Chapter 71

At this moment, Mu Chen looked forward, only to see five deep yellow stone pillars, about ten zhang high, standing in the center of the spacious square. The stone pillars were covered with mysterious inscriptions, and around them, the spiritual energy of heaven and earth showed signs of fluctuation.

"Are these spirit-gathering pillars made of spirit-gathering stone?"

Mu Chen walked forward, examining the five spirit-gathering pillars. In the Northern Spirit Academy, the third-level spirit-gathering array also had such things, but the spirit-gathering pillars there were golden in color, and their purity was clearly much higher than the five in front of him.

"These five spirit-gathering pillars are the central hubs of the spirit-gathering array. Each one costs over a million spirit coins," Mu Feng said with a faint smile.

Mu Chen nodded. The spirit-gathering array was different from ordinary spirit arrays. Although it had no offensive capabilities, it was an essential item for many forces and a symbol of their strength. Over the years, the Liu Domain had become the most powerful force in the Northern Spirit Region, not only because of its deeper foundation but also because it possessed a second-level spirit-gathering array.

To be able to cultivate within this second-level spirit-gathering array, many powerful figures flocked to the Liu Domain, hoping to gain better cultivation conditions and make further progress on their cultivation path.

Overall, the spirit-gathering array was a relatively well-known spirit array, and most spirit array masters knew its array diagram. However, knowing it was one thing; constructing it was another, which was extremely difficult.

Not to mention the numerous rare materials required for the spirit-gathering array, just the fifty spirit seals needed for the base points of the second-level spirit-gathering array that the Mu Domain was setting up were a challenge. Even some second-level spirit array masters with slightly less power could not achieve this alone. Second-level spirit array masters were extremely rare in the Northern Spirit Region, and the Mu Domain could not hire any, so they could only rely on quantity, attempting to combine four first-level spirit array masters to see if they could succeed.

Fortunately, Wen Ling was already a top-tier first-level spirit array master, with a high probability of advancing to a second-level spirit array master. With him leading, the success rate could be increased.

"This time, in constructing this second-level spirit-gathering array, the five of us will each be responsible for one spirit-gathering pillar. We will complete the part of the array diagram we are responsible for according to the diagram, and finally link them together to activate the array," Wen Ling said, looking at Mu Chen.

"Dividing the responsibility for the array diagram is a method, but it seems to require a very high level of默契 (cohesion)? If there is even a tiny mistake when linking, it might..." Mu Chen hesitated. He was no longer a complete novice in spirit arrays and could sense the flaws in this method.

Wen Ling nodded and sighed, "There's no other way. To construct a second-level spirit-gathering array alone, I don't think there is such a powerful second-level spirit array master in the entire Northern Spirit Region."

"When the Liu Domain constructed their second-level spirit-gathering array, they also used this method. According to my knowledge, they secretly failed many times, suffering huge losses, but ordinary people don't know this."

Mu Feng smiled and said, "The materials we have now can only support one more failure. Otherwise, we'll have to prepare for a longer time."

"If we fail to construct the second-level spirit-gathering array, the Liu Domain won't miss this opportunity to strike us. They will publicize it, which will be detrimental to us," Zhou Ye said helplessly.

Mu Feng waved his hand and said indifferently, "We'll do our best."

Zhou Ye smiled bitterly. He knew that because Mu Chen was involved, Mu Feng didn't want to put pressure or blame on him if they failed, so he appeared so calm. In reality, he was eager to complete the second-level spirit-gathering array as soon as possible, as it would greatly benefit the Mu Domain's reputation.

Mu Chen glanced at Mu Feng but didn't say anything. As father and son, although Mu Feng said it this way, he could still see how much Mu Feng cared about this matter.

"For this array, I will be responsible for twenty spirit seals, and the remaining thirty will be divided among Chen Ling and the three of you, with each of you handling eight, and Mu Chen will be responsible for six spirit seals."

Wen Ling looked at Mu Chen and said, "Don't underestimate these six spirit seals. Completing your part of the array diagram will probably be more difficult than the 'Fire Spirit Array.'"

Mu Chen nodded. He understood this. Given his limited experience, Wen Ling entrusting him with six spirit seals was already a significant recognition.

"Next, I will explain the key points of the spirit-gathering array. You must remember them carefully to avoid any mistakes that could ruin the entire plan," Wen Ling said seriously.

