Mortal: Starting with the Seven Mysterious Sects, I proved my Dao through sacrifice.

Chapter 76: The Grand Ceremony of Ten Thousand Buddhas Paying Homage Begins, Breaking Through the Nascent Soul Stage in the Gathering Yang Formation! A surprise awaits! Click here to unlock now.

Since Murong Fan obtained the high-level cultivation technique "Ming Wang Jue" from the Sinful Buddha, his overall strength has increased by leaps and bounds. When the technique is activated, spiritual energy surges around his body, as if there were ten thousand horses galloping, but each practice session requires enduring great pain. However, "Ming Wang Jue" is extremely domineering and cannot be mastered in a short time. It took Murong Fan three full years and a large amount of resources to cultivate it to the second level.

At this time, his cultivation had been stuck at the early stage of the Nascent Soul realm for two or three years. No matter how much he refined his cultivation technique, he was still unable to break through the bottleneck and enter the middle stage of the Nascent Soul realm. If it were an ordinary breakthrough, he would only need to slowly accumulate cultivation and build up his foundation. However, the Mingwang Technique requires far more heaven and earth pressure during the breakthrough than ordinary cultivation techniques. Ordinary closed-door cultivation is simply not enough to meet the power requirements after the second breakthrough.

The Thunder Sound Sect holds the "Ten Thousand Buddhas Paying Homage" ceremony every ten years. This ceremony is being held five years after Murong Fan obtained the Bright King Technique from the Sinful Buddha. During the ceremony, the underground spiritual veins will gush forth with extremely yang spiritual energy. After much thought, Murong Fan finally came up with a way to leverage this energy—"borrow" spiritual energy to enhance his cultivation.

The pure and abundant Yang spiritual energy perfectly matched the domineering attributes of the "Ming Wang Jue," helping him break through this constraint. Murong Fan touched the jade token hidden in his sleeve, a reward from Yuan Xiang for his "diligent cultivation," which would allow him to enter the core area of ​​the Leiyin Sect on the day of the grand ceremony.

The day of the grand ceremony arrived quickly. All the cultivators of the sect gathered in the plaza in front of the mountain gate to worship Buddha. Most of the elders went to the front mountain to preside over the ceremony, leaving only a handful of people on duty at the spiritual vein vent, the core of the Thunder Sound Sect, on the back mountain. Taking advantage of his status, Murong Fan discreetly bypassed the guards and quietly slipped into the secret chamber where the spiritual vein vent was located. As soon as he pushed open the stone door, a surge of scorching, powerful yang spiritual energy rushed towards him, instantly enveloping him.

Murong Fan was secretly delighted and immediately sat down cross-legged to circulate the "Ming Wang Technique." The domineering technique frantically devoured the surrounding pure Yang spiritual energy, and the spiritual power surged through his meridians like raging magma. Nourished by the spiritual energy, his nascent soul continued to expand, and the barrier that had been stuck at his bottleneck for many years creaked under the strain. He clenched his fists, letting the excruciating pain engulf his entire body, and shoved the Spirit Tempering Pill he had prepared beforehand into his mouth. With the help of the pill's medicinal power, he slammed hard into the barrier that had blocked him for years.

After three days of observation, Murong Fan's lips curled into an expectant smile. During the grand ceremony, all the monks came out to pray for blessings. Although the concentration of spiritual energy at the overflow point of the spiritual vein in his area was not as high as that in the core area, it was still a rare opportunity for cultivation.

"A Spirit Gathering Array?" Murong Fan smiled slightly. "The Thunder Sound Sect's arrays are exquisite, but I have a more suitable method." As the lay disciple who presided over the temple, he was highly valued by Yuan Xiang, who granted him permission to allocate idle low-level magical artifacts and materials without affecting the operation of the temple.

"Elder Murong, your mastery of formations far surpasses that of your peers. Take these materials and study them carefully; you'll definitely find them useful in the future." Yuan Xiang's words filled Murong Fan with gratitude. He bowed deeply and returned to Ting Lei Courtyard with the materials.

