C44 Second Layer of Spirit Mastery Realm

Over the next two days, Liu Xingchang did little more than attend to his basic needs, as he was determined to break through to the Second Layer of Spirit Mastery Realm.

The Inferno Earth Dragon, having consumed a Fourth Tier Demon Core, soon fell into a deep slumber, remaining motionless in Liu Xingchang's embrace. Were it not for its steady breathing, Liu Xingchang might have feared it had been overwhelmed by the potent energy, considering its youth and status as less than a First Tier Demonic Beast.

With the elimination round approaching, Liu Xingchang was relieved that the Inferno Earth Dragon's deep sleep spared him any immediate concern.

During his two-day seclusion, Liu Xingchang's efforts paid off as he successfully advanced to the Second Layer of Spirit Mastery Realm. Additionally, he completed the final analysis and integration of the Holy Water Rune.

Now fully integrated with his three Spirit Seas, the once incomplete Holy Water Rune significantly enhanced his ninety Spirit Mark Runes. As one of the world's nine unique Sacred Inscription Talismans, even in its incomplete state, the Holy Water Rune granted Liu Xingchang the potential to unleash formidable power when necessary.

Liu Xingchang was acutely aware of the disparity between himself and his peers, who possessed Level Two Spirit Mark Runes, while his own were still at Level One. Despite his confidence in advancing through the elimination round, he knew that obtaining a set of Level Two Spirit Mark Runes was imperative by the time he reached the finals in the Hidden Dragon Sect's central city.

...

Time flew, and the day of the elimination match swiftly arrived.

Early that morning, while the sky was still a dull grey, Hongxing City's Central Square was already abuzz with activity.

Three thousand city guards assembled in the square with military precision, each soldier positioning their long spear before them, effectively sealing off the area.

Anyone looking to stir up trouble on such a significant day would have to contend with them first. The citizens of Hongxing City, along with traveling merchants, had all gathered in the square before the start of the competition, vying for the best vantage point. It was no surprise, as this kind of competition, brimming with talent and only held once a year, was not to be missed.

The square was bustling and overflowing with people long before the break of dawn, the commotion echoing to the heavens. The Hidden Dragon Sect's South Sea selection event was the highlight of the year for Hongxing City.

Each year, the central square's high platform was adorned with four meticulously crafted chairs, reserved for the event's dignitaries: the Outer Sect Elder from the Hidden Dragon Sect, City Lord Li Hongxing, and the leaders of Hongxing City's two prominent families, Baili Kongrong and Cui Buyi. Baili Kongrong's prowess surpassed even that of the City Lord, but he paled in comparison to the visiting Third Elder. Cui Buyi, the head of the Cui family, was renowned for her beauty and her mastery of illusion, capable of ensnaring people in deadly dreams.

This year, an additional chair graced the platform, occupied by another esteemed Outer Sect Elder from the Hidden Dragon Sect who, by chance, was passing through and decided to witness the competition.

As the third quarter of the twilight hour approached, all contestants entered the plaza from the rear of the central square, adhering to the rules and registering their information.

When the time came, the Thirteenth Elder from the Outer Sect of the Hidden Dragon Sect, tasked with overseeing the competition, rose to his feet and declared, "Another elimination round commences..." His voice, devoid of shouting or bellowing, effortlessly cut through the clamor of the crowd, reaching every ear with clarity. Such control could only be underpinned by a profound reserve of Spiritual Energy, a testament to the caliber of a Hidden Dragon Sect Elder.

The crowd fell silent. The Thirteenth Elder surveyed the scene with a nod of approval before continuing, "I will supervise this year's southern elimination selection, with the City Lord of Hongxing, the Baili Family Head, and the Cui Family Head serving as witnesses. Notably, the Sixth Senior Brother of our sect, the Third Elder of the Outer Sect of Hidden Dragon Sect, is also present to observe the contest. So, gentlemen, take this opportunity to showcase your skills in the upcoming matches. Should you catch the eye of my Sixth Senior Brother, you might just ascend swiftly on your path and soar to new heights!"

The crowd around the square erupted into noise once again, while the contestants at the heart of the square were getting pumped up, their excitement palpable.

The supervisor was merely the Thirteenth Elder of the Outer Sect, but the esteemed Third Elder of the Outer Sect was the one passing by to observe the competition. With nine ranks separating them, being selected by the Third Elder as a disciple was an opportunity of a lifetime.

Those masters who had initially planned to conceal their true strength until the finals were now resolute. They were determined to give it their all in hopes of catching the Third Elder's eye.

The Thirteenth Elder continued, "As you're all aware, the elimination round will take place within a virtual world created by the Great Ancient Array."

"Within the Great Ancient Array, there are two worlds: one is a forest filled with cunning traps, and the other, a mountain range teeming with fearsome Demonic Beasts. So, contestants could be eliminated by their peers or fall prey to the traps and Demonic Beasts concealed within the Array."

"Upon entering the Great Ancient Array, each contestant will have a light spot on them. Eliminate another contestant, and you'll claim all of their light spots."

"The competition has two rules: fight solo and collect fifteen light spots to win, or band together in a group of five and accumulate a total of one hundred and twenty light spots for victory."

"The standard competition lasts three days and three nights, meaning that you must remain within the Array until its conclusion, regardless of whether you've collected the necessary number of light spots."

"Whether you can make it to the end is entirely up to your own abilities!"

"Now, let the competition begin!"

With those words, the Thirteenth Elder gestured with his hands, and the air was immediately filled with terrifying energy fluctuations. The array's focal point, hidden beneath the square's foundation, slowly emerged, shrouded in a swirling mist.

Countless contestants flooded into the thick fog, each one stepping into the illusory world that lay beyond.

After all the contestants had entered the Array in a grand procession, the Thirteenth Elder gestured once more. The dense fog on the square swiftly ascended, transforming into a translucent, crystalline veil.

The ethereal, shimmering mist revealed a live view of the scene within the formation.

A myriad of misty images floated high in the sky, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.

Atop the elevated platform, Baili Kongrong, Cui Buyi, and the City Lord were intently searching for their descendants among the participants. The Thirteenth Elder focused on contestants with influential backgrounds from the central region's major forces. The Third Elder of the Outer Sect, clad in a white robe, accompanied by a woman in white standing behind him, began to look for Liu Xingchang's location.

Previously, in White Rock Town, by the time they reached the cave, Liu Xingchang and his companions had already departed.

The inability to gauge the true strength of Liu Xingchang and his group was a matter of keen interest to them.

What's more, the wager among their mentors and apprentices was still unresolved...

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