Chapter Twenty-Five: The Spirit Array

Although Jiu Ling and the other disciples had been mentally prepared, when Master Yun Fa personally announced the third round of the trial, they were still taken aback. The Six Sons of Yuntian were simply too powerful; within the sect, these six masters stood as supreme figures, objects of reverent awe among the disciples. How could anyone even entertain the idea of challenging, let alone profaning, their authority?

Yun Tong evidently sensed the pressure weighing upon the three disciples. He let out a hearty, genial laugh. "There’s no need to overthink it—just do your best," he said. Despite his peaceful demeanor, his presence pressed upon them like a mountain. It was well known that even the most outstanding of the advancing disciples could withstand only six or seven exchanges with the Six Sons before being forced to admit defeat.

Jiu Ling suddenly stepped forward. In that instant, the young man from the Luo family seemed to be brimming with fighting spirit. With righteous resolve, he declared, "I, Ling, dare to ask Fourth Uncle for your guidance." Everyone was impressed; Jiu Ling, a scion of a spiritual cultivation family, had entered Yuntian Sect to further his skills, and he had always been diligent in his cultivation. Today, as expected, he was the first to step up.

Yun Tong laughed heartily. He had always been fond of this nephew by marriage. But when he rose to his feet, he radiated an overwhelming majesty; in that moment, he was the very emblem of the Yuntian Sect: one of the Six Sons.

The sheer force of this corpulent master’s aura was so intense that Wu Luohua, who had been sneaking a chicken leg, froze with it halfway to his mouth. He muttered, "The Six Sons of Yuntian truly live up to their reputation."

Mo Bai, however, frowned deeply. Too many mysteries already plagued his mind. Just then, the contest began. Jiu Ling focused his spirit; though he had not expended much energy during the climb or in his previous duel with Jiu Ju, now, faced with Yun Tong’s daunting presence, he found it difficult to even breathe. Such was the gulf between them!

Yun Tong flicked his hand lightly, and a faint, ethereal current seemed to drift from his palm. Though it appeared devoid of power, the observant could immediately recognize it as the Sect’s own signature spiritual energy—Cloudlight Qi.

A spark of admiration flashed in the aged eyes of Yun Kong. He remarked slowly, "I never expected Fourth Brother’s mastery of Cloudlight Qi to reach such heights, especially given how busy he is each day. I am truly ashamed by the comparison."

Master Yun Fa, dark-faced, said, "Brother Yun Tong is nothing if not fair." Clearly, he too held this plump brother in high esteem; Yun Tong showed no leniency even though Jiu Ling was a relative by marriage.

Suddenly, Jiu Ling let out a loud cry, and three spirit arrays he had prepared began to move. One of them, a scarlet array, shot toward Yun Tong with overwhelming force. Yun Tong smiled, "The Luo family’s Red Radiance Array is famed for its might, but, Ling, your cultivation is still shallow. Had you focused solely on this array, you might have had some effect; but splitting your attention like this only dilutes its power." With a wave of his hand, a pale glow shot from his palm and struck the formation overhead.

A violent tremor shook the air, and the Red Radiance Array wavered, emitting a series of creaks—the prelude to its collapse. Yun Tong’s spiritual power was formidable indeed. Jiu Ling frowned, but acted swiftly; with a flick of his finger, the green Defensive Array behind the Red Radiance Array surged forward, enveloping the red formation and merging with it. Instantly, the ominous creaking ceased, as if the Red Radiance Array had gained powerful protection.

Yun Tong’s broad face retained its smile. "For you to so quickly use the Defensive Array to support the Red Radiance shows quick thinking, Ling. It seems you knew the Red Radiance's power would not last long, hence your plan for three arrays at once. Very clever, very clever…" Yun Tong’s praise was sincere; at least, he had responded with two genuine moves, holding nothing back.

