133: Seconds past the ninth floor, is this still human? !

Trial Tower.

Mo Fan's consciousness returned, and he smiled as he looked at the metal ring in front of him.

“With the experience from the fifth floor, the sixth floor went surprisingly smoothly.”

He focused his mind and connected his consciousness to the virtual panel to check his attributes.

[Name: Mo Fan]

[Cultivation: Foundation Establishment First Level (+)]

[Cultivation Technique: Innate Art, Breath Concealment Art, Sword Nurturing Art (Beginner)]

[Martial Skill: Vajra Fist - Innate Chapter, Golden Body Art (Second Layer)]

[Special Ability: Alchemy (Minor Achievement), Fist Intent (Major Achievement)]

[Storage Space: 100 cubic meters (+)]

[Available attribute points: 200]

“Not bad, Fist Intent directly reached Major Achievement. Shadow sparring partners are the GOAT!”

Mo Fan was delighted; his Fist Intent had reached Major Achievement.

This meant that when he eventually allocated attribute points to reach Foundation Building Peak, he could directly Breakthrough to the Transcendent Realm, saving a large amount of Spirit Stones.

Of course, even now, his Fist Intent greatly enhanced his strength.

With the output of Major Achievement Fist Intent, the attack power of his Vajra Fist directly soared by thirty to forty percent, enough to instantly stun someone.

Taking a breath, Mo Fan glanced at the attribute panel again.

Just as he was about to close the attribute panel, he paused slightly, his gaze lingering on the Cultivation Technique section.

“The 'Complete Version' notation behind Sword Nurturing Art disappeared?” Mo Fan was a little surprised.

But after a second thought, he guessed what had happened.

“It must be that Senior Sister Chu Qian has started Cultivating the Sword Nurturing Art successfully.

“After all, she had already practiced the Sword Nurturing Art for ten years, so she could switch over quickly.

“Since no one is Cultivating the incomplete version of the Sword Nurturing Art anymore, the special notation doesn't show up on my side.”

Mo Fan smiled.

Chu Qian had started Cultivating the Sword Nurturing Art.

Then her lifespan issue could be improved.

There were still a few months left.

As long as she persisted in Cultivating the complete version of the Sword Nurturing Art, it could strengthen her internal organs.

When Chu Qian attempts to break through the ten-year threshold in the future, she might succeed.

Thinking this, Mo Fan's mood improved significantly.

Smiling, Mo Fan focused his mind and closed the attribute panel.

At the same time, a mechanical prompt sounded in his ear.

[Congratulations to the Challenger for passing the Trial Tower Sixth Level test.]

[Please follow the instructions to proceed to the Trial Tower Seventh Level.]

His expression firm, Mo Fan stood up and walked toward the Trial Tower Seventh Level, following the instructions displayed on the ground.

“What kind of test awaits me on the Seventh Level? Will it be Shadow Brothers again...”

Before long.

Mo Fan reached the Seventh Level and found the metal ring.

Sitting cross-legged inside the metal ring and subtly circulating his Cultivation Technique, Mo Fan softly said, “Begin challenge.”

With a whoosh, the world spun, and Mo Fan felt his vision blur.

When he awoke again, Mo Fan found himself in complete darkness.

“This time it's not a Pure White Space, so there shouldn't be any Shadow Brothers.”

Mo Fan unconsciously let out a sigh of relief.

Although he passed the Sixth Level quickly, he was truly tormented by those three shadows.

The three shadows, all with significant attainment in Fist Intent, were much stronger than Mo Fan, beating him until he couldn't fight back.

If his Comprehension Ability hadn't been so strong, allowing him to quickly grasp Fist Intent while being beaten, he might have developed a psychological trauma.

Using his own Cultivation Techniques and Martial Skills to beat himself up.

Even the Red-Clothed Female Ghost wasn't as excessive as you guys!

Just as Mo Fan was complaining, a brilliant light suddenly shone beneath his feet.

Next, dazzling planets, erupting with five-colored light, appeared beneath Mo Fan's feet.

