16: Chapter 16 The Sweeping Elder of the Scripture Pavilion

The air outside the Family hall seemed to relax slightly with the departure of the Li Clan Elders.

Lin Cangchen touched the wooden token in his bosom engraved with "680" contribution pointss, feeling it was a bit heavier than before. This was the largest sum of "huge wealth" he had accumulated through his own efforts (and a little help from the System) since his Transmigration.

"Saving contribution pointss won't give birth to more; I have to exchange them for actual improvements," he muttered. He turned his steps and headed toward a secluded small courtyard on the west side of the Family's core area—the Lin Clan's Scripture Pavilion.

Though called a "pavilion," it was actually just a blue-tiled single-story house slightly larger than a regular clan member's courtyard. It looked simple and unadorned, even showing its age. After all, the Lin Family had only been established for over two hundred years and had a shallow Foundation; having a dedicated place to store Cultivation Techniques and insights was already quite good.

The courtyard gate was ajar. Lin Cangchen gently pushed it open and walked in.

The small courtyard was swept clean. Under an old locust tree, an old man wearing faded grey Family robes held a broom made of thin bamboo branches, slowly sweeping away dust that didn't even exist on the ground.

The old man's hair and beard were completely white, and the wrinkles on his face were deep, but his eyes were exceptionally clear and peaceful. Lin Cangchen carefully sensed his Spiritual Pressure fluctuations... they were steadily fixed at the Sixth Level of Qi Refining, though the fluctuations seemed to have been stagnant for a long time, lacking the vitality for an upward Breakthrough.

This must be the legendary clan Elder of the "Yao" generation, Third Elder, who had injured his Foundation in his youth, causing his cultivation to remain forever at the Sixth Level of Qi Refining. According to seniority, he had to call him "Grandpa Qing."

"Grandpa Qing," Lin Cangchen greeted respectfully.

The old man stopped his sweeping, looked up, and his cloudy but smiling eyes turned to Lin Cangchen. "It's little Cangchen. A rare guest. Have you come to the Scripture Pavilion to exchange for a Cultivation Technique or cultivation insights?"

His voice was gentle, carrying a sense of indifference after experiencing the vicissitudes of life.

"Grandpa Qing, I want to look at cultivation insights," Lin Cangchen answered honestly. "Mainly regarding Geng Metal Finger, Spirit Concealment Art, and Wind Chasing Steps."

"Oh?" A hint of surprise flashed in Third Elder's eyes. "You've already approached Minor Achievement in both Geng Metal Finger and Wind Chasing Steps, and you want to go further? Good, not being arrogant or impetuous makes you good material."

He put down the broom and walked toward the house with slightly faltering steps. He fished out a simple key from his waist and opened the bronze lock on the door.

"Come in. There aren't many Cultivation Techniques in the clan; those that your 'Cang' generation can Cultivate were basically all exchanged for when you entered the school. However, the cultivation insights left by the boys of the second and third generations are still worth a look," Third Elder said as he led Lin Cangchen into the Scripture Pavilion.

The internal space was slightly larger than it appeared from the outside, but still very limited. There were several wooden bookshelves against the walls, with a few scattered Jade Slips and thread-bound books on them. The quantity was indeed small, making the place look somewhat empty.

"The first bookshelf on the left contains the insights of the ling generation; the second is for the Yao generation, which belongs to us old fellows," Third Elder pointed out the direction. "Look for yourself. When you find what you need, bring it to me to copy after deducting the contribution pointss. Remember, insight Jade Slips cannot be taken out of the Scripture Pavilion. You can only read them here or pay contribution pointss to take a copy with you."

"Yes, thank you, Grandpa Qing." After thanking him, Lin Cangchen impatiently walked toward the bookshelf labeled "ling generation Insights."

There weren't many Jade Slips on the shelf, only about twenty. Next to each Jade Slip was a small wooden plaque simply stating the name of the technique the insights corresponded to and the price in contribution pointss.

Lin Cangchen began to browse carefully.

Brief Explanation of Geng Metal Finger Cultivation — Lin Lingfeng, 50 contribution pointss.

Wind Chasing Steps Insights — Lin Lingyan, 40 contribution pointss.

Three Usage Insights for Spirit Concealment Art — Lin Lingyun, 30 contribution pointss.

Brief Analysis of Entanglement Angles for Green Vine Art — Lin Lingyu, 35 contribution pointss.

...

The prices weren't too expensive; after all, they were just insights, not the Cultivation Techniques themselves. Looking at Lin Lingfeng's Brief Explanation of Geng Metal Finger Cultivation, Lin Cangchen felt tempted. This Uncle Lingfeng with a Four-Element Spiritual Root was a recognized Genius in the Family; his insights would definitely be valuable.

He looked at the insights for several other techniques and finally made a decision.

He picked up Lin Lingfeng's Brief Explanation of Geng Metal Finger Cultivation Jade Slip and Lin Lingyan's Wind Chasing Steps Insights Jade Slip and walked to Third Elder.

"Grandpa Qing, I'll exchange for these two."

