Mu Chen opened his eyes amidst the pouring silver water, his face unable to conceal his boundless joy. He had never expected the Great Pagoda Art to achieve a breakthrough in such a miraculous situation.
This result was clearly beyond his expectations.
The Great Pagoda Art has three realms: Foundation Establishment, Form Condensation, and Pagoda Transformation.
The first stage was perhaps a bit easier to enter, but after that, Mu Chen saw no progress. Although he could feel himself becoming more proficient as he cultivated the Great Pagoda Art, he had never felt even the slightest hint of a breakthrough. He hadn't expected to suddenly advance today.
In his Qi Sea, the faint black pagoda above the spiritual power halo had dissipated, but the spiritual power within his body had become more refined and concentrated.
Most importantly, when the Great Pagoda Art reached the Form Condensation realm, the Spiritual Vein seal within his body was different from before. He vaguely sensed its existence, unlike before when he was completely unaware.
Evidently, the clear progress of the Great Pagoda Art had given him the ability to sense the Spiritual Vein seal left by his mother.
Mu Chen looked at his palm, gently clenching it, his expression unfathomable. This was the first time he could truly feel the aura of the Spiritual Vein hidden within his body.
He still couldn't discern the level of his Spiritual Vein, but this strange feeling was like a magnificent, towering peak suddenly appearing amidst the clouds.
He greatly looked forward to the day he could cultivate the Great Pagoda Art to the grand completion realm. At that time, he would know just how powerful his Spiritual Vein truly was.
Mu Chen took a deep breath, happily spread his arms, dispelled his protective spiritual power, and allowed the cold waterfall to drench him. A moment later, he stood up, transforming into a black shadow that shot out, landing steadily beside the lake.
Tang Tian'er and the others had also stopped cultivating, resting on the bank beside the lake, their gazes strangely fixed on Mu Chen. They had carefully observed his movements from beginning to end.
"You seem to have become more formidable?"
Chen Fan critically assessed Mu Chen. His aura was still at the early stage of the Spiritual Wheel realm, but for some reason, it gave Chen Fan a different, much more dangerous feeling than before.
Mu Chen smiled. The Spiritual Shadow Step and Spiritual Phoenix Finger could be considered officially cultivated to success, usable at will. Although he still needed to train much more to become proficient and enhance their power, they had significantly increased his combat strength. What's more, the Great Pagoda Art had just broken through, so the spiritual power in his body was naturally more powerful than Chen Fan's. He was even not much weaker than a strong practitioner at the middle stage of the Spiritual Wheel realm.
"This kind of training has brought you quite a few benefits, hasn't it?"
Teacher Mo slowly approached, his eyes scanning him from head to toe, commenting with a faint smile.
Mu Chen nodded. He had now truly caught up with the speed of the waterfall's descent, and the falling wooden stakes were merely pierced through. This could be considered initial success.
"However, training is just training after all. Now you need to temper yourself through actual combat to enhance the power of your spiritual arts."
Teacher Mo smiled, then looked at Chen Fan and Huo Yun, saying,
"The two of you team up against him. Let's see if you're strong enough to defeat him."
"Team up?"
Chen Fan and Huo Yun stared wide-eyed at Teacher Mo, then cast doubtful glances at Mu Chen. Observing that guy cultivate for more than half a month had dealt a rather serious blow to both of them. If they could team up and beat him, they might feel a little more at ease.
They understood that in a one-on-one fight, none of them would be his match, but working together was different. After all, all three of them possessed the strength of the initial stage of the Spirit Wheel Realm. Even if there was a slight difference, two against one gave them much more confidence.
"Mu Chen, try to keep your two elder brothers entertained for a while longer." Chen Fan said with a smug smile.
"Two against one, and you're already so pleased with yourselves. How promising..." Tang Tian'er muttered softly.
Mu Chen merely smiled. He glanced at Master Mo, seemingly with a look of gratitude, then nodded and said, "In that case, as Master Mo wishes, I'll trouble you two to help me train a bit."
Seeing him agree, the two on this side both grinned. One stretched his neck, the other cracked his wrists, saying, "Alright, alright, but I'll say this first: we're not like those other disciples. Participating in this exploration team sometimes makes it hard to control ourselves, so we're a bit more aggressive."
"Thank you for the reminder. Please enlighten me."
Chen Fan and Huo Yun stopped smiling. Although they spoke confidently, they were actually very apprehensive. Observing that guy's cultivation for the past twenty days, they had gotten a glimpse of how formidable he was.
"Attack!"
