Chapter 220: New Combination Star Art

"Lord Xu, I've received reliable information that a sword-type star artifact will be auctioned tonight. But since it's an auction, details are vague—only general descriptions are available. My advice is, you should go in person." Deputy Head of the External Affairs Hall, Ling Mao, said.

"Is it inside or outside the city?" Xu Jin asked.

"Lord Xu is worried about safety, right? It's inside Wan Yi City, within the auction hall—absolutely secure, that's their reputation. But on the way—"

As for safety on the road, Ling Mao couldn't guarantee anything.

There had been several lockdowns recently, especially after the assassination at the Cangming Star Hall. Though the lockdowns have been lifted, no one dares to promise safety anymore.

"If Lord Xu is concerned about safety, I could go on your behalf," Ling Mao said.

"I'll go myself. Besides, I'd like to see it—I've never attended a Wan Yi auction before," Xu Jin said.

After luring and killing Zhang Zhen, the National Dao Academy imposed another three-day lockdown, then lifted it, and everything returned to normal.

Cheng Yuexiao had specifically instructed Xu Jin that he could now enter and leave the National Dao Academy normally, but he should still remain cautious.

They claimed all sides had been mediated and similar assassinations wouldn't happen again—but they couldn't guarantee it.

They also said if Xu Jin planned to leave the National Dao Academy, he should send a starlight message to Peng Lao, who would arrange for Danxia Guards to shadow him secretly; if he intended to leave Wan Yi City, he must consult Peng Lao first.

"Good idea. Wan Yi's auctions still have many valuable items—most come from the Star River Battlefield, and bidders are numerous. If you're going, Lord Xu, you'd better have plenty of starlight ready."

"The auction only accepts starlight transactions," Ling Mao said.

Xu Jin was just about to mention this when he pulled out the four days' worth of Flame Burst Seals he'd crafted.

He'd originally planned to show only eighty, but for bidding purposes, he pulled out all ninety-five he'd made.

Exactly ninety-five.

Fifteen of third-rank middle-grade, eighty of third-rank top-grade Flame Burst Seals.

Ling Mao was no longer surprised by Xu Jin's extravagance—there were plenty of young men obsessed with making money.

But after thinking it over, Ling Mao offered Xu Jin a suggestion.

"Lord Xu, third-rank middle-grade Flame Burst Seals are bought at 300 Dao Merit each—I'll buy them outright. But the third-rank top-grade ones are in high demand. My advice: wait until you're at the auction and list them on the spot."

"The bidding price will always be higher than the National Dao Academy's buyout rate—at least 35 starlight per piece. You can use the proceeds directly for transactions at the auction, saving you a tax payment."

Xu Jin naturally accepted this excellent advice.

But Xu Jin calculated: even if he sold all eighty top-grade Flame Burst Seals, he'd get roughly 2, 00 starlight. Combined with his existing reserves, he'd barely exceed 3, 00.

But that was still far from sufficient.

"Then, Master Ling, I'd like to exchange Dao Merit for starlight, to prepare more comfortably," Xu Jin said.

"Not worth it."

Ling Mao shook his head. "Even though the exchange rate is ten Dao Merit to one starlight, the Star-Picking Tower deducts ten percent as transaction tax—that's no small sum."

"If I lend you, I'll deduct twenty percent personal transaction tax."

"How about this: I'll accompany you, and if you're short, I'll cover the difference—no tax at all."

"Then, that would trouble Master Ling," Xu Jin hesitated, then agreed.

He already owed Ling Mao so many favors—this one more wouldn't matter; he'd repay later.

That was precisely Ling Mao's goal.

Otherwise, why would he treat Xu Jin so well?

Xu Jin understood this clearly.

Help like Ning Yuchan's—offered with no expectation of return—was extremely rare, so Xu Jin cherished it.

But Xu Jin never demanded anything in return.

In this world, others helping you is kindness; not helping is their duty.

Even if they have expectations, you still owe them the favor.

"No trouble at all. Tonight, I'll pay for your bids directly. Afterward, you settle with me using the value of your seals—no tax, and it's convenient!" Ling Mao said.

"Fine."

Immediately, Xu Jin handed Ling Mao fifteen third-rank middle-grade Flame Burst Seals and purchased one hundred third-rank Star Jade Tablets.

【Dao Merit: 17, 81 points.】

Xu Jin's Dao Merit earnings had been dwindling lately.

To his surprise, after the transaction, Ling Mao asked Xu Jin to wait a moment, saying he needed to apply for authorization.

Soon, Ling Mao returned and handed Xu Jin a token.

The token was dark green, engraved with intricate patterns, bearing a large seal-script character: FOURTH-RANK!

"What's this?"

"I meant to tell you last time. According to unified regulations of the mortal realm and the Star River Battlefield, anyone who successfully crafts ten third-rank seals gains the title of third-rank seal master—but that's a low-rank title, of little use."

