158: Chapter 158 Mass Promotion, Initial Formation of the Grand Array

Time flew by, and three months passed.

Deep beneath the Luoxia Sect, the network of Spiritual Veins had already taken shape.

Twelve newly created first-grade Spiritual Veins crisscrossed like silver roots, forming the basic framework of the "Heavenly Dipper Earthly Fiend Array" together with the three original Spiritual Veins.

The concentration of Spiritual Qi continued to climb, already reaching twelve times that of the outside world.

Within the core cultivation area, the Spiritual Qi was so dense it had turned into a thin mist; with every breath, one could feel a slight increase in their cultivation.

However, even greater changes were occurring within the people.

In these three months, the Luoxia Sect had gained... twenty-four new Golden Core Cultivators!

Twenty of them came from the third batch of the "Secret Realm Special Training," while four were outstanding Inner Sect Disciples who broke through on their own.

Combined with the previous nineteen Golden Cores, the total number of Golden Cores in the Luoxia Sect had reached forty-three!

This number had already surpassed the Qinglan Sect, making them the power with the most Golden Core Cultivators in the Southern Region.

Even more staggering was the number of Foundation Establishment Cultivators—among the eight hundred Inner Sect Disciples, over three hundred had reached the Foundation Establishment Stage, with more than fifty at the Late Foundation Establishment Stage or at the Peak.

Such a terrifying speed of promotion caused everyone who knew of it to feel shocked.

In the discussion hall, Lin Yue listened to Lin Cang's report with a calm expression.

"...The third batch of special training ended yesterday. All twenty Disciples completed three rounds of 'Starlight Body Tempering.' Their Foundations are far more solid than ordinary Golden Cores, and their combat power is comparable to the Middle Golden Core Stage."

Lin Cang's face was filled with excitement: "Especially the eight Disciples of the Lin family's direct line; because their Bloodline shares the same source as the Sect Master, they have a higher affinity for the Power of the Stars and achieved the best Body Tempering effects. Among them, Lin Mo and Lin Qing have already touched the threshold of the Middle Golden Core Stage."

Lin Mo and Lin Qing were the two with the best Aptitude among the Lin family's younger generation. They were not even twenty-five years old, yet they had already reached the Peak of the Early Golden Core Stage.

Such an achievement would place them at the level of core true Disciples even in the great Sects of the Middle Domain.

"Well done."

Lin Yue nodded: "From today onwards, all Golden Core Disciples who have completed the Body Tempering will be incorporated into the 'Star Guard,' led by Lin Hu, specifically for the Sect's offense and defense."

"Yes!"

Lin Hu took a step forward, Battle Intent burning in his eyes.

A battle array composed of forty-three Golden Core Cultivators, plus a three-thousand-strong Foundation Establishment War Department—this kind of power was enough to sweep through all forces in the Southern Region except for the Qinglan Sect.

"Additionally, notify all Elders."

Lin Yue looked at everyone: "Starting next month, the first three layers of the 'Star Lord Inheritance: Golden Core Chapter' will be opened. All those whose contribution points reach the 'Protector' level may exchange them for comprehension."

The hall broke into an uproar.

The Golden Core Chapter!

That was a Legacy that could lead directly to the Great Dao of the Nascent Soul!

"Sect Master, isn't this... too early?"

Lin De couldn't help but ask.

"It is not early."

Lin Yue shook his head: "In seven months, the Seal of the Burial Dragon Abyss will collapse. By then, Golden Core Cultivators will be the backbone, and they must improve their strength as quickly as possible."

"Furthermore..."

He paused: "It is only the first three layers, which is enough for them to Cultivate to the Late Golden Core Stage. If they want the subsequent Legacy, they must perform greater services for the Sect."

Everyone realized the truth.

So the Sect Master was using the Legacy to motivate the Disciples to work hard.

"Sect Master, news has come from Senior Tiangong's side."

Lin Laosan stepped forward to report: "The survey and design for the 'Zhou Tian Xing Dou Great Array' have been completed, and the Materials list is out. The seventy percent of Materials promised by the Star Track Pavilion will arrive within three days."

"Among the thirty percent of Materials we need to prepare, most are already in the warehouse, except for three—one hundred catties of 'star core crystal,' fifty square units of 'void stone,' and ten drops of 'dragon vein jade marrow.'"

Lin Yue frowned slightly.

These three were all rare Materials, especially the dragon vein jade marrow, a supreme treasure that requires ten thousand catties of Ore from a dragon pattern jade Mineral Vein to refine a single drop.

"As for the star core crystal, there is still stock within the Grotto-Heaven. For the void stone... have Lin Yan go to Falling Star Valley; there should be some remnants there."

He thought for a moment: "The dragon vein jade marrow is the most troublesome. I remember the Qinglan Sect has one drop in stock; Sect Master Mo Chen once mentioned it could be exchanged for something of equal value."

