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Chapter 370: Intense Competition for Ranking

“Let me oversee the construction of the core area?”

Inside the Anchor Point, Li Fan looked at the suddenly visiting Xue Mu and others, slightly stunned.

Just after a brief thought, he decisively refused.

“I’m not being modest. During the assessment at the Langhuan Academy, my affinity with the Tianxuan Mirror was just ordinary.”

“On this point, Friend Xue Mu can testify for me.”

“I appreciate your kindness, but I’m truly limited in ability and can’t bear such a heavy responsibility.”

“Senior Jiang’s array skills far surpass mine, and he is highly respected. I see no one more suitable than him.”

Li Fan sincerely said.

The array master named Jiang Qigui, looked at the surrounding cultivators with some unfriendly eyes, hurriedly responded: “Friend Li Fan is joking. Your contributions are obvious to all. How could I dare…”

Before he could finish, Li Fan smiled and interrupted him: “Friend Jiang, don’t misunderstand, every word I said was sincere.”

“As everyone knows, the final construction process of the Tianxuan Spirit Lock Array requires communication with the central array hub for continuous debugging in the future.”

“This is indeed not my forte, and I’m not deliberately declining.”

Seeing Jiang Qigui’s hesitation, Li Fan added: “I understand your concern, Senior Jiang. Contributing more to the peripheral and internal arrays requires a lot of effort but relatively less recognition.”

“However, taking over the management of the central core area, while it may not require much effort, yields significantly more recognition.”

“Taking on this responsibility now may seem like plucking peaches forcefully. Are you afraid of being criticized in the future, or not?”

Seeing Li Fan openly express his thoughts, Jiang Qigui’s old face turned slightly red.

Just as he was about to explain, Li Fan continued: “Let everyone know, I’m already halfway to the grave.”

“As for the so-called grand ranking…”

Li Fan paused, dispelling the slight resentment in his heart.

With a calm expression, he said: “I simply don’t care at all.”

“The only thing I hope for is to make as much contribution as possible before my demise.”

“All I’m considering is the most efficient way to construct the array.”

“So, Senior Jiang, there’s no need to refuse.”

“Who else but you for such an important task?”

With that, Li Fan scanned around to express his intentions.

After hearing Li Fan’s heartfelt words, Jiang Qigui’s face flushed.

Taking a deep breath, Jiang Qigui bowed deeply to Li Fan.

“In that case, I’ll accept with gratitude!”

“I will certainly not disappoint your expectations, Friend Li.”

Jiang Qigui said solemnly.

Li Fan grasped his hands earnestly, “Friend, I will trouble you from now on.”

Three days later, Huangfu Song, accompanied by two black-robed cultivators, arrived at the Anchor Point.

Their visit was prompted by the message from Li Fan and the others, notifying them to deliver the Tianxuan Mirror, also known as the central array hub.

“Greetings, Senior Huangfu!” Li Fan bowed.

“You little brat…” The chubby Huangfu Song looked at Li Fan with a complicated gaze.

“Not bad, kid!” Patting Li Fan’s shoulder, Huangfu Song didn’t say much more.

He took out a damaged jade token, turned around, and completed the connection with the jade tokens in the hands of the two black-robed cultivators.

In the unfolding light curtain, countless characters cascaded like a waterfall.

A barely noticeable ripple emanated from the light curtain, scanning the surroundings.

It seemed to be conducting identity verification.

After a moment, the ripple receded, and a quaint and exquisite copper mirror emerged from the light curtain.

As the characters flowed into the mirror, the light curtain disappeared without a trace.

Only the copper mirror remained, floating in mid-air, emitting a serene dark light.

Huangfu Song’s expression became solemn as he consecutively pinched hand seals.

Pointing towards the outside of the base, amidst the devouring white mist, he gestured with one finger.

Ripples spread through the mist, as if something inside the mist was responding to him.

Li Fan squinted slightly; that should be the position of the core area of the planned Tianxuan Spirit Lock Array.

As expected, after a moment, a green light broke through the white mist.

Straight towards the Anchor Point below.

Directly hitting the suspended copper mirror.

Every trace of green light was absorbed by the copper mirror.

The surrounding green light gradually converged and disappeared.

Finally, when there was no more mysterious aura around the copper mirror, it looked just like the most ordinary object.

Huangfu Song finally relaxed, took out a square crimson wooden box from his bosom, and put the copper mirror inside.

However, as the copper mirror entered the wooden box, the previously substantial wooden box transformed into a red phantom in front of everyone’s eyes.

Then, converging towards the center, it turned into a red light spot and flew to the center of Huangfu Song’s forehead, where it settled.

Without explaining his recent actions, Huangfu Song spoke solemnly to the crowd, “Until the central array hub is fully placed, I will be overseeing it.”

“Jiang Qigui, how long do you think this process will take with everyone’s combined efforts?”

Without hesitation, Jiang Qigui replied, “Within seven days, with everyone’s combined efforts, we should be able to complete it.”

