Chapter Twenty-Five: Another Breakthrough

In that instant, the Jinghong Sword suddenly erupted with a dazzling light. A low, resonant dragon’s roar emanated from within the blade, as if something were awakening.

"Is this... the true power of the Jinghong Sword?" Bai Jingyan felt a jolt of shock as a formidable force surged from the blade into his body. His aura skyrocketed, and a faint golden light enveloped him.

Hesitating no longer, Bai Jingyan pushed the "Chaos God-Demon Art" to its limit, driving his spiritual energy to the peak. The spiritual fluctuations of the Jinghong Sword grew increasingly violent until they transformed into a brilliant pillar of light that shot straight into the heavens.

"Boom!"

A muffled thud echoed within him. His aura surged once more, and the golden radiance around him intensified. In that moment, he shattered his bottleneck, leaping directly from a Seventh-Level Martial Apprentice to the Spirit Opening Realm!

"I've broken through!" Bai Jingyan opened his eyes, a glimmer of joy flashing within them. He could feel that his spiritual energy was several times stronger than before, and the spirit apertures within him had become significantly more stable.

Seeing this, Duan Mubian’s expression changed drastically. He had never expected Bai Jingyan to achieve a breakthrough in the middle of a battle. Gritting his teeth, he channeled his remaining spiritual energy once more, causing a faint golden light to coat his blade.

"Golden Rainbow Piercing the Sun!" Duan Mubian shouted in a low voice.

This was the signature martial art of the Duan clan and Duan Mubian’s most reliable technique. His longsword transformed into a golden rainbow, striking toward Bai Jingyan’s chest with peerless momentum.

Bai Jingyan sneered and swept the Jinghong Sword horizontally. The sword qi, sharp as a rainbow, instantly repelled Duan Mubian’s blade. Duan Mubian felt his arm go numb, and his sword flew from his grip, clattering to the ground.

Having exhausted much of his spiritual energy in the previous five rounds, even as a Second-Level Martial Artist, Duan Mubian found it difficult to sustain the Golden Rainbow Piercing the Sun.

"Senior Brother Duan, I accept your concession," Bai Jingyan said calmly, sheathing his sword.

Duan Mubian’s face was pale, his eyes filled with reluctance. He gritted his teeth and finally lowered his head. "Junior Brother Bai, I have lost."

After defeating Duan Mubian, Bai Jingyan did not leave the ring; he remained to defend his position. Having witnessed his victory, the subsequent challengers seemed hesitant, as if intimidated by the sight of him breaking through on the stage.

In the six matches that followed, he relied on the power of the Jinghong Sword and his newly ascended realm to easily defeat all comers.

When the seventh match concluded, the arena erupted in cheers. Bai Jingyan stood on the stage, looking toward the high platform with a resolute gaze. Liu Wuhen nodded slightly, his voice deep and authoritative: "Bai Jingyan, seven consecutive victories! Promoted to the Inner Sect!"

After the Outer Sect Grand Tournament ended, Bai Jingyan ignored the concerned gaze of Nanmen Chuyao and skipped the celebratory feast. He hurried back to his quarters, locked the doors and windows, and sat cross-legged on his bed, feeling the surging spiritual energy within him.

"In just a few days, I’ve gone from a Fifth-Level to a Seventh-Level Martial Apprentice. My foundation is indeed unstable," Bai Jingyan muttered to himself, his brow furrowing. He could feel that while his spiritual energy was abundant, it felt sluggish, as if impurities were clogging his meridians.

Taking a deep breath, he pulled the bronze bell from his robe. The cracks on its surface shimmered under the moonlight, as if whispering ancient secrets.

"It is time to practice the second form of the 'Chaos God-Demon Art'." Bai Jingyan closed his eyes and silently recited the incantation.

As his hand seals shifted, the chaotic energy within him began to flow slowly. In his sea of consciousness, a vast starry sky appeared, each star representing one of his spirit apertures.

Suddenly, the bell trembled slightly. A golden light flew from it, manifesting as a phantom standing before him. The phantom was identical to him, even sharing the exact same aura.

"Is this the 'Phantom Projection' of the 'Myriad Phenomena'?" Bai Jingyan was stunned, sensing that the spiritual fluctuations within the phantom were perfectly synchronized with his own.

He attempted to have the phantom practice the "Chaos God-Demon Art" and was shocked to find that its cultivation speed was several times faster than his own! Furthermore, the spiritual energy generated by the phantom flowed back into his true body, helping him solidify his foundation.

"No wonder the 'Myriad Phenomena' is called the second form of the God-Art; it is truly profound." Pleased, he instructed the phantom to begin cultivation.

After a night passed, Bai Jingyan opened his eyes, feeling that his spiritual energy had become incredibly dense. His once-sluggish meridians were now clear, with energy flowing like a running stream.

He stood up and threw a light punch, causing a sonic boom to ring out. Where the wind of his fist passed, tables and chairs shattered, and a deep imprint was left on the wall.

"My Seventh-Level Martial Apprentice cultivation is finally stable," Bai Jingyan smiled, a flash of confidence in his eyes.

Just then, a light sound of footsteps came from outside. Bai Jingyan put away the bell and opened the door to find Nanmen Chuyao standing there.

"Brother Jingyan, are you alright?" she asked with concern. "I heard you won seven matches and were promoted to the Inner Sect, but I didn't see you after the competition."

Bai Jingyan smiled, his tone relaxed. "I’m fine, I just had a breakthrough during my practice."

Nanmen Chuyao nodded, a hint of admiration in her eyes. "Your aura is much stronger than before; it seems this was no small breakthrough."

Bai Jingyan smiled without elaboration. He knew he could not yet reveal the secrets of the bell and the "Chaos God-Demon Art," as they were tied to the mysterious little girl and her grandfather.

Nanmen Chuyao placed a food box on the table, her eyes scanning the room. She noticed the messy furniture and the deep punch mark on the wall. A flicker of confusion crossed her face, but she quickly regained her composure.

"Brother Jingyan, how has your cultivation been lately?" she asked softly, her voice filled with care.

"Quite well, I just stabilized my realm," he replied.

Nanmen Chuyao nodded, her gaze falling on the bell in his hand. "This bell... is it a new treasure you've acquired?"

Bai Jingyan’s heart tightened, but he remained calm. "Just a little trinket, not worth mentioning."

She smiled without prying further. She opened the food box and took out several delicate pastries. "I prepared these specially for you to celebrate your promotion."

Bai Jingyan took the pastries, a warmth spreading through his heart. "Thank you, Yaoyao."

At that moment, a crisp ringing sound came from outside. Both Bai Jingyan and Nanmen Chuyao turned to see a little girl, about eight or nine years old, standing at the doorway. She held a gilded bell in her hand, watching them with a playful smile.