"Lin Laosan, go to the Qinglan Sect personally. Take three 'Starlight Nascent Soul Condensing Pills' and five Low Grade fourth-grade Magic Treasures, and ask Sect Master Mo if he is willing to trade."

"Yes!"

Lin Laosan took the order.

The Starlight Nascent Soul Condensing Pill was a Medium Grade fourth-grade Medicinal Pill that could increase the success rate of forming a Nascent Soul by thirty percent, making it priceless. Fourth-grade Magic Treasures were even more of a treasure that Golden Core Cultivators dreamed of.

Exchanging these for a drop of dragon vein jade marrow, the Qinglan Sect would absolutely be willing.

"Sect Master, there is one more matter."

Star Radiance stepped forward: "That girl Little Star has been studying Formations with Senior Tiangong for three months and has made rapid progress. Senior Tiangong evaluated that... her Formation talent is a rare sight in a thousand years."

"Oh?"

Lin Yue became interested: "Tell me the details."

"When Senior Tiangong was setting up the 'Zhou Tian Xing Dou Great Array,' Little Star watched from the side. Three days later, she actually independently replicated a simplified version of the 'Small Zhou Tian Array.' Although it was only third-grade, the core principles were completely correct."

Star Radiance's eyes were full of wonder: "Senior Tiangong accepted her as a Named Disciple on the spot, saying that once she forms her Nascent Soul, he will formally take her as his apprentice."

The hall was in an uproar once again.

What kind of figure was Heavenly Craftsman? A Peak fifth-grade Formation Master, a half-step into Soul Transformation!

To be accepted as a Named Disciple by him, Little Star's future... was limitless.

"That girl..."

The corners of Lin Yue's mouth curled up slightly: "Call her to see me."

A quarter of an hour later, Little Star hurried over.

The young girl's aura was more solid, already at the Middle Foundation Establishment Stage. Formation runes faintly circulated around her body; she had clearly integrated the Dao of Formations into her cultivation.

"Disciple pays respects to Revered Master."

"Rise."

Lin Yue looked her over: "I heard you were accepted as a Named Disciple by Senior Tiangong?"

"Yes."

Little Star was a bit embarrassed: "Junior Martial Uncle Tiangong said my Formation talent is acceptable and is willing to give me some guidance. I... did not dare to overstep."

"It's fine, this is your Opportunity."

Lin Yue waved his hand: "Senior Tiangong is a great Revered Master of Formations in this age; to receive his guidance is your blessing. Study hard and do not waste this Opportunity."

"I will keep it in mind."

"Additionally..."

Lin Yue took out a Jade Slip: "This is the lower volume of the 'Star Lord Inheritance: Star Great Array Chapter,' containing the methods for setting up nine types of fifth-grade Formations. Since you have this talent, I shall pass it to you."

Little Star took it with both hands, too excited to speak.

Fifth-grade Formations!

Those were existences that could trap and kill a Nascent Soul and threaten a Soul Transformation!

"However, there are conditions."

Lin Yue's tone shifted: "First, within ten years, Revered Master three of these fifth-grade Formations."

"Second, assist Senior Tiangong in setting up the 'Zhou Tian Xing Dou Great Array,' and after the array is completed, independently preside over the maintenance of one of the formation eyes."

"Third..."

He looked into Little Star's eyes: "If the Sect is in trouble in the future, you must use Formations to protect the Sect, until... death."

Little Star knelt and bowed solemnly: "I, Little Star, swear by my Divine Soul—in this life, I will protect the Sect with Formations. If I violate this, let my Divine Soul be destroyed, and may I never be reincarnated!"

As the oath was spoken, the world trembled slightly.

This was a Heavenly Dao oath; once sworn, it was monitored by the Heavenly Dao. If violated, the oath would surely be fulfilled.

"Rise."

Lin Yue helped her up: "Go and get to work. Remember, the Dao of Formations is as vast as the sea; do not rush, take it one step at a time."

"Yes!"

Little Star withdrew, holding the Jade Slip.

Inside the hall, Lin Yue watched her back, a flash of gratification in his eyes.

This girl might truly become the... soul of the Luoxia Sect's mountain-protecting array in the future.

"Sect Master, there is one more thing."

Lin Cang stepped forward, his expression grave: "According to the information gathered by the intelligence network, the Black Lotus Cult has been... completely silent for these three months."

"Completely silent?"

"Yes."

Lin Cang nodded: "All known strongholds have been evacuated, and all public activities have ceased, as if... they never existed."

"But this is even more unsettling. Given the Black Lotus Cult's style, it's impossible for them to completely abandon the Southern Region just because of White Bone Demon Venerable's death. They must be planning something in the shadows."

Lin Yue fell silent for a moment.

Indeed, the calm before the storm is the most terrifying.

"Keep watching them, especially around the Burial Dragon Abyss. Report any unusual movements immediately."

"Yes."