On the judges’ dais, Yun Ling nodded approvingly and spoke in her melodious voice, "This child Jiu Ling truly has some skill—he merged a defensive green array within the offensive red one. Just this idea alone is praiseworthy. The Luo family’s arrays are indeed unique, worthy of recognition. Now, I am even more curious about that elusive blue array he holds in reserve." For the proud Yun Ling to offer such praise was proof of Jiu Ling’s abilities.

But not everyone was pleased. With a sudden ‘pfft,’ a peach pit shot from the mouth of a certain petite beauty nearby, stripped clean of any flesh. Wu Luohua’s eyes sparkled with curiosity as he muttered to himself, "How did she do that? Is eating peach pits enjoyable? How does such a tiny mouth swallow one so large, and move it around so nimbly? Hm, Xin’er’s mouth must be quite something."

Mo Bai couldn’t help but chuckle, shaking his head. "This Lord Luohua… always letting his mind wander. Such a splendid contest, yet he’s distracted by Xin’er’s mouth!"

But Nalan Xin’er wasn’t paying him any mind. She suddenly stood up among the judges, immediately standing out from the crowd—after all, she had been sitting atop the judges’ table. The demoness protested, "Are the Luo family’s arrays really that impressive? I’d like to see for myself!"

The crowd was startled, but it was no surprise: this young witch of the Nalan family had not only received the personal tutelage of Master Yun Jin, the current head of Yuntian Sect, but was also gifted with the Nalan family’s rare Violet Eyes—a prodigy indeed. It was no wonder she looked down on all her peers. Upon hearing Yun Ling praise Jiu Ling, she naturally had to react.

"Ahem," Master Yun Fa interjected crisply, "Xin’er, if you wish to compete with Jiu Ling, you’ll have to wait until after the tournament. Don’t disrupt the proceedings. Otherwise, perhaps your brother Jiu Xi could spar with you instead." As the head of the Hall of Discipline, his word was law.

Standing not far off, Jiu Xi cursed silently, "You sly old fox, tossing this hot potato to me—damn it!" But he dared not protest, only coughed and said, "Xin’er—"

Before he could finish, Nalan Xin’er interrupted, her voice sweet and clear, "Alright, I understand, Senior Brother Jiu Xi. No need to say more. I’ll just go for a stroll—this place is dreadfully dull." She turned suddenly, catching sight of Wu Luohua, and scolded, "Do you find this interesting?"

Wu Luohua was taken aback. "It’s not bad," he replied.

Nalan Xin’er glared, "Nonsense."

Wu Luohua grinned, "Your behind is certainly not bad."

A bead of sweat immediately appeared on Mo Bai’s brow.

Amidst these exchanges, Yun Tong unleashed three more moves. The defensive array began to totter, unable to bear the strain, and with a crash, it and the Red Radiance Array both collapsed. Yet, at that moment, a sly smile curled at the corner of Jiu Ling’s mouth. The pale blue array in front of him finally stirred, moving with astonishing speed—like a flash of lightning—toward Yun Tong.

Yun Ling’s expression changed abruptly. She murmured, "What a peculiar array—from its formation to activation, I still cannot discern its nature."

Yun Jin smiled faintly, "All things under heaven are ever-changing. Naturally, the Luo family retains some secrets unknown to outsiders." Yun Ling nodded her agreement.

The pale blue array arrived before Yun Tong in a heartbeat. Though a member of the Six Sons, Yun Tong did not take it lightly; he conjured a spiritual shield, instantly enveloping himself. The swelling spiritual energy rippled around him, a fascinating sight.

Jiu Ling’s blue array seemed to encounter immense resistance, halting before Yun Tong. No matter how much Jiu Ling willed it onward, it could go no further. He thought to himself, "That was the fifth move—I still can’t guarantee advancement. It seems I have no choice." With that, the sly smile returned; his hands formed a special sigil, and the pale blue array, as if stimulated, suddenly emitted a sharp whistle—sssh!

Yun Tong’s spiritual shield shuddered violently—he was taken aback!

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