Huangfu Song nodded slowly, “Time is of the essence. After the formation is completed here, I still have to rush to other places.”

With that, he looked at Li Fan, his expression somewhat relieved, “Thanks to the hard work of Li Fan, your progress in constructing this formation is already one of the fastest batches.”

“As far as I know, the current top-ranked Tianchen Province has not yet completed the entire formation and should still be in the process of constructing the central core area.”

“If you put more effort into it, you might be able to overtake them…”

Just as Huangfu Song was encouraging everyone, a cry of surprise suddenly came from outside the council chamber, from the direction where the Tianxuan Mirror was located.

“What’s going on? How did the first-ranked suddenly increase their points so much?”

“Now the gap between them and the second-ranked has widened!”

As these words fell into the ears of the cultivators present, their gazes towards Huangfu Song became somewhat strange.

“Heh… You’re a step too late. But aiming for second place is still hopeful.” Huangfu Song had quite a thick skin and spoke as if nothing had happened.

“Alright, no time to waste, let’s move quickly.” He instructed.

Just as everyone was preparing to head to the central area of the formation to complete the final work,

Another cry rang out, attracting the attention of Li Fan and the others.

“Huh? Look, Guo Yezhong, who has always been ranked last, is finally moving!”

“Indeed, although his points are pitifully low, he is still ranked last, but at least he’s finally starting to work.”

Li Fan, Xue Mu, and Jiang Qigui looked at each other.

They all felt something was amiss.

Did Guo Yezhong gain points at the same time the first Tianxuan Spirit Lock Array was completed?

Is there any connection between them?

Li Fan turned his gaze to Huangfu Song, seeking answers.

The chubby man just shrugged, looking like he absolutely had no idea.

Comments 12

  1. Offline
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    Sus
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  2. Offline
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    ---

    Chapter 370: The Ranking Battle Heats Up

    “Have me oversee the construction of the core area?”

    Inside the Jiaxu Stronghold, Li Fan looked at the sudden visitors — Xue Mu and the others — and blinked in mild surprise.

    After only a moment’s thought, he decisively shook his head.

    “I’m not being modest,” he said calmly. “During the assessment at the Langhuan Courtyard, my compatibility with the Tianxuan Mirror was no better than ordinary.”

    “Fellow Daoist Xue Mu can attest to this.”

    “I truly appreciate everyone’s goodwill,” Li Fan continued, bowing slightly. “But my abilities are limited. I cannot shoulder such an important role.”

    “Senior Jiang’s attainments in the Dao of Arrays far surpass mine. His virtue and experience are beyond question. I can see no one more suitable than him.”

    He spoke with sincerity.

    The Nascent Soul stage array master, Jiang Qigui, felt several uneasy gazes fall upon him. He quickly waved his hands. “Fellow Daoist Li, you jest. Your contributions are plain for all to see — how could I possibly—”

    Before he could finish, Li Fan smiled faintly and interrupted, “You misunderstand, Daoist Jiang. I speak with complete honesty.”

    “As everyone knows, the final step in constructing the Tianxuan Soul-Locking Array requires direct communication with the central array hub, to allow future calibration and adjustments.”

    “This is not my area of expertise. I am not declining out of false humility.”

    Seeing Jiang Qigui still hesitate, Li Fan added gently, “I know your concern, Senior Jiang. The outer and inner formations require much effort but yield little credit.”

    “As for the central core area — though it demands far less work, the merit recorded is disproportionately greater.”

    “To take charge now, when others have done most of the groundwork, would look like snatching the fruit after others have planted the tree. You fear criticism later, do you not?”

    Jiang Qigui flushed, embarrassed that Li Fan had voiced the very thoughts he dared not say aloud.

    He opened his mouth to explain, but Li Fan spoke first.

    “Let me make this clear to everyone — half my body is already in the grave.”

    “As for the rankings on the Grand Contribution List…”

    Li Fan paused, swallowing a flicker of irritation that rose within.

    Then, with composed expression, he said, “I care nothing for such things.”

    “The only wish I hold is to contribute as much as I can before I perish.”

    “My concern is solely for the most efficient way to complete this array.”

    “So please, Fellow Daoist Jiang — do not decline again.”

    “For such a vital task, who could be more fitting than you?”

    He swept his gaze around the room, leaving no doubt of his intent.

    Jiang Qigui’s face turned crimson at Li Fan’s heartfelt words. After a long breath, he cupped his fists deeply toward him.

    “In that case, I will accept, lest I appear discourteous!”
    “I shall not fail the trust of my fellow Daoists.”

    Li Fan clasped both his hands earnestly. “Then I must trouble you, Daoist Jiang.”


    ---

    Three days later, Huangfu Song arrived at the Jiaxu Stronghold, accompanied by two cultivators clad in black robes.

    He had come in response to Li Fan’s message, bringing with him the Tianxuan Mirror — the central hub of the great array.

