Inside, the candlelight flickered, its dim glow gently trembling in the breeze, illuminating the entire room brightly.

Wisps of blue smoke slowly gathered in mid-air, transforming into clear lines of text.

Qin An stood quietly among them, his expression calm as he waited.

During this period, without the disturbances of tasks, and with Qin An not stepping beyond his door, he spent each day locked in his room, practicing his Array Master skills.

The Array Master finally reached level ten after the completion of arduous practice.

The text formed by smoke turned from blurry to clear, eventually floating in mid-air.

[Array Master lv.10 (0/5000): The speed of setting up arrays increases, as does the speed of breaking arrays, and the materials required to set up arrays are reduced]

[Talent: Pulse Condensation Realm array mastering, Pulse Condensation Realm array resistance mastery, Pulse Condensation Realm array effect enhancement]

Once the text emerged, it swiftly dissipated, transforming into a torrent of information rushing into Qin An's mind.

Qin An closed his eyes thoughtfully, and after several breaths, absorbed all the information before reopening his eyes.

When he opened his eyes again, a sharp glint appeared in them; the mysteries of a level ten Array Master were now well understood.

After reaching level ten, all the Array Master's talents were elevated to the Pulse Condensation Realm.

At this moment, Qin An's skills in the path of arrays were more profound.

In the Pulse Condensation Realm, he was unmatched.

"With this, the odds in this bet seem quite favorable," Qin An thought to himself.

As night fell, Qin An did not intend to waste more time and soon went to sleep without changing clothes.

...

The next day, the dawn light was faint, and the sky gradually transitioned from dark to bright.

At dawn the following day, the soft morning light draped Xunyang Prefecture in a golden veil.

A team of riders galloped along the official road a hundred miles away.

Their attire was vastly different from that of Xunyang Prefecture, making it clear at a glance that they were foreigners.

Inside an opulent carriage, a young handsome man lazily leaned against a cushion, his face filled with joy.

Beside the man was a beautiful woman.

The woman wore a light veil and was lying on the man.

Amidst the bumps of the carriage, the amorous sounds were cleverly concealed.

After a long while, accompanied by the man's gentle sigh, the woman finally rose.

"Mr. Ruan, are you satisfied with my skills?" the woman laughed softly, reaching out to caress Ruan Lingzhi's cheek.

Ruan Lingzhi's lips curled slightly upward as he embraced the woman: "Qianqian truly lives up to her reputation; my daily joy comes from you."

The woman named Qianqian covered her mouth with a smile, exuding charm: "Don't tease me, sir; everything I do is for you."

This soft and boneless demeanor stirred Ruan Lingzhi's desires.

Yet, he noticed a trace of worry in the woman's eyes.

"Rest assured, once this is over, I'll report to the elders and the Sect Leader, and I'll marry you into the Celestial Solitary Array Gate."

Qianqian pretended to be on the verge of tears: "Your intention is kind, but I'm concerned about whether your journey will go smoothly."

Ruan Lingzhi snorted coldly: "What could go wrong? I have gathered the greatness of two families. What could the Profound Celestial Array Gate possibly provide to challenge me? They're just mere chickens and dogs. Once I retrieve the Secret Technique, I'll rise swiftly within the sect."

Qianqian feigned a hint of joy yet sighed.

Ruan Lingzhi frowned: "Why still like this? Are you unwilling even if I marry you into my sect?"

Qianqian hastily shook her head in fear: "You misunderstand. It's just that returning to Xunyang Prefecture evokes memories; my sisters are also in Xunyang Prefecture."

As soon as she finished speaking, Qianqian leaned close to Ruan Lingzhi's ear, whispering a few words.

Ruan Lingzhi's eyes first showed confusion, then widened in delight: "Is what you said true? Your sister is also a person with remarkable skills?"

Qianqian giggled: "Of course. My sister has long admired you, often corresponding with me. If you take her as a concubine, life will be full of joy."

Ruan Lingzhi licked his lips: "After this is over, take me to your home. I want to see what this other feeling is like."

