A low-level spirit beast's ability to subdue one of higher cultivation could only indicate that the bloodline of Lin Tian's small cat far surpassed that of the armored tiger before them.
However, upon learning of Lin Tian's abilities, Elder Qingxuan immediately conducted a thorough investigation into his background. Before entering the Xuanwu Sect, Lin Tian had not tamed any spirit beasts. After joining, he had only tamed a three-tailed spirit cat before entering seclusion, never taming another beast since.
Yet now, a spirit beast of such remarkable rank had appeared, exceeding even Elder Qingxuan's expectations. This turn of events was entirely beyond what he had anticipated.
"It seems that this boy indeed has a unique talent for beast-taming. I'm curious to see what his true strength is," the Grand Elder said, nodding in acknowledgment of Lin Tian's beast-taming aptitude.
"If the Grand Elder seeks to test the boy's strength, Luo Qing is a good choice," a voice from the Formation Peak Elder nearby interjected.
"Luo Qing? Are you referring to that disciple from your Formation Peak?" The Grand Elder asked, casting his gaze toward the distant platform. As he spoke, a hint of hesitation flickered in his mind.
According to tradition, although the Formation Peak ranked fourth in terms of overall strength within the Sect, the disciple from this peak usually claimed victory in the Outer Sect's first small competition. This wasn't because the Formation Peak was particularly powerful, but because, when cultivators' levels were still insufficient, neither spirit beasts nor spiritual tools could offer significant boosts. However, formations had an immense amplifying effect on cultivation, enabling practitioners to unleash strength that surpassed their rank.
"Grand Elder, that's highly unadvisable," Elder Xu Dao Yi hastily intervened. The power of the Formation Peak was well-known, and though Luo Qing was only at the seventh level of Qi Refining, if he set up the Formation Peak's Second Rank Formation, the Small Spirit Sword Array, its power could easily rival the first level of Foundation Establishment, or even reach the Great Perfection of Qi Refining.
Though Lin Tian had a spirit beast named Saiban, his cultivation was still far inferior. Facing Luo Qing, there was no chance of victory.
"With Luo Qing's abilities, he is sure to reach the final round. If Lin Tian is not eliminated in the upcoming battles, he will inevitably face Luo Qing. Why delay their encounter?" Elder Junshan from the Formation Peak spoke up, glancing at Elder Dao Yi.
"Very well, let's have Luo Qing take the stage," the Grand Elder finally agreed after a brief pause.
As the third round of the competition began, Lin Tian walked onto the platform, where he met Luo Qing's gaze. A satisfied smile spread across Luo Qing's face.
Watching from the stands, Du Yuejiao's expression changed to one of concern. Though Du Yuejiao was a remarkable talent of the Formation Peak, Luo Qing's genius in formations could only be described as monstrous.
Although Luo Qing was only at the seventh level of Qi Refining, he could already deploy the Second Rank Formation, the Small Spirit Sword Array. Once completed, its power could rival the first level of Foundation Establishment. At the Outer Sect, there was no one else capable of such feats.
"Never thought you'd have such luck," Luo Qing remarked, smiling smugly at Lin Tian. He was thoroughly satisfied with this match-up. If anyone in the Formation Peak wanted to claim Du Yuejiao's affections, it was undoubtedly Luo Qing. To him, only someone with Du Yuejiao's exceptional talent could possibly match his own.
Seeing Du Yuejiao show interest in Lin Tian had caused Luo Qing intense discomfort, and now, faced with Lin Tian, he could not help but harbor a deep desire to defeat him. He wanted to crush Lin Tian underfoot in the most domineering way, to show everyone that only someone as powerful as him was worthy of Du Yuejiao.
"What are you saying?" Lin Tian asked, a faint look of amusement in his eyes. He clearly had no idea what Luo Qing meant.
"Kid, to show Yuejiao the gap between our strengths, I'll use my full power in this match," Luo Qing sneered coldly, and with a flick of his hand, spiritual seals shot out.
"Is that the Small Spirit Sword Array?" Elder Junshan, upon recognizing the formation, immediately stood up, his eyes wide with surprise. He had not expected that Luo Qing could complete the Small Spirit Sword Array in such a short time.
"This is bad; it's the Small Spirit Sword Array!" Du Yuejiao's face turned pale. However, the barrier around the arena prevented any interference, leaving her powerless to stop it.
"Grand Elder, please stop this fight!" Elder Dao Yi cried out in alarm. The Small Spirit Sword Array was a formation of Foundation Establishment level. Although Luo Qing had completed it, his current cultivation was insufficient to control the array's full power. If it activated, Lin Tian would be gravely injured, if not killed.
"It seems there's no need for this fight to continue," the Grand Elder said, slowly rising from his chair, preparing to intervene and stop the battle. A Foundation Establishment-level formation was far beyond what a Qi Refining cultivator could withstand. This battle was already decided.
"Is your formation truly ready?" At that moment, Lin Tian sneered, pulling out a golden object from his hand.
Seeing the object, the Grand Elder paused, his curiosity piqued. What was Lin Tian holding?
"So, you plan to use that thing to resist my formation?" Luo Qing chuckled coldly. The Small Spirit Sword Array had already been fully deployed. With a single thought, he could activate it, and Lin Tian was trapped with no escape.
But Luo Qing felt no fear at all. He had sensed no fluctuation of spiritual energy from the object Lin Tian held.
"Yes," Lin Tian replied calmly.
"Since you've given up on resistance, it's time to end this match," Luo Qing declared, and with a wave of his hand, the formation activated.