The two had an excellent understanding of each other. Without needing many words, they exchanged glances and simultaneously launched themselves, splitting to the left and right, charging towards Mu Chen.
The powerful spiritual energy of the initial stage of the Spirit Wheel Realm surged from their bodies. Their speed instantly increased, and with two clenched fists, they appeared on either side, striking mercilessly straight at Mu Chen's head.
Tang Tian'er saw the two viciously attack without any regard, grinding her teeth and glaring at the battle in anger.
However, facing the coordinated offensive of the two, Mu Chen remained perfectly calm. Only when the two fists were about to hit did he lightly retreat half a step.
The sharp fist wind brushed past his face, blowing his black hair aside to reveal his dark, piercing eyes.
"Rainstorm Killer Fist!"
The fierce offensive was completely and easily dodged by Mu Chen. The two pressed closer, unleashing a continuous barrage of punches like a torrential storm. The wild and endless fist wind, carrying the pressure of spiritual energy, enveloped Mu Chen.
The power of the fists surged like a rolling rain. At this moment, dark spiritual energy appeared on Mu Chen's legs. With a soft "thump," his figure seemed to transform into a phantom, weaving through the dense, storm-like offensive of the two.
Their fist winds did not touch him in the slightest!
"Such fast speed!" Chen Fan was tense, because he simply couldn't see how Mu Chen had weaved through his series of attacks.
"To the left!"
His eyes flickered, and he spun around, unleashing a kick straight in that direction. The kick's force, like a long spear, tore through the air, fiercely attacking the vague shadow in his eyes.
But strangely, that powerful kick passed completely through, with no sensation of hitting flesh.
"It's an afterimage!" Huo Yun was startled. Was Mu Chen's speed that ghostly?
"Over here!"
A soft laugh suddenly rang out from the right. Chen Fan and Huo Yun were shocked. They turned around just in time to see four fingers extended, the four fingertips vaguely glowing with a brilliant golden light like jade, from which an extremely powerful fluctuation emanated.
"Whoosh!"
Mu Chen thrust his arm straight through the air, his four fingers aimed at the throats of the two.
"Boom!"
Fierce spiritual energy poured out from their bodies, forming a thick spiritual energy light shield. They were also very wary of Mu Chen's attack.
However, their defense did not trouble him at all. The golden light from his fingers seemed to emerge from within the bone, filled with immense power.
"Clang!"
Mu Chen's finger strike touched the light shield, instantly shattering it and piercing through the defense, causing both of them to widen their eyes in shock.
"Rip!"
Four fingers stopped half an inch from their throats. Although they hadn't touched the skin, they still caused a little blood to seep out, creating an uncomfortable stinging sensation.
The two dared not move at all. With four fingers pressed against their Adam's apples, if this were a life-or-death battle, Mu Chen's fingers would have likely pierced two holes in their throats.
"Thank you."
Mu Chen withdrew his hand, clasped them together, and smiled, his heart filled with boundless joy. The power of the Spirit Shadow Step and Spirit Emperor Finger had surprised him beyond expectation. A month ago, dealing with an early-stage Spirit Wheel Realm expert, even if he could win, it would not have been this effortless.
"It seems that the seed quota is no longer something we need to consider."
Chen Fan sighed helplessly. Although both of them still had hidden strength, Mu Chen had not used his full capabilities either.
"You thought you'd get a bargain, but instead you got taught a lesson."
Tang Tian'er, seeing Mu Chen's victory, immediately scoffed.
"Tian'er, for better or worse, we are two people sincerely pursuing you. There's no need to be so discouraging, is there?"
Chen Fan said grumpily.
"Oh, please. Let me do the chasing. As for following, there's no need. I'm happier that way."
Tang Tian'er smiled sweetly, still showing no mercy or giving the two any chance.
"Not bad. However, your Spirit Shadow Step is still not proficient. I think you need to focus on practicing it more. Those two can't help you practice, so I'll help myself."
"Don't worry, I'll only use a few parts of my strength. Whatever skills you have, bring them all out. If you defeat me, then this month of training will be a complete success."
Mu Chen smiled faintly and nodded. His fighting spirit soared. Having a Spirit Soul Realm expert as an opponent to temper himself was more than he could ask for!
While Mu Chen was being personally trained by Master Mo, a sudden spiritual power explosion occurred in the forbidden area behind the mountain of the Liu Manor, forming a whirlwind that shook the surrounding trees.
After the whirlwind swept for a long time, it ceased its activity, and a tall figure stepped out. It was indeed Liu Mu Bai.
He clenched his fist, feeling the power within his body, and a sinister smile spread across his face.
Mu Chen, your good and happy days are almost over.