Making a Name in the Martial Arts Arena

The Martial Arts Arena is located on the west side of Stone Bamboo Shoot Mountain's main peak. It's an extremely expansive plaza, paved with hard Azure Gang Stone, and reinforced with arrays around the perimeter, capable of withstanding full-power attacks from cultivators below the Foundation Establishment stage.

When Mo Yuan arrived, nearly a hundred inner disciples had already gathered in the arena. They were loosely divided into several circles based on their cultivation levels.

There were only about twenty-odd disciples at the late Qi Refining stage, standing at the very front, their auras noticeably stronger.

With his cultivation at the seventh layer of Qi Refining, Mo Yuan was not considered weak among the inner disciples. He quietly walked to the edge of the area occupied by the late Qi Refining disciples and stood there, calmly scanning the entire arena.

He could feel many gazes on him, filled with scrutiny, curiosity, and even a hint of defiance.

After all, he had joined the sect recently, but due to his master's breakthrough and the incident in the Provincial City, he already had quite a reputation within the sect.

Presiding over this gathering was a middle-aged uncle-master with a stern face and a profound aura, whose Daoist name was "Xuan Ji." He was responsible for the sect's disciplinary rules and disciple assessments.

His gaze swept across the arena like lightning, and the noisy chatter immediately fell silent.

"I have called you all here today for two main reasons," Uncle-Master Xuan Ji announced in a loud, emotionless voice. "First, to test your cultivation progress over the past month. Second, in three months, it will be the quinquennial 'Three Sects Tournament,' involving the young disciples of our Mount Mao, Dragon Tiger Mountain, and Ge Zao Mountain sects. Elite disciples at the Qi Refining stage will be selected to represent our sect and fight, bringing glory to Mount Mao!"

A stir went through the disciples below, and many showed excitement and longing in their eyes.

The Three Sects Tournament was not only an opportunity to make a name for oneself but also a shortcut to obtaining generous rewards and the sect's favor.

"Now, we will begin testing your cultivation results. The usual rules apply: disciples at the late Qi Refining stage may freely challenge each other for sparring. Stop when you reach a point of understanding," Uncle-Master Xuan Ji stated concisely.

As soon as he finished speaking, a tall, burly disciple with an arrogant expression, at the eighth layer of Qi Refining, stepped out from the crowd. His gaze locked directly onto Mo Yuan.

He cupped his hands and said, "You must be Junior Brother Mo Yuan? You may have joined late, but your reputation precedes you. I am Zhao Gan, at the eighth layer of Qi Refining. I would like to exchange a few moves with you, Junior Brother, to see if you truly live up to your name!"

Zhao Gan clearly intended to use Mo Yuan, the "celebrity," to boost his own standing.

The surrounding disciples immediately adopted a "watching a good show" expression; they also wanted to see what this rumored junior brother was truly capable of.

Mo Yuan's expression remained unchanged. He stepped out of the ranks and returned the bow. "Senior Brother Zhao, please."

The two walked to a circular area marked in the center of the arena. Zhao Gan clearly wanted a quick victory. He let out a low cry, and earth-yellow spiritual energy erupted from his body. He formed hand seals, and the ground instantly rose, forming several sharp stone spikes that shot towards Mo Yuan from different directions, like an earth dragon turning over.

This was the earth-elemental spell, "Earth Spike." It was quite powerful and had a wide area of effect, making it difficult to dodge.

However, under Mo Yuan's spiritual sense perception, which far surpassed that of his peers, the trajectories of these stone spikes were clearly visible.

He didn't use the Thunder Dragon Evil-Slaying Spear. Instead, he employed the "Ghost Shadow Footwork" under his feet. His movements were like willow catkins in the wind, and at the last possible moment, he dodged all the stone spikes by a hair's breadth, his movements elegant and unhurried.

Zhao Gan's attack missed, and his expression slightly darkened. He clapped his palms together, and a heavy gravity field spread out from him, attempting to restrict Mo Yuan's speed. "Gravity Art!"

Mo Yuan immediately felt his body sink, and his movements slowed slightly.

Zhao Gan seized the opportunity, lunging forward, his fist covered in a thick layer of rock armor, smashing towards Mo Yuan with a whistling sound! "Take this, Stone Crushing Fist!"

Facing this powerful blow, a sharp glint flashed in Mo Yuan's eyes. He no longer dodged.

The "Divine Dragon Body Refining Art" quietly circulated. His blood and qi surged like a dragon. He swung his right fist, without any dazzling spiritual light, but it contained terrifying physical strength and extreme control over power!

"Bang!"

Their fists collided, emitting a dull thud.

The scene Zhao Gan had imagined, of his opponent being sent flying, did not occur. Instead, he felt an overwhelming force surge from Mo Yuan's fist. His rock armor instantly cracked, his entire arm went numb with pain, and he was uncontrollably forced back seven or eight steps before he could barely stabilize himself, his face filled with horror!

The entire arena fell silent.

Everyone had clearly seen that Mo Yuan had purely used his physical strength to directly counter Zhao Gan's punch, which was augmented by earth-elemental magic, and had completely won.

"I concede, Senior Brother Zhao," Mo Yuan said, retracting his fist and standing steadily, his breathing even.

Zhao Gan's face flushed, then paled. He finally slumped and cupped his hands. "Junior Brother Mo's strength is formidable. Zhao is impressed!" He knew that Mo Yuan had already held back; otherwise, that punch would have been enough to cripple his arm.

After easily defeating Zhao Gan, who was at the eighth layer of Qi Refining, Mo Yuan's strength gained initial recognition. Those gazes that had been filled with doubt now turned solemn and wary.

