Fang Han awoke before the sky had brightened.
He sat cross-legged on his bed, cast aside all stray thoughts, and began to circulate the Xunfeng Technique.
His Inner Qi, at the Early Stage of Eighth Grade, coursed endlessly through his ridians, cycling over and over. Each rotation brought a visible increase in its strength.
His mind was focused as he carefully guided the Inner Qi, savoring the solid feeling of his ridians being filled to the brim.
Over an hour later, he slowly ceased his practice. A faint cyan glint flickered in his eyes, and he felt refreshed and full of vigor.
After a quick wash and breakfast, he picked up his sword and went to a clearing in the woods.
The morning was for practicing the Wind-Splitting Swordsmanship.
SWISH! SWISH! SWISH—
The Cyan Blade Sword left its sheath, its edge flashing as it produced a sharp sound that seed to tear through the air.
He executed the Mastery Level swordsmanship move by move, carefully comprehending the coordination between his Inner Qi and the Sword Techniques, seeking the opportunity to break through to the Great Success Realm.
The wind from his sword howled, kicking up the fallen leaves on the ground.
He could feel his control over Wind Montum becoming more and more proficient. The power of his Sword Techniques was steadily increasing, but the Great Success Realm was not sothing that could be reached in a day.
After all, the Wind-Splitting Swordsmanship was not just a Middle Grade Sword Technique, but one of the most difficult to cultivate within that category.
In the afternoon, as the sun began to slant, Fang Han started practicing the Wind Shadow Step.
WHOOSH! WHOOSH! WHOOSH—
His figure flashed rapidly across the clearing, his steps unpredictable. At tis, he was like a Gentle Breeze Brushing the Willows, impossible to grasp; at others, he was like a flash of lightning, appearing and disappearing in an instant.
Inner Qi surged through the specific ridians in his feet as he magnified his perception to its peak, capturing every subtle change in the airflow around him.
As evening fell, Fang Han finished his Wind Shadow Step practice.
’Strange...’
As he carefully mulled over his practice session for the day, Fang Han’s brow gradually furrowed, a trace of surprise flashing in his eyes.
Logically, since he had been advancing in the Wind-Splitting Swordsmanship for longer, it should be closer to the next realm than the Wind Shadow Step, which he had started practicing later.
But after today’s practice, he had a faint feeling that the Wind Shadow Step was actually the one closer to its next realm.
It wasn’t far from its next stage and might just be the first of the two Martial Techniques to break through.
’Is it because of the difference in difficulty? Is breaking through from Mastery to Great Success in the Wind-Splitting Swordsmanship harder than breaking through from Minor Achievent to Mastery in the Wind Shadow Step?’
’No, it’s probably more than that.’
Fang Han’s thoughts raced, and he quickly pinpointed the key reason.
The last mission to wipe out the Fierce Tiger Stronghold had taken a full ten days from start to finish!
During those ten days, he was either traveling, searching for the bandits’ hideout in the vast mountain forests, or making long treks back and forth through the dense woods and over ridges. He had spent the vast majority of that ti using the Wind Shadow Step.
That kind of high-intensity, single-minded application was equivalent to abandoning all other training to focus solely on his Body Technique for ten whole days!
Amplified by his Sixteenfold Stepping Talent, the effects of those ten days of practice were enormous.
With such a massive improvent, it was no longer surprising.
’Co to think of it, I owe my escape from that Seventh Grade Cultivation disciple of the Netherworld Pavilion to the Wind Shadow Step...’
The perilous scene of being hunted by Shen You, that Seventh Grade disciple from the Netherworld Pavilion, couldn’t help but surface in Fang Han’s mind.
Back then, if it weren’t for the speed and agility of his Minor Achievent Wind Shadow Step, coupled with his decisive retreat into the dense forest to use the terrain to his advantage, he would have likely t a grim end.
The feeling of being on the brink of life and death was so intense that recalling it now still made his heart palpitate with fear.
’Speed... In many situations, it can determine life and death more than absolute Attack Power.’
A thoughtful look appeared in Fang Han’s eyes.