Third Elder took a look and nodded. "The insights of Ling Feng and Ling Yan are indeed practical. Ninety contribution pointss in total."

He took Lin Cangchen's Identity Token and swiped his finger over it. A faint light flashed, and the contribution pointss changed from 680 to 590. Then, he took out two blank Jade Slips and copied the contents of the two insight Jade Slips Lin Cangchen had chosen into them.

"Take them and comprehend them well." Third Elder handed the copied Jade Slips to Lin Cangchen, his eyes gentle. "On the path of cultivation, borrowing the experience of predecessors can help you avoid detours, but ultimately, you must walk your own Dao."

"Your Grandson will keep Grandpa Qing's teachings in mind." Lin Cangchen respectfully took the Jade Slips, feeling that these ninety points were well spent! Not only did he get the insights, but he also received a profound piece of advice.

Leaving the Scripture Pavilion, Lin Cangchen didn't return to his courtyard immediately. Instead, he took a detour to the Family's dining hall, used a few taels of gold (mundane currency occasionally circulated within the Family) to buy some fresh food, and then visited the spiritual field area. He felt the vibrant life of those twenty mu of first-rank low-grade spirit rice fields before finally returning home satisfied.

Over the next few days, the pace of Lin Cangchen's life became even tighter.

During the day, he spent two hours unfailingly cultivating the Qi Guiding Art, taking a qi gathering pill to refine the medicinal power. Then, he would eat a catty of first-rank middle-grade spirit rice, feeling the steady 5% cultivation bonus.

In the intervals between cultivation, he focused on studying the two newly acquired insight Jade Slips.

Lin Lingfeng's Brief Explanation of Geng Metal Finger Cultivation indeed lived up to its reputation. It detailed how he condensed Geng Metal Qi, how he controlled the finger force's explosion point, and even included several technical adjustments for performing Geng Metal Finger under different circumstances. Comparing it with his own understanding, Lin Cangchen indeed found some details that could be optimized, and he felt his finger wind become a bit more condensed during practice.

Lin Lingyan's Wind Chasing Steps Insights focused more on practical application, especially maneuvering in complex terrain and how to better use the wind to reduce his own spiritual energy consumption. For Lin Cangchen, who was pursuing the "Proficient" stage of Wind Chasing Steps, this was like timely rain.

He didn't neglect the Spirit Concealment Art either. Although he hadn't exchanged for specific insights, he repeatedly pondered his previous cultivation experiences. Combined with his powerful Comprehension Ability from two lifetimes, he could feel the membrane leading to the "Proficient" stage becoming thinner and thinner.

During this period, he also took the time to visit the Family's martial arts arena a few times to spar and exchange ideas with several Clan Uncles and aunts who were also polishing their Spells. Everyone had become numb to his rate of progress, offering more encouragement and sharing their own experiences. This atmosphere of unity and love within the Lin Family made Lin Cangchen feel very comfortable.

Seven or eight days later, Lin Cangchen felt his understanding of several Spells had deepened by another level. Although Geng Metal Finger and Wind Chasing Steps had not yet broken through to the proficient stage, they were much more fluid when performed. Spirit Concealment Art was only one step away.

And his cultivation, under the influence of Medicinal Pills, spirit rice, and persistent cultivation, had also steadily risen to the Late Stage of the Qi Refining Second Layer, getting closer and closer to the third layer.

This day, just as he finished his morning cultivation, his courtyard gate was knocked on again.

Standing outside was the hunting captain, Ling Yan.

"Cangchen, get ready. Tomorrow morning at dawn, meet at the old place to resume hunting." Ling Yan was concise, his dark face carrying its usual steadiness.

"Yes, Uncle Ling Yan!" Lin Cangchen's spirits rose. While dull cultivation was important, actual combat was the best way to test and improve one's strength. Moreover, hunting meant... Yao Beast corpses! Cards to draw!

His spirit clan relic card system was already starving!

The next morning, the sky was dimly lit.

The six members of the Lin Family hunting team gathered again at the exit of the clan lands. Besides Ling Yan, Lin Lingyun, Ling Yu, Lin Lingshi, and Lin Cangchen, there was also a third-generation clan member, Lin Lingtu of the Qi Refining Third Layer.

After greeting each other, the atmosphere was much more relaxed than last time. Having gone through the baptism of the demonic cultivator incident, the coordination of this team seemed to have deepened.

"Since the Li Clan said we can proceed as usual, then we will proceed as usual," Ling Yan said in a deep voice. "This hunt's target is still the outskirts of the Black Wind Mountain Range, focusing on obtaining meat, fur, and training. Stay alert, but don't be overly tense."

"Understood!" everyone responded in unison.

Entering the Black Wind Mountain Range again, the familiar damp air and the scent of vegetation rushed toward them. Lin Cangchen took a deep breath, feeling the spiritual energy in his body become a bit more active.

He took the initiative to perform the Spirit Concealment Art, restraining his aura to the minimum, while lightly stepping with Wind Chasing Steps, his figure nimbly following in the middle-side position of the team.