Qianqian laughed: "Then you must make me your main consort, my lord."

Ruan Lingzhi laughed heartily, lightly tapping Qianqian's waist: "Rest assured, no one can take away your position as the main consort."

Qianqian once again leaned on Ruan Lingzhi's chest, her eyes flashing a barely noticeable cold glint that quickly concealed itself.

Ruan Lingzhi suddenly recalled something and asked: "What is the location of your home? This trip is quite urgent; I must hurry back after completing the task to see if time allows."

Qianqian lifted her head and pointed in a direction: "It's in that direction. I'll naturally lead you there, my lord."

Upon hearing this, Ruan Lingzhi finally let his mind rest.

If there were someone familiar with the location present, they would have noticed that the direction Qianqian pointed to was towards Jiao Long Hall.

The speed of the carriage gradually slowed, and soon, the curtain was lifted by a hand.

The owner of this hand was an elderly person with white hair.

The old man glanced at the extravagant scene inside the carriage, frowning slightly: "Lingzhi, we'll soon arrive at Profound Celestial Array Gate. You should tidy yourself up a bit and don't disgrace the Celestial Solitary Array Gate."

Ruan Lingzhi replied impatiently: "I know, I naturally understand these things. We aren't there yet, let me relax for a moment."

The old man's frowned deeper, but recalling what the Sect Leader said before departure, he could only sigh and close the curtain again.

Then, with the rocking of the carriage, enchanting sounds arose once more inside.

...

The official road was already smooth, plus this group of riders were all cultivators. They soon arrived at Xunyang Prefecture.

After the old man verified identities with the soldiers at the city gate, he led the group straight towards the Profound Celestial Array Gate.

At this moment, there were two disciples guarding outside the Profound Celestial Array Gate.

When the group arrived at the entrance, two disciples were slightly surprised, their faces showing confusion.

At this moment, the curtain of the carriage was lifted open by a fair arm.

Ruan Lingzhi and Qianqian jumped down from the carriage, raising their heads to survey the Profound Celestial Array Gate in front of them.

Especially Ruan Lingzhi, whose face revealed a hint of disdain.

In his view, this so-called Profound Celestial Array Gate was nothing more than a subsidiary of the Celestial Solitary Array Gate.

If it weren't for the generosity of the former Sect Leader of the Celestial Solitary Array Gate, they wouldn't have had the qualifications to leave.

The elder, however, spoke with reason, stepping forward and saying, "We are from the Celestial Solitary Array Gate. My name is Tao Hanping, an elder of the Celestial Solitary Array Gate. Please report to Mr. Gao inside, she will know upon hearing my name."

The disciple on the left retracted the confusion from his face, showing a trace of solemnity.

They were all disciples of the Profound Celestial Array Gate and naturally knew the past events.

Yet, the disciple did not lose courtesy, offering a courteous hand gesture to wait a moment before heading into the main entrance.

After approximately the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, footsteps sounded from inside the door.

Gao Lingyu, dressed in green, marched out with two elders.

Tao Hanping displayed a complex expression on his face: "Mr. Gao, it's been years since we parted, hope you've been well."

Gao Lingyu shook her head and said, "The Profound Celestial Array Gate has been well in Xunyang Prefecture, indeed no disturbance from the Celestial Solitary Array Gate would be truly well."

Tao Hanping said helplessly, "The decision made by the former Sect Leader was something I opposed, but one person's power cannot change the course, hope Mr. Gao understands."

Gao Lingyu responded blandly, "Those are past matters, don't mention them further. Please, all of you, come in to rest briefly."

Ever since Gao Lingyu appeared, Ruan Lingzhi had been stealthily observing her face.

Though Qianqian looked lovely, she could not hide the aura of the mundane.

Yet Gao Lingyu's aura of transcendence deeply attracted Ruan Lingzhi.

However, the setting wasn't right, and Ruan Lingzhi did not express anything.

Subsequently, under Gao Lingyu's guidance, everyone walked into the Profound Celestial Array Gate.