These planets were formed by crooked characters converging, connecting into a large expanse, forming a brilliant galaxy that illuminated the dark space.

“Are these Magic Array Runes?” Mo Fan was surprised.

He was somewhat uncertain.

He had seen many runes at Yuxu Academy.

But none of them matched the runes in front of him.

However, the aura emanating from the characters was somewhat similar to the runes Mo Fan had encountered.

Just as Mo Fan was feeling confused.

The mechanical prompt sounded in his ear.

[Friendly reminder: Understanding five Formation Source Runes allows you to pass this level's test.]

Mo Fan was stunned: “Are they really Magic Array Runes? And Source Runes at that?”

Source Runes are the Origin Runes that constitute Magic Array Runes.

As long as one Masters Source Runes, even the most complex Magic Array can be quickly constructed.

Unfortunately, Source Runes are too difficult to comprehend.

It is rumored that some Magic Array Masters only managed to comprehend a few Source Runes in their entire lives.

Yet the test on the Seventh Level actually requires comprehending five Source Runes at once!

This is simply ridiculous opening the door for ridiculous—ridiculous to the extreme!

Even talented Magic Array Masters need to spend countless years just to comprehend a few Source Runes.

How high must the Comprehension Ability be for challengers who haven't even encountered Magic Arrays to comprehend five runes at once?

Mo Fan finally understood why the Trial Tower at Yuxu Academy was so difficult to pass.

“This assessment isn't set up for people at all...”

Although his Comprehension Ability was good, he still didn't have much confidence.

After all, when he previously studied the Dao of Alchemy, he learned quickly.

But it wasn't as ridiculously fast as when he comprehended Cultivation Techniques and Martial Skills.

Mo Fan relied on accumulation to achieve minor success in the Dao of Alchemy.

He had to learn a massive amount of knowledge, integrate it thoroughly, and only then could he perform Alchemy.

Under this mode, the time required naturally increased.

“Will comprehending Source Runes also require a lot of time, just like the Dao of Alchemy?” Mo Fan frowned slightly.

Every level challenge in the Trial Tower has a time limit.

Mo Fan wasn't sure exactly how long.

Li Zhining only told him that if the challenge was not completed after exceeding a certain time limit, he would be forcibly teleported out of the Trial Tower.

The specific challenge time depends on the nature of the challenge the challenger encounters.

While thinking, Mo Fan glanced at the Magic Array Source Rune planets beneath his feet.

After a quick count, Mo Fan found that there were a total of three thousand Magic Array Source Rune planets in this space.

“As expected of Yuxu Academy, they actually possess the complete set of Magic Array Source Runes—

“And judging by their complexity, these runes are sorted by difficulty; the Source Runes farther away from me look more complex.”

Understanding this, Mo Fan relaxed.

Comprehending the five simplest Source Runes within a certain amount of time shouldn't be a big problem.

After all, those Magic Array Masters who could only comprehend a few Source Runes in their entire lives.

They likely started with the later, more difficult Source Runes, making comprehension naturally complex.

While thinking, Mo Fan lowered his head, focused his mind, mentally resonated with the Source Runes, sensed the information within, and began to seriously comprehend them.

At first, he found them obscure and difficult to understand, unable to grasp the key points.

But after about ten seconds, a flash of inspiration struck his mind, and he completely understood the meaning of this Source Rune Star.

“So that's what it means—”

Mo Fan focused and continued to comprehend.

The second Source Rune Star was slightly more difficult.

Mo Fan spent about twenty seconds comprehending it.

The third Source Rune Star was even harder, costing Mo Fan one minute of time.

The fourth Source Rune Star was a bit outrageous, taking Mo Fan a full five minutes.

Perhaps because the previous four served as a Foundation, Mo Fan only took half a minute to fully comprehend the fifth Source Rune Star.

By this point, in approximately seven minutes, Mo Fan had comprehended the first five Source Rune Stars and completed the assessment.

“That's it?” Mo Fan was dumbfounded. “It doesn't seem as hard as I thought?”

