Mu Chen's hands quickly formed a strange seal. His eyes focused intently, and suddenly, a brilliant red light erupted behind him, spreading out to form a fiery spirit array more than ten zhang wide.
"A spirit array?"
In the arena, countless spectators jumped up in astonishment, staring intently at the crimson spirit array that had just appeared behind Mu Chen. A few individuals with keener eyesight could already discern the powerful spiritual energy fluctuations contained within the spirit array. Its intensity had surely reached that of a Tier 1 spirit array!
"Oh my, this Mu Chen can actually set up a spirit array? Is he a Tier 1 Spirit Array Master?"
"How can that be? A Tier 1 Spirit Array Master needs time to calm their mind to set up an array. He's been constantly fighting until now. What could he do by just closing his eyes for a moment?"
"But that really is a Tier 1 spirit array!"
"How is that possible?"
Loud, clamorous sounds of shock echoed everywhere, causing the arena to suddenly become chaotic like a marketplace. However, everyone's eyes were mostly filled with fear and bewildered incomprehension, unable to explain how Mu Chen could construct such a spirit array.
"Truly astonishing."
Even ordinary spectators noticed it, so naturally, in the VIP seats, the nine Domain Lords also stirred. Liu Qing Tian remained seated, but his expression was extremely grim. He had never expected that the young man from Mu Domain not only possessed decent strength but also harbored such formidable abilities!
"It is indeed unexpected that Mu Chen, your adopted son, is also a Spirit Array Master. No wonder you trust him so much."
Tang Shan, after a moment of surprise, calmed down and turned to praise Mu Feng, but also showed a hint of doubt:
"However, even if he is a Tier 1 Spirit Array Master, how could he set up an array so quickly?"
Even Mu Feng, his biological father, couldn't help but show his astonishment. But then, suddenly thinking of something, he couldn't help but grin triumphantly. Others didn't understand, but he vaguely guessed part of the reason Mu Chen could set up the array so quickly.
"Heart Array, huh... it seems he's been getting a firmer grasp on how to enter the Heart Array state over the past month..."
Mu Feng mused to himself.
"This Mu Chen, he hides things quite deeply..."
On the main platform, Dean Xiao was equally surprised and laughed aloud:
"I never expected him to also be a Tier 1 Spirit Array Master."
Teacher Mo, beside him, also agreed. He had specially trained Mu Chen for a whole month and still hadn't discovered this. That young man was too clever; his methods of concealment were truly profound.
"He's not like an ordinary Spirit Array Master..."
Elder Hao narrowed his eyes, looking with interest at the handsome young man in the arena. His tone did not conceal his sigh of awe:
"It seems he also has the ability to use the Heart Array state to set up spirit arrays, judging by that speed. No ordinary Spirit Array Master can successfully construct a Tier 1 spirit array simply by closing their eyes."
"Heart Array state?"
Dean Xiao's heart trembled upon hearing this. A powerhouse like him naturally had knowledge of that state, which was so profound that not many Tier 3 Spirit Array Masters could even touch it. Yet, Mu Chen, with only the ability of a Tier 1 Spirit Array Master, could use it at will?
Normally, once a Spirit Array Master begins to set up a spirit array, a special fluctuation of spiritual energy appears. They had never considered the possibility that Mu Chen would set up a spirit array in the middle of a fight, so most of their attention was focused on observing the direct confrontation between the two. Who would have guessed...
"Very interesting!"
Mister Hao smiled, his gaze fixed on the person in the arena.
"Spirit array?"
Liu Mubai immediately froze, his face dark as he looked at the blazing spirit array behind Mu Chen. Violent spiritual energy surged out from it incessantly; the changes in the air in that area were clearly visible to the naked eye.
Mu Chen's icy gaze locked onto Liu Mubai. He chuckled softly and slowly exhaled. In truth, he had also taken a gamble, hoping to successfully set up this spirit array, as it was incredibly difficult. Even though he had been continuously contemplating and understanding the profound state of the Heart Array for the past month, just one small mistake would surely lead to Liu Mubai seizing the opportunity to deliver a fatal blow.
But fortunately, he succeeded. The training in the Spirit Road had made his ability to stabilize his mind exceptionally good. In crucial moments, he would not be distracted, remaining utterly focused and calm as water, thus easily entering the profound state of the Heart Array, and then completing the setup of this blazing red spirit array.
"Are you satisfied with the grand feast I've prepared for you?"
Mu Chen laughed loudly, mocking Liu Mubai, his sharp eyes glinting. His hand seals changed, and he roared resonantly:
"Tiger Flame Devouring Spirit Array!"
"Roar!"
The blazing spirit array erupted with dazzling red light, followed by a mighty tiger's roar.
The Tiger Flame Devouring Spirit Array was an array diagram that Mu Chen had begged Wen Ling to give him the night before he returned to the Northern Spirit Academy. Its power was extraordinary, and setting it up required approximately seventeen spirit seals. A month ago, Mu Chen was not yet capable of executing it, but after a month of devilish training, it was no longer difficult.
In terms of power, this spirit array was definitely among the three strongest spirit arrays Wen Ling possessed. Even a late-stage Spirit Wheel Realm expert facing it would find their best option to be a hasty retreat.
Liu Mubai stared at the roaring spirit array, which was radiating tyrannical spiritual energy. His hands clenched, sweat beaded on his forehead, and his eyes grew colder and colder.
"Roar!"
