[Meteor Arrow Technique (Incomplete): I don't know anything (0%)]
Upon seeing this line of text, Chen Fan's mind whirred as if struck by a bell.
What's happening here?
He was certain that this line hadn't been there before. Could it be...?
Chen Fan gaped, his eyes filled with disbelief.
It appeared that the "Meteor Arrow Method" was indeed a counterfeit!
His heart brimmed with elation.
Yes, that must be it! Why else would the system acknowledge this archery technique, even if the name was slightly different?
Chen Fan's gaze lingered on the word "incomplete."
Indeed, the archery was incomplete, with several crucial components missing. However, he noticed that the line "I don't know anything (0%)" was identical in font and color to the small text for [Taijiquan].
So, while it was incomplete, could he still practice it, gain proficiency, and eventually unlock its characteristics?
Chen Fan believed that this was possible.
Of course, due to its incompleteness, unlocking the features might be significantly limited, and it seemed unlikely that the archery's secret techniques could be unlocked.
His mind was tangled.
Did this incomplete skill require the expenditure of experience points to improve?
He couldn't shake the feeling that it was rather unfulfilling—like something tasteless yet a waste to discard.
"Hmm?"
Suddenly, he noticed something unusual.
The word "Incomplete" after "Meteor Arrow Method" had a different color from the surrounding text. Could it be selectable?
Should he click on it?
The thought occurred to him.
Instantly, three lines of information popped into his mind.
[Incomplete exercises detected, completeness 38%, do you want to complete it? Completion must meet certain conditions]
[Completion conditions: Realm Body Tempering Level 2, Basic Archery Level 6, Time Consumption One Day]
[It takes a certain amount of time to complete the exercises, and the higher the satisfaction with the completion conditions, the less time it takes]
Chen Fan could hardly believe his eyes.
Could he actually complete this exercise?
To complete it, two conditions were needed: the second level of Body Tempering, which he had surpassed since he was at the third level, and Basic Archery at level 6, which he already met. So why hesitate?
Of course, his choice was a resounding yes.
[The exercises are being completed, current progress is 0%, and the required time is 12 hours.]
Seeing this message, Chen Fan felt like dancing with joy.
Without a doubt, the [Meteor Arrow Method] had to be an advanced archery technique. For him, it was a timely blessing.
Although it was incomplete, with even the most crucial part missing, he had the system to complete it. Did this mean he no longer needed to fret when encountering incomplete exercises in the future?
However, it did come with certain requirements, seemingly tied to one's realm and martial arts level.
There were additional conditions beyond the incomplete guarantee.
"In any case, this is fantastic news," Chen Fan thought, a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. Soon, he'd have access to a freshly baked, steaming advanced archery technique. And maybe more...
An idea sparked in his mind. Earlier, Uncle Liu and the others mentioned an old man in Songjiabao who specialized in selling martial arts manuals from martial arts novels.
Chen Fan had initially thought the guy was a complete fraud, but now he realized the man sold some genuine materials, such as this archery manual, albeit heavily abridged.
For Chen Fan, it didn't matter whether he obtained the incomplete version or not. As long as it was genuine, he could record it and complete the exercises.
"Uncle Liu?"
"Hmm?"
Liu Yong paused, turned around with a puzzled expression, and looked at Chen Fan. "Xiao Fan, what's the matter?"
Chen Fan smiled, "You mentioned the old man in Songjiabao who sells manuals earlier—the one who sells exercises. How did he sell his manuals?"
Liu Yong was unsure. "I remember that initially, one hundred catties of rice could buy a single book."
"One hundred catties of rice for one?" Chen Fan was taken aback.
Had he been taken advantage of by spending numerous resources on martial arts manuals, unsure whether they were genuine or fake?
Judging from this archery manual, even if the old man sold genuine materials, they were likely abridged versions.
"Hahaha."
Liu Yong burst into hearty laughter and remarked, "What did that old man claim? He's the eighty-fourth generation head of the Wuyue Sword Sect, utterly genuine and innocent. What else did he mention? Even in Anshan City, learning a basic boxing method costs three to four hundred catties of rice. And those are just common martial arts techniques, these are potent martial secrets, and they come dirt cheap."
"And what happened?"
"Of course, nobody bought it; nobody's that gullible."
"Later, by the time we were ready to leave, it was selling for a mere ten catties of rice."
"That's downright swindling!"
Chen Fan found himself at a loss for words. Going from a hundred catties of rice to ten catties was not just a drastic reduction; it was akin to getting chopped off at the ankles.
"Indeed, later on, someone was ensnared by his tricks and bought one, claiming it was a martial arts manual that could enhance one's strength. But upon returning home, the experts determined it was a fake. He got so furious that he brought a group to make a fuss. I heard that the old man rolled on the ground in the end, but nothing more happened."
Then, Liu Yong had a sudden realization and gazed at Chen Fan with widened eyes. "Xiao Fan, are you thinking of buying one?"
Once he mentioned it, it piqued everyone's interest.
"Just want to take a look," Chen Fan explained. "In that book I just found, there is still some genuine content, albeit not much."
"I see," Liu Yong scratched his head, "Honestly, I don't really understand it, but the old man sets up shop in the Songjiabao market. We'll be able to see him when we go there tomorrow or the day after."
"Xiaofan, be cautious when dealing with him," Liu Yong cautioned. "That old man isn't easy to handle."
"Absolutely, there are many scammers out there," added Gao Yang and others.
"Well, I'll be careful when the time comes," Chen Fan replied with seriousness.
To be honest, at ten catties of rice per copy, it wasn't a significant loss even if it turned out to be a partial manual. The only concern was the possibility of buying a counterfeit. Given the old man's dubious reputation, he might indeed be a shameless individual.
Regardless, Chen Fan couldn't help but look forward to the upcoming visit to Songjiabao. Plus, with more people from the village like Gu Ze and others accompanying him, the trip promised to be safer.
After walking for over two hours, the sun was beginning to set as they approached the stockade. Chen Guodong turned to address everyone, "Once we're back in the stockade, please refrain from mentioning this to others. Gu Ze's abilities are meant for the awakened ones."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
As they approached the stockade's entrance, they were greeted by concerned onlookers, their hushed conversations filling the air. However, as the hunting team drew closer, the chatter gradually quieted, and a collective sigh of relief swept through the crowd.
But as they neared, the expressions on the villagers' faces shifted from relief to astonishment.
"Five... five prey!"