Back at the Listening Thunder Courtyard, Murong Fan immediately began setting up the Gathering Yang Dust Array. His low-grade magic weapon seemed to come alive under his array-making talent; his movements were fluid and precise. Patrolling monks passing by only saw the courtyard shimmering with spiritual light, unaware that he was undertaking a monumental setup.

Murong Fan's eyes were sharp as an eagle's as he carefully selected materials, choosing not only those for refining the array base and the core of the array eye, but also those to assist the array in its operation.

"These materials are enough for me to set up a higher-level array!" Murong Fan thought to himself with delight, putting the materials into his storage bag. At this moment, Yuan Xiang walked over, looked at the materials in his hand and nodded with satisfaction: "Elder Murong, you have done a great job. I believe you can definitely set up a powerful array." Murong Fan bowed deeply again and continued to focus on selecting materials.

Three hours later, Murong Fan had collected enough materials. Looking at the carefully selected materials, a confident smile appeared on his lips: "With these materials, my Gathering Yang Micro Dust Array will definitely be able to unleash its maximum power!" He quickly formed hand seals, his fingers moving nimbly, and the materials in his hands constantly transformed and recombined. Ordinary low-level magic artifacts were transformed into array flags and array plates that shimmered with spiritual light in the blink of an eye.

Murong Fan set up an array around the courtyard. With a flick of his finger, the array flags automatically flew into the air, forming a mysterious formation without making a sound. The flags danced in the air, shimmering with spiritual light, as if they were alive, automatically seeking the best position. "The Gathering Yang Dust Array, it must be set up successfully!" Murong Fan's eyes were firm as he continued to focus on setting it up.

The formation was set up with exceptionally smooth progress; the occasional minor mishaps were nothing more than child's play in his eyes. He casually adjusted the positions of the array flags, and the formation instantly stabilized. "Once the Gathering Yang Micro-Dust Array is operational, the speed of absorbing spiritual energy will definitely increase significantly!" A glint flashed in Murong Fan's eyes, and a confident smile appeared on his face, his heart filled with anticipation for the grand ceremony.

In just two hours, Murong Fan successfully set up the Gathering Yang Micro-Dust Array. This seemingly insignificant array contained the profound principles of the *Ten Thousand Arrays Returning to the Origin Technique*, capable of gathering surrounding spiritual energy and enhancing absorption efficiency. He activated the array, and its core instantly erupted with dazzling light. The surrounding spiritual energy surged into the array like a tide, transforming into pure energy that rushed towards his body. "Awesome! This spiritual energy is even purer than I imagined!" Murong Fan was overjoyed.

Feeling the surging power within him, Murong Fan's face broke into a joyful smile. He frantically circulated the *Ming Wang Jue*, spiritual energy flowing through his meridians like magma, tempering his physical body. He could clearly feel his physical strength increasing at an alarming rate; his meridians were widening, and his bones were hardening. "The spiritual energy of the Lei Yin Sect is truly a great tonic!" Murong Fan thought excitedly. "Once the grand ceremony begins, I must seize the opportunity to break through my cultivation level!" He clenched his fist, his eyes filled with anticipation.

Inside the main hall of the Leiyin Sect, the chanting of Buddhist bells resounded, and incense smoke billowed like mist. Thousands of monks, clad in gilded robes and holding staffs and ritual implements, stood in neat rows, their chanting making the roof tiles vibrate. Abbot Yuanxiang uttered a Buddhist chant, the sound echoing throughout the entire Leiyin Sect, bringing peace to the mind.

Murong Fan mingled among the menial monks, his hands clasped together, head bowed, appearing utterly devout, but a glint of cunning gleamed in his eyes. His divine sense had already formed a vast, intricate network, thoroughly understanding the entire restrictive structure of the Thunder Sound Sect. "Later, I must seize the opportunity to absorb as much spiritual energy as possible!" Murong Fan thought expectantly, his outward demeanor remaining respectful.