At the same time, a mechanical electronic prompt sounded in his ear.

[Congratulations to the Challenger for passing the Trial Tower Seventh Level test. Do you wish to immediately proceed to the Eighth Level trial?]

Hearing the prompt, Mo Fan was momentarily stunned.

This prompt was slightly different.

“I can choose to stay here?” Mo Fan asked.

The mechanical electronic prompt quickly responded:

[One hour and forty-three minutes remain for this level's trial. The Challenger may continue the trial.]

Hearing this, Mo Fan was overjoyed.

“I'll go to the Eighth Level later!”

After speaking, he buried his head and continued to comprehend.

It would be a huge waste not to comprehend a few more Magic Array Source Runes with such a great opportunity.

If he comprehended many Magic Array Source Runes, and then studied some Basic Theoretical Knowledge, wouldn't he be able to directly become a Magic Array Grandmaster?

Thinking this, Mo Fan became even more focused on comprehending... In front of the Trial Tower.

A handsome middle-aged man, holding a folding fan, wearing Scholarly Robes, elegant and carrying a strong scholarly aura, slowly descended from high altitude.

The moment he landed, his gaze locked onto his Disciple, Li Zhining.

“Zhining, which level is the Mo Fan you mentioned on now?”

“Master, he is still on the Seventh Level. He has been inside for a while,” Li Zhining replied truthfully.

The refined man, Xie Siyuan, was momentarily surprised.

He was delayed on the road and arrived here about thirty minutes later.

Based on Mo Fan's previous speed, he should be reaching the Eighth Level by now.

Yet, he was still stuck on the Seventh Level.

However, Xie Siyuan quickly paused, rubbed his brow, and secretly chastised himself for being overly anxious.

“The later levels are harder. On the Seventh Level, three or five hours is normal, let alone half an hour—”

“After all, Mo Yingying, who broke the previous record, took about twenty hours to clear the Trial Tower.”

Once he understood, Xie Siyuan regained his composure, fanned himself with the folding fan, and looked at his Disciple Li Zhining with satisfaction:

“You did very well this time. When we return, I will credit you with a Major Achievement.”

Saying this, Xie Siyuan couldn't help but laugh.

“I was the first Master to arrive this time, and you are Mo Fan's guide, so there's a high probability he will choose our Demon Slaying Peak.”

"Zhining, you'll soon have another Junior Brother. Haven't you always wanted to guide a Junior Brother? Here's your chance."

However, upon hearing this, Li Zhining's smile was uglier than a cry.

"What's with that expression? Aren't you happy about having a Junior Brother?" Xie Siyuan frowned.

"Master, at least take a look over there..." Li Zhining pointed towards the bronze gate.

Xie Siyuan was startled, and a bad premonition suddenly arose in his heart.

He took a deep breath, slowly looked up, and was immediately stunned, his elegant demeanor collapsing instantly.

"Damn it! Why are they here?"

Xie Siyuan glared at his Disciple Li Zhining:

"You bastard! Did you leak the news?"

"Master, you can't blame me. You've been too careless. After Junior Sister Mo's incident, the Elders of the various peaks probably started secretly monitoring the Trial Tower long ago.

"As soon as they detect something amiss, they'll immediately rush over, preferring to kill the wrong person than let one escape..."

"Holy crap, these old foxes, they don't follow Martial Virtue!" Xie Siyuan roared, his folding fan creaking in his grip.

Li Zhining looked up at the sky, speechless, and muttered softly:

"You can't blame Senior Martial Uncle and Junior Martial Uncle either. You yourself only know how to drink tea every day and don't care about anything..."

"What foolishness are you talking about? Your Master is Cultivating his mind! Slaying demons requires first Cultivating the mind! Don't you understand this? You're truly incorrigible!" Xie Siyuan glared, scolding him mercilessly.

Li Zhining was startled and subconsciously retreated two steps.

Is Master going crazy again? So scary!

"You've rebelled, daring to complain about your Master in your heart? Starting tomorrow, you'll be confined to Reflection Cliff for three months."

