Chapter 324: Make Him Desperate

Inside the Star Dome Realm of the Star-Plucking Tower in Dachen War City.

Xu Jin had just opened his eyes; another simulation had ended.

Precisely speaking, the simulation of the Flowing Star Pattern had ended.

His eyes were filled with smiles—he had gained much.

Xu Jin first used one Golden Star to comprehend it, directly advancing the Flowing Star Pattern from sixth-rank upper to seventh-rank middle, then immediately used a Brilliant Star to push it to eighth-rank lower.

The Flowing Star Pattern at sixth-rank upper had been upgraded by four sub-ranks, instantly boosting Xu Jin's speed by forty percent; under maximum burst, it should exceed 350 meters per second.

This speed already surpassed that of any fifth-rank cultivator Xu Jin knew.

But this was not his greatest gain.

His greatest gain was the special star art—Flowing Flash—that emerged upon pushing the Flowing Star Pattern to eighth-rank lower.

Its effect was simple and brutal.

Flowing Flash: For every tenfold increase in star power used, speed doubles.

After confirming its effect, Xu Jin was ecstatic.

Worth it!

That Brilliant Star was worth every bit.

This special star art, Flowing Flash, was absolutely a life-saving technique.

On top of the current star power cost of the Flowing Star Pattern, doubling the input star power doubles the speed.

Keep in mind, the current star power cost of Xu Jin's Flowing Star Pattern is still very low.

Under maximum burst, with no replenishment, Xu Jin could sustain it for one hour—120 minutes.

Increase star power tenfold, speed doubles.

That means, at twice his current speed, Xu Jin could sustain the burst for twelve minutes.

Increase tenfold again, at three times his current speed, he could sustain it for just over one minute.

Increase tenfold again, at four times his current speed, he could sustain it for seven seconds.

Of course, this is merely Xu Jin's current estimate.

But this speed multiplication is undeniably a life-saving technique.

As for star power consumption, Xu Jin wasn't worried at all.

Tens of thousands of starlight threads still glowed on the Combat Platform.

Worried about consumption?

As long as it saves his life, even total depletion is acceptable.

Taking 350 meters per second as the base, twice is 700 meters per second, thrice exceeds one kilometer per second, and four times is 1400 meters per second.

Though this is merely Xu Jin's estimate.

But even with his limited knowledge of physics from his past life, he understood how terrifying this speed was.

Upon learning the precise effect of Flowing Flash, Xu Jin's mind already sparked several cunning tactics.

In Xu Jin's view, Flowing Flash wasn't just for escape.

It could also ambush and kill enemies.

The upper limit of bullet speed for a sniper rifle in his past life was barely over one kilometer per second.

Four times his current speed is 1400 meters per second—faster than a sniper rifle.

But here's the catch: a sniper rifle targets targets hundreds of meters away; if Xu Jin used Flowing Flash to turn himself into a bullet and slammed into targets within one hundred or two hundred meters—

Even within dozens of meters!

How devastating would that be?

Add the sixth-rank star weapon Moonshadow Sword to his hand, then charge like that—how slick would that move be?

Go further: condense a flame sword with Brilliant Purple Heaven Fire and slam into them.

Who could withstand that?

Within one hundred meters? Fifty meters?

Wouldn't that make him invincible?

Of course, this was merely Xu Jin's current imagination.

But regardless, the special star art Flowing Flash from the eighth-rank lower Flowing Star Pattern left him thoroughly satisfied.

At least his escape was now guaranteed.

Even if sixth-rank cultivators were faster than fifth-rank ones, they couldn't possibly be twice or thrice as fast!

Seventh-rank cultivators, normally, wouldn't be four times faster than fifth-rank ones either.

Of course, if someone had enhanced their speed star pattern by four or five layers, it might be possible.

After thinking it over, Xu Jin immediately transmitted the eighth-rank lower Flowing Star Pattern to Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao.

The only pity was that different cultivators, when comprehending an eighth-rank star pattern, would awaken different special star arts—some might awaken Flowing Flash, others something else, or nothing at all.

Otherwise, the strength of the Dachen State Dao Academy could have surged dramatically.

The next instant, Xu Jin summoned another Golden Star and began comprehending the Clear Soul Star Pattern.

Currently, Xu Jin had engraved seventy-eight Clear Soul Star Patterns within his Yuan Spirit; comprehending the Clear Soul Star Pattern yielded the greatest benefit.

Deep night, within the Danxia Palace of the Dachen State Dao Academy, Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao had just taught the Great Gathering Star Pattern to his top inner circle, applied Divine Soul Seals to each, and dismissed them—still hadn't taught Liu Qingzhu yet—when the Star-Plucking Token suddenly lit up again with starlight transmission.

Another starlight message from Xu Jin.

Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao's mind immediately sank into it.

In an instant, he froze.

His expression twisted into an extremely complex mix.

Flowing Star Pattern.

Xu Jin had transmitted another eighth-rank lower Flowing Star Pattern.

An eighth-rank star pattern—given away so casually.

