114: Chapter 114 Cultivating Sword Techniques

"The Low Grade footwork techniques suitable for a Martial Artist with Hidden Force are all here. Choose for yourself, and inform me once you have decided." The Elder pointed to the bookshelf, then stood to the side with his hands behind his back, remaining silent.

Lin Tian scanned the labels and descriptions on the bookshelf one by one.

"Lightning Footwork": Low Grade, valued at 3,200 taels. It focuses on instantaneous burst and linear advancement, moving like a thunderbolt. It is suitable for one-hit kills or fleeing, though it lacks flexibility in turning.

"Fire Shadow Footwork": Low Grade, valued at 3,500 taels. Driven by fire-type Hidden Force, the steps are fierce and rapid, leaving marks on the ground, and it also has the effect of disrupting vision. It has a very high compatibility for those who Cultivate fire-type Cultivation Technique.

"Cloud Shadow Footwork": Low Grade, valued at 3,000 taels. The footwork is elusive like flowing clouds, and the body movements are unpredictable. It excels at dodging and shifting within a small range, creating afterimages to confuse opponents. It has strong adaptability to complex environments, though its absolute speed is slightly inferior to techniques specialized in sprinting.

In addition, there were several others such as "Spirit Ape Step", "Eight Steps Chasing Cicada", and "Seven Stars Treading the Dipper", each with its own merits.

Lin Tian's gaze lingered between "Lightning Footwork" and "Cloud Shadow Footwork" for a moment.

"Lightning Footwork" has strong explosive power, and combined with his existing foundation in Wind-Chasing Footwork, it might reach the pinnacle of speed. But thinking of his own combat style and the complex situations he might face in the future, he finally fixed his gaze on "Cloud Shadow Footwork".

"This 'Cloud Shadow Footwork' is not only fast, but more importantly, it has the characteristic of being 'elusive and creating afterimages'. When facing an enemy, the body movements are difficult to track and hard to distinguish between real and fake. Whether it's deceiving the enemy to close in during an attack, or dodging and maneuvering during defense, it holds the advantage. Plus, its price is relatively cheap, making it more cost-effective." Lin Tian weighed the options in his heart and made his decision.

"Elder, this Disciple chooses this 'Cloud Shadow Footwork'." Lin Tian pointed to the thin booklet with a flowing cloud pattern on the cover.

"Very well." The Elder nodded, took down the "Cloud Shadow Footwork" booklet, and asked again: "Do you need other Martial Skills? Fist, palm, finger, claw, exotic weapons, or some special auxiliary techniques; the Pavilion has them all in its collection."

Lin Tian thought for a moment, shook his head and said: "Thank you, Elder, but not for now. It is better to master a few things well than to learn too many poorly. This Disciple will first practice this 'Xiaguang Sword Technique' and 'Cloud Shadow Footwork' to the Entry stage, and solidify the foundation before considering anything else."

"Hmm, not arrogant or impetuous, being down-to-earth is the Righteous Path." A trace of approval flashed in the Elder's eyes. He said no more and took Lin Tian back to the first-floor hall.

Before a stone table on the first floor, the Elder retrieved two specially made, thread-bound booklets with blank covers, and brought out pen and ink.

He did not copy them directly, but first carefully checked the original texts of the "Xiaguang Sword Technique (Basic Volume)" and "Cloud Shadow Footwork". After confirming they were correct, he picked up the pen, dipped it in ink, held his wrist in the air, and wrote with sweeping, dragon-like strokes.

Lin Tian waited quietly on the side. He saw the Elder writing as if flying. Where the tip of the pen passed, not only were the characters perfectly accurate, but even the complex and profound Qi Circulation routes and footwork diagrams from the original texts were reproduced one by one with concise and precise lines, even faintly capturing some of their essence!

In just the time it takes to brew a cup of tea, the two detailed, illustrated copies were completed.

The ink was not yet dry, and there was a faint, clean fragrance.

"Take them. These copies are written with specially prepared medicinal ink, which can ensure they do not rot or fade for three years. Remember, these two techniques are only for your own cultivation and comprehension. You must never pass them on privately, and you must never leak them outside the Sect! Violators will, at best, have their cultivation crippled and be expelled from the Sect, and at worst... the techniques will be reclaimed, and your life will be at risk!"

The Elder handed the two copies, still carrying the scent of ink, to Lin Tian, his tone solemn and his gaze like lightning.

"This Disciple understands! I will strictly obey the Sect rules!" Lin Tian received them with both hands and promised solemnly.

Just kidding, he had spent a large sum of money (especially for "Cloud Shadow Footwork") to obtain these Secret Manuals, how could he let outsiders benefit? He felt he didn't even have enough time to Cultivate them himself.

"Hmm." The Elder nodded and turned his gaze to the stone table. Lin Tian understood and hurriedly took out six 1,000-tael banknotes he had prepared from his bosom, placing them neatly on the table.

