180: Gu Yingying has been selected

What shocked the crowd even more was her actual performance in the recent 'Thousand Mechanisms Combat Formation' assessment.

When the assessment began, she faced a simulated 'Nine-Twist Interlocking Maze Formation', a Formation notorious for its numerous spiritual power nodes and unpredictable, ever-changing paths. Given her previous level and cultivation, barely protecting herself and finding her way out would have been considered good enough. But this time, she displayed abilities that made everyone look at her with new eyes.

Her understanding and control precision over basic spiritual patterns had significantly improved; the speed and stability with which she traced runes with spiritual power threads from her fingertips far surpassed her previous capabilities.

"She... she's only at the Foundation Establishment Mid-stage, right? But this feeling of spiritual power... how can it be so condensed and substantial?"

"Those moves she used to break the 'Earthfire Melts Metal Formation' just now... the calculations and timing... were too precise! When did she acquire such skills?"

"This... this level of Formation mastery simply doesn't match what a Foundation Establishment Mid-stage cultivator should have! And that spiritual power, it feels even more solid than mine, a Late Foundation Establishment Stage cultivator?"

"Did the Hall Master choose her... because he truly recognized this... this kind of potential after her transformation?"

The Disciples could no longer hold back. They whispered among themselves, and the low murmur of discussion spread through the hall like ripples on water.

Surprise, bewilderment, scrutiny, and a hint of unconcealable envy—all sorts of complex emotions interwove within the gazes directed at Gu Yingying. Not long ago, this Junior Sister had seemed somewhat despondent due to her prolonged inability to break through a minor Bottleneck at the Foundation Establishment Mid-stage and wasn't particularly eye-catching within the hall.

However, in such a short time, not only had her spiritual power Foundation undergone a qualitative leap, becoming exceptionally solid and stable, but her understanding of Formations and practical combat ability had also seemed to gain sudden enlightenment, advancing by leaps and bounds. This kind of reborn-like transformation was truly astonishing and full of mystery.

On the high platform, True Person Mo Yan took in all the reactions within the hall. He naturally knew the source of Gu Yingying's change—the nourishment and tempering of her bone structure, Aptitude, and spiritual power Origin by the vast, pure Primal Yang Power from Lu Yang. But such a secret, he would absolutely not reveal at this moment.

He merely used a steady voice to deliver an authoritative ruling: "Gu Yingying, over the past month, has tempered her spiritual power Origin to an exceptionally condensed and pure state. The stability of her Foundation is rare within the Mid-stage of Foundation Establishment.

On the path of Formations, her Comprehension Ability has improved remarkably. In the recent assessment, her understanding of Formation principles was thorough and profound, her problem-solving approach novel and unique, and her techniques for breaking Formations were ingenious and subtle. She is particularly adept at using cleverness to overcome brute force in environments with limited spiritual power, demonstrating extraordinary potential and adaptability.

Therefore, this spot is given to her. May she seize this Opportunity to verify her learning and temper her growth within the Forbidden Ground."

Gu Yingying stood in the center of the great hall, feeling the gazes converging on her from all directions, her heart pounding like a drum.

After the initial shock, immense joy and a strong sense of responsibility surged in her heart. She took a deep breath, trying hard to calm her turbulent emotions, took a small step forward, and bowed deeply towards True Person Mo Yan's direction. Her voice was clear and crisp, carrying a slight tremor from excitement, yet exceptionally distinct:

"Disciple... Disciple Gu Yingying, thanks the Hall Master for his trust! Disciple... Disciple will spare no effort, living up to the Hall Master's cultivation and the expectations of Senior Brother and Senior Sister, bringing honor to the Formation Hall!"

Thus, the Formation Hall's three-person list for entering the Blood-colored Forbidden Land was officially confirmed: Senior Sister Liu Qingyi, Second Senior Brother Shi Jian, and Junior Sister Gu Yingying.

After announcing the spots, True Person Mo Yan did not dismiss the crowd. His gaze swept over the three selected individuals, and he said in a deep voice, "Liu Qingyi, Shi Jian, Gu Yingying, stay. The rest of you, withdraw and attend to your own affairs."

Although the other Disciples in the hall still had many questions and thoughts in their minds, none dared to disobey the Hall Master's order. They all bowed respectfully and then filed out of the Hall of Myriad Mechanisms with complex feelings.

The heavy doors slowly closed, cutting off the noise from outside. Only True Person Mo Yan and Liu Qingyi, Shi Jian, and Gu Yingying remained in the great hall. The atmosphere was still solemn, but the previous tension had lessened, replaced by a sense of a senior Revered Master entrusting his Disciples about to embark on a journey.