As Abbot Yuan Xiang shouted "Activate the formation!", a crack suddenly appeared in the ground, and a surge of crimson-gold, supremely yang spiritual energy erupted into the sky like a volcanic eruption! This spiritual energy was terrifyingly pure, carrying a faint Buddhist light, and instantly permeated the entire Thunder Sound Sect. The ordinary monks all showed wild joy, sat cross-legged, and began to absorb it. Murong Fan was no exception, a look of anticipation curving his lips.

"Gathering Yang Dust Array, activate!" Murong Fan murmured inwardly, his fingertips flicking out three inconspicuous pebbles. The pebbles vanished the moment they hit the ground, and the ground beneath his feet had already been covered by the Gathering Yang Dust Array, which he had deliberately set aside over the past six months—this was even with him deliberately concealing its power to avoid interfering with the other monks' absorption of spiritual energy! "The spiritual energy of the Thunder Sound Sect is truly too pure!" Murong Fan thought to himself with secret delight, feeling the power within his body constantly increasing.

Boom! A violent torrent of spiritual energy surged into Murong Fan's body! The Mingwang Technique was activated to its limit, every pore greedily absorbing the spiritual energy. His meridians were stretched and aching, yet they continued to widen and strengthen under the nourishment of the spiritual energy. "Awesome! So awesome!" Murong Fan felt extremely happy.

"Crack! Crack!" The sounds of bones popping rang out rapidly, like popping beans. Murong Fan's muscles bulged and solidified at a visible speed, as if magma was surging beneath his skin, radiating a dazzling golden light. He could clearly feel his power soaring at an alarming rate; a single punch could probably easily shatter a boulder weighing tens of thousands of pounds! "Mid-stage Nascent Soul, here I come!" Murong Fan roared inwardly, his eyes gleaming with extreme excitement.

At the grand ceremony, Murong Fan absorbed spiritual energy while observing his surroundings. He saw the presiding minister, the head of the Discipline Hall, and others, and his heart was filled with respect. "They have sacrificed so much for the Thunder Sound Sect; I must cultivate diligently and live up to their expectations!" Murong Fan thought resolutely, increasing the suction force of the formation. "Once I break through to the mid-Nascent Soul stage, I will definitely do even more for the Thunder Sound Sect!" A determined glint flashed in his eyes as he continued absorbing spiritual energy.

Just then, the head of the Discipline Hall, who was on patrol, suddenly opened his eyes, his sharp gaze sweeping in Murong Fan's direction. "Hmm? Why is the spiritual energy fluctuation within this lowly monk so strong?" He frowned, stood up, and walked towards Murong Fan. The surrounding monks all turned to look, their eyes filled with doubt. "Oh no, I've been discovered!" Murong Fan was startled, but on the surface, he remained calm, still appearing devout. He was prepared; a thought quickly flashed through his mind, and he decided to tell the truth.

Murong Fan remained calm inside, but a hint of nervousness appeared on his face, and his body trembled slightly. He deliberately emitted a trace of chaotic spiritual energy, pretending to be diligently absorbing it. "Disciple...disciple is diligently absorbing spiritual energy, hoping to break through to a higher realm soon..." Murong Fan said respectfully, his eyes showing determination. This was the principle of "treating others with sincerity" that the abbot had taught him years ago, and he never expected to use it to deal with the head of the Discipline Hall today.

The head monk of the Discipline Hall placed his hand on Murong Fan's pulse, feeling a surge of pure spiritual energy coursing through his body. "Hmm? You're actually cultivating the 'Ming Wang Jue'? And you've already reached the peak of the second level?" He frowned, surprised, then nodded approvingly, "Not bad, not bad!" Little did he know, Murong Fan had also set up a Gathering Yang Micro-Dust Array, allowing him to absorb spiritual energy several times faster than ordinary monks!