"The unified regulations state: if you produce and sell over one hundred third-rank middle-grade and top-grade seals, with over fifty being top-grade, you may qualify early for a fourth-rank seal master token."

"Your two sales just exceeded a hundred, and your records are in the Star-Picking Tower—I've already applied and secured your fourth-rank seal master status."

Xu Jin casually tucked the token into his robe, not giving it much thought.

He felt such an easily obtained token couldn't possibly be useful.

But Ling Mao saw through his thoughts and smiled. "Lord Xu, don't underestimate this fourth-rank seal master title—many people beg for it and can't get it!"

Ling Mao sighed. "Lord Xu's talent is truly enviable! Most people excel in only one area—you've mastered both cultivation and seal crafting!"

"Most disciples of the National Dao Academy spend at least one or two years trying to become fourth-rank seal masters!"

"Middle-grade seals are easy; top-grade seals are extremely difficult!"

"Take Wen Lie, who studied seals under Chief University Zheng Kou for nearly two years—he still hasn't earned his fourth-rank seal master token."

"So what's its use?" Xu Jin prompted.

"Its use? Not huge, but not trivial either. In the mortal realm, it's a status symbol. First, when your cultivation reaches Fourth-Rank Star Condensation Sixth Stage and you choose your path, this token lets you avoid the Star River Battlefield."

"Second, if you enter the Star River Battlefield, with this token you can serve in logistics—crafting seals as assigned, earning battle merit easily," Ling Mao said.

After a few more words, Xu Jin departed.

The auction was at night; they agreed on a time, and Xu Jin returned to his courtyard.

Back in his courtyard, Xu Jin sent Peng Lao a starlight message detailing his evening plans.

He quickly received Peng Lao's reply.

"Go ahead. Assassinations shouldn't happen anymore. Even if they do, I guarantee your safety."

This was Peng Lao's reply as Chief Administrator.

Authoritative and reassuring.

With the afternoon still free, Xu Jin crafted ten more Flame Burst Seals.

All third-rank top-grade.

He could've made another dozen without issue.

But with Ling Mao beside him tonight, he didn't want to draw too much attention.

He'd handle it gradually later.

This was precisely why Xu Jin insisted on attending the auction himself.

It was also to open a sales channel.

In the future, excess seals could be sold through auctions.

Now that Xu Jin had learned the Hundred Transformations Star Pattern, acquiring this new identity would complete the picture.

With time still left, he began manipulating the space within the Jiezi Cangshan.

The Object-Controlling Star Pattern had already been inscribed; the Xumi Star Pattern had been inscribed too.

But inscribing them was only the beginning.

After inscribing the Xumi Star Pattern, a mysterious extra-dimensional space connected to Xu Jin.

This must be his own personal Xumi Jiezi space.

But initially, the space was no larger than a needlepoint.

He had to continuously expand it using star power and spirit force.

According to the Grand Master, the stronger his spirit cultivation, the larger the maximum size of the Xumi space.

The strength of his Object-Controlling Star Pattern and star power determined the expansion speed.

After two days of expansion—half an hour each day—he'd only carved out a space one meter long, wide, and high: one cubic meter.

And the expansion speed had clearly slowed.

In the next instant, Xu Jin condensed his star power into a spinning blade and began violently slicing through the resilient Xumi Jiezi space.

He continued for a full half-hour, exhausting over half his star power and one-third of his spirit force, expanding the space to roughly one and a half cubic meters.

Xu Jin planned to stop once he reached three or four cubic meters—enough would suffice.

He'd already placed his most valuable items inside the Xumi Jiezi space.

When he next entered the Star Realm, this space would greatly increase his gains.

He might even strike it rich.

Calculating the time, five days had passed since his last Star Lamp evolution.

He sank his mind into the Star Lamp—sure enough, it was now available for evolution.

In fact, since his first evolution after the Candou Platform reached Fourth Rank, over half a month had passed; he'd already performed two evolutions.

Both were inspired, imaginative evolutions, testing certain ideas.

But both failed.

These two failed evolutions involved spirit attack techniques.

Previously, after partially unlocking the Ling Ji Star Hall's spirit star pattern inheritance left by Old Qi, Xu Jin had acquired three spirit star patterns.

They were the Illusionary Star Pattern on the fourth tier, the Object-Controlling Star Pattern on the fifth tier, and the Dread Star Pattern on the lower fifth tier.

Xu Jin had now inscribed all three star patterns onto his Soul-Star.

The Illusionary Star Pattern's primary function was to create mental illusions; the greater the disparity in Soul-Star cultivation base, the easier the success, and when combined with Star Mist, it could produce a basic illusionary realm.

The Dread Star Pattern's primary function was to imbue Soul-Star attacks with a dread effect, triggering the target's deepest fears and thereby disrupting their state.

According to Old Qi, it was an extremely practical star pattern.

It could gain the upper hand in combat.

After much thought, Xu Jin felt that combining Dread with Shatter Hex was most effective.

