Yun Jin was quite satisfied with the performance of the Spirit Gathering Array.
After all, this world didn't only have first-level arrays. Her cyclical method could be applied to second-level, third-level, or even higher-level Spirit Gathering Arrays. By then, the effect would be utterly terrifying.
Gu Jinghong carried a variety of array materials with him, so Yun Jin took the opportunity to experiment with a few other formations.
What surprised her was—
Even without relying on the system, she seemed unusually talented in the Dao of Arrays. She easily mastered five different first-level formations.
Right after, the system's prompt rang out.
[You have mastered five first-level formations. Array Master: Grade One achieved.]
Aside from the perfected Spirit Gathering Array, the other four first-level arrays now had a simplify button attached to them.
Clearly, these four could also be upgraded in quality. As long as she had enough Emotional Value, raising them to the perfect grade would be no problem. And if she passed the simplified versions to Gu Jinghong, his growing array skills would, in turn, benefit her.
Yun Jin already had a plan in mind. But since dawn had broken, she waved her hand and dismissed Gu Jinghong for now.
First, she had to handle Gun Gun's matter. Everything else could wait.
Gu Jinghong had just witnessed Yun Jin become a Grade One Array Master in a single night. He responded with a dazed "yes" and quietly withdrew. Even as her servant, he needed a moment to process this.
Yun Jin watched his slightly dazed retreat and shook her head in mild exasperation. What was wrong with this servant of hers? He acted like he'd never seen anything before.
Was being a Grade One Array Master that impressive?
If he kept reacting like this in the future, she would have to give him a proper lesson. With this kind of shock-prone behavior, he'd only embarrass her if they went out together.
The sun was now fully up.
In the main square of Tianxing Sect, a large crowd of disciples had already gathered to watch the spectacle. After all, Yun Jin had publicly challenged Han Xiaoyu to a duel just yesterday. She hadn't tried to keep it low-key—many had heard her right then and there.
And anything involving Yun Jin spread quickly.
The disciples of Tianxing Sect had already learned their lesson. The fight hadn't even started yet, and they were already crowding in to grab the best spots.
Yue Zhao was even more experienced.
He had trained a group of younger disciples to sell snacks and drinks on-site. Business looked good. Another group was running a betting pool on the outcome of the match.
"I think ever since Yun Jin joined the sect, she's never once taken a loss. I'm betting on Yun Jin again."
"If it were Yun Jin herself, I'd bet on her even if she had to fight ten Han Xiaoyus at once. But this time, it's just her spirit beast fighting. That beast's only been with her for what—three months? Everyone knows spirit beasts take a long time to raise. Three months won't make much of a difference. I've checked out that Iron-Eating Beast. Average aptitude at best. And it's still a level below in cultivation. Winning? That's a stretch."
"You think my goddess Yun would ever do something without full confidence? I'm telling you, just bet everything on her!" It turned out Yun Jin already had rabid fans in Tianxing Sect.
The crowd grew more and more excited, and in the end, bets were placed almost evenly on both sides.
Yue Zhao sighed and clenched his fists in frustration.
That junior sister of his was just too damn strong.
A single Foundation Establishment spirit beast was up against two from the Golden Core stage—and people were still betting on her like brainless fanatics.
How was he supposed to make spirit stones at this rate?
Oh well. It wasn't like he really depended on this for money. He'd just enjoy the show.
Amid the lively noise—
Han Xiaoyu turned and gave Gun Gun a faint smile.
Gun Gun's appearance hadn't changed much. He still looked adorably dimwitted.
Han Xiaoyu raised an eyebrow. "Hei, so your name's Gun Gun now? I never thought you'd ever make it to Foundation Establishment. I figured you'd stay the way you were forever."
Gun Gun glared at him with barely restrained fury, fists swinging angrily in the air.
Han Xiaoyu sneered, "Still that same reckless look. Fine. Since we go way back, I'll hold back a little."
Gun Gun's ears shot straight up in fury. He looked like he was ready to charge forward and fight to the death.
Even after all this time, he still hated that man.
"Gun Gun." Yun Jin placed a hand on his head. "Get up there. You don't need words. Let your fists do the talking."
Gun Gun nodded and cast one last glare at Han Xiaoyu before leaping onto the stage.
Huan Huan, perched on Yun Jin's shoulder, chirped to cheer him on.
Han Xiaoyu glanced at Yun Jin. "Junior Sister Yun, you're not getting up there yourself?"
Yun Jin's expression remained calm. "I said it's my spirit beast fighting you two. So it's him you'll be dealing with. I'll just watch from down here."
With her saying that, Han Xiaoyu finally relaxed. He smiled, "Honestly, a two-on-one might be a bit unfair. If you want to join in, I wouldn't mind."
He didn't actually want Yun Jin on the stage, but he also didn't want to seem cowardly in the eyes of the public. Knowing she wouldn't step up, he made this empty gesture of goodwill.
Yun Jin gave him a half-smile. "Senior Brother Han. Must we use a butcher's knife on a chicken? My spirit beast is more than enough to deal with the likes of you."
She was entirely at ease, as if she truly had the utmost confidence in her spirit beast.
Han Xiaoyu's face twitched. His heart grew cautious, though his voice remained indifferent. "Then we'll see soon enough."
He stepped onto the stage and summoned his spirit beast: the Mist Veil Butterfly.
The Mist Veil Butterfly was about half the height of a human. When it spread its wings, strange black patterns rippled across their surface.
It specialized in three things.
First, its aerial movement. It was highly agile and fast in the air, almost impossible to track once it picked up speed.
Second, its wings.
The patterns on its wings had a hypnotic effect. The longer one stared, the more disoriented one became. When facing a Mist Veil Butterfly, a quick victory was essential—prolonged eye contact would only dull the mind.
Third, its poisonous dust.
The beast could release different kinds of toxic powder. Some could paralyze, others dealt direct damage. It was a tricky opponent.
Among mid-tier spirit beasts, Mist Veil Butterflies were among the most popular, thanks to their combat flexibility and ability to coordinate with their masters.
As soon as the match began, the Mist Veil Butterfly took off, darting through the air with blinding speed. Its movements became impossible to track.
Gun Gun didn't panic. He placed all four limbs on the ground, braced himself, and let out a thunderous roar from his throat.
Basic Skill: Roar!
Yes, it was just a basic skill.
But after months of tireless practice, Gun Gun had trained it all the way up to Level Six!
A Level Six skill—something even Nascent Soul spirit beasts might not possess. Yet Gun Gun had mastered it at the Foundation Establishment stage. This was the first time he unleashed his Level Six Roar in front of an audience.
The roar echoed like a tidal wave, carrying every ounce of grievance he'd ever endured.
It was a declaration.
He, Gun Gun, was no longer the same as before.
The Gun Gun of today was strong. Very strong.
Even if his opponent was a whole stage above him—
He didn't care.
Because one day, he was going to stand at the peak of the world beside his master.
A mere difference of one major realm?
He wasn't afraid at all.