Put plainly, if someone gifted an eighth-rank star pattern to the Sun Yang True Person, not only would he be granted the title of Prince, but even an independent kingdom within the state would be justified.

If two were gifted, the Emperor of Da Hong might even be replaced.

But Xu Jin? He was sending them one after another.

More crucially, the eighth-rank lower Flowing Star Pattern was universally applicable.

Among all disciples of the Dao Academy, many didn't cultivate Fire Source Star Patterns, many didn't cultivate Earth Source or Swimming Fish Star Patterns.

But no one didn't cultivate the Flowing Star Pattern!

The Flowing Star Pattern was mandatory for every disciple.

Just upgrading the Flowing Star Pattern taught to ordinary disciples by one or two sub-ranks would dramatically increase the academy's overall strength and battlefield survival rate.

If top-tier core members fully comprehended the seventh-rank Flowing Star Pattern, the significance would be immense.

If you can't win, at least you shouldn't be unable to run.

Cheng Yuexiao still remembered: the Sun Yang Star Palace's speed-related star patterns were seventh-rank middle.

Previously, when Dachen State Dao Academy's elites faced Sun Yang Star Palace's elites, they couldn't win—and couldn't escape.

But now, they might still lose.

But even if they lost, they could escape!

Given time, the Dachen State Dao Academy's overall strength would surely rise by one or two percent.

For any faction, even a half-percent increase in strength was monumental.

The next instant, Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao realized he'd been hasty—he shouldn't have rushed to teach and dismiss them; he should have kept them and taught them one by one.

But now, recalling them to teach again would be problematic.

Everyone was intelligent.

Many would easily connect this to Xu Jin.

Though the current core elites were trustworthy, better safe than sorry.

Better to wait a few days, then summon them one by one for instruction.

Yet the reward tiers for Dao Academy disciples could now include higher-rank Great Gathering Star Patterns and Flowing Star Patterns.

Previously, it was like a skilled cook without rice—wanting to reward, but lacking higher-rank star patterns.

Now, the worry was whether disciples had enough merit to learn them.

Of course, Grand Master and Peng Lao must train first.

Once they mastered it, their strength would rise further—and Peng Lao, awakened by the Grand Master, was ecstatic beyond words.

He was delighted because his master, Cheng Yuexiao, had smiled more in the past three months than in the previous twenty years combined.

"Peng Lao, how is the production going of the sixth-rank defensive star weapons forged from the Golden Snake Scales seized by Xu Jin and the others?" the Grand Master suddenly asked.

"Master, I asked just two days ago—he said the first batch of five top-grade sixth-rank defensive star weapons is nearly complete, within ten to fifteen days," Peng Lao replied.

"Go urge him again tomorrow—say I need them urgently!"

Then Cheng Yuexiao added, "Xu Jin is alone and vulnerable on the Star River Battlefield; yesterday he was ambushed. We must get him some protective treasures quickly."

"Once the sixth-rank top-grade defensive star weapons are ready, send them to Xu Jin immediately."

"Yes, I'll urge them again."

"Also, tomorrow, find Kou Jing and ask him to prepare several extra sixth-rank upper-grade star seals for his disciple—send them along."

"Master, I'll remember."

"Also, keep a sharp eye out for Thunder Star Patterns and celestial treasures that can enhance star patterns—if you find any, acquire them at any cost and send them to Xu Jin," Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao ordered.

Peng Lao hesitated slightly. "National Master, regardless of the cost?"

After asking, Peng Lao added, "National Master, the celestial treasures that enhance star patterns are priceless. They only ever appear at auctions and offer extremely poor value."

If you spend recklessly to bid, buying one or two items is acceptable—but if you buy more, the cost could be enormous."

"Won't that drain our stored Star Tower starlight and precious resources?"

"No problem. Bid freely."

"After the auction, just give me the bill."

"A bill?" Peng Lao frowned.

"Exactly!"

Cheng Yuexiao nodded firmly, then said, in Peng Lao's bewildered gaze, "If you're going to be a minister, be a thorough one!"

"The imperial palace's wealth is rotting there, piled up uselessly."

"Better to take it out and use it to strengthen our Dao Academy—or to boost Xu Jin's cultivation!"

Peng Lao nodded, clearly approving of National Master Cheng Yuexiao's approach, yet still worried. "My Lord, I fear the Emperor might panic and lash out!"

"Peng Lao, in two or three months, you should have fully assimilated the Flowing Star Pattern and the Great Gathering Star Pattern, correct?" National Master Cheng Yuexiao replied with a counter-question.

"My Lord, a little over a month is enough—two months is certainly sufficient!"

"I'll be ready too. Everyone else will be ready too. Understood?" Cheng Yuexiao asked.

Peng Lao froze, then suddenly understood—the full plan of National Master Cheng Yuexiao dawned on him. His eyes widened in shock, yet he was utterly convinced.

My Lord—truly worthy of the title!

"By then, I fear this foolish emperor won't panic enough. I intend to make him panic!" National Master Cheng Yuexiao sneered.