"Ah?" Li Zhining was dumbfounded. "Master, you can even read minds?"

"Heh? Otherwise, what is Cultivating the mind? Three months." Xie Siyuan said expressionlessly.

"Holy crap!" Li Zhining wanted to curse.

"You still dare to say 'holy crap'? Five months."

"Master, I was wrong, I won't dare again..." Li Zhining quickly lowered his head and admitted his mistake.

"Too late." Xie Siyuan snorted, resuming his elegant demeanor, and strode towards the bronze gate.

Watching his Master's receding figure, Li Zhining felt a sense of despair, yet also a hint of confusion.

"Master's state is becoming increasingly unstable.

"Could it be that the Demon Slaying Record is about to Break through again?

"If he Breaks through once or twice more, even the Sect Head might be beaten down by him..."

Thinking of this, Li Zhining gasped, "Hiss, that's terrifying!"

...Trial Tower, seventh floor.

Mo Fan was engrossed in comprehending the Magic Array.

Six, seven, eight—

When he finished comprehending the hundredth one, a soulless mechanical electronic prompt sounded in his ear.

[One minute remains until the end of this floor's trial. Do you wish to proceed immediately to the eighth floor trial?]

Hearing the prompt, Mo Fan's expression focused, and he said, "Proceed immediately to the eighth floor trial."

As his voice fell, the space before Mo Fan's eyes began to shatter.

A moment later, his consciousness returned to reality, and he once again saw the metal ring.

"I didn't expect to comprehend a hundred runes at once. It's a pity time passed so quickly. If there were no time limit, and I could comprehend all three thousand runes..."

Thinking of this, Mo Fan shook his head.

"I wonder if I'll be able to freeload off the Trial Tower again in the future—"

He chuckled, then calmed himself slightly, connecting his consciousness to the virtual panel and opening his attribute points panel to examine it.

He focused his gaze on the special abilities section.

[Special Abilities: Alchemy (Minor Achievement), Fist Intent (Major Achievement)]

"Huh, no Magic Array?" Mo Fan was surprised.

But soon, he understood.

The Formation Source Runes he had just comprehended were equivalent to peerless divine techniques in the Dao of Magic Array.

However, he hadn't systematically studied Magic Array knowledge, so naturally, he couldn't exert the Internal Energy of a peerless divine technique.

Thus, he was currently in a state of possessing a peerless divine technique but being unable to unleash it.

"Never mind, once I become a Core Disciple, I'll find an opportunity to systematically study Magic Array knowledge."

Exhaling, Mo Fan stood up and walked towards the eighth floor according to the instructions.

Outside the Trial Tower.

"It's dark, it's dark! He finally passed the seventh floor!"

"Hiss! It's bright, it's bright! The eighth floor has begun!"

Feeling the stone tablet extinguish and then light up again.

The Great Masters in front of the bronze gate immediately became nervous, staring intently at the top of the Trial Tower, not daring to blink...Trial Tower, eighth floor.

Mo Fan found the metal ring and successfully connected to the virtual space.

This time, he saw a vast starry sky, and various dreamlike mountains, rivers, and oceans.

"What beautiful scenery. So what is this trial testing?" Mo Fan wondered.

As soon as his voice fell, the soulless mechanical electronic prompt sounded.

[Please comprehend a certain amount of Field Origin Essence within the allotted time.]

Mo Fan was startled: "This trial tests Field Comprehension Ability?

"First Magic Array, now Field. Do these knowledge relate to future Breakthroughs in the Heavenly Mandate Realm and Guiyuan Realm?"

While thinking, Mo Fan focused his observation.

Soon, he felt he had grasped something, and murmured to himself:

"Mountains, rivers, oceans, the general trend of heaven and earth, and—"

"The myriad stars? Even the entire Universe—"

"So the Foundation of Field is these things, the myriad things of heaven and earth—"

In just a moment, Mo Fan understood the essence of Field, and couldn't help but feel a little emotional.

"No wonder they say Field is a higher form of Magic Array manifestation. So that's how it is—"

Mo Fan was lost in thought, earnestly perceiving.

