Chapter 254 - 148: Xiao Chen’s Visit

「Several days later」

Gu Yun made his way to the Sect’s Spirit Heaven Hall.

The Spirit Heaven Hall was the repository for the Sect’s treasures. For the most part, disciples who wished to use Contribution Points to exchange for items like Magical Artifacts, Spiritual Artifacts, Elixirs, Talismans, Array Plates, and other miscellaneous treasures would come here to make their purchases.

At this very moment, Gu Yun stood before the towering Spirit Heaven Hall. Its intricately carved beams and painted rafters shimmered with an iridescent glow.

Occasionally, a Cultivator would streak across the sky, leaving behind the sound of rushing air.

Soon, Gu Yun stepped into the Spirit Heaven Hall, and a vast hall unfolded before him. Item after item, treasures radiating multicolored light were encased in bubbles and floated neatly in mid-air. Among them were Magical Artifacts, Spiritual Artifacts, Elixirs, Talismans, Array Plates, and various other miscellaneous treasures...

Yet, the vast and spacious hall was completely empty.

There was only a desolate emptiness, without a single soul in sight.

SWOOSH!

Suddenly, a beam of light descended from above, performing a complete, three-dimensional scan of Gu Yun.

Afterward, a voice that was both personable and robotic sounded out.

[Identity Confirmed: Inner Sect Disciple Gu Yun]

[Contribution Balance: 30,100 Points]

[One Opportunity to Select an Upper Grade Spiritual Artifact of Your Choice]

[Gu Yun, you have entered the Spirit Heaven Hall. Please state your specific requirements. Xiao Ling can quickly make a selection for you.]

At some point, a mechanical, humanoid silhouette of light had suddenly appeared in mid-air.

’Holy cow,’

’I was wondering why no one was here.’

’Turns out the Sect is this advanced,’

’using a system like this.’

Gu Yun was slightly taken aback, marveling to himself.

On the surface, however, his expression remained as placid as still water. He then said softly, "Xiao Ling."

[Here. What are your instructions?]

The humanoid, mechanical silhouette of light above responded.

"Please help me select a suitable Defensive Spiritual Artifact," Gu Yun said slowly.

He had wanted a suitable Defensive Spiritual Artifact for a long time, but he’d never had the opportunity.

He had a few Defensive Magical Artifacts, but they were unfortunately trash—not even as strong as his own Physique’s natural defense. He couldn’t be bothered with them.

Furthermore, he had been too busy during the Inner Sect competition and simply had no time, so the matter had been delayed until now.

[Received. Please wait a moment.]

After speaking, the humanoid, mechanical silhouette of light floating in mid-air waved its large hand. Dozens of Upper Grade Defensive Spiritual Artifacts, each encased in a bubble and shimmering with an iridescent glow, appeared suspended in the air.

Gu Yun’s eyes narrowed, and he carefully examined each one.

He saw a few Defensive Spiritual Artifacts that were quite tempting.

After careful consideration, he finally made his decision and chose the Golden Silkworm Spirit Armor.

This was a top-tier Upper Grade Defensive Spiritual Artifact. Its defense was formidable, capable of withstanding a full blow from a Half-Step Tongxuan expert. Furthermore, since it was worn close to the skin, it didn’t affect his appearance, making it highly practical and well-suited for him.

"Now, please use my Contribution Points to help me select some life-saving items, like Talismans, Elixirs, and Array Plates," Gu Yun said.

[Received. Please wait.]

The mechanical silhouette hanging in mid-air went silent for a moment, as if carefully selecting items in its mind.

Then, with a great wave of its hand, a series of multicolored Talismans, Elixirs, Array Plates, and other miscellaneous treasures, all encased in bubbles, appeared before Gu Yun’s eyes.

After careful selection, Gu Yun ultimately spent twenty thousand Contribution Points on a Large-Space Shifting Talisman capable of teleporting him over a million kilometers.

He then spent another eight thousand Contribution Points on an Earth Demon Blood God Pill. This incredible Elixir could temporarily raise his Cultivation by one Small Realm with no subsequent side effects—an absolute must-have for life-or-death struggles, desperate situations, and come-from-behind victories.

Hah!

It hurt. It really, really hurt.

In just a few moments, his Contribution Points had dwindled to a mere two thousand.

Talk about money flowing like water; this was it.

Fortunately, these items gave him a much-needed sense of security, so it was worth it.

...

Afterward, Gu Yun returned to Celestial Thunder Dao Peak.

He sat cross-legged in his cave residence and continued his arduous Cultivation.

[You have diligently practiced the Nine Tribulations Thunder Gang Decision thirty times. Heaven and Earth may collapse, but Thunder remains. Nine Tribulations Thunder Gang Decision Skill Level +3%.]

[You have practiced the Eight Desolates Star Slash fifty times, racing against the clock. You have successfully achieved the Realm of Perfection. A single slash fells the stars.]

[You have tirelessly practiced Starfire Spreads fifty times. A single spark can set the vast sky ablaze and scorch the great earth. Starfire Spreads Skill Level +5%.]

[You have practiced the Thunder Gang Body thirty times, day and night. Thunder Forging Body, tyrannical and fierce. Thunder Gang Body Skill Level +3%.]

[Through long and hard effort, your comprehension of Thunderous Momentum has deepened. You have achieved the Realm of Perfection. You have successfully comprehended the Thunder Realm.]

...

「A few days later」

A familiar friend came to visit Gu Yun’s cave residence.

At a stone table carved from jade, Gu Yun was steeping a pot of Spirit Tea for his guest.

Before him sat a young man in a black Profound Robe. He had a sturdy, powerful build, and his expression was as firm and steady as a mountain, his features resolute.

This was none other than his old friend, Xiao Chen of Flame Fire Dao Peak.

"First off, congratulations, Brother Gu, on taking sixth place in the Inner Sect competition."

"Your strength is Heaven-Reaching, and your fame now spreads far and wide."

"I swear, I’m so jealous I could spit!" Xiao Chen said, congratulating him with a wide, happy grin.

"Haha, and you, Brother Xiao! With your Cultivation, you made it into the top thirty of the Inner Sect competition."

"Your talent is extraordinary, your strength is Heaven-Reaching. You’re a true dragon among men," Gu Yun replied, laying the praise on just as thick.

"Ah... time passes like a river. In the blink of an eye, it’s already been over ten years..."