His previous narrow escape had made him realize that a profound Body Technique was not only key to defeating enemies but also the foundation for survival in a crisis.
With this in mind, he made a decision.
For the foreseeable future, he would adjust the focus of his training, investing more energy into practicing the Wind Shadow Step and striving to break through to the Mastery Realm as quickly as possible.
After all, only by staying alive could one have infinite possibilities.
In the following days, Fang Han’s training schedule quietly changed.
The ti he spent practicing the Wind-Splitting Swordsmanship in the morning was slightly reduced, while the ti dedicated to the Wind Shadow Step in the afternoon was correspondingly extended.
He poured more of his comprehension and energy into this Step Technique, which was excellent for both survival and mobility.
With the blessing of his Sixteenfold Stepping Talent, his understanding of the Wind Shadow Step deepened daily.
His improvent was visible to the naked eye every day.
It was as if he could "hear" the sound of the wind and "see" the flow of qi, his body and the environnt becoming more and more attuned.
Ti flew, and more than ten days passed in the blink of an eye.
On this particular afternoon, the setting sun painted the sky a magnificent orange-red, complenting the golden leaves that blanketed the ground.
WHOOSH! WHOOSH! WHOOSH!
Fang Han was practicing the Wind Shadow Step in the clearing, his figure already moving so fast that he beca a series of blurry afterimages. His footsteps were silent, and his movents carried a unique rhythm.
Suddenly, the Inner Qi inside him seed to resonate in a wondrous way.
Beneath his feet, the airflow suddenly beca exceptionally ta and responsive. A Wind Montum, far more imnse than what he had at Minor Achievent, surged into existence!
WHOOSH—!
His figure instantly blurred, leaving behind a much more solid afterimage as his real body appeared nearly ten zhang away as if he had teleported, without disturbing a single speck of dust.
As he moved, it felt as though invisible ribbons of wind had wrapped around his legs, propelling his speed to new heights. The air around him let out a low whimper.
"The Wind Shadow Step... I’ve reached Mastery!"
Fang Han slowly relaxed his stance, feeling the unprecedented lightness and power in his legs. He felt an intimate, harmonious connection with the surrounding airflow, as if it were an extension of his own limbs, and an irrepressible light of joy erupted in his eyes.
He carefully savored his current state.
The Wind Montum he could now summon with his legs had reached the sa "three-tenths" level as his Master Level Wind-Splitting Swordsmanship!
His movent speed had fully doubled compared to when he was at Minor Achievent!
’If I were to run into that Shen You now...’
Fang Han was confident that if he were to face Shen You, the Seventh Grade Cultivation disciple from the Netherworld Pavilion, again, he could easily escape him with just his Master Level Wind Shadow Step, even without the aid of complex terrain like a dense forest.
This undoubtedly represented a quantum leap in his ability to survive.
Just as he was basking in the joy of his Step Technique breakthrough, a servant jogged to the edge of the clearing, bowed respectfully, and spoke.
"Senior Brother Fang, the Elder wishes to see you."
Fang Han reined in his thoughts, his joyful expression fading as he returned to his usual composure. He looked at the servant and nodded.
"Lead the way."
A contemplative glint flashed in his eyes.
’Elder Chen Xuan summoning now is likely related to the "Creation" he ntioned in the Quiet Chamber half a month ago.’
He couldn’t help but feel a flicker of anticipation.
He straightened his slightly disheveled robes, picked up his Cyan Blade Sword, and followed the servant.
Fang Han followed the servant, and they walked in silence.
The servant led him to a reception chamber next to the Inheritance Hall.
After knocking and receiving permission to enter, he pushed open the door, and the scene inside ca into view.
Elder Chen Xuan was seated in the place of honor, with four people already seated on either side below him.
They were none other than Yun Qianyue, Li Feng, Huang Ling’er, and Shi ng. Including himself, the top five from the Sub-Branch were all gathered here!
Fang Han grew even more certain of his speculation.
This summons from Elder Chen Xuan had to be related to the "Creation" he had ntioned before.
"Elder."
Fang Han stepped into the room and bowed in salute.
"Mm, have a seat."
