Chapter 138: Solving the Grandmaster Level Spirit Array
Jia Ma Empire, Imperial Capital, Tianji Tower Branch.
"Reporting to Lord Tianming: Xiao Yan went to the Nalan family not to challenge them but under the alias Yan Xiao. He approached as an alchemist to treat Nalan Jie's poison burns. According to our sources, Xiao Yan seeks a medicinal herb in the Nalan family's possession, the Seven Illusory Green Spirit Saliva," the branch leader respectfully reported.
Hearing this, Xiao Tianming furrowed his brow. He vaguely recalled that the Nalan family had sought help from Tianji Tower's alchemists a year ago.
"Are you saying that the poison burns on that old man from the Nalan family haven't been cured yet? If I recall correctly, the Nalan family sought assistance from Mo Shenggu, didn't they? With Mo Shenggu being a peak tier 7th grade alchemist, why couldn't he resolve this issue?"
The branch leader offered a bitter smile. "You're joking, my lord. If Master Mo were willing to act, it would indeed be an easy task. After all, he wields the Sea Heart Flame gifted by the family. However, as you know, Master Mo is entirely dedicated to perfecting his alchemical skills and rarely takes on tasks.
"Even two years ago, when Lord Xiao Feng agreed to aid the Jia Ma Empire's royal family in treating their sixth tier magical beast, Master Mo refused to assist. How could a mere Nalan family possibly secure his help?"
Xiao Tianming's Perspective
Xiao Tianming's frown deepened briefly, but he soon nodded in understanding. Without a direct order from the family, a branch leader couldn't force an elder to act.
Moreover, Mo Shenggu, though not a member of the Xiao family, had proven his exceptional talent by becoming a seventh grade alchemist by the age of 30. It was this talent that earned him one of the Xiao family's eight Heavenly Flames, the Sea Heart Flame.
"Let it be. If Mo Shenggu refuses to act, we won't interfere. As long as Xiao Yan's safety isn't compromised, there's no need for further reports."
The branch leader bowed. "Understood."
Xiao Yan's Progress
The next day, leveraging the Green Lotus Core Flame he had seized from Medusa, Xiao Yan secured the opportunity to treat Nalan Jie successfully.
As in the original story, Xiao Yan's actions caught Nalan Yanran's attention, sparking her curiosity.
It is often said that when a woman becomes curious about a man, she may soon find herself drawn to him.
Despite his young age, Xiao Yan's mastery of a Heavenly Flame, combined with his growing reputation as Yan Xiao, attracted both admiration and jealousy. A confrontation with the Mu family's Mu Zhan further cemented his rising status among the imperial capital's elite.
The Grandmaster Spirit Array
Meanwhile, deep beneath the Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower in the Jia Nan Academy's Inner Academy, Xiao Tiance and Zhu Kun continued their work at the entrance to the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor's cave.
"Sigh."
Xiao Tiance let out a deep breath. Beside him, Zhu Kun paused, his Dou Qi no longer surging to pull at the chains.
"Another failure?" Zhu Kun's voice carried disappointment.
For nearly two years, Xiao Tiance's repeated sighs had become an omen of failed attempts to break the array.
However, this time was different. Xiao Tiance's expression shifted into a faint smile.
"Not just a Grandmaster level spirit array it truly exceeded my expectations. But finally, it's been solved!"
A Moment of Triumph
Zhu Kun froze, unsure whether to believe what he had just heard. His voice trembled. "It's... it's done?"
Xiao Tiance smiled faintly and nodded. "Indeed. Thank you, Senior. Without your unrelenting effort in manipulating your Dou Qi to reveal the array, I wouldn't have deciphered its intricacies so quickly. Your resilience has been instrumental."
The two years of relentless study had pushed Xiao Tiance to his limits. Yet, the breakthrough he achieved was monumental. Not only had he solved the spirit array, but he had also gained critical insights into advancing to the level of a Grandmaster Spirit Array Master.
The Release
Xiao Tiance removed a specialized token from his waist an artifact used to convert spiritual energy. Activating his Dou Qi, he directed it toward the array etched into the ancient bronze door.
"Boom!"
The array surged with light, pouring streams of spiritual energy into the token.
Unbeknownst to Xiao Tiance, Zhu Kun, observing the token, momentarily revealed a flash of unease and even a trace of killing intent.
The token carried an unmistakable aura that Zhu Kun found deeply unsettling. However, he restrained himself, knowing he lacked the strength to confront Xiao Tiance.
After about ten minutes, the array's brilliance began to fade, and the intricate patterns gradually disappeared. With the token's job complete, Xiao Tiance stowed it away and turned to Zhu Kun.
"Senior, the array has been neutralized. Please, try breaking the chains once more."
Freedom Restored
Zhu Kun nodded solemnly, and with a mighty surge of Dou Qi, he pulled at the chains.
"Crack! Crack!"
The sound of snapping chains echoed through the chamber. A grin spread across Zhu Kun's face, and as the last chain broke, he threw his head back in triumphant laughter.
"Ha! Free at last! I'm finally free! Tuoshe Ancient Emperor, you cunning old fool you thought you could trap me forever? I'll make sure to repay you someday!"
Xiao Tiance watched the scene calmly. After centuries of confinement, Zhu Kun's elation was expected.
When Zhu Kun's laughter finally subsided, Xiao Tiance asked with a faint smile, "Senior, now that you are free, might you be interested in exploring the Ancient Emperor's cave with me?"
Zhu Kun's Decision
Zhu Kun's jubilance faded as caution took hold. He knew the cave likely held treasures and dangers worthy of an Ancient Emperor. But could he compete with Xiao Tiance for them?
After a long silence, Zhu Kun shook his head. "No. I've just regained my freedom. My only wish now is to find and reunite with my child."
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