Chapter 24: Illusory Deception: Unmasking the Array Duel

As Tang Jian examined the failed refinement, he realized that his attempt to refine the low-level pill had not yielded the desired result. The mixture in the cauldron had become unstable and emitted faint wisps of smoke, indicating an imbalance in the combination of ingredients.

Despite following the instructions meticulously, Tang Jian had made a crucial error in measuring the proportions of the various components. The precise balance required for a successful refinement had eluded him, resulting in a flawed and unusable mixture.

He couldn't help but feel a sense of frustration and disappointment. Tang Jian knew that the mistake lay in his lack of experience and insufficient mastery of the alchemical arts. Without the ability to manipulate Qi and spiritual energy effectively, his attempts at refining the pill had fallen short.

Hall Master Chen Hui, recognizing Tang Jian's dejected state, approached him with a sympathetic expression. "Tang Jian, refining pills is a challenging endeavor that demands both skill and a deep connection with Qi and spiritual energy. As a martial artist at the Body Forging stage, your ability to control and channel these energies is still developing. It is not uncommon to encounter difficulties and failures in the early stages of refining."

She continued, "Alchemy is a delicate and intricate practice. The slightest miscalculation or imbalance can lead to failed refinements. What's important is to learn from your mistakes and persist in your efforts to refine your skills. Every failure brings valuable insights that will contribute to your growth as an alchemist."

Tang Jian listened intently, absorbing Hall Master Chen Hui's words. He realized that his current stage of cultivation limited his ability to achieve success in alchemy. However, rather than be discouraged, he resolved to turn this setback into an opportunity for learning and improvement.

With a determined expression, Tang Jian thanked Hall Master Chen Hui for her guidance and pledged to continue his studies diligently. He understood that refining pills would require him to develop a stronger foundation in his martial arts and advance to the Qi Condensation stage to fully manipulate Qi and spiritual energy.

In that moment, Tang Jian embraced his failure as a stepping stone on his path to becoming a skilled alchemist. He knew that perseverance, coupled with dedicated training and the guidance of experienced mentors, would eventually lead him to success in the world of alchemy.

Four weeks had flown by, and the day of the highly anticipated duel between Huang Xiang's elder brother, Huang Lin, and Liu Fan had finally arrived. The practice hall was brimming with excitement as students from all years and disciplines gathered to witness the spectacle. Tang Jian and Zhao Zhiming made their way into the bustling hall, eager to observe the showdown.

As they found their spots among the crowd, the atmosphere crackled with anticipation. All eyes were fixed on the entrance as Liu Fan and Liu Ying made their grand entrance, eliciting a cheer from the onlookers. Liu Fan, with his unparalleled looks, garnered admirers, particularly from the female students who were captivated by his charm.

In contrast, when Huang Lin entered the practice hall, another wave of cheers erupted, predominantly from the refining students. Known for his exceptional skills in array refinement, Huang Lin had earned the respect and admiration of those pursuing this specialized field of study. The students had even set up a betting section, allowing them to wager on the outcome of the duel.

Curiosity got the better of Zhao Zhiming, and he turned to Tang Jian, seeking his opinion on who would emerge victorious. Tang Jian, wearing a sly smirk, responded enigmatically. He hinted at his involvement in Tang Jian's plan, implying that even Zhao Zhiming shouldn't be privy to his knowledge. This only further fueled Zhao Zhiming's curiosity, leaving him intrigued and eager to discover the unfolding events.

The tension in the practice hall reached its peak as Huang Lin and Liu Fan prepared to face off. The spectators held their breath, fully aware of the skill and talent possessed by both combatants. Tang Jian, his heart pounding with anticipation, braced himself for the clash between these formidable opponents.

As the tension built up on the stage, Huang Lin's mocking words echoed through the arena, causing a surge of anger within Liu Fan. He clenched his fists, his determination overshadowing the insults hurled at him. He knew he had to remain composed and focused for the upcoming duel.

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From the sidelines, Liu Ying watched her brother with a mix of worry and hope. Her eyes darted towards Tang Jian, hoping for some reassurance or guidance. Zhao Zhiming, noticing Liu Ying's gaze, turned to Tang Jian and asked, "What's going on with Liu Ying? Why is she looking at you?"

Tang Jian smirked and ignored Zhao Zhiming's question, locking eyes with Liu Ying. With a sly smile, he seemed to convey a hidden message, creating an air of intrigue between them. Liu Ying, momentarily taken aback, quickly averted her gaze and returned her attention to the duel about to unfold.

