Chapter 64: Victory
"Stasis Divine Token!"
Lin Langtian recalled that in ancient times, there was a powerful artifact known as the Stasis Divine Token. Once activated, it could freeze both time and space, rendering anyone trapped within completely defenseless. While the Stasis Rune Array wasn't as powerful as the Stasis Divine Token, it shared a similar effect and surely had a strong connection to that legendary item. This rune array was even somewhat similar to the Stasis Token that Lin Dong had received from the Dao Sect leader in the original timeline.
Thinking about this, Lin Langtian couldn't help but smile. The Stasis Token itself was considered an extremely valuable treasure, almost on par with an advanced spiritual weapon. Though the Stasis Rune Array wasn't technically a weapon, its potential was equally valuable.
After letting his thoughts wander, Lin Langtian shook his head, setting these comparisons aside. Whether it was the Stasis Divine Token or the Stasis Token, both were far beyond his reach for now. His priority was to master the Stasis Rune Array he had just obtained, as this Divine-level spiritual technique could be incredibly effective in battle.
With this in mind, Lin Langtian closed his eyes, immersing himself in the intricate spiritual patterns inscribed on the stone monument.
As he studied these patterns, a massive rune array appeared in his mind. The complexity and depth of this array immediately struck him, and he could sense that if he could fully construct it, its power would surpass any spiritual technique he had previously encountered.
After nearly an hour of concentration, Lin Langtian slowly opened his eyes. He directed his spirit power to flow out from his spiritual center, carefully forming the preliminary shapes of the Stasis Rune Array in midair. However, within moments, a slight mistake disrupted the entire structure, causing it to dissipate.
Watching the array dissolve, Lin Langtian shook his head, acknowledging the difficulty of this Divine-level spiritual technique. However, he remained undeterred.
"Perseverance brings reward," he thought resolutely. "If it doesn't work the first time, I'll try again." Determined, he returned to carefully manipulating his spirit power, patiently constructing the array once more.
…
As Lin Langtian dedicated himself to mastering the Stasis Rune Array, six days quietly passed outside the Symbol Master Tower. The crowd outside hadn't dwindled—in fact, it had grown.
"Six days…" whispered Lin Mo, his throat tightening as he, along with the others, kept an eager vigil on the tower. They were all desperate to know which of the two remaining on the upper floors had entered the ninth: Was it the apprentice of the famed Master He Gu, Ling Quan? Or was it Lin Langtian, the top talent who had recently revealed his prowess as a Symbol Master?
While Lin Mo held his breath, nearby, Huangpu Nuo also clenched his fists, his face tense and his mind filled with doubt. Although Ling Quan was He Gu's prized student, he found it hard to believe that Ling Quan could have reached the ninth floor. This thought made him feel uneasy since it left Lin Langtian as the most likely candidate.
Huangpu Jing, who had also heard the commotion, widened her eyes in shock. "Could Lin Langtian have been the one to enter the ninth floor?" she wondered. Knowing Lin Langtian for more than ten years, she had never imagined that he'd suddenly stand out so distinctly from their circle of top prodigies.
As the crowd outside speculated wildly, Lin Langtian, still inside, had just completed his study of the array. Since spiritual power couldn't be used directly within the Symbol Master Tower, he had been fortunate to have prepared his Primal Essence fusion ability beforehand, which had proven exceptionally useful.
"Having multiple strategies in hand can make all the difference," he thought with satisfaction. His victory over the formidable Ling Quan, who was already a half-step Intermediate Spirit Symbol Master, was a testament to his arsenal of advantages: the strength of the Black Flame Body, and the transformative power of Primal Essence.
With a slight smile, Lin Langtian began surveying the ninth floor. The area here was slightly smaller than the lower levels, and the spiritual pressure and refining energies that had been so intense on the previous floors were now gone.
"So the ninth floor is different from the others," he mused. "It must be a designated space for rewards." This lack of pressure was actually a relief to Lin Langtian, who had already advanced to Spirit Symbol Master. The reward hidden on this floor had captured his curiosity.
After scanning the space, his gaze fell on a tall stone tablet in the center of the room. In just a few moments, he was standing before it. The tablet was about a meter tall and radiated a faint spiritual energy. He reached out, his hand pressing lightly against it.
"Buzz!"
The moment he made contact, the spiritual energy surged and formed intricate patterns in midair, with symbols swirling in a matrix-like pattern.
"Divine-level technique… the Stasis Rune Array," he murmured in awe, his eyes gleaming as he absorbed the information. This was indeed a substantial reward.
…
While Lin Langtian continued perfecting his mastery of the Stasis Rune Array, time outside the Symbol Master Tower dragged on. The wait had now reached its tenth day, and those still watching the tower were on edge.
As they all waited, a shout erupted: "The light on the eighth floor is moving down!"
Everyone's gaze shifted as a figure finally appeared in the doorway.
"It's Ling Quan!"
The onlookers gasped. Huangpu Nuo's face went pale, and the Huangpu Symbol Masters couldn't hide their expressions of disbelief. Their worst fears were confirmed: it wasn't Ling Quan who had reached the ninth floor—it was Lin Langtian.
Lin Mo let out a relieved breath, his aged face lighting up with a broad smile. "This time," he thought, "the Symbol Master Tower finally returns to our city."
Not far off, Ling Qingzhu's eyes glistened as she watched, noting the light from the ninth floor.