Three thousand taels were the cost for purchasing "Cloud Shadow Footwork", and the other three thousand taels were for the pre-payment of next month's "seven-colored inner essence pill" and possible living expenses—he planned to stay indoors and avoid company for the next period, cultivating with all his might.

The Elder verified the banknotes, the amount was correct, and he waved his hand to put them away, saying to Lin Tian: "Alright, go. Cultivate with focus, and do not waste your time."

"This Disciple takes his leave." Lin Tian carefully put away the two Secret Manuals, storing them close to his body. After bowing again, he turned and left the Library Pavilion.

Leaving the Library Pavilion, Lin Tian did not return directly to the small courtyard behind Zixia Peak. He took a detour to the Service Hall and accepted another one-month task of "Assisting in Caring for Spirit Medicine in Baicao Valley".

When Elder Zhao saw him come voluntarily to take on such a "thankless job" as tending the medicinal fields, he was naturally happy to oblige and quickly processed the procedures.

Stepping into Baicao Valley again, the familiar fragrance of medicine and the tranquil atmosphere made Lin Tian's mind relax. Beside Zone A-3, his small bamboo house still stood quietly.

When Elder Qian saw him return carrying a small bundle, he only raised his eyelids and muttered, "You kid really treat this place as your own home," then ignored him and continued tending to his precious Spirit Medicine.

Lin Tian was already used to this, and even felt a hint of warmth. He tidied up the bamboo house a little, then impatiently took out the two brand-new Secret Manuals: "Xiaguang Sword Technique (Basic Volume)" and "Cloud Shadow Footwork".

"Next, it is time to make them my own." Lin Tian sat cross-legged, took a deep breath, and calmed his mind.

He knew that for himself, possessing the Proficiency System, the most difficult part of cultivating new Martial Skills was this initial stage of "Understanding" and "Entry". Once he successfully crossed the threshold, subsequent accumulation would be much smoother.

He first opened the "Xiaguang Sword Technique". The Secret Manual not only recorded the sword move diagrams and sword-wielding Mind-Cultivation Technique, but also detailed how to infuse the Purple Haze Hidden Force cultivated from the "Purple Qi Diagram" into the sword in a specific way to trigger the Sword Qi of Xiaguang. This involved the movement of Hidden Force through several small Meridians, as well as the subtle control of Sword Qi via Divine Thought, which was quite complex and ingenious.

Lin Tian did not dare to be negligent. He studied it carefully, word by word, imprinting the diagrams deeply into his mind. Combining it with his own understanding of the "Purple Qi Diagram", he repeatedly pondered the key points. When he encountered difficult and obscure parts, he would stand up, use his finger as a sword, and slowly trace in the air to experience the feeling of the force flowing.

In the gaps between tending the medicinal fields during the day and after meditating and regulating his breath at night, all his thoughts were immersed in these two new Martial Skills. Without guidance from a famous teacher, relying entirely on his own exploration, the progress was naturally not fast.

It took a full half-month, after countless failures, Qi and blood rushing in reverse, and Sword Qi dissipating, before Lin Tian finally managed to successfully execute a complete Mind-Cultivation Technique of the Xiaguang Sword Technique, forcing a wisp of weak Purple Haze Hidden Force to his fingertips (without a sword), triggering a hazy Sword Qi as faint as mist, only three inches long, and flashing away instantly.

It worked! Although the power was pitifully small and the duration was negligible, it was definitely Xiaguang Sword Qi!

Almost at the instant the Sword Qi appeared, the System panel in his mind trembled slightly, and under the Martial Skill entry, a line quietly appeared: Xiaguang Sword Technique (Entry 1/100)

Lin Tian let out a long sigh of relief, a look of relief appearing on his face. The hardest hurdle was passed!

Next, he shifted his main energy to "Cloud Shadow Footwork". This footwork technique focused more on footwork changes, body coordination, and the instantaneous burst and flow of Hidden Force in the special Meridians of the legs. With the experience of cultivating Xiaguang Sword Technique, Lin Tian understood it a little faster, but when practicing, the requirements for body control and footwork coordination were higher, often leading to him being overwhelmed and falling down in a disheveled state.

Another half-month passed. On this day, in the small courtyard in front of the bamboo house, Lin Tian followed the footwork recorded in "Cloud Shadow Footwork", infused Purple Haze Hidden Force into his legs, and his figure suddenly swayed! "Swish!" A slightly blurry, almost indistinguishable faint afterimage was left in place, while his real body had already appeared three steps away. Although his footsteps were a bit staggering and his breath was slightly disordered, he had indeed taken the first step of "Cloud Shadow Step" and left a trace of an afterimage! Cloud Shadow Step (Entry 1/100)

"Phew—finally, both are at the Entry stage!" Lin Tian wiped the sweat from his forehead, but his eyes were full of joy. One month, two Hidden Force Martial Skills at the Entry stage; if this speed were known, it would be enough to make many Inner Sect Disciples blush with shame. Although he knew, this was entirely achieved by his own day-and-night hard work and the "clumsy method" of the Proficiency System.