During his first evolution, Xu Jin used Clear Soul, one Shatter Hex, one Dread, and one Dreamweave—but the evolution failed.

During his second evolution, Xu Jin used Clear Soul, one Shatter Hex, one Dread, and one Dreamweave—but it also failed.

Xu Jin performed these evolutions primarily because his Soul-Star cultivation had already broken through to the fourth tier, Condensed Star Third Layer.

When he looked inward at his Star Palace, he saw four Soul-Stars slowly rotating within it.

The fourth Soul-Star had just formed.

The first Soul-Star still had one empty slot among its ten star pattern positions, but the second and third Soul-Stars were completely blank.

Xu Jin was now evolving Soul-Star techniques to create a powerful offensive Soul-Star art capable of transforming these blank Soul-Stars into combat power.

After carefully analyzing the reasons for his previous failures, Xu Jin suspected that Dreamweave might conflict with Dread.

Dreamweave pulled a target into a dream, while Dread triggered the target's deepest fears.

They seemed to have opposing properties.

Xu Jin had previously clung to Dreamweave because it paired exceptionally well with Shatter Hex in combat.

Based on the results of the first two evolutions, Dreamweave appeared to counter Dread; if he used Dreamweave, he could not use Dread.

If he used Dread, he could not use Dreamweave.

Xu Jin estimated that reducing the number of star patterns used in the evolution might weaken its power further.

Three-star-pattern techniques were not particularly high in rank.

Many third- and fourth-tier star techniques consisted of three star patterns.

But the current fourth-tier Star-Dipper Platform's evolution function could only accommodate four star patterns at most.

After thinking it over, Xu Jin removed the Clear Soul star pattern.

According to Old Qi's experience and the research of the Spirit Star Palace, Clear Soul did not conflict with any known Soul-Star technique.

It was merely a very rare foundational star pattern.

If so, then Clear Soul could be directly inscribed.

Which four star patterns should he use for the evolution?

Xu Jin surveyed his Star Palace, which currently bore nine inscribed star patterns: Clear Soul, Return to Store, Conceal Form, Dreamweave, Shatter Hex, Calm Will, Illusionary, Object-Controlling, and Dread.

Clear Soul had already been eliminated; Calm Will was a defensive Soul-Star pattern and could also be excluded.

Return to Store and Conceal Form were combination star patterns for stealth techniques; in Xu Jin's understanding, they could not participate in offense.

That left only Illusionary as a viable option.

But Xu Jin had never used Illusionary before, primarily because he thought Illusionary created illusions while Dread induced fear—weren't they conflicting?

One deceived, the other terrified.

They were mutually antagonistic.

He had never used them together.

But now, Xu Jin had little choice left.

He might as well try it as a last resort—if the evolution failed.

Then, in five days, he would have to use Shatter Hex alone with either Dreamweave or Dread, or seek out new Soul-Star patterns.

The next instant, Xu Jin's mind shifted, selecting Shatter Hex, Dreamweave, Illusionary, and Dread in sequence within the four star lamps.

【Evolution】

In the instant the eighty strands of starlight vanished, the four star lamps instantly radiated brilliant starlight, swirling and spinning together.

This state lasted only a hundred breaths before a radiant mass of starlight suddenly appeared.

A Shatter Hex arrow, emitting a hazy glow, shot forth violently, and a strange Soul-Star fluctuation spread out.

Simultaneously, the evolution's result flowed into Xu Jin's mind like a stream—detailing the sequence of star pattern activation, the strength and timing of Soul-Star energy infusion.

The next instant, Xu Jin froze.

It succeeded!

The Soul-Star pattern combination he had least expected to work had succeeded!

He just didn't know how powerful it was.

The next instant, Xu Jin gripped his Star-Taking Talisman and charged straight into the Soul-Slaying Battlefield!

Xu Jin's Soul-Slaying Battlefield record had been inactive lately, but his ranking remained unchallenged—he was still number one.

Xu Jin chose to directly challenge the 127th level.

With his current explosive power, defeating the 127th level of the Soul-Slaying Battlefield was effortless.

But Xu Jin fought with precision.

He dodged, twisted, and struck each enemy individually.

After a dozen breaths, six of the seven fourth-tier, third-layer alien foes had been eliminated by Xu Jin.

Only the fourth-tier, third-layer elite alien remained.

The next instant, Xu Jin spent a moment to unleash his newly evolved Soul-Star technique.

It struck true.

At the moment of impact, the elite alien froze in place, as if trapped in a dream; instantly, his face twisted into terror and grotesque horror, and his fear intensified.

This expression of terror lasted three breaths.

After three breaths, the elite alien suddenly snapped back to awareness—just as Xu Jin was about to deliver the killing blow, he screamed and turned to flee.

He broke!

Xu Jin was stunned.

The power of this newly evolved star technique combination seemed terrifyingly strong!

(End of Chapter)