Subsequently, two more disciples at the seventh layer of Qi Refining stepped forward to challenge him. One was skilled in fire magic, and the other was adept at wind blades, but both were defeated by Mo Yuan's exquisite footwork, robust physique, and the occasional use of low-level spells whose power far exceeded the norm.

He hadn't even used talismans or magical artifacts.

After several sparring matches, Mo Yuan had firmly established his position among the inner disciples.

Uncle-Master Xuan Ji looked at Mo Yuan, and a rare, almost imperceptible trace of approval appeared on his stern face.

After the assessment, Uncle-Master Xuan Ji announced the preliminary list of disciples selected to participate in the Three Sects Tournament, and Mo Yuan was prominently listed.

This meant he would subsequently receive more focused training and resource allocation from the sect.

Just as everyone thought the gathering was over, a young Daoist attendant hurried over and whispered a few words into Uncle-Master Xuan Ji's ear.

Uncle-Master Xuan Ji nodded, his gaze returning to Mo Yuan. He announced loudly, "Mo Yuan, the Sect Leader has issued an order for you to immediately proceed to the side hall of the Three Purities Hall for an audience."

The crowd erupted in murmurs. The Sect Leader personally summoning him right after the assessment was an uncommon honor.

Envious, curious, and even subtly jealous gazes focused on Mo Yuan.

Mo Yuan's heart stirred slightly, but his expression remained calm. He bowed to Uncle-Master Xuan Ji. "This disciple obeys."

He walked towards the majestic Three Purities Hall once more, his feelings different from the first time he had come.

This time, he was entering as an elite inner disciple of Mount Mao, summoned alone by the Sect Leader.

Upon arriving at the side hall, he found it much smaller than the main hall and more elegantly furnished.

Sect Leader Shi Jian, still clad in purple robes, sat on a rosewood chair, a cup of clear tea beside him. His aura was restrained, making him appear even more unfathomable. Uncle-Master Qian He was also present.

"Disciple Mo Yuan pays respects to Sect Leader Uncle-Master and Uncle-Master Qian He," Mo Yuan said with a respectful bow.

"Mm, rise,"

Shi Jian put down his teacup, his gaze falling on Mo Yuan. The scrutiny from last time was replaced by a gentler demeanor. "Your performance in the Martial Arts Arena just now was excellent. Your foundation is solid, and your ability to adapt under pressure was commendable."

"Sect Leader Uncle-Master is too kind; this disciple is undeserving," Mo Yuan replied humbly.

"I summoned you here because there is something important."

Shi Jian spoke slowly, "The Three Sects Tournament is fast approaching. Since you are on the list, you must cultivate diligently and not slack off. Your master, Lin Fengjiao, is skilled in lightning techniques. As you have a talent for lightning (referring to the Thunder Dragon Evil-Slaying Spear), you should seek his guidance often. Furthermore..."

He paused, then took a purple jade slip from his sleeve and handed it to Mo Yuan. "This contains some essential parts of the Qi Refining chapter of the Nine Heavens Thunder Talisman Scripture. It is one of Mount Mao's secret lightning arts. Take it and study it. I hope you can gain some insight before the tournament and not bring shame to the reputation of Mount Mao's lightning arts."

Mo Yuan's heart trembled as he accepted the jade slip with both hands. The Nine Heavens Thunder Talisman Scripture! This was one of Mount Mao's core true inheritances! The Sect Leader was directly bestowing a portion of its essentials; this was no small favor!

"Thank you, Sect Leader Uncle-Master, for this generous gift! This disciple will certainly strive to comprehend it and not fail your expectations!" Mo Yuan said solemnly.

"Alright, you may go. Cultivate well," Shi Jian waved his hand.

Mo Yuan bowed again and withdrew from the side hall. Holding the warm, smooth purple jade slip in his hand, he could feel the immense thunderous intent and profound information contained within.

Uncle-Master Qian He escorted him out, saying with a smile in a low voice, "Sect Leader Uncle-Master has high hopes for you. The essentials of the Nine Heavens Thunder Talisman Scripture are something even many veteran inner disciples might not receive. Seize this opportunity well."

"This disciple understands. Thank you for your guidance, Uncle-Master Qian He," Mo Yuan understood in his heart that this was both an opportunity and a pressure.

The Sect Leader's actions were not only meant to nurture him but likely also to observe his true potential and loyalty.

Upon returning to the Listening Thunder Abode, Uncle Nine had also emerged from his seclusion, his aura now deeper and more restrained.

Hearing that the Sect Leader had bestowed the essentials of the Nine Heavens Thunder Talisman Scripture, he was also slightly surprised, then said sternly, "The Sect Leader Uncle-Master's actions are of great significance. You must cultivate even more diligently and absolutely not let this regard go unfulfilled. This Thunder Talisman Scripture is profound and mysterious. If you encounter any difficulties in your comprehension, you can come ask me."

"Yes, Master."

Mo Yuan returned to his room, set up a restriction, and impatiently sank his spiritual sense into the purple jade slip.

In an instant, countless insights about thunder, the sketching of talismans, and methods for circulating spiritual energy flooded his mind.

Unlike his previous method of relying on Primordial Comprehension for self-deduction or learning ordinary spells, the Nine Heavens Thunder Talisman Scripture was a complete system, a supreme method that directly pointed towards the Great Dao of Thunder.

Although it was only a partial essential of the Qi Refining chapter, it had already allowed him to glimpse a new, vaster world of lightning arts!

He was immersed in the profundity of lightning arts, lost in a trance.

With this orthodox, top-tier inheritance, combined with his own Dragon Essence, the Thunder Dragon Evil-Slaying Spear, and Primordial Comprehension, he believed his strength would undergo a qualitative leap before the Three Sects Tournament.