Chapter Fifty-Three: Choosing a Primordial Technique

The reason he didn’t stay any longer was twofold: first, Luo Tian was worried that if the sect’s vitality encountered another issue, one of the nodes closest to the sect might send someone to investigate; second, he ought to hurry and exchange for a new elemental technique to begin cultivation.

Having chosen a mid-grade human-level cultivation method, it was only natural to acquire a corresponding elemental technique in order to fully maximize his combat potential.

The Classic Pavilion, belonging to the Yi Hall, had just opened its doors, welcoming its first visitor of the day.

“Luo Tian?”

Han Li was slightly surprised, but his expression barely changed. He simply nodded and asked, “What kind of book are you looking for?”

Though last time the boy had—whether out of ignorance or disregard—taken a secret body-refinement technique and chosen the rather difficult Form-Intention Nine Beast Fist, which left Han Li somewhat displeased, he hadn’t paid it much mind.

Perhaps the kid found the practice too challenging and wanted to switch to something easier? These disciples from common backgrounds, to become outer sect disciples and reach the Qi Condensation stage, had already stumbled upon extraordinary luck; yet to aspire to study body-refinement arts was almost wishful thinking. He’d likely never use them in his lifetime.

“Elder Han, I’d like to look at mid-grade human-level elemental technique martial arts.”

Luo Tian bowed politely. He now had several thousand contribution points at his disposal, so he intended to browse thoroughly—perhaps he’d find something suitable and could take more than one book.

Han Li frowned slightly. “Luo Tian, I know you’ve reached the sixth cycle of Qi Condensation, but cultivation must be practiced step by step. Do not aim too high, or you’ll only harm yourself.”

Though Han Li privately looked down on outer disciples from humble origins, he felt obliged to say what needed to be said.

“Thank you for your advice, Elder Han, but I believe it shouldn’t be a problem now.”

Luo Tian smiled gently, maintaining his stance.

“Go ahead, second floor.”

Han Li’s tone was somewhat cold as he gestured toward the stairs and said nothing more.

Without even a mid-grade human-level cultivation method, to want an elemental technique martial art for reference—wasn’t that sheer fantasy?

Luo Tian thanked him casually and proceeded to the second floor.

The second floor was divided into two main areas: elemental techniques and cultivation methods, each further partitioned by elemental attributes, so there was an order amidst apparent chaos.

Flipping through the basic cultivation methods, Luo Tian found that those of the same grade were largely similar; their descriptions and ultimate effects were not much different.

Knowing the Fire Element Sutra was sufficient, Luo Tian didn’t waste time and turned to the elemental technique martial arts section.

As with cultivation methods, the most abundant books were those for metal, wood, water, fire, and earth; wind, thunder, light, and darkness were rarer.

Moreover, both cultivation methods and elemental technique martial arts in the mid-grade area only provided brief introductions and power ratings; the actual content was unavailable until a selection was made and the book obtained from Elder Han.

Blazing Fist: punches infused with scorching heat, increasing lethality.

Explosive Flame Fist: rapidly channels elemental energy for explosive force.

Meteor Fist: leaps into the air, strikes like a falling meteor, overwhelming the opponent with momentum.

What are these?

Luo Tian shook his head, unimpressed.

Although one could learn multiple elemental techniques unlike cultivation methods, if all were such mediocre fare, their usefulness would be limited.

Mid-grade elemental martial arts cost between one and two thousand contribution points, but the expensive ones weren’t necessarily better; those with greater power required proportionally more time to master, since accumulating and gathering enough elemental energy was essential for unleashing attacks.

Flame Hands: continuous output of elemental energy covers both hands in fire, but requires opening multiple meridians and demands a certain amount of spiritual strength.

This technique?

Luo Tian examined the description carefully and nodded in understanding.

Spiritual strength, soul power, control, or other similar terms—all referred to soul power. As cultivation level and realm increased, the amount of soul power one could wield grew, not the fundamental strength of the soul itself.

If the soul were likened to a pond, then the body’s capacity—improved by advancing realms—was like a bucket; the larger the bucket, the more water could be drawn out at once.

It seemed body-refinement techniques could influence this aspect as well!

Luo Tian sighed softly. Shen Yang Sect’s suppression of outer disciples was severe, and the underlying reasons remained elusive.

Though he didn’t think much of Meteor Fist, Luo Tian memorized it anyway; an extra attack method couldn’t hurt. If Flame Hands was suitable for close combat, Meteor Fist would be a charged elemental technique—fitting enough.

It might prove useful someday.

“Flame Hands and Meteor Fist?”

Han Li straightened slightly. “Those two cost thirty-five hundred contribution points. Are you sure you want to exchange?”

Han Li cared little about the affairs of Ziyang Mountain and was unaware of Luo Tian’s confidence, but even if he knew, he would still ask.

Thirty-five hundred contribution points was no small sum for ordinary outer disciples.

Yet this kid was surprisingly well-off—who knows which family’s youngster he’d befriended?

“I’m sure.”

Luo Tian produced his identity token, completed the transaction, and received the two elemental technique manuals, preparing to go home and master them.

Though all his meridians were unblocked and learning would pose no difficulty, his combat style would have to adapt to his growing strength.

Han Li watched Luo Tian’s departing figure with growing suspicion; the name seemed familiar, yet he couldn’t recall why—which was most unusual.

Even with a cultivator’s enhanced memory, one only remembered what one wished not to forget, never every detail.

It must be something insignificant.

Han Li shook his head and dismissed the thought; serving as guardian of the Classic Pavilion in Shen Yang Sect was a leisurely job, and he had little desire to return home.

Returning to his own quarters, Luo Tian was startled.

Having been away just a day, he found thirty or forty outer disciples gathered outside, whispering among themselves. Some simply sat nearby practicing basic meditation, which required little focus and carried no risk of deviation.

“He’s here!”

“It really is him! Senior Brother Luo has returned!”

“Hmph, he’s sensible enough. I’d better hurry and ask him how to break through.”

The atmosphere immediately became chaotic.

“Senior Brother Luo, please guide me—I’ve hit a snag in my cultivation!”

One disciple rushed forward, urgency written all over his face, waving his identity token for fear Luo Tian might not notice.

“Me too, me too!”

Another disciple wasn’t to be outdone, leaping at him like a hungry tiger.

“Don’t push, Senior Brother Luo is mine!”

A crowd of disciples pressed forward, all eager and early—none were here for mere entertainment.

Luo Tian looked at these living, breathing contribution points and felt delighted. Calculating the time, he decided to spend half a day instructing those who had come.

Food is eaten bite by bite, the road is walked step by step. Though these were mostly disciples in the early and middle stages of Qi Condensation, even a small mosquito is still meat—not to be wasted.

“Chen Qingshan, you’re one of this round’s seed candidates. Why not seek advice from dear Senior Brother Luo?”

On a rooftop not far away, two young men sat side by side, watching the events outside Luo Tian’s door. One, with a smile, spoke.

Chen Qingshan’s face was refined, his tone calm. “Tang Yu, that joke’s hardly amusing. Though your sister tried before and found Luo Tian had some real ability, at our late Qi Condensation stage, elemental energy is secondary. What matters most is grasping some true insight.”

“Haha, exactly. No matter what luck Luo Tian’s had, he couldn’t possibly comprehend true insight so quickly—let alone teach it. Looks like this Eastern District competition will still be the affair of our four great families!”

Tang Yu laughed proudly and stood up, the morning sunlight stretching his shadow long.

“When has it ever been otherwise?”

Chen Qingshan sighed softly and shook his head.