Instructor Jiang stepped onto the stage, assuming the role of the referee. The participants were instructed to prepare their weapons. Liu Ying stepped forward and uncovered the spear she had been carrying with her. It gleamed with an aura of majesty, giving the illusion of a divine artifact. However, it was merely a low-level weapon suitable for a martial artist like Liu Fan.

Meanwhile, Huang Lin received a flag and a set of stones from Huang Xiang, leaving Tang Jian puzzled by their significance. Sensing his confusion, Zhao Zhiming took it upon himself to explain. "That flag is an array refining artifact, and those stones are Elemental stones. Huang Lin, being a Body Forging Stage cultivator, needs these tools to refine arrays quickly using spirit runes."

Zhao Zhiming continued, "Spirit runes are the texts that form the array, utilizing either spiritual energy or Qi energy. Once an array refiner surpasses the Core Formation Stage, they can even write these runes in the air, manipulating the forces around them."

Tang Jian nodded, beginning to understand the complexities of array refining. He silently absorbed the information, his mind racing with the possibilities and strategies that could unfold during the duel.

As the stage was set and the participants armed, the arena fell into a hushed anticipation. All eyes were fixed on the two combatants, ready to witness a battle that would determine the victor and showcase their respective abilities in refining arrays and martial arts. The atmosphere was electric with excitement, the crowd eager to see the clash of skills that was about to unfold before them.

As the signal was given, Liu Fan wasted no time and charged towards Huang Lin, determined to disrupt his array refining. However, Huang Lin's quick reflexes and mastery over psychic energy allowed him to swiftly place the four flags in each direction of the stage. With precise brush strokes, he wrote something on the stage, triggering the activation of an illusion.

Suddenly, an ethereal illusion materialized, enveloping the stage. It felt palpable, as if it had become a tangible reality. Within this illusion, Liu Fan found himself surrounded by four masked figures, emanating a powerful aura. Though they were merely manifestations of spiritual energy, they possessed an uncanny realism, causing Liu Fan's heart to race with unease.

The masked figures moved with precision, their every action synchronized as they closed in on Liu Fan from all sides. Their movements were swift and agile, demonstrating a level of combat expertise that matched Liu Fan's own skills.

As the masked figures lunged at Liu Fan from all directions, their skills, though formidable, were not enough to pose a serious threat to him. Being at the 2nd layer of the Body Forging Stage, their strength was insufficient to overpower Liu Fan's own martial prowess. Nevertheless, their coordinated attacks served their purpose of delaying Liu Fan's progress, preventing him from reaching Huang Lin easily.

Observing Huang Lin's focused brushwork on the stage, Liu Fan quickly assessed the situation and made a bold decision. Determined to disrupt Huang Lin's array refining and expose his true location, Liu Fan gathered his strength and launched himself towards Huang Lin, spear in hand.

With lightning speed, Liu Fan closed the distance between them, aiming his spear directly at Huang Lin's face. Knowing that Instructor Jiang was closely monitoring the duel, Liu Fan restrained his strike, ensuring that it would not cause any serious harm to Huang Lin. Nevertheless, the intent behind the attack was clear – Liu Fan aimed to disrupt Huang Lin's concentration and gain an advantage.

To Liu Fan's surprise, Huang Lin remained unperturbed, his composure unshaken. As the spear made contact with Huang Lin's illusory head, the illusion shattered, dissipating into nothingness. Liu Fan, caught off guard by the sudden disappearance, momentarily lost his balance, teetering dangerously close to the edge of the stage.

Aware that falling from the stage would result in immediate elimination, Liu Fan's instincts kicked in, and he desperately sought to regain his footing. In a swift and calculated move, he drove the spear into the floor of the stage, using it as support to stabilize himself. With a combination of strength and agility, Liu Fan managed to rebalance his body, narrowly avoiding a disastrous fall.

The crowd gasped in suspense, witnessing Liu Fan's near-miss and his impressive recovery. The intense exchange between Liu Fan and Huang Lin had captivated their attention, and now their admiration for Liu Fan's quick thinking and resourcefulness grew even stronger.

With Liu Fan back in a stable position, the duel resumed, both participants resolute and focused. The stage was set for the battle to continue, with Liu Fan determined to overcome the challenges posed by Huang Lin's array refining skills and emerge victorious in this captivating showdown.