True Person Mo Yan rose from his jade seat and slowly descended the high platform, coming before the three. His gaze first fell on Liu Qingyi: "Qingyi, you are the team leader. Inside the Forbidden Ground, a thousand changes can occur. Although Formation arts are this hall's reliance, remember not to rely solely on Formations.

You must assess the situation and cooperate fully with Shi Jian and Yingying. Your illusion Formations and spatial techniques may carve a path to survival at critical moments, but use them prudently, as their consumption is also immense."

"This Disciple understands and will not fail the Revered Master's great trust," Liu Qingyi responded coolly, her gaze firm.

Then, True Person Mo Yan looked at Shi Jian: "Shi Jian, your Foundation is solid, and your Heart-Nature is steady. Within the Forbidden Ground, defense and stability are the Foundation of survival. The 'Immovable Boulder Formation Plate' and the 'Mysterious Turtle Calms the Sea Formation Flags' you carry must be checked constantly to ensure they are usable. If you encounter powerful enemies or unstable space, you are the team's anchor."

"Yes, Revered Master! This Disciple will definitely protect Senior Sister and Junior Sister!" Shi Jian clasped his fists, his voice loud and powerful.

Finally, True Person Mo Yan's gaze landed on Gu Yingying. That gaze was profound, carrying scrutiny and a hint of expectation difficult to perceive: "Yingying."

"Disciple is here!" Gu Yingying hurriedly responded, standing even straighter.

"Your cultivation is still shallow, yet the condensation of your Foundation is rare in this world. This is your greatest reliance," True Person Mo Yan said calmly, yet each word was clear. "Within the Forbidden Ground, spiritual power recovery is not easy. You must make good use of your spiritual power control precision, which far surpasses your peers, and your keen perception of subtle Formation patterns.

Your task is not to break through tough obstacles, but to assist Qingyi in observing the environment, identifying potential Formation pattern traps, and finding weak points in Formations. When in danger, prioritize self-preservation; do not overreach. Your potential lies in the future. The importance of this journey lies in experience and broadening your horizons."

"Yes! This Disciple will remember the Revered Master's teachings! I will definitely assist Senior Sister and Senior Brother Shi well and act cautiously!" Gu Yingying nodded vigorously, firmly imprinting these words in her heart.

True Person Mo Yan gave a slight nod, then turned his hand and took out three ancient-looking tokens, neither metal nor jade, engraved with dense silver patterns on their surfaces. He handed them to the three respectively: "These are the 'World-Breaking Tokens' for entering the Blood-colored Forbidden Land. They also serve as your identity markers and basic positioning beacons within the Forbidden Ground. Ten days from now, at the hour of Chen, assemble at the Sect's 'Void Breaking Platform' and enter together with Disciples from the other peaks."

He then took out three palm-sized, compass-like Magical Artifacts made of different materials with intricate structures: "These are simplified versions of the 'Spirit-Seeking Vein-Fixing Compass'. They can help you sense abnormal spiritual power fluctuations and potential spatial fissures over a relatively large range.

Although not comparable to the hall's treasured artifacts, they are better than nothing when exploring unfamiliar territory.

Qingyi, you keep the main compass. Shi Jian and Yingying, hold the secondary compasses; they can sense the approximate direction of the main compass."

"Thank you, Hall Master!" The three responded in unison, respectfully receiving the tokens and artifacts.

"Go now, prepare well," True Person Mo Yan waved his hand, said no more, and turned to walk slowly back to the high platform's jade seat.

Liu Qingyi, Shi Jian, and Gu Yingying bowed once more, then turned and quietly withdrew from the great hall.

The hall doors closed behind them, separating the silence within from the clamor of the outside world.

The three exchanged glances. Liu Qingyi's cool face showed no extra emotion. She simply said concisely, "First, go to the Secret Treasury to collect supplies. Junior Brother Shi, you are responsible for checking the status of defensive Formation Plates and flags and replenishing backups.

Junior Sister Gu, you are responsible for organizing and checking all basic consumables: Repair Fluids, Spirit Stones, and recording Jade Slips, etc. I will oversee coordination and inspect the 'Spirit-Seeking Vein-Fixing Compass' and the Shadow-Concealing Breath-Suppressing Formation."

"Yes, Senior Sister!" Shi Jian and Gu Yingying responded simultaneously. Gu Yingying tightened her grip on the World-Breaking Token and the secondary Spirit-Seeking Vein-Fixing Compass in her hand, feeling the token's cool touch and the artifact's faint spiritual power fluctuations. Her heart was filled with nervousness about the unknown Forbidden Ground, but even more so, a strong impulse of bearing responsibility and a desire to prove herself.

Without further words, the three quickly disappeared into the depths of the corridor leading to the Secret Treasury, throwing themselves into their respective intense preparations.