    “Greetings, Senior Huangfu,” Li Fan said respectfully.

    “You brat…” Huangfu Song — a rotund man with an affable face — looked at Li Fan, his gaze complicated.

    “You’ve done well.” He patted Li Fan’s shoulder but said no more.

    From his sleeve, he drew a half-broken jade talisman and turned toward the two black-robed cultivators. Their talismans joined perfectly with his, forming a complete seal.

    A radiant screen of light unfurled before them, cascading with countless streams of luminous characters.

    A barely perceptible wave pulsed outward from the light — scanning the surroundings, as though verifying identities.

    Moments later, the light retracted. From within the screen emerged an ancient, delicate bronze mirror, floating serenely in midair. Streams of runes flowed into its surface, and then the screen vanished.

    Only the mirror remained, suspended and gleaming faintly with mysterious azure light.

    Huangfu Song’s expression turned solemn. Forming seals in quick succession, he pointed outward — toward the depths of the Devouring Origin White Mist that surrounded the stronghold.

    Ripples spread through the mist, as though something deep within was resonating in answer.

    Li Fan narrowed his eyes. That must be where the core of the Tianxuan Soul-Locking Array lies.

    As expected, moments later a streak of cyan light tore through the mist, descending straight toward the stronghold.

    It struck the bronze mirror precisely.

    Threads of azure radiance were drawn into the mirror, and the surrounding glow slowly condensed until it vanished altogether.

    Finally, when no trace of spiritual aura remained — the mirror now appearing no different from an ordinary mortal object — Huangfu Song exhaled softly. Taking out a square crimson wooden box, he carefully placed the mirror within.

    But as the mirror entered the box, the solid object shimmered before their eyes, transforming into a red phantom. The light then gathered inward, condensing into a single scarlet mote that flew into Huangfu Song’s forehead and rested there.

    Without explaining the strange process, Huangfu Song turned to the group and said gravely,
    “Until the central hub is fully secured, I will be responsible for its safekeeping.”

    “Jiang Qigui, how long will the rest of the construction take?”

    “Within seven days,” Jiang replied without hesitation. “With everyone’s combined effort, we can finish it.”

    Huangfu Song nodded. “Then we waste no time. Once this formation is complete, I must hurry to oversee the others.”

    Then, turning to Li Fan, his tone softened slightly.
    “Thanks to your tireless work, your group’s progress ranks among the fastest.”

    “As far as I know, even Tianchen Prefecture — currently first on the rankings — has yet to finish their formation. They should still be working on their central hub.”

    “If you push a bit harder, you might just overtake them.”

    Just as he finished encouraging them, a startled voice rang out from outside the hall, near where the Tianxuan Mirror had been placed.

    “What’s going on? The first place team’s points just skyrocketed!”

    “They’ve completely pulled away from second!”

    The words carried into the chamber, and everyone turned toward Huangfu Song with strange looks.

    He only chuckled, unfazed. “Heh… looks like we’re a step late. But there’s still hope for second place.”

    “Enough talk — get to work,” he ordered briskly.

    As the group prepared to move toward the core region to complete the final steps, another exclamation came from outside.

    “Huh? Look — that Guo Ye Zhong, the one who’s been dead last this whole time, is finally moving!”

    “Indeed. His score’s still pitiful, but at least he’s doing something now.”

    ……

    Li Fan, Xue Mu, and Jiang Qigui exchanged glances, each sensing something odd.

    Guo Ye Zhong’s sudden gain in points… had coincided exactly with the completion of the first Tianxuan Soul-Locking Array.

    Was there a connection?

    Li Fan turned toward Huangfu Song, seeking an answer.

    But the plump cultivator only shrugged, wearing an expression that clearly said, Don’t look at me — I know nothing.

    (End of Chapter)


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  3. Offline
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    So he will just gain points every time the Array is completed. lshock
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  4. Offline
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    Tsk tsk 22
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  5. Offline
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    Oh I thought he was just cocky and was like “I’ll give you all a head start, I’ll only start trying after someone finishes the first array bossgif
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  6. Offline
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    Did Guo Yezhong helped create the formation??
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  7. Offline
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    maybe he is the clone that he forgot about wiseacre
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    1. Offline
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      Umm... By the time the clone was created the training to create the formation had already ended.
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  8. Offline
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    This f*cking cheater is getting royalties after every completed array, he probably had a part in the creation of the original idea or first blueprint. He is going to win sitting on his ass, rigged.
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  9. Offline
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    Ah he's making a major junction node isn't he? With every completed Spirit Lock, it will connect and further build upon his node, increasing his points. At the end when all spirit locks are competed they will all be connected to his formation giving him the first place on the rankings
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    1. Offline
      + 121 -
      makes sense, so this means that the alliance lied and never wanted to give first price to these formation people, but were already considering giving it to the person responsible for central node
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      1. Offline
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        It was clear from the very beginning.
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