"You flatter me, Chief. I was just lucky," Murong Fan said modestly, while secretly continuing to absorb spiritual energy. "Once I break through to the mid-Nascent Soul stage, I'll definitely give the Chief and the Abbot a big surprise!" he thought to himself with delight.

The head of the Discipline Hall waved his hand: "You don't need to be modest. Your talent is quite good. Keep up the good work!" "Thank you, Head!" Murong Fan was secretly delighted.

Murong Fan returned to his position, a barely perceptible smile playing on his lips. He could feel that his physical strength had increased more than threefold, and his "Ming Wang Jue" had broken through to the third level! What excited him even more was that the Gathering Yang Micro-Dust Array was functioning normally, absorbing spiritual energy faster than he had imagined! "Thunder Sound Sect, thank you for your spiritual energy," Murong Fan said gratefully. "Once I break through to the mid-Nascent Soul stage, I will definitely do more for the Thunder Sound Sect!" He clenched his fist, his eyes filled with anticipation.

Back in his room, Murong Fan immediately began circulating the "Ming Wang Jue" to consolidate his cultivation. The spiritual energy within his body surged like a tsunami, each circulation making his physical body even stronger. "Thunder Sound Sect, thank you for your spiritual energy," he murmured to himself, a glint of light flashing in his eyes. "Once I break through to the mid-Nascent Soul stage, I will definitely do more for the Thunder Sound Sect!" He sat cross-legged, formed hand seals, and began to cultivate with focused concentration.

Inside the main hall, Abbot Yuanxiang's expression suddenly changed: "Hmm? How come the spiritual energy of the spiritual vein has become so pure?" He checked the protective array and found that the spiritual energy of the spiritual vein was purer than before, so he frowned. "Could it be that a powerful expert is helping us?" he wondered, glancing at the monks in the hall, but he found nothing unusual.

Murong Fan was unaware of the presiding minister's doubts; he was currently immersed in the growth of his power. He could clearly feel the immense power contained within his body, and if he wished, he could break through to the mid-stage of the Nascent Soul realm at any time! "Mid-stage Nascent Soul, here I come!" Murong Fan clenched his fist, his knuckles making a crisp sound, his eyes gleaming with confidence.

Just as Murong Fan was about to break through to the mid-stage of the Nascent Soul realm, Abbot Yuanxiang suddenly appeared at the entrance of his Listening Thunder Courtyard. "Murong Fan, you truly have not disappointed me!" Abbot Yuanxiang said with a smile, his eyes full of praise. "Abbot, what brings you here?" Murong Fan was startled and quickly stood up.

"I sensed the changes in the spiritual veins and suspect it's your doing," Abbot Yuan Xiang said with a smile. "Your Gathering Yang Micro-Dust Array is quite well set up; it not only improves the efficiency of spiritual energy absorption but also makes the spiritual energy in the veins purer!"

"Thank you for your praise, Abbot Yuanxiang!" Murong Fan was secretly delighted, but outwardly he appeared humble. "You don't need to be modest. Your talent is quite good. Keep up the good work!" Abbot Yuanxiang patted Murong Fan on the shoulder and said, "How wonderful it would be if you were my formal disciple! I would then teach you the core techniques of the Thunder Sound Sect!" "Thank you, Abbot Yuanxiang! Buddhism emphasizes cause and effect and predestined affinity. It is my shallow fortune that I cannot become your formal disciple. The cause and effect have not yet arrived, and everything is left to fate." Murong Fan quickly knelt down and kowtowed three times, his eyes filled with tears of gratitude.

"Thunder Sound Sect, thank you for your nurturing!" A hint of gratitude flashed in Murong Fan's eyes. "Once I break through to the mid-Nascent Soul stage and achieve greater cultivation, I will never forget the sect's kindness!" Murong Fan opened the door, looked at the sky outside, and a smile appeared on his lips. "Cultivation has only just begun!" He flashed back to his own courtyard and continued cultivating.