Inside the Star Dome Realm of the Star-Plucking Tower in Chen Guo's War City, Xu Jin slowly opened his eyes, slightly disappointed.

The one-hour Dao comprehension time in the Star Dome Realm had ended.

The contemplation of the Chengpo Star Pattern had ended too—but the results of the inference were unsatisfactory.

In the final half-hour, Xu Jin used one Golden Star and one Can Star on the Chengpo Star Pattern!

The difficulty of inferring the Shenpo Star Pattern was fully revealed on the Chengpo Star Pattern.

With the Star Dome Realm's Dao comprehension time as aid, one Golden Star's high-level comprehension, plus the Can Star's own single high-level comprehension, barely pushed the sixth-rank Chengpo Star Pattern to mid-seventh rank.

Even that was only possible because the previous inference had already brought the Chengpo Pattern to just above sixth-rank.

Effectively, two Golden Stars had raised the Chengpo Star Pattern by less than two minor tiers.

Only with the Can Star's unique ability to directly elevate one star pattern by one minor tier was the mid-seventh-rank Chengpo Pattern pushed to upper-seventh-rank.

In total, Xu Jin consumed four Golden Stars and two Can Stars.

His monthly Star Dome Realm comprehension time was now fully exhausted.

Xu Jin still had one Golden Star and two Can Stars left!

But the gains were substantial.

His total star force surged dramatically, his speed increased greatly, and he gained the special star technique Starlight Flash.

Though the Chengpo Star Pattern rose by only three minor tiers, the gain seemed small.

But in the future, this will prove to be the most rewarding investment.

In the future, Xu Jin may invest even more Golden Stars or Can Stars!

With the most important task completed, Xu Jin entered the fourth-rank Star Force Realm to begin cultivation.

The instant he entered the fourth-rank Star Force Realm, Xu Jin subtly guided his Yuan Ling, using Shenpo mental force to activate the Star Core of the Central Star Palace, enabling star force absorption.

Instantly, four star force vortices appeared around him.

Four visible star force vortices.

Star force from all directions, driven by Shenpo mental force, rushed into Xu Jin's body like a frenzy.

Especially the star force within the six-point-five-meter range of his Yuan Ling's Tai Guang, which was nearly scooped and stuffed into his Central Star Palace.

It was instantly absorbed; star force from all around surged in to fill the void.

Scooped again.

Star force from all directions surged in once more.

Xu Jin's cultivation base in the Central Star Palace rose at a visibly rapid pace.

A quick estimate made his breath quicken.

This cultivation speed was no longer double or triple his former rate—it was six or even seven times faster.

At this rate, Xu Jin would need only seven or eight days to raise his Central Star Palace from fourth-rank third-layer initial to fourth-rank fourth-layer initial!

Supernatural speed!

This was something Xu Jin had never imagined.

He had expected his Yuan Ling's Tai Guang range to boost cultivation speed.

But he thought it might increase by one or two times at most.

He never imagined six to seven times!

But thinking back, it made sense—National Master Cheng Yuexiao's Yuan Ling Tai Guang range was barely over two meters.

What Xu Jin didn't know was that after only half an hour of cultivation here, the Star-Plucking Tower's branch outpost received an alert: fourth-rank star force concentration too low!

Yet the number of cultivators inside the fourth-rank Star Force Realm was far below the alert threshold!

Normally, the last batch of Star Jade Tablets should have lasted until month's end—far from needing replenishment.

But with no choice, vast quantities of Star Jade Tablets were dumped into the fourth-rank Star Force Realm to replenish the depletion and maintain stability.

Inside the fourth-rank Star Force Realm, Xu Jin kept buying more cultivation time, cultivating furiously without realizing it.

Within the range of his Yuan Ling Tai Guang, this teleport-style cultivation was incredibly satisfying.

The efficiency was too high.

On December 17, shortly after Xu Jin left, the fourth-rank Star Force Realm's star force concentration at the Star-Plucking Tower's branch outpost triggered another alarm.

The administrators immediately temporarily sealed the fourth-rank Star Force Realm and initiated a major inspection.

Yet Xu Jin remained unaware of all this.

Worth noting: during these three days of intense cultivation, Xu Jin's Shenpo power grew passively, and his Shenpo mental force steadily strengthened.

Before leaving, his Yuan Ling Tai Guang range had reached 6. meters!

In three days, without any active cultivation—only passive growth from the Chengpo Star Pattern—his Yuan Ling Tai Guang range increased by 0. meter!

Meanwhile, National Master Cheng Yuexiao, after over two months of arduous cultivation, had only raised his Yuan Ling Tai Guang range from 1. meters to barely over two meters!

The speed was terrifying to contemplate!

Xu Jin had already unlocked the true potential of the Chengpo Star Pattern!

After leaving the Star-Plucking Tower's branch outpost, Xu Jin headed straight for Changsheng Auction House.

The time had come to trade for the Thunder-elemental Celestial Star Will!

(End of Chapter)