The brilliant spirit array grew increasingly fierce. Suddenly, a crimson glow, like molten lava, erupted, transforming into a Flame Tiger whose entire body radiated scorching flames.
As soon as the Flame Tiger appeared, it let out a ferocious roar. Its violent spiritual energy, coupled with the burning flames enveloping it, shot straight into the air, pouncing towards Liu Mubai.
The fierce offensive made even the late-stage Spirit Wheel Realm experts present feel wary.
The Flame Tiger roared as it approached, its scorching wind blowing away the air. A huge fiery shadow enveloped Liu Mubai. As his eyes saw the Flame Tiger getting closer and closer, his face became colder than ever.
"Do you think you can defeat me with such a trick?"
He muttered to himself, yet he took no action, allowing the Flame Tiger to charge at him, like a malevolent flame pouring down and spreading in all directions.
"Ah..."
In the arena, everyone saw Liu Mubai being engulfed by the Flame Tiger, his entire body covered. They all stood up, shouting. Could that person only endure the attack?
Liu Qingtian watched the scene, showing no sign of urgency. A mocking smile played at the corner of his mouth.
Mu Chen was also intently observing the position where the Blazing Tiger was rampaging. His brows furrowed slightly, and suddenly sensing something, he abruptly retreated.
"Boom!"
A terrifying wave of spiritual energy erupted from the heart of the flames, powerfully tearing apart the fire that was raging in all directions.
"Such powerful spiritual energy!"
The sudden turn of events astonished everyone, who looked over to see a robust figure, enveloped in powerful spiritual energy, slowly and leisurely stepping out from the midst of the flames.
"That's Liu Mubai... this spiritual energy is even stronger than that of a late-stage Spirit Wheel Realm expert!"
Several people, sensing the formidable spiritual energy emanating from his body, exclaimed in surprise.
"So that Liu Mubai still had hidden moves he hadn't revealed!"
Su Ling, Tang Tian'er, and their friends from the Eastern Courtyard also turned pale at the sight. Late-stage Spirit Wheel Realm? Liu Mubai was truly a master of concealment.
"Mu Chen, you're not the only one with a killing move."
Feeling the power that enveloped his body, Liu Mubai's cold gaze, like that of a venomous snake, fixed on Mu Chen. He bared his teeth and chuckled.
Mu Chen also looked back at Liu Mubai. He hadn't expected this person to have made a breakthrough in just one month, reaching the strength of a late-stage Spirit Wheel Realm expert.
"However, you're not thinking that late-stage Spirit Wheel Realm is my limit, are you?"
Liu Mubai smiled lightly, a very pleased smile, his eyes looking at Mu Chen with particular mockery. Let's see if that rookie can overcome this disparity now.
"Although it's been a long time since I had the chance to use it, perhaps you've forgotten that I also possess a Spirit Meridian within me..."
Liu Mubai slowly spread his hands. Everyone clearly saw fiery bright spots slowly appearing on his body, like a fire dragon emitting dazzling light.
As these bright spots appeared, the spiritual energy fluctuations of his late-stage Spirit Wheel Realm became even more powerful and fierce, erupting and growing, finally stopping at the peak of the late-stage Spirit Wheel Realm.
At this moment, he had reached the extreme of the Spirit Wheel Realm!
Within the Spirit Wheel Realm, who else could compete?
The arena suddenly fell silent. The flickering, turbulent crimson spiritual energy emanated, its fierce pressure making the spectators feel oppressed and uncomfortable.
"Liu Mubai not only has the strength of a late-stage Spirit Wheel Realm expert, but also a Human-grade Spirit Meridian. This is truly troublesome."
Tang Shan clicked his tongue and lamented. It seemed that among the Spirit Wheel Realm experts, he no longer had an opponent.
Mu Feng's heart also felt heavy as lead. That young man from the Liu family was truly not simple; even the Level 1 Spirit Array set up by Mu Chen couldn't do anything to him.
"Now, I won't give you any more chances to struggle."
Liu Mubai glared menacingly at Mu Chen, clenching his hands. He channeled his wild and powerful spiritual energy, condensing it in his palms. A blazing spiritual energy, like a dazzling sun, appeared in his hands.
Sensing the formidable spiritual energy in Liu Mubai's hands, many people shivered. Was he planning to directly kill Mu Chen right here?
"Great Sun Burning Sea Palm!"
Liu Mubai powerfully soared into the air, his entire body enveloped in a ring of fire. In his hands, a blazing sun about ten feet wide furiously struck down at Mu Chen.
The ground of the arena slightly caved in under the pressure of that furious spiritual energy. Everyone watched Liu Mubai's offensive with astonished open mouths.
With Spirit Wheel Realm strength, who could withstand this move?
Would victory and defeat be decided at this very moment?
No one noticed that Mu Chen had taken a deep breath, then closed his eyes again. His heart was completely calm like a still lake, and the Great Pagoda Art suddenly began to circulate.
Within the Qi Sea, the spiritual power light wheel scattered thin, sharp beams of light, gradually condensing above a nine-story black pagoda.
At the same time, deep within Mu Chen's body, layer upon layer of mysterious black spots appeared, shimmering and falling into place. Outside Mu Chen's body, a black pagoda gradually took shape.
Suddenly opening his eyes, the scorching sun poured down from above, as cold and sharp as a murderous blade.
You have a Spiritual Vein, and so do I! In fact, I am even stronger than you!