Spiritual Storm and the Mirror Challenge

Ying Wuji felt the profound changes occurring within his body and stepped outside the store.

As he stood there, endless spiritual energy surged from all directions, pouring into him like rivers into the ocean. The convergence of power was so intense that it formed a spiritual storm, rippling through the air and shaking the foundations of Nine Stars City.

"This... this fluctuation? Is someone breaking through again?"

"How many powerhouses are hiding in Nine Stars City? Why does it feel like they're all emerging at the same time?"

"Wait, is that the aroma of wine? That's the fragrance of something divine! Who is drinking this peerless wine? Let me have just a sip!"

Cultivators across the city stopped in their tracks, sensing the storm of spiritual power. Thoughts raced through their minds, but before they could act, the storm dissipated in mere breaths.

The brief but overwhelming phenomenon left many in Nine Stars City puzzled and reluctant to search for the source.

Meanwhile, Ying Wuji assessed the changes in his body, a faint smile forming on his lips. Without delay, he returned to Origin Mall.

---

Xia Yuan removed his helmet, his expression incredulous as he turned to Ying Wuji. "You... Did you just break through?"

The two of them had both been stuck at the peak of Pathseeker, yet now Xia Yuan had witnessed his companion ascend. Jealousy flickered across his face, though he quickly hid it.

Xia Yuan understood the flaws in Ying Wuji's cultivation technique, a method heavily reliant on vitality replenishment. Now, after consuming the Jade Nectar Dew, Ying Wuji's strength had clearly surged.

"Why does this guy always get so lucky?" Xia Yuan muttered bitterly to himself.

Ying Wuji shook his head with a calm expression. "I haven't fully broken through. I've only touched the threshold."

"Still, that's impressive." Xia Yuan sighed, though his tone betrayed a tinge of envy.

Reaching Eminence was an insurmountable peak for many cultivators. Throughout history, countless prodigies had been trapped at this bottleneck, unable to advance no matter how brilliant they were.

For Ying Wuji to have already touched the threshold of Eminence, his ascension was practically guaranteed—only a matter of time.

Gu Yunxi and several other students approached, showering Ying Wuji with congratulations.

In response, Ying Wuji merely nodded, his demeanor calm and aloof. The students were used to his reserved nature, so they didn't take it personally.

After a moment of thought, Ying Wuji walked over to Luo Chuan at the counter and said solemnly, "Thank you, Boss."

Luo Chuan opened his eyes lazily, giving Ying Wuji a casual glance.

"A minor breakthrough. Just good luck," Luo Chuan replied, waving his hand dismissively. His expression remained indifferent as he added, "Your breakthrough is your own opportunity. It has little to do with me."

Ying Wuji blinked, momentarily unsure of how to respond.

Luo Chuan continued, his tone nonchalant. "Now that your strength has improved, you might as well try the Tower of Trials' Challenge Mode. The Mirror Challenge might help you better control your new abilities."

Hearing this, Xia Yuan perked up, his interest piqued. He recalled his own unexpected experience with the Mirror Challenge earlier.

Luo Chuan, as the owner of Origin Mall, naturally knew what Xia Yuan had stumbled upon. Though he'd been momentarily surprised, he couldn't deny the hidden depth of the store's features.

Perhaps there was even more to be discovered.

---

"Mirror Challenge? What's that?" Ying Wuji asked, intrigued.

The other customers in the store, overhearing the conversation, turned their attention to Luo Chuan. Their curiosity grew—was there something new in the store?

Luo Chuan shook his head. "It's not new."

A collective sigh of disappointment rippled through the group.

Luo Chuan continued, "The Mirror Challenge is a mode in the Tower of Trials. It generates a mirror image identical to yourself."

Everyone nodded, their understanding deepening. A mode that could replicate their exact power and skills—this was something worth trying.

For Ying Wuji, it was the perfect opportunity to test his limits and hone his newfound strength.