"Additionally..."

Lin Yue looked outside the hall: "Notify all Cultivators at the Golden Core level and above to gather at the Martial Arts Field tomorrow."

"I will personally... test their combat power."

The next day, at the Martial Arts Field.

Forty-three Golden Core Cultivators stood in Formation, their auras solemn and murderous.

Lin Yue stepped through the air, his gaze sweeping over everyone.

"Today's test is very simple."

He raised his hand, and the starfall sword unsheathed: "All of you, join forces and attack me."

"If you can make me take a single step back, everyone's rewards will double."

"If you can wound me in the slightest... the rewards will be tenfold."

As the words fell, the entire field went silent.

Forty-three Golden Cores, joining forces to attack the Sect Master alone?

Even if the Sect Master was at the Mid Nascent Soul Stage, this was too... "What, you don't dare?"

The corners of Lin Yue's mouth curled up: "Then let's put it another way—if you can't even make me take a step back, how will you face the demon army of the Spirit Devouring Clan in the future?"

"How will you... protect the Sect?"

The final sentence struck everyone's heart like a heavy hammer.

"Fight!"

Lin Hu was the first to react, shouting fiercely as he struck first.

Army-Breaking Seven Kills Secret Art—General Slaying!

The other forty-two Golden Cores followed close behind.

In an instant, Sword Qi crisscrossed the Martial Arts Field, and techniques filled the sky.

Forty-three Golden Cores joining forces created such a terrifying momentum that the spectating Foundation Establishment Disciples found it difficult to breathe.

But Lin Yue just stood there quietly.

The starfall sword did not move; he simply raised his left hand.

"Starlight—Barrier."

Hum!

A starlight barrier as thin as a cicada's wing appeared before him.

All attacks landed on the barrier like a clay ox entering the sea, failing to stir even a single ripple.

"Too weak."

Lin Yue shook his head: "Your power is scattered, and there is no coordination. Is this the result of your three months?"

He raised his right hand and clenched it lightly.

"Star Lock—Bind!"

Nine starlight chains emerged from the void, slithering like spirit snakes, instantly... imprisoning all forty-three Golden Cores!

No matter how they struggled, they could not break free in the slightest.

The entire field was deathly silent.

One move.

With just one move, all forty-three Golden Cores were defeated.

Was this the strength of the Mid Nascent Soul Stage?

No, this was the strength of the star dragon nascent soul!

"Do you see?"

Lin Yue withdrew the chains, his voice calm: "Before a truly powerful person, numbers are meaningless."

"Therefore, do not be satisfied with your current strength. Golden Core is only the starting point, Nascent Soul is the threshold, and Soul Transformation... is the goal."

"In ten months, the Spirit Devouring Clan will break the Seal. By then, what you face might be hundreds or thousands of Golden Core-level demonic creatures, or even terrifying existences at the Nascent Soul or Soul Transformation levels."

"If you only have this much strength, let alone protecting the Sect, even self-preservation... will be difficult."

Everyone lowered their heads in shame.

"From today onwards, everyone will undergo extra training in the 'Seven Star Battle Formation,' 'Star Combined Attack Technique,' and 'Dragon Soul Resonance Method.'"

Lin Yue said in a deep voice: "I want you to be able to act as one within three months. With your combined strength... you should be able to fight a Late Nascent Soul Stage!"

"Can you do it?"

"We can!"

The forty-three people roared in unison, their voices shaking the clouds.

"Very good."

Lin Yue nodded and was about to say something more.

Suddenly—

Rumble!

From the direction of the distant Burial Dragon Abyss, a dull, thunderous explosion rang out.

Immediately after, a pillar of dark red light shot into the sky, dyeing half the heavens the color of blood!

Within the pillar of light, countless distorted figures could be faintly seen struggling and wailing.

"That is..."

Lin Yue's expression changed.

"The Spirit Devouring Clan... has acted ahead of schedule?"

His figure flashed, and he disappeared from the Martial Arts Field.

When he reappeared, he was at the top of the Star-Observing Tower, the highest point of the Sect.

Looking into the distance, the dark red pillar of light above the Burial Dragon Abyss was growing thicker, and the evil Qi it emitted could be clearly sensed even from hundreds of miles away.

Even more terrifying, spatial rifts began to appear around the pillar of light!

Within the rifts, things... were crawling out.

"Everyone, prepare for battle!"

Lin Yue's voice spread throughout the entire Sect: "Star Guard, immediately rush to the outskirts of the Burial Dragon Abyss and set up defenses!"

"War Department, fully armed, stand by at any time!"

"Notify Senior Tiangong, Fellow Daoist Star Radiance, Immortal Master Qingluan... the plan has changed."

"The Spirit Devouring Clan... might not wait for seven months."

He gripped the starfall sword, a cold light flashing in his eyes.

What was meant to come has finally arrived.

It was just sooner and more urgent than expected.