The hunting process was orderly. The team's cooperation became increasingly proficient. When encountering small Yao Beasts like first-rank low-grade Digging Rats and Long-Haired Rabbits, they could basically resolve them quickly.

Whenever a Yao Beast fell, as long as it was within his line of sight, Lin Cangchen would silently chant in his heart: "Extract!"

[Strength Card (Weak)], [Agility Card (Weak)]... it was still these regular outputs, but Lin Cangchen didn't disdain them at all; even mosquito legs are meat! He understood the principle that small amounts accumulate into a lot, and quantitative change leads to qualitative change.

He even tried using several [Strength Cards] and [Agility Cards] on the spot. A weak heat flow merged into his body, and he could clearly feel a tiny bit of improvement in his physical body and reaction speed. This tangible feeling of becoming stronger gave him plenty of motivation.

"Eh? There's movement ahead." Lin Lingyun, who was responsible for scouting, made a gesture.

Everyone immediately stopped and hid their figures.

Behind a patch of bushes ahead, bursts of low growls and collision sounds could be heard. Through the gaps in the leaves, three Iron-Skinned Wild Boars, as large as calves with protruding tusks, could be seen fighting over a purple fungus that emitted a faint fishy smell.

"first-rank middle-grade Yao Beasts, Iron-Skinned Wild Boars. They have thick skin and great strength. That purple fungus... seems to be a 'Rotten Blood Mushroom,' which is quite attractive to them," Ling Yan whispered. "Three at once is a bit troublesome, but not impossible to take down. What do you think, shall we do it?"

Lin Lingyun and Lin Lingshi were eager to try, while Ling Yu calmly observed the surroundings.

Lin Cangchen sensed the spiritual energy in his body and looked at the few attack Talismans in his hand, then nodded. "We can give it a try. If we cooperate well, we can concentrate fire to take down one first."

"Good!" Seeing everyone agreed, Ling Yan immediately formulated a tactic. "Ling Yu, use Green Vine Art to restrict the one on the left! Ling Yun, Ling Shi, follow me to attack the one in the middle! Cangchen, you support and use Geng Metal Finger to interfere with the one on the right to prevent it from charging the formation! Ling Tu, stay alert to the surroundings!"

"Action!"

With the command, Ling Yu raised her slender hand, and several green vines burst from the ground, instantly entangling the four hooves of the Iron-Skinned Wild Boar on the left, making its movements stall.

At the same time, Ling Yan, Lin Lingyun, and Lin Lingshi were like arrows released from a bow. With flashes of blades and swords carrying cold spiritual energy, they lunged straight at the most robust wild boar in the middle.

Lin Cangchen locked his gaze on the boar on the right that was trying to rush over to help. Geng Metal Qi condensed in his body, and a sharp finger wind shot accurately toward its eye!

Squelch!

The wild boar, in pain, let out an angry roar, and its charging momentum was interrupted.

The battle erupted instantly! The sounds of spiritual energy collisions, the roars of the wild boars, and the sounds of the vines' constriction intertwined.

Lin Cangchen moved along the edges of the battle, sometimes interfering with a Geng Metal Finger, sometimes performing Wind Chasing Steps to avoid a collision, and occasionally throwing out a low-quality fireball talisman. Although its power wasn't great, the sound of the explosion and the flames also served as a distraction. He integrated the techniques he had learned from the insight Jade Slips into actual combat, feeling his control over Spells becoming increasingly exquisite.

Under the Lin team's coordinated efforts, the Iron-Skinned Wild Boar in the middle was the first to fail, falling to the ground with a wail. Immediately after, the one on the left constricted by vines was also dealt with. The one on the right, seeing things were going poorly, tried to escape but was hit in the hind leg by Ling Yan's sharp Saber Qi. Its speed was greatly reduced, and it was eventually beaten to death by everyone.

The battle ended, and all three had hearty smiles on their faces. Although they had consumed quite a bit of spiritual energy, the feeling of taking down a strong enemy together was very good.

"Haha, that was satisfying!" Lin Lingyun wiped his sweat.

Ling Yu walked over and carefully collected the Rotten Blood Mushroom. Although its value wasn't high, it could still be exchanged for a few Spirit Stones.

Lin Cangchen looked at the three fresh Iron-Skinned Wild Boar carcasses and silently chanted in his heart: "Extract!"

It was still mostly [Strength Cards (Weak)], but from the most robust wild boar leader, he actually drew a [Physical Defense Card (Weak)]!

"Not bad, not bad!" Lin Cangchen was secretly delighted. Defense attributes were good things!

He used this new card right away and immediately felt his skin seemed to become a tiny bit tougher.

"Clean up and leave here as soon as possible. The smell of blood might attract other things," Ling Yan skillfully directed everyone to process the spoils.

While helping to partition the useful Materials, Lin Cangchen felt the subtle changes in his body brought by using the attribute cards, as well as his insights from the battle just now. He felt that this hunting trip was well worth it!

On the path of cultivation, one indeed had to "combine movement and stillness"!

He looked up at the sky, mottled by the dense leaves, and felt even more expectant for his future on the immortal path.