After a long battle, Mao Li emerged victorious against the formidable grade one Crescent Jaguar demon beast.
"I did it," Mao Li exclaimed, though his elation was tempered by the profound fatigue that clung to him post-fight.
As exhaustion weighed on him, a sudden message interface materialized before his eyes.
[Congratulations, Participant Mao Li has advanced to the second stage of the battle arena.]
With the appearance of this message, the Illusory world dissolved, transporting Mao Li back to the familiar terrain of the original world.
The experiences within the Illusory world left an indelible mark on him.
Not only did the intense confrontation with the demon beast enhance his combat prowess, but the surge in strength within the Illusory World also provided him with clarity regarding the path he must tread in the future.
Observing this remarkable scene, the gathered cultivators couldn't help but be impressed by Mao Li's outstanding achievement.
"This kid will surely have a bright future," remarked a spectator, a sentiment echoed by nods of agreement from others.
Mao Li's master, Liang Kai, beamed with pride for his only disciple.
"Setting that aside, this array is truly special, and I've never encountered a battle arena like this before," Liang Kai noted, his expression one of satisfaction.
"Indeed, this battle arena displays remarkable creativity. If time permits in the future, I'd love to return," added another spectator.
The spectators, deeply impressed by the day's events, expressed their eagerness to return and witness such captivating battles again.
Following Mao Li's triumph, subsequent participants attempted to face the challenges, only to be met with harsh defeats at the hands of relentless demon beasts.
In the end, Mao Li stood as the sole victor of the day, securing his advancement to the second stage where he would face formidable opponents who had also conquered the initial trials.
With the satisfied customers dispersing, Jun breathed a sigh of relief. "Seems like spending all those tokens on the array was worthwhile."
"Master, here's today's report," Hua Zhenyi handed over the document to Jun.
Of all the cultivators present to witness the battles, only a small number requested the return of their spirit stones.
Jun swiftly handled those who persisted, banning them from future business dealings.
Despite these minor setbacks, the day proved lucrative. Jun, adjusting the investment cost in the arena, had earned a total of 400 spirit stones in a single day.
"Not bad, this should suffice," Jun remarked with a smile, clearly pleased with the day's profits.
With the substantial profit amassed in a single day, Jun found himself in a position to compete with well-established shops on the island.
Satisfied after reading the report, Jun returned to the shop house, prioritizing his cultivation.
Cultivation remained an integral focus, and he commenced his training in the private room on the second floor.
As he circulated his energy, a warm sensation enveloped him, prompting Jun's realization.
This... Am I going to breakthrough?
A surge of energy within Jun rapidly intensified, and his aura experienced a significant augmentation. It seemed he had finally overcome the barrier that had impeded his progress for years.
3rd stage of the Qi Condensation Realm!
Having achieved the 3rd stage of the Qi Condensation Realm, Jun felt a newfound sense of security.
"Now, I should be able to defend myself if an attack like last time occurs," he mused, his vigilance heightened since the previous assassination attempt.
Despite the breakthrough, Jun acknowledged his lack of combat and movement techniques to bolster his prowess. Consequently, he relied on the snake puppet for protection.
Emerging from his room after a period of cultivation, Jun was greeted by Hua Zhenyi. "Congratulations, master, on your breakthrough," she expressed, bowing respectfully.
Jun nodded and descended to the first floor of the shop.
"If I'm correct, those people should be around discussing today's battle arena match."
Jun pondered to himself, reflecting on how opening the battle arena aimed to garner reputation points and attract suitable customers. The prospect of achieving a specific milestone also motivated him.
Suddenly, a system notification captured his attention.
[Congratulations to the host, you have gained 10 reputation points.]
[Congratulations to the host, you have completed the achievement 'Gain your first reputation point'.]
[Congratulations to the host, you have unlocked the 'Random talent' function.]
Jun was both surprised and elated by the unexpected notifications.
"Hm... Random talent?" Intrigued, he desired to explore this new function, but first, he needed to collect the reward for completing the achievement.
[Host can pick one reward for completing the achievement 'Gain your first reputation point'.]
[Saber Dao Talent (mortal grade high-level)]
[Sword Dao Talent (mortal grade high-level)]
[Spear Dao Talent (mortal grade high-level)]
Contemplating his choice, Jun decided on the [Sword Dao Talent]. The popularity of this talent, coupled with the widespread aspiration among cultivators to follow the path of a Sword cultivator, influenced his decision.
[Sword Dao Talent (mortal grade high-level): Sword dao aptitude increases by three times. Sword type techniques comprehension increases by 50%. After absorbing this talent, anyone will be able to reach the level of a sword cultivator. (Enhanceable) (Price: 40 tokens)]
Jun noted, "This talent is actually enhanceable," pursing his lips in consideration.
Encountering a talent with upgrade potential was a first for Jun, raising questions about potential limits.
Setting the talent scroll aside, he delved into the 'Random talent' function recently unlocked.
Pleasantly surprised, he discovered the ability to use reputation points to acquire a random talent without compromising their original effect of attracting suitable customers.
"Let's see if my luck is good today or not," Jun chuckled, opting to use the function immediately.
[You have used 'Random Talent' function in exchange for 10 reputation points.]
[Congratulations to the host, you have acquired 'Thunder Affinity' talent.]
[Thunder Affinity (mortal grade high-level): Compatibility with thunder element increases by 100%. Comprehension for thunder elemental techniques increases by 50%. There's a small chance of getting enlightenment after comprehending a thunder elemental technique. (Price: 30 tokens)]
"Impressive," Jun muttered.
The Thunder Affinity talent proved to be valuable, particularly for cultivators with thunder elemental spiritual roots, enhancing their capabilities significantly.