"Yes," Mu Chen smiled. Although his youthful face was slightly immature, he was humble and polite, which made the three first-level spirit array masters nod in approval. It was rare for the young master of the Mu Domain to have such status and talent yet remain so kind. If it were another young person, they would probably be arrogant.

Mu Feng watched as Mu Chen listened attentively to Wen Ling's detailed explanation of the spirit-gathering array and smiled in satisfaction. He waved his hand and stepped back with Zhou Ye, as these spirit arrays were a headache to listen to, and it was better to let the young man handle it himself.

Over the next few days, Mu Chen came to the square every day to practice and study the second-level spirit-gathering array with Wen Ling and the others. His gentle and studious attitude pleased the three first-level spirit array masters, who sometimes shared their experience in setting up spirit arrays, and Mu Chen learned humbly.

With such effort, Mu Chen gradually understood the second-level spirit-gathering array and was amazed by its complexity. Compared to it, the "Fire Spirit Array" he had learned before seemed insignificant.

When Wen Ling saw that Mu Chen had begun to understand the second-level spirit-gathering array, he was quite satisfied. After a discussion, they decided to start the construction the next day.

Mu Chen stood on the square, looking at the five standing spirit-gathering pillars and took a deep breath, gradually calming his mind.

Beside him, Mu Feng patted his shoulder and smiled reassuringly, "Do your best. It's okay if you fail; it just means a delay."

Mu Chen smiled but didn't respond, just looking at Wen Ling, who now had a serious expression. He waved his hand and leaped onto one of the spirit-gathering pillars.

Seeing this, Mu Chen and the three others also leaped out, each landing on a spirit-gathering pillar.

"Prepare to start."

Wen Ling shouted, and a light orb rose from his palm, emitting powerful spiritual energy fluctuations.

Mu Chen and the other four also acted, and four light orbs rose, each containing the essence of high-level spirit beasts. The essence of spirit beasts was essential for setting up such an array, as it provided the vast spiritual energy needed to guide the array.

"Begin!"

Wen Ling looked at the light orb above his head and shouted, waving his sleeve. Twenty spirit seals flew out from his sleeve, their formation speed far exceeding that of ordinary first-level spirit array masters.

Chen Ling and the others looked at him enviously. Although they were also first-level spirit array masters, they were far behind Wen Ling, who had a high chance of reaching the second level.

After a moment of envy, they focused and condensed eight spirit seals each, carefully controlling them and embedding them into the air around the spirit beast essence.

Buzz.

Mu Chen also acted, condensing six spirit seals at his fingertips. With his current ability, controlling six spirit seals was quite precise.

The six spirit seals disappeared around the spirit beast essence, and the air rippled. Mu Chen closed his eyes, his slender fingers gently moving. As his fingers trembled, light emerged in the air around the spirit beast essence, forming cautious lines that intertwined.

The square was quiet, and the five people focused all their attention on carefully setting up the part of the array diagram they were responsible for.

Mu Feng and the others stood nearby, their faces tense as they watched the fluctuating spiritual energy in the square, their eyes filled with anxiety. If this failed, their plan would be delayed by at least half a year, and the Liu Domain might mock them.

"Order everyone not to approach here," Mu Feng waved his hand and said softly.

"Yes!" A guard quickly responded and led a group of people to disperse quietly.

Time passed quickly as Mu Feng and the others waited anxiously. In a moment, an hour had passed, and the spiritual energy fluctuations in the square became increasingly violent. Above the six people on the spirit-gathering pillars, the complex spiritual energy array diagrams flickered with blinding light.

After about half an hour, Wen Ling opened his eyes first, his eyes filled with tension and seriousness. He had taken half the responsibility for setting up the spirit-gathering array. If anyone else made a mistake, it might still be salvageable, but if he made a mistake, the entire array would fail.

After Wen Ling, Chen Ling and the others, as well as Mu Chen, also opened their eyes, clearly having completed their parts of the array diagram.

"Link the arrays!"

Seeing this, Wen Ling's expression became even more serious. The next step was the most difficult. If there was an error in the linking, it could cause a chain reaction, leading to a complete collapse.

Mu Chen and the other four also tensed their bodies, focusing their minds to the extreme. Then, with a mental command, the complex light arrays above their heads emitted beams of light that intersected.

Seeing this, Mu Feng and the others outside the square also became tense, knowing that the success or failure of the array depended on this step.

(To be continued)