However, just then.

The soulless mechanical electronic prompt sounded:

[Congratulations to the trial participant for passing the eighth floor trial of the Trial Tower. Do you wish to proceed immediately to the ninth floor trial?]

"Later."

Mo Fan said, and continued to look up and comprehend.

[One hour and fifty-seven minutes remain in this floor's trial. The trial participant may continue the trial.]

...Outside the Trial Tower.

The high-ranking officials of Yuxu Academy held their breath, staring intently at the top of the Trial Tower, seemingly afraid of missing anything.

Li Zhining also felt inexplicably nervous.

It was already the eighth floor.

Next would be the ninth floor.

If the ninth floor was also successfully passed, the part of the Trial Tower's summit obscured by clouds would emit a radiant glow, opening a passage to teleport the trial participant out.

At that time, the clouds would instantly disperse, and a portal woven from five-colored auspicious light would instantly appear, like a Heavenly Gate opening, dazzling to the extreme!

That would undoubtedly be a epoch-making moment!

No one wanted to miss such a sight!

...Time passed minute by minute.

In a blink of an eye, two hours had passed.

The stone tablet, enveloped in a blue light, finally slowly dimmed.

A line of small text appeared.

Eighth Floor: Passed.

Not long after, the dimmed stone tablet once again glowed with blue light.

This meant that the ninth floor trial had begun.

Perceiving the change in the stone tablet, the crowd in front of the bronze gate immediately rejoiced.

"The eighth floor has been passed!"

"The ninth floor has begun!"

"Hahaha! Yuxu Academy is about to produce another peerless Prodigy!"

"Heaven bless Yuxu Academy, Heaven bless the Human Race!"

"Yesterday, the Academy was besieged by the Demon Race, and Junior Sister Liu's Sword Intent was exhausted. Today, a peerless Prodigy is born. Heaven bless Yuxu Academy, Heaven bless the Human Race!"

"Haha, Junior Sister Liu really didn't misjudge him, this Mo Fan is indeed a Prodigy!"

"Hmph, I've said it before, anyone Junior Sister Liu recommends won't be bad, but you still didn't believe me!"

"Believe! Of course we believe! Hahaha!"

"Human Race will prosper forever!"

"Human Race will prosper forever!"

"Human Race will prosper forever!"

The Peak Masters' excitement was inexpressible, and they couldn't help but shout loudly.

Of course, this time they had sealed the space so no one else could perceive it.

Li Zhining stared blankly at the small text on the stone tablet, feeling somewhat unreal.

He hadn't expected that in his lifetime, he would actually witness the birth of a peerless Prodigy.

And that peerless Prodigy was brought in by him!

"When Junior Brother Mo achieves great things in the future and is recorded in history, will I also be able to bask in his glory and get a mention alongside him?"

Li Zhining thought happily, while looking at the Elders of the various peaks.

"Last time, when Junior Sister Mo challenged the Trial Tower, the Senior Martial Uncles and Junior Martial Uncles also watched like this.

"It was even pouring rain back then.

"They watched without blinking for over ten hours—"

"Luckily, it's not raining heavily today. The Sect Head's injuries are so severe right now, he might catch a cold if he gets rained on.

"A Guiyuan Realm expert catching a cold from the rain, that would be a lifelong joke—"

Thinking of this, Li Zhining shook his head.

"According to records, no matter what type of trial the participant faces, the ninth floor is always one that requires a lot of time—"

"It might not be the most difficult, but it's definitely the most troublesome and time-consuming floor.

"Last time, Junior Sister Mo stayed on the ninth floor for over ten hours.

"I wonder about Junior Brother Mo—"

Before Li Zhining could finish speaking, he froze in place, turning his face with a look of shock and confusion towards the stone tablet.

In just a flash, the stone tablet, which had been enveloped in blue light, rapidly dimmed.

Immediately after, a line of small text appeared.

Ninth Floor: Passed.

"Th-th-this... How is this possible?"

Li Zhining was dumbfounded, turning to stone on the spot.