The morning sun bathed the Lin Clan's courtyard in a warm glow, but the atmosphere was anything but serene. News of the Spirit Gathering Array's activation had spread throughout the clan, drawing a crowd of curious onlookers.
"Look at the density of spiritual energy here! I've never seen anything like it!"
"Didn't they say Tianyu set this up? How could he possibly know such advanced formations?"
Lin Jie stood among the crowd, his expression a mixture of frustration and confusion. His younger brother's sudden rise in competence was unsettling.
"Father must have given him resources in secret," Lin Jie muttered under his breath.
---
Inside the formation, Tianyu sat cross-legged, cultivating with a calm yet confident expression. His qi surged steadily, and faint wisps of energy swirled around him.
"System," he called out in his mind, "how long will it take for me to break through to the next stage of Foundation Establishment?"
"With the Spirit Gathering Array active, and if you use Qi Gathering Pills from the store, you could reach late-stage Foundation Establishment in three days."
Tianyu smirked. "Let's push it further. Open the store—I want to see what's available to enhance my cultivation speed."
---
The system's store appeared before him, filled with tempting options.
[Cultivation Items in Store:]
1. Heavenly Qi Condensation Pearl (500 Points): Drastically accelerates qi absorption for one week.
2. Spirit Pulse Fruit (200 Points): Temporarily boosts cultivation speed by 50%.
3. Mystic Meridian Elixir (300 Points): Refines and strengthens meridians for smoother qi flow.
4. Qi Gathering Pills (30 Points per pill): A basic but effective way to absorb qi faster.
Tianyu rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "System, what combination would maximize my gains?"
"I suggest buying the Heavenly Qi Condensation Pearl and a few Qi Gathering Pills. The pearl's effect stacks with the array, and the pills will provide a constant boost to your qi supply."
"Fine, add them to the cart."
---
[Heavenly Qi Condensation Pearl – 500 Points Deducted.]
[3 Qi Gathering Pills – 90 Points Deducted.]
[Remaining Points: 260.]
As the items materialized in his hand, Tianyu marveled at the glowing pearl. It radiated a gentle warmth that seemed to resonate with the energy in his body.
"Time to make some real progress."
---
For the next three days, Tianyu focused entirely on cultivation. The Spirit Gathering Array amplified the effects of the pearl, and the Qi Gathering Pills provided a constant stream of energy.
On the morning of the fourth day, a thunderous crack echoed across the courtyard.
Tianyu's cultivation had reached late-stage Foundation Establishment.
---
The commotion drew the attention of Lin Zhentian and the clan elders. They arrived at the courtyard to find Tianyu standing in the center, exuding a powerful aura.
"This… This is impossible," one elder stammered. "Tianyu was only at the early stage of Foundation Establishment a few days ago!"
Lin Zhentian's eyes narrowed. "Tianyu, how did you achieve this breakthrough?"
Tianyu bowed slightly, a hint of pride in his voice. "I've been fortunate, Father. With proper resources and effort, breakthroughs are inevitable."
Lin Jie stepped forward, his face twisted in disbelief. "You expect us to believe you achieved this on your own? What are you hiding, Tianyu?"
Tianyu smirked. "Big brother, not everything is as complicated as you think. Perhaps you should focus on your own cultivation instead of questioning mine."
Lin Jie clenched his fists, his frustration boiling over. "If you're so confident, why don't we spar? Let's see how far you've really come!"
---
The Duel
A makeshift arena was quickly set up in the courtyard. Clan members gathered in excitement, eager to see the two brothers face off.
Tianyu stood calmly, his hands behind his back, while Lin Jie glared at him, his aura flaring.
"Don't think I'll go easy on you just because you've improved," Lin Jie warned. "I'm at the peak of Foundation Establishment. You won't stand a chance."
"We'll see," Tianyu replied, his tone light but mocking.
The duel began with Lin Jie launching a powerful punch, his qi forming a shimmering aura around his fist.
Tianyu sidestepped effortlessly, his movements fluid and precise.
"What?!" Lin Jie growled, throwing a series of rapid strikes.
Tianyu dodged each attack with ease, his mastery of Thousand Shadow Steps allowing him to create afterimages that confused his opponent.
"Is that all you've got, big brother?" Tianyu taunted, his voice echoing from multiple directions.
Lin Jie roared in frustration, gathering his qi for a powerful technique. "Let's see how you handle this! Blazing Palm Strike!"
A wave of scorching energy shot toward Tianyu, the heat distorting the air around it.
Tianyu's smirk widened. "System, let's show them what I can do."
Activating Heaven Splitting Slash, Tianyu drew a blade from his storage ring—a basic sword but enough for his purposes. With a single swing, a brilliant arc of energy cleaved through Lin Jie's attack, dispersing it completely.
The crowd gasped in shock.
"How is this possible?!"
"He's only in the late stage of Foundation Establishment!"
Lin Jie staggered back, his face pale. Before he could react, Tianyu appeared in front of him, the tip of his sword resting lightly against his throat.
"I win," Tianyu said simply, stepping back and sheathing his sword.
---
Aftermath
Lin Zhentian watched the duel with an unreadable expression. When it was over, he stepped forward, placing a hand on Tianyu's shoulder.
"You've surprised me, son," he said, his voice filled with a mix of pride and curiosity. "Our clan may truly have a chance to rise again."
Tianyu nodded. "We'll rise, Father. But this is only the beginning."
---
[Ding! Task Update: Strengthen the Lin Clan.]
- Sub-Task 3 Progress: Defended the clan's reputation internally.
- Reward: 500 Points Earned.
Tianyu grinned inwardly. "System, let's keep the momentum going."
"Agreed, Host. But be prepared—the stronger you become, the greater the challenges ahead."
"Good," Tianyu said. "I wouldn't want it any other way."