After everyone entered, Gao Lingyu quietly instructed a disciple, "Go to the Evil Extermination Bureau and invite Qin An over. Make sure Qin An wears the Profound Celestial Array Gate attire and does not expose his identity."

The disciple understood Gao Lingyu's intention, his face displaying an understanding expression, and quietly departed.

He knew well that with Qin An's assistance on this trip, given Qin An's talent, the bet would undoubtedly be won.

...

Inside the reception room of the Profound Celestial Array Gate.

Gao Lingyu sat gracefully at the main seat, gesturing for everyone to be seated before ordering the disciple to serve tea.

Once the fine tea was served on the table, Gao Lingyu gazed at the mist above the tea and softly spoke.

"Mr. Tao, what are your plans for the contest?"

This contest had already given them an advantage.

Precisely for this reason, Gao Lingyu wanted to know the detailed rules of the contest to see if there was any trick involved.

Tao Hanping shook his head and said, "It's merely a simple array setup. Whoever sets up a stronger array will be the victor."

Gao Lingyu frowned, "Is that all, are there any considerations when choosing an array?"

Tao Hanping shook his head, "Choosing an array is also up to Mr. Gao's choices, you can choose the array you are most skilled in, or pick the mysterious and complex ones, it all depends on your mood."

Gao Lingyu raised her brow slightly, "Seems like the Celestial Solitary Array Gate is confident we will win, giving us such favorable terms, implying a definite victory?"

Tao Hanping sighed, "Mr. Gao, concede. Ruan Lingzhi's talent is so exceptional that even the Sect Leader was amazed. He could cultivate two array paths simultaneously, defeating you is an easy task."

"The Sect Leader said that if you directly hand over the array, you'll return to the Celestial Solitary Array Gate, and if you're willing to become a vassal of the Celestial Solitary Array Gate, you can prosper together."

He wanted to continue, but Gao Lingyu raised her hand to interrupt his subsequent words.

"Enough said, no need to elaborate." Gao Lingyu coldly responded, "Though both factions stem from the same origin, you insist on being ruthless; even if we lose today and hand over the Secret Technique, the Profound Celestial Array Gate will never return to the Celestial Solitary Array Gate."

Tao Hanping's eyes showed a hint of helplessness, but seeing Gao Lingyu determined, he didn't continue to persuade.

At this moment, Ruan Lingzhi suddenly spoke.

"This should be the Sect Leader of the Profound Celestial Array Gate. I am Ruan Lingzhi, the participant in this contest, fortunate enough to witness the Sect Leader's elegance, truly inspiring admiration."

His words were courteous and did not lack propriety.

Yet, Gao Lingyu felt Ruan Lingzhi's gaze was odd.

"Are you the genius Mr. Tao mentioned?" Gao Lingyu scrutinized Ruan Lingzhi, "To earn the Sect Leader's recognition, it seems you indeed possess unique qualities."

Ruan Lingzhi smiled faintly, "Naturally, Mr. Gao, can we add something to this wager?"

Upon hearing this, even Tao Hanping frowned tightly.

He extremely disliked Ruan Lingzhi because of his arrogance and indulgence within the sect.

However, his talent was indeed exceptional, even the Sect Leader allowed him to act recklessly.

Currently, Tao Hanping felt Ruan Lingzhi might cause more trouble.

Gao Lingyu furrowed her brows, "What do you want to add?"

Ruan Lingzhi's eyes shot out greed, "If I lose, I'll join the Profound Celestial Array Gate. If I win, how about Mr. Gao becoming my wife?"

As soon as the words fell, Gao Lingyu's face changed dramatically, slamming the table fiercely.

"Impudent!"

"When I left the Celestial Solitary Array Gate, I was a branch leader too. What are you, to utter such foul words?"

Ruan Lingzhi shook his head, "Mr. Gao, why such anger? It's merely a bet increment, if unwilling, then let it be."

Gao Lingyu clenched her fists, her teeth biting her lip, feeling severely wronged by the Celestial Solitary Array Gate, yet helpless.

Precisely at a tense moment, steady footsteps echoed from outside the corridor.

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