the Qi Transformation Stage, securing his place in the Inner Sect.

His prodigious speed in advancing his cultivation was unmatched.

And yet, despite the rapid increase in his cultivation level, his strength didn't lag behind in the slightest.

Having just entered the Qi Transformation Stage, he was already capable of effortlessly defeating Zhao Gang of the Seventh Level of the Qi Transformation Stage.

His prowess was simply astounding!

It was Lin Xuan's innate talent that made these feats possible.

The disciples were utterly in awe of his abilities.

The rumors didn't lie; Lin Xuan truly was among the elite geniuses of the entire Drifting Cloud Sect!

The disciples couldn't help but inwardly marvel.

With Lin Xuan's arrival in the Inner Sect, it was likely to be a time of upheaval.

Word of Lin Xuan's exploits quickly spread, and his renown grew even more prominent, becoming a topic of conversation among many in the Inner Sect.

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