Soul Emperor Awakening

Shattering Heaven and Earth with a single strike!

The sight was staggering, seared into the minds of everyone present and far surpassing anything they could have imagined. This was the power of someone ranked twenty-second in the Inner Hall. What about the top ten?

It was a thought they dared not entertain. This only made them feel that Qingcheng Mansion was even more formidable, a power no one dared to provoke.

"In this match, Lin Yunlong is the victor!" After a long moment, Luo Xiao finally recovered and announced the outcome. "Then, according to the terms of our bet, this Celestial Level Martial Arts Fragment, along with the second-place prize, are all yours. However, you already have a spot for the Bone Dragon Ruins. What do you wish to do with the extra one?"

Lin Xuan took the Celestial Level Martial Arts Fragment and, without a second glance, stored it in his Identity Token. He did the same with the first-place Breaking Essence Pill and the second-place weapon, putting them all away in his Storage Space since he had no immediate use for them.

"I’ll give this spot to Shang Zhihao!" Lin Xuan declared, pointing to Shang Zhihao.

Down in the audience, Shang Zhihao froze, then excitement surged through him. He never expected such good fortune to befall him. This was a tremendous opportunity. He had been disappointed to lose it, though he could only admit the top three were simply too powerful. For Lin Xuan to now give him the spot... his elation was palpable.

’In truth, I wasn’t sure who to give the spot to,’ Lin Xuan thought. ’At the moment, Shang Zhihao is the only one I have a good impression of, so I’ll grant him this favor.’

"Very well, the spot goes to Shang Zhihao. The Bone Dragon Ruins will open in one month. You must all be ready. When the time comes, gather at the Pattern Master Association," Luo Xiao announced, reminding the three of them who would be heading to the ruins.

’One month, huh...’ Lin Xuan nodded. He calculated the time in his head. ’That’s plenty of time. I’ll go back and cultivate for a while, get through this month’s challenge match, and then come back for the Bone Dragon Ruins.’

That would give him plenty of time. ’Of course, I could also postpone it until next month. Everyone can accumulate up to two chances, meaning they can challenge twice in a row, but without any break! That was fine in the Early Stages, but it’s much harder in the Late Stage. Even with Soul Possession, I feel I’m still not quite up to par.’

’Wan Ning is in the top five. I wouldn’t dare challenge twice in a row; that would be suicide. My own power isn’t sufficient yet. While I’m making breakthroughs, so is Wan Ning. I’m not the only genius in the Inner Hall, and with his family’s abundant resources, Wan Ning might have already broken through by now.’

"Clan Leader Fang, my deepest apologies. Our Liu Family took first and third this time. Oh, wait, I should say we took all of the top three," Liu Qing gloated, happier than he had ever been. The Liu Family had swept the top three spots. Their fame was now sure to spread throughout the entire Empire.

"Hmph!" Clan Leader Fang snorted. He shot Lin Xuan a dark glare, then turned and led his people away.

Fang Qingyu had already rushed up to Sun Zhe’s aid. If something were to happen to the man, the Fang Family would be held responsible.

After that, most of the crowd gradually dispersed. Some stayed behind, hoping to meet with Lin Xuan, but he didn’t want to see anyone right now. He turned them all away without exception.

"To think such a hero could be so young! Young friend Lin, your skill as a Pattern Master is profound, but your prowess in Martial Arts seems even more formidable. You have brought our Liu Family great honor this time. Having you as our Honored Guest... it is we who are honored." Liu Qing walked over with a smile. The more he looked at Lin Xuan, the more satisfied he became. ’I really want to make him my son-in-law.’

’However, now isn’t the right time to bring it up.’

"You’re too kind, Clan Leader Liu," Lin Xuan replied modestly. "If it weren’t for your recommendation, I wouldn’t have been able to enter this competition at all."

’It was true that one could only participate in the Pattern Master tournament under a family’s sponsorship,’ Lin Xuan mused. ’Of course, the most important thing was that the Liu Family had provided the soul of a Sixth Grade Pattern Master. That was more valuable than any reward!’

"Think nothing of it. With your strength, Lin Xuan, you would be welcomed by any family," Liu Qing chuckled.

"Alright, you two can stop with the pleasantries," Lin Feng interjected with a smile. "Young friend Lin, you have truly impressed me. Your future is limitless!"

Receiving Clan Leader Lin’s praise, Lin Xuan felt a stir of excitement. "Thank you for your praise, Clan Leader Lin. I will work even harder from now on."

Lin Feng placed a hand on his shoulder, patting it lightly. "Take it slow. No need to be too hasty. One step at a time is the true foundation of Cultivation!"

’Lin Feng’s words held a deeper meaning,’ Lin Xuan realized. ’He was reminding me not to be too eager for quick success, that my current pace was already fast enough.’

After exchanging a few brief words, Lin Feng led his people away. They didn’t speak for long; the more they interacted, the more suspicion they would draw. After a few coded phrases, it was time for Lin Feng to leave.

As for the others, they said a few more words to him before leaving him alone. They all knew that after two intense matches, both his Spiritual Power and Elemental Power must be severely depleted. He needed to rest. A formal visit could wait for another day.

"Brother Lin, I don’t know what to say... All I can say is thank you for this opportunity! If there is anything I can do to help you, please don’t hesitate to ask. I will do everything in my power to help you!" Shang Zhihao finally managed to approach him, having had to wait behind all the other influential figures.

He was truly ecstatic. Getting into the Bone Dragon Ruins was incredibly difficult. Given the current state of his family, it would have been impossible. For Lin Xuan to give him this chance... he was beyond thrilled.

"It’s nothing," Lin Xuan said after a moment’s thought. "If you really want to thank me, then help me find some Spirit Wood. I’m looking for some."

’My reason for wanting Spirit Wood is simple. I want to try carving it. If I carve a piece of Spirit Wood that contains Elemental Power, I imagine the soul it releases will be able to unleash astonishing might!’

’I have some money on hand now, and if I sell some of these patterns, I should get a good price. Buying a batch of Spirit Wood shouldn’t be a problem.’

"Buy Spirit Wood?" Shang Zhihao looked at him with an odd expression. "Brother Lin, could it be you don’t know what my family does?"

"Don’t tell me... you sell Spirit Wood?" Lin Xuan asked, an eyebrow raised.

Shang Zhihao laughed. "You could say that. To be frank, all the Spirit Wood in Vast Origin City, and even in the Imperial Capital, is supplied by our Shang Family! Outsiders call our Shang Family the Spirit Wood Family."

Lin Xuan’s eyes lit up. He quickly searched Qing Liuyun’s memories and found what he was looking for. The Shang Family was indeed the Spirit Wood Family, specializing in growing Spirit Wood and even cultivating higher grades of it!

’I really didn’t expect to run into such a benefactor, one who specializes in growing Spirit Wood!’ he thought. ’This makes everything so much easier.’