Elder Chen Xuan nodded slightly, his gaze calm.
Fang Han did as he was told, taking the empty seat below Shi ng and observing the others present.
Huang Ling’er blinked, her eyes filled with curiosity about the gathering.
Yun Qianyue’s eyelids were slightly lowered, her expression unreadable beneath her purple veil.
Li Feng sat with his blade in his arms, his expression cold and stern, as if nothing in the outside world concerned him.
Shi ng scratched his head, looking thoroughly confused.
Seeing that everyone was present, Elder Chen Xuan’s gaze slowly swept over the five of them. He pondered for a mont before speaking, his voice low and clear:
"I have summoned you today for a matter of great importance, one that concerns both the Sect and your own futures."
The room fell silent, so quiet you could hear a pin drop. All five focused their attention, listening intently.
"Have the five of you ever heard of ’Earth Core Stone Milk’?"
Elder Chen Xuan asked.
Upon hearing this, Fang Han and Shi ng both showed blank looks and shook their heads.
However, the expressions of Yun Qianyue, Li Feng, and Huang Ling’er changed noticeably.
Yun Qianyue lifted her gaze, and her cool voice sounded:
"I have heard of it from my elder sister. It is said to be an extrely rare Heavenly Material and Earthly Treasure with the effect of Yijing Marrow Cleansing and changing one’s Root Bone."
Her speech was even, but deep in her eyes, there was a subtle, almost imperceptible flicker.
Li Feng’s arm, which was wrapped around his blade, tightened slightly. He said in a deep voice, "My family’s elders have also ntioned it, saying it is exceptionally precious, even among Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures."
Huang Ling’er’s eyes lit up, and she eagerly chid in, "I heard from my old ancestor that it’s a treasure that can improve one’s cultivation aptitude!"
Her tone was filled with obvious longing.
Elder Chen Xuan was not surprised by their answers. He turned his gaze to Fang Han and Shi ng and explained:
"The three of them co from prominent families and are more knowledgeable. It is normal that you two are unaware. This Earth Core Stone Milk is a Spiritual Liquid born from the essence of the earth. Its effect, just as Qianyue said, is Yijing Marrow Cleansing and changing one’s Root Bone!"
"Changing one’s Root Bone?!"
Fang Han and Shi ng cried out in unison, their faces instantly filled with utter disbelief and shock.
Fang Han’s heart leaped as if struck by a heavy hamr.
Root Bone Talent, by common understanding, was thought to be determined at birth, defining the starting point and the upper limit of a Martial Artist’s cultivation path.
He himself had only been able to defy fate and change his destiny thanks to his mysterious Enhancent System. He never imagined that a Heavenly Material and Earthly Treasure capable of directly changing one’s Root Bone actually existed in this world!
He caught a glimpse of Shi ng out of the corner of his eye and saw the sturdy youth’s breathing suddenly grow heavy, his fists clenching subconsciously. He was clearly just as shaken by the news.
Elder Chen Xuan continued.
"Within Qingyang County, there happens to be a natural cave that produces a small amount of Earth Core Stone Milk each year."
"Such a treasured location cannot be monopolized by a single sect, so it is jointly managed by our Qingxuan Sect, the Lingyun Sword Sect, the Overlord Blade Sect, the Vajra Temple, the Netherworld Pavilion, the Baihua Valley, and the Tingyu Building—the Seven Sects."
His tone turned solemn.
"To avoid disputes over its distribution, the Seven Sects agreed that each year, new disciples will compete against one another. The rankings of this competition determine each sect’s share for the year. This year, the five of you will be the ones representing our Qingxuan Sect."
His gaze was like a torch as he looked at each of the five in turn.
"The competition is set for the first of November—that is, the first day of next month. The location is the Commandery City Martial Arts Arena."
"This battle concerns the interests of the Sect, as well as your own futures. If you achieve good results and win a larger share for the Sect, the Sect will naturally bestow generous Contribution Points as a reward."
He paused deliberately, his voice filled with encouragent.
"Not only will there be a generous reward of Contribution Points, but there might even be Earth Core Stone Milk given as a prize!"
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