C15 Enlightenment Stage

Inside the cultivation chamber, Lin Xuan sat cross-legged on a meditation cushion, channeling the Jade Tempering Arts. This particular set of Body Building Martial Arts, a Middle Grade Rank 5 technique, was the one he had replicated from Lin Qiyuan. It was ideal for both the Body Refining and Enlightenment Stages, capable of bestowing several times the strength of other techniques at the same level. The only catch was its considerable demand for cultivation resources, but Lin Xuan was well-stocked.

Suddenly, a gentle breeze emanated from Lin Xuan, rustling softly as it spread outwards. He slowly opened his eyes, gazing into the void before him.

"Divine Level Duplication System."

"Host: Lin Xuan."

"Realm: Early Enlightenment Stage."

"Talent: Top Grade Cultivation Talent, Middle Grade Strength Talent, Low-grade Speed Talent, Attribute Talents (Low-grade Sharp Gold, Low-grade Crimson Fire, Substandard Earth, Substandard Heavy Water, Low-grade Gale), Substandard Saber Talent."

"Martial Arts: Golden Flame Mantra (Rank 5 Middle Grade, Initial Perfect Level), Scarlet Flame Saber Technique (Rank 5 Middle Grade, Initial Perfect Level), Jade Shattering Art (Rank 5 Middle Grade, Initial Perfect Level), Gold Splitting Fist (Rank 5 Low-grade, Great Completion), Wandering Crossing (Rank 5 Low-grade, Great Completion)... "

"Energy Points: 179,000."

"Walkspace: 21."

Lin Xuan surveyed his attribute panel, which had significantly transformed. He reveled in the newfound, overwhelming power coursing through his veins, his smile broadening. Over the past fortnight, he had diligently practiced the Jade Tempering Arts, fortifying his body and advancing his cultivation level. His efforts had paid off, propelling him from the Ninth Level of Body Refining Stage straight to the Early Enlightenment Stage.

He felt invigorated, his strength now dwarfing that of a peak Body Refining warrior. With the Four Major Forces Competition just three days away, Lin Xuan pondered how many more acupuncture points he might unlock in that time. The Enlightenment Stage was all about opening these points, each one amplifying his power.

Lin Xuan whispered to himself, contemplating his progress. Thanks to the superior grade of his martial arts and his exceptional cultivation talent, he was poised to make the most of this opportunity.

After his breakthrough, Lin Xuan immediately solidified his cultivation level.

He then immersed himself deeper into his training.

Time flew swiftly.

Three days vanished in the blink of an eye.

At dawn.

Warm sunlight streamed through the window.

Inside the cultivation chamber.

Lin Xuan rose to his feet.

"I've unlocked 12 acupuncture points."

Feeling the strength coursing through his body, now several times stronger than just three days prior, Lin Xuan's face was brimming with joy.

He wondered if this surge in power was due to the impending Four Major Forces Competition, where he knew he needed to bolster his abilities.

Or could there be another reason?

During these days, Lin Shiyun hadn't sought him out again.

And since he couldn't visit the Third Elder's residence, he had devoted all three days to uninterrupted cultivation.

Remarkably, he had managed to break through and unlock a total of twelve acupuncture points, multiplying his strength many times over.

Armed with this newfound power, Lin Xuan felt a surge of confidence for the Four Major Forces Competition that lay ahead.

Regrettably, he had exhausted all the resources provided for his position as the chief disciple, as well as the medicinal pills and elixirs he had replicated.

After preparing himself, Lin Xuan left his quarters and headed towards the Martial Arts Practice Field.

Today marked the day of the Four Major Forces Competition. The Drifting Cloud Sect would also be there to recruit disciples.

The Lin Family's young disciples were all converging at the Martial Arts Practice Field.

Under the leadership of the Patriarch, they would make their way to the City Lord's Mansion to compete.

This had all been conveyed to Lin Xuan beforehand by the family's old steward.

Soon after, he arrived.

Lin Xuan's eyebrows lifted as he surveyed the scene with a hint of surprise.

He had thought he was early.

Yet, it seemed he was somewhat late.

The Martial Arts Practice Field was already teeming with disciples.

The Lin Family's top brass, including the Patriarch, the Head Elder, and the Third Elder, were all present.

Upon Lin Xuan's arrival, the disciples' eyes turned towards him, filled with respect, and they parted to create a path for him.

Lin Xuan proceeded forward.

As the chief disciple and captain, he was expected to lead, so he made his way to the very front.

"Brother Lin Xuan."

Lin Shiyun, standing beside Lin Qiyuan, let out a light chuckle. She moved closer to Lin Xuan and wrapped her arms around his.

"Shiyun," Lin Xuan greeted her with a smile.

Lin Qiyuan could only respond with a resigned look on his face.

Meanwhile, Patriarch Lin Qixing, the Head Elder, and the other senior members of the Lin Family were preoccupied with more pressing matters.

"Lin Xuan, you've advanced to the Enlightenment Stage?" Lin Qixing asked, his voice tinged with surprise.

All eyes in the room instantly turned to Lin Xuan.

"Yes," he replied, his tone even and calm.

A hush fell over the crowd, followed swiftly by a wave of murmurs and gasps.

"He's reached the Enlightenment Stage? Impossible!"

"Hasn't it been less than a month?"

"He was just at the Seventh Level of the Body Refining Stage, and now he's ascended to the Enlightenment Stage?"

The crowd buzzed with incredulous chatter, unable to fathom Lin Xuan's rapid progress.

Even the patriarch, Head Elder, and the other Lin Family elders were visibly astonished. His pace of cultivation had shattered their expectations.

They had assumed that reaching the Ninth Level of the Body Refining Stage in half a month would be an impressive feat for Lin Xuan. Yet here he was, already at the Enlightenment Stage, with his newfound power firmly in place. Clearly, he had made the breakthrough some time ago.

The revelation sent shockwaves through the Lin Family's upper echelon.

Lin Hai, standing next to the Head Elder, was particularly dumbstruck, his pupils dilated in sheer disbelief. It wasn't until the clamor around him grew louder that he snapped out of his daze.

Fear flashed in his eyes as he quickly ducked behind the Head Elder, hoping to avoid Lin Xuan's attention.

He had been determined to secure a spot in the top ten of the competition. To aid his efforts, the Head Elder had supplied him with numerous precious pills over the past half a month, boosting his cultivation level.

He had managed to break through to the Ninth Level of the Body Refining Stage and had thought he could now contend with Lin Xuan, who was at the Seventh Level. But Lin Xuan had not only caught up; he had soared past, from the Seventh Level of the Body Refining Stage straight to the Enlightenment Stage.

He had never before encountered such a frightening rate of cultivation, and he found it hard to believe.

But with the family head himself acknowledging it, how could it be an illusion?

Now, despite his reluctance, he was forced to accept the truth.

The chasm between the Enlightenment Stage and the Body Refining Stage was vast.

Moreover, Lin Xuan had already bested Lin Yun, a practitioner at the Ninth Level of the Body Refining Stage, while only at the Seventh Level himself.

Having now advanced to the Enlightenment Stage, Lin Xuan's power had surely surged.

He stood no chance against Lin Xuan.

The thought of clashing with Lin Xuan dissipated in an instant.

He silently slipped behind the Head Elder, hoping Lin Xuan wouldn't take notice of him.

Despite the presence of the Head Elder, the Patriarch, and many of the Lin Family's upper echelons, Lin Hai was aware that Lin Xuan wouldn't lay a finger on him.

Yet, Lin Xuan's swift progress in cultivation had spooked him; all he wished for was to steer clear of Lin Xuan.