Just at this time, the new month arrived. Lin Tian paused his cultivation, returned to Zixia Peak, and went to the "Danxia Pavilion" to collect this month's one "seven-colored inner essence pill".

Upon receiving the Medicinal Pill, it was the size of a pigeon egg, with seven-colored light flowing on the surface, faintly forming cloud patterns. The medicinal fragrance was restrained, and it felt warm to the touch. Just by holding it, he could feel the pure and majestic medicinal power contained within.

Returning to the bamboo house in Baicao Valley, Lin Tian did not immediately take the Medicinal Pill, but first examined his cultivation results for the month. He sank his mind inward: Name: Lin Tian; Realm: Fourth-Rank Warrior (Early Stage); Martial Skills: Purple Qi Diagram (Proficient 230/500), Xiaguang Sword Technique (Entry 1/100), Cloud Shadow Step (Entry 1/100)

"Very good, the foundation has been laid. Next, it is time to sprint with all my might to improve my Realm." Lin Tian took the "seven-colored inner essence pill", sat cross-legged, and operated the "Purple Qi Diagram".

The Medicinal Pill entered his abdomen and immediately turned into a warm yet vast heat flow, rapidly spreading into his limbs and bones. A portion even went straight into the drop of "Purple Haze True Liquid" in his Dantian. The Purple Haze True Liquid, which was originally rotating slowly and autonomously, suddenly increased in speed. Its color seemed to deepen a bit, emitting a stronger suction force, inducing the Qi and blood in his whole body and the Spiritual Qi from the outside world to gather and refine faster. Combined with the power of the Medicinal Pill, the efficiency of Lin Tian cultivating the "Purple Qi Diagram" greatly increased.

He no longer distracted himself with other matters. Every day, apart from the necessary time for tending the medicinal fields, he spent almost all his time meditating, practicing Qi, circulating the cycles, and nourishing and strengthening the Purple Haze True Liquid in his Dantian. Occasionally, when he stood up to stretch, he would practice the Xiaguang Sword Technique and Cloud Shadow Step, constantly honing the new Martial Skills with his own Purple Haze Hidden Force.

There are no years in the mountains; one does not know the passage of time while cultivating. In the blink of an eye, another month passed. On this day, Lin Tian slowly ended his cultivation, and the pale purple mist lingering around his body slowly retracted into his body.

He opened his eyes, and his eyes were filled with a lustrous purple. His aura was significantly more condensed and heavy compared to a month ago. The Purple Haze True Liquid in his Dantian had grown a circle larger, and between its rotations, there was a faint sound of wind and thunder echoing in his body.

He sank his mind into the panel and a satisfied smile appeared on his face: Name: Lin Tian; Realm: Fourth-Rank Warrior (Early Stage); Martial Skills: Purple Qi Diagram (Minor Achievement 3/1000), Xiaguang Sword Technique (Proficient 168/500), Cloud Shadow Step (Proficient 197/500)

Three Martial Skills, all raised by a major stage! The "Purple Qi Diagram" entered the "Minor Achievement" Realm! The number of cycles he could operate daily skyrocketed from the previous five or six to more than ten! The efficiency of condensing, purifying, and strengthening the Purple Haze Hidden Force increased by more than double! The Purple Haze True Liquid in his Dantian became increasingly dense and pure.

The "Xiaguang Sword Technique" reached "Proficient". With one sword thrust, he could stably divide it into three brilliant rays of Xiaguang, with reality and illusion coexisting, covering a range of several feet in front of him. The sword light was sharp, and it made a sound as it pierced the air. Compared to the weak sword light when he first entered, the power was like the difference between clouds and mud!

"Cloud Shadow Step" was also "Proficient". When executed, his figure was as elusive as a ghost, shifting and turning within a small range. Where his heart reached, his body followed. He could leave two to three relatively clear afterimages in an instant, which were excellent for confusion, surprise attacks, and dodging. Combined with his already outstanding linear speed, the shortcoming in his footwork had been largely made up.

"Great increase in strength!" Lin Tian clenched his fist, feeling the surging power within his body and the feeling of controlling the Hidden Force as easily as his own arm, and his confidence grew accordingly. "However, it still needs to be tested in actual combat to know the depth and to check for omissions and fill gaps."

He looked outside Baicao Valley, at the cloud-shrouded mountains of the Qixia Sect. "Moreover, the silver in my hand is only a little over ten thousand taels left. Purchasing 'Cloud Shadow Step' cost three thousand, and pre-paying for the Medicinal Pill and other expenses cost three thousand, and that's not counting daily expenses. At this rate, if I want to exchange for other Martial Skills, or buy a few more 'seven-colored inner essence pills' to accelerate cultivation, this money won't last long at all."

"It's time to go out and move around. Accepting some challenging and rewarding combat tasks can not only hone Martial Skills and test cultivation, but also earn Sect contribution or silver to accumulate resources for subsequent cultivation."

"Always staying in this Baicao Valley and burying my head in hard training won't make me a true expert." Lin Tian made up his mind.