“I can only tell you that the Nine Heavens Thunder Dragon Spiritual Energy is tied to the Ninth-Level Thunder Array Zone,” the Vice Dean explained. “The Ninth-Level Thunder Array Zone, set up by the first dean, is an extraordinary void array that has an inexplicable connection to the Nine Heavens Thunder Dragon Spiritual Energy, continuously drawing its thunder energy.”
“But the exact location of the Nine Heavens Thunder Dragon Spiritual Energy is unknown, and it may even be constantly shifting.”
“What?” Lin Xiao was stunned. They didn’t even know where it was? How could he refine it?
And that array—it was unbelievably powerful, capable of siphoning thunder energy from the void.
“However, Saint Yuan Academy has a secret method. Every ten years, we can activate the Ninth-Level Thunder Array Zone to summon the Nine Heavens Thunder Dragon Spiritual Energy. That’s the only chance to subdue or refine it. Each activation weakens the array’s ability to summon it. If nothing unexpected happens, we likely have only one or two more chances before the array loses its connection entirely,” the Vice Dean continued.
Lin Xiao’s heart jolted again. He hadn’t expected such secrets surrounding the Nine Heavens Thunder Dragon Spiritual Energy.
Countless people over the ages must have tried and failed to claim it. Even bypassing Saint Yuan Academy’s defenses, finding the true body of the spiritual energy was impossible.
The array could only summon it once every decade, and even then, the success rate for those attempting to subdue it was abysmally low. Otherwise, it wouldn’t still be unclaimed.
“How long until the next activation?” Lin Xiao asked urgently.
He was anxious. If his strength was too weak to refine or subdue it and he missed the final chance, it would be a profound regret.
The Vice Dean replied, “One year. If you can break through to a fifth-grade spirit controller, you might have a slim chance.”
“One year?” Lin Xiao sighed inwardly. In just over a year, it would mark three years since he fled the Lanlan Empire, vowing to return and kill his enemies within that time.
His cultivation had soared, but facing a newly advanced Martial Lord was still a significant gap. He lacked the trump cards to bridge it.
If he could break through to a fifth-grade spirit controller and fuse the Nine Heavens Thunder Dragon Spiritual Energy within a year, he might stand a chance against a Martial Lord.
This was precisely why he had come to Saint Yuan Academy.
Seeing Lin Xiao’s distracted expression, the Vice Dean misunderstood, but it was understandable. Advancing from third-grade advanced to fifth-grade initial spiritual force in one year was daunting—equivalent to jumping from ninth-level Heavenly Martial to third-level Martial Venerable. It was nearly impossible.
Of course, the Vice Dean had exaggerated slightly. In truth, fourth-grade advanced spiritual force might suffice for an attempt, given Lin Xiao’s secret method for fusing spiritual energies.
He had only raised the bar to add pressure.
But even fourth-grade advanced was extraordinarily difficult.
“Of course, it’s challenging, but not impossible. The Mysterious Domain Battlefield holds ancient spiritual force elixirs and treasures that aid breakthroughs. With six months inside, you’ll have ample time to seek elixirs and train. The following six months can be dedicated to breaking through your spiritual force,” the Vice Dean added reassuringly.
Lin Xiao nodded slightly. Six months was enough to seize opportunities in the battlefield.
After exiting, another six months would give him the strength to attempt refining the Nine Heavens Thunder Dragon Spiritual Energy.
His eyes gleamed with hope, but noticing the Vice Dean’s concerned look, he realized the misunderstanding. He spoke up, “Vice Dean, rest assured. Within one year, I’m confident I can reach fifth-grade spirit controller.”
Seeing Lin Xiao’s confidence, the Vice Dean nodded, relieved. “Good. One year from now, Saint Yuan Academy will fully support your attempt to refine the Nine Heavens Thunder Dragon Spiritual Energy!”
Lin Xiao nodded, his heart soaring.
He had expected to steal or seize the spiritual energy, but the Vice Dean’s offer of help was beyond his expectations.
With the Vice Dean’s support, his chances were immense.
The challenge now was elevating his spiritual force within a year.
The pressure to advance so many realms in that time weighed heavily on him.
“This is a defensive talisman. Crush it, and it can block an attack from anyone below third-level Martial Lord. In a crisis, it can save your life,” the Vice Dean said, handing him a talisman.
Lin Xiao’s heart skipped. A talisman that could block a third-level Martial Lord’s strike?
It was incredibly powerful and precious!
“Thank you, Vice Dean!” Lin Xiao bowed gratefully.
“Heh, relying on external tools won’t hone your strength. The Mysterious Domain Battlefield is fraught with dangers—a single talisman won’t suffice. You must rely on yourself!” the Vice Dean smiled, reminding him.
“I understand!” Lin Xiao nodded.
The talisman could only block one strike. What about the second, the third, or other dangers?
He hadn’t planned to rely on external aids, but an extra life-saving trump card was always welcome, especially in the unpredictable battlefield.
“Alright, the Mysterious Domain Battlefield opens in one month. Prepare well. Don’t hoard your 100,000 contribution points. Also, An Miao may have elixirs to aid your spiritual force breakthrough,” the Vice Dean advised finally.
Lin Xiao nodded firmly, then left the Vice Dean’s residence, retracing his steps out of the quiet cultivation zone.
His first stop was the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion. With 100,000 contribution points, there were plenty of coveted items.
By the time Lin Xiao arrived, many disciples were already exchanging points for treasures, especially the top thirty, rushing to optimize their condition and strength within the month.
Even so, the pavilion was still crowded with disciples trading items.
When they saw Lin Xiao, gone was any trace of disdain—only awe, admiration, and wariness remained.
Yu Xiang, back at her post, looked at Lin Xiao with fear, barely daring to meet his gaze.
But Lin Xiao paid her no mind.
As he eyed the 100,000-point leaderboard, no one dared object.
He had the points.
Scanning the list, many items tempted him. According to the catalog, there were even unlisted items for 100,000 points.
But Lin Xiao had already decided.
The Yin Cold Stone.
The Yin Cold Stone, brimming with boundless yin-cold energy, could significantly boost the Green Corpse Puppet’s chances of advancing.
If the puppet reached Martial Venerable level, it would be a massive trump card.
With one month until the Mysterious Domain Battlefield, fraught with dangers and enemies, a Martial Venerable bodyguard could sweep most individual disciples. Even against a breakthrough Martial Venerable, he’d have fighting power.
If he faced Mo Jiutian, he could kill him with ease.
Against high-level spiritual beasts, the puppet could buy him time to escape.
The more life-saving trump cards, the better his odds of surviving the battlefield.
Plus, having just broken through, he wasn’t in a rush to use other resources for advancement.
The Yin Cold Stone was the best choice.
Of course, when 100,000 points were deducted, Lin Xiao felt a pang of regret—those points could have bought countless treasures!
But the thought of gaining a Martial Venerable-level enforcer eased the sting.
The Yin Cold Stone lived up to its 100,000-point value. The moment he held it, he felt its chilling energy seeping into his hand.
Alongside the stone, he received a key to a quiet cultivation zone cave dwelling—a reward for the top thirty.
“Lin Xiao!”
As he was about to leave the pavilion, a sharp, feminine voice called out from afar.
Seeing the woman approach, Lin Xiao paused. He hadn’t sought her out, yet she had come to him.
