The thunder array zone is similar to the thunder tower in the outer courtyard, but it generates lightning through formations. The lowest level is the fourth-tier thunder array zone, suitable for low-tier Martial King practitioners, requiring three thousand contribution points per entry.
The fifth-tier thunder array zone, suitable for mid-tier Martial Kings, costs five thousand contribution points per entry.
Beyond that are the sixth to ninth tiers, with increasing requirements and contribution points.
The ninth-tier thunder array zone is only for high-tier Martial Venerables, costing one hundred thousand contribution points.
Seeing this list, Lin Xiao’s heart stirred. The thunder array zone corresponded to the outer courtyard’s thunder energy tower, starting from the fourth tier, while the highest level of the thunder energy tower was the third floor.
Lin Xiao had experienced the third floor of the thunder energy tower, where the lightning power was extremely violent. The fourth-tier thunder array zone’s lightning power would undoubtedly be even more ferocious.
Now, with his physical body improved and his cultivation on the verge of a breakthrough, he believed he could withstand the lightning power of the fourth-tier thunder array zone, perhaps even using it to achieve a breakthrough.
Moreover, Lin Xiao was struggling to cultivate the third form of the Thunder Triad. The fourth-tier thunder array zone was perfect for his practice.
Looking at this section, Lin Xiao made a decision. At the very least, he would visit the fourth-tier thunder array zone once.
At the same time, he wondered inwardly if the legendary Nine Heavens Thunder Dragon Spirit might be hidden within the thunder array zone of the Holy Essence Academy.
The ninth-tier thunder array zone seemed a likely candidate.
“Ninth-tier thunder array zone…” Lin Xiao’s heart stirred. With his current strength, he was far from able to withstand the ninth-tier lightning power.
However, to find the Nine Heavens Thunder Dragon Spirit, he would have to try it eventually.
Then, Lin Xiao glanced at the other wooden plaques hanging overhead. The array of rare treasures was dazzling, making his heart race, but the contribution points required were staggering.
His ten thousand contribution points seemed substantial, but here, they were barely enough for one or two items.
Afterwards, Lin Xiao walked further in, curiously looking at the most expensive wooden plaque list, eager to see what the highest-point item was.
“One drop of Martial Emperor body-refining essence blood, tempers the body, establishes a Martial Emperor foundation… one million contribution points.” Lin Xiao gasped.
Martial Emperors were numerous a thousand years ago, but today, they were rare on the continent, considered its top powerhouses. To think there was Martial Emperor essence blood here.
Could it be that a Martial Emperor was hidden within the Holy Essence Academy?
Lin Xiao’s mind reeled. If so, the Holy Essence Academy was terrifyingly powerful, not just in this chaotic region but across the entire continent.
Perhaps it was left by someone for trade, acquired by the Holy Essence Academy at great cost.
Or maybe it was passed down from the academy’s ancestors.
Regardless, the Martial Emperor body-refining essence blood was extraordinary.
Its blood contained the power of a Martial Emperor’s cultivation, capable of greatly tempering the body.
Moreover, it held the transformative imprint of a Martial Emperor’s blood, immensely beneficial for building a physical foundation, reputed to establish a Martial Emperor base, offering a chance to become an emperor in the future.
Lin Xiao was incredibly tempted, but seeing the contribution points, his heart sank. One million contribution points.
How long would it take to save that? Even a Martial Monarch would struggle to earn it.
Lin Xiao could only shake his head. For now, obtaining that Martial Emperor essence blood was utterly impossible.
Looking further down, the list had few items, but each was exceptional.
Bodhi Enlightenment Fruit, eight hundred thousand contribution points.
Seven Luminaries Imperial Herb, five hundred thousand contribution points.
Azure Rainbow Monarch Bow, three hundred thousand contribution points.
Yin Cold Nether Stone, one hundred thousand contribution points.
…
Below the ten-thousand-point items, a note read “other items negotiable”, suggesting there were more items above ten thousand points. However, such extraordinary items were likely kept discreet by the Holy Essence Academy to avoid attracting covetous eyes.
These few items were enough to uphold the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion’s reputation and motivate disciples.
Of course, besides these items, contribution points could also be used to purchase elder positions in the Holy Essence Academy.
Ordinary elder, ten thousand contribution points; core elder, fifty thousand contribution points; eight great elders, one million contribution points; guest elders of each rank equivalent.
Lin Xiao was astonished. Even elder positions could be bought.
However, who would spend so many contribution points on an elder position?
Perhaps some old relics wanting to move their entire clan into the city.
Otherwise, a position with authority but no real power offered little beyond privileges. For those lacking strength, the allure of an elder position paled compared to items like the Martial Emperor essence blood.
“Hahaha, look at that fool staring at the ten-thousand-point list. Does he think he’ll ever afford anything on it?”
At that moment, laughter erupted behind Lin Xiao.
“Him? Haha, not in this lifetime. He probably doesn’t even know what level those items are.”
“Heh, new to the Holy City, I bet. First time seeing the list. Heavenly Martial Eighth Layer, that cultivation won’t even get him into the Holy Essence Academy, yet he’s dreaming of the ten-thousand-point list. What a delusional fool.”
“I bet he doesn’t even have a thousand contribution points. Probably here to buy something under a thousand points, hahaha…”
A series of mocking laughs came from behind Lin Xiao. He glanced quietly for a moment before slowly turning around.
Before him, several youths were jeering. All were Martial Kings, their auras unconcealed and easily discernible.
The one on the far right was a second-layer Martial King, around twenty-three years old. Reaching second-layer Martial King at that age was quite impressive.
Dressed in a jade-green robe, he looked rather dashing. His slightly handsome face was now filled with deep disdain, smirking at Lin Xiao as if he were a source of amusement.
The three youths beside him were fawning, echoing his mockery with thick laughter.
Those further away merely smiled lightly, showing some disdain but not as overtly as the four.
“No matter where I go, there’s no shortage of people like this!”
Lin Xiao sighed with disdain, not bothering to retort.
But to the group, his words sounded like sarcasm.
A Heavenly Martial Eighth Layer daring to talk back?
“Hmph, getting cocky, are we? Are we wrong? Do you even have more than a thousand contribution points?”
“Exactly. Strength rules. Weaklings like you are the same everywhere, only good for a laugh.”
“Let’s see what you’re going to exchange for, kid, hahaha…”
The group laughed again, their faces dripping with scorn for Lin Xiao.
To them, Lin Xiao looked like a country bumpkin entering the pavilion for the first time, unlikely to have many contribution points. They even suspected he was just here to browse before taking on a mission.
“Heh, I am indeed planning to exchange for something.” With a cold laugh, Lin Xiao turned and walked toward the counter at the edge.
The group’s faces twisted with contempt. He actually dared to go exchange?
Filled with thick mockery, they couldn’t help but follow, eager to see the new kid make a fool of himself.
