In Tianjiao Inn, inside Lin Xiao’s room, he felt waves of spiritual energy surging in his mind. Suddenly, a jolt shook his consciousness, as if his entire mind underwent a profound transformation. Torrents of spiritual energy surged forth, and a powerful spiritual fluctuation emanated, spreading around his head.
“I’ve broken through!” Lin Xiao’s heart leapt with joy. Clearly, his spiritual energy had advanced from mid-fifth-grade to high-fifth-grade.
At that moment, a vast wave of spiritual energy involuntarily surged out, condensing into a form before his eyes. In front of Lin Xiao, a transparent humanoid figure appeared in the void. Its features were indistinct, devoid of any life essence. Yet, the moment it materialized, the surrounding space seemed to tremble. The figure radiated a terrifying spiritual pressure, exuding an earth-shaking power. Standing there, it made Lin Xiao’s heart pound.
At that moment, it felt less like facing a transparent figure and more like confronting a peerless war god capable of battling heaven and earth.
“This… this is my main spiritual form, a humanoid?” Lin Xiao was astonished.
The transparent figure wasn’t a person or anything else; it was the main form of his spiritual energy manifestation. When spiritual energy reached the point of taking shape, the primary spiritual form would naturally emerge. Spiritual manifestation was a hallmark of sixth-grade spirit controllers, typically achievable only at the primary sixth-grade level. Yet, Lin Xiao had accomplished this at high-fifth-grade.
The main spiritual form, or main spirit, was the strongest spiritual manifestation attack for any spirit controller, its specific form tied to the inherent attributes of the controller’s mind. Lin Xiao was puzzled by his main spirit’s humanoid shape. Others typically manifested spiritual beasts, swords, or similar forms, each carrying a corresponding divine charm that imbued it with specific powers, like the Devouring Heaven Beast of the Devouring Heaven Spirit Emperor, which possessed its devouring ability.
Yet, his main spirit was a human figure, something even the memories of the Devouring Heaven Spirit Emperor had never encountered. Still, this humanoid form seemed terrifying, no less potent than a spiritual beast.
“It looks like a war god battling heaven and earth. I’ll call you War God Main Spirit!” Lin Xiao decided after a moment’s thought.
He then controlled the War God Main Spirit, gradually dissipating its spiritual energy until it vanished. Though he could manifest a spiritual form, his current spiritual energy could only produce a relatively faint one. With stronger spiritual energy, he could create a more solid and vivid form. At the level of the Devouring Heaven Spirit Emperor, manifested forms were nearly indistinguishable from real spiritual beasts, capable of producing vast armies of spiritual manifestations—a fearsome trait of high-tier spirit controllers.
“Lin Xiao, have you broken through your spiritual energy?” Zihuang’s surprised voice rang out.
“Yes!” Lin Xiao nodded, aware that Zihuang and Linghuang were monitoring the inn. The commotion he caused couldn’t have gone unnoticed.
As he answered, the door opened, and Zihuang, Ling Xiao, and Zi Jinchen hurried in, their faces brimming with excitement.
“I never expected you to break through a spiritual energy level. This assembly, our Zi family’s team will achieve unprecedented results,” Zihuang said joyfully.
“I’ll do my best!” Lin Xiao nodded.
“This is truly exciting!” Ling Xiao said with anticipation.
“You keep creating miracles, even breaking through in spiritual energy!” Zi Jinchen said, beaming.
Spiritual energy differed from primordial energy; one level equated to three tiers of primordial cultivation. This breakthrough was immensely valuable for the upcoming assembly.
Lin Xiao nodded, chatted briefly with them, and after seeing them off, rested to adjust his condition. The next day, he joined the group heading to Shengshi City Square. Upon arrival, the air buzzed with lively chatter.
“The initial assembly list reflects a Martial Emperor faction’s strength. It seems the Sheng family leads the thirty-seven major factions, followed closely by the Xing and Xiang families. The top three spots are surely theirs.”
“Not necessarily. Ziling is a sixth-grade primary spirit controller. She has a shot at the top three!”
“Spirit controllers need strong same-tier combat power. In terms of combat strength, Sheng Li, Xing Tian, and Xiang Tianxing rank at the top, all at the third-tier Martial Lord level, no less than Ziling. Even with her techniques, she’ll struggle to compete.”
“Exactly. The betting odds for the top spot show it: Sheng Li, Xing Tian, and Xiang Tianxing are at one-to-three, while Ziling’s at one-to-four. Her chances are clearly lower.”
“I heard the four major chambers and private bookmakers have the same odds. Have you placed a bet?”
“I did, on Sheng Li. The Sheng family’s scale is the largest among the thirty-seven. Sheng Li’s odds are better.”
“Same here, ten cyan spirit stones on Sheng Li.”
“That’s a bold bet! Ten cyan spirit stones aren’t something most can afford.”
“Just pocket change compared to those Martial Emperor direct-line heirs!”
“I bet twenty cyan spirit stones on Xing Tian. I think his odds are better.”
“I put five on Ziling. I’m rooting for the spirit controller!”
“I bet thirty on Xiang Tianxing. From what I’ve heard, his strength gives him great odds!”
The lively chatter filled Lin Xiao’s ears. Compared to the first three rounds, this one was far more animated, fueled by both stronger combatants and betting. He could tell that the four major chambers and private bookmakers were taking bets on the top three, top five, specific rankings, and even who would be killed. The chambers offered slightly lower odds, while private bookmakers offered higher ones, though most bettors trusted the chambers’ credibility.
With such a massive crowd, the chambers likely earned a fortune per round. Most bets were on the top spot, heavily favouring Sheng Li, Xing Tian, and Xiang Tianxing, with a few on Ziling. Hardly anyone bet on Lin Xiao or many others.
Curious, Lin Xiao wondered what his odds would be if someone bet on him. Turning to the youths from the Ling Hu and Ziling teams, he asked, “Have you guys placed any bets?”
