Chapter 2: Skill Details
"A standard skill usually consists of several components: an Energy Module, a Control Module, a Rule Module, and a Form Module," Juéfǒ's post continued. "Of course, this is just for basic skills; there are also special modules."
"Let me give you an example: a melee skill called 'Heavy Strike.' This kind of skill typically consists of the following modules. Be grateful, as I'm giving you a free skill template! Even the simplest skill template usually costs 100 game points."
"For 'Heavy Strike,' the Energy Module is usually physical strength or qi, inner strength, etc. For beginners, just choose physical strength since you likely don't have qi or inner strength yet. These require separate cultivation skills to extract. The Energy Module: Physical Strength will draw on your stamina to power the skill."
"Next is the Control Module, which determines how you will control the energy and activate the skill. For 'Heavy Strike,' a physical movement is sufficient, although you could use a verbal command if you don't mind saying something every time you use the skill."
"With energy and control established, the next step is how to convert the energy into a special ability. For 'Heavy Strike,' it essentially means increasing the power of your attack. So, you need the Rule Module: Strength, which will amplify your physical strength through this rule."
"Lastly, there's the Form Module. While it might seem unnecessary for 'Heavy Strike,' some people try to save points by not including a Form Module, only to find their 'Heavy Strike' isn't as strong. The energy converted by the Rule Module lacks form and is scattered. So, a Form Module is necessary to condense the energy."
"Now for the skill assembly. Simply placing the modules in a skill slot won't work—you'll need to link them properly, similar to programming, but the operation is simple and can be done with your mind. The assembly data for 'Heavy Strike' is as follows: extract 1 unit of stamina, activate through a charging motion, delay 0.3 seconds to inject energy into the Rule Module, then into the Form Module. The form can be anything; a delay of 0.3-0.5 seconds will release it. The longer the delay within this range, the more concentrated and powerful the strike, but it will also be slower and easier to counter. Choose according to your preference."
"A word of caution: beginners should build their own skills rather than buy templates from others. Other people's skills are easier to predict and counter, and it may hinder your progress. Also, your skills should complement your basic enhancements."
"That's all for this post. A final piece of advice: cherish everything around you, because you never know when it might be gone!"
The rest of the post was filled with replies, mostly expressing gratitude and asking for detailed data on the 'Heavy Strike' skill. Lu Li skimmed through the replies, finding nothing significant, so he exited the post and continued browsing the forum. He noticed that paid posts generally provided detailed content, though much of it was beyond his current understanding. Remembering Juéfǒ's mention of cultivation skills, he searched for related posts and found a plethora of options:
- **Graves Overgrown**: "Inner Power Extraction Skill Template based on 'Ten Sun Divine Art,' requiring about 300 modules. DM for details."
- **Call Me Archbishop**: "Light Magic Cultivation Template, suitable for beginners, only needs ten modules! Post costs 500 game points."
- **Darn Pigeon**: "Universal Watering Technique, the supreme scripture! For discerning individuals only..."
- **Moonshadow in the Wind**: "Beginner Mental Power Extraction Template, ultra-simple, needs only three modules! Free to view!"
Lu Li's eyes narrowed at the last one. Most beginner-friendly cultivation skill templates required about ten modules and were extremely costly, but here was a free, simple option. Glancing at the teacher still lecturing on his "two questions," he decided to check it out.
Entering the post, Lu Li first saw the skill template provided by Moonshadow:
- **Rule Module: Soul + Rule Module: Serenity + Rule Module: Extraction.**
- **Detailed Parameters: Soul Module connects to Serenity after nine seconds. During use, clear your mind and silently count down from nine. The soul will enter a serene state. Set extraction to start after 60 seconds, lasting up to ten seconds.**
"This skill definitely works if you can ensure absolute tranquility for nine seconds. Please share your data after using it. I'll assist with any issues!" Moonshadow assured. However, the replies were overwhelmingly negative:
- **"Seriously, maintaining a clear mind for nine seconds is nearly impossible. This skill is a death trap, a societal menace?"**
- **"Agreed. Without any protective measures, directly using rules on the soul is dangerous. Users might end up brain-dead or stuck in a serene state forever."**
- **"A reminder: extracting mental power requires auxiliary measures. Without them, it's highly likely to damage the soul. Best case, you'll become a vegetable; worst case, you'll die."**
- **"Thanks for the heads-up. Almost tried it."**
- **"Go ahead, use it. One less newbie is one less problem!"**
Overall, the responses pointed out the lack of safety measures and auxiliary extraction procedures, making the skill potentially lethal. Lu Li found it interesting but not immediately useful, given his undecided path and potential need for mental power as a melee fighter.
He bookmarked the post and exited the forum. The teacher, seeing the sun setting, finally finished his "two questions." He then handed out a roll of test papers, saying, "Class rep, distribute these. Complete them tonight; I'll review them tomorrow morning."
"Oh no, the fourth one today. Spare me!" The senior students groaned in agony, but the stern teacher showed no sympathy, firmly believing in the school's rigorous academic approach.
When the class rep handed Lu Li his paper, he hesitated but gave it to him anyway. The teacher then dismissed the class, and everyone hurried home. Lu Li glanced at the test paper, ripped it up amid the usual reactions from his classmates, and left the classroom with his empty backpack. He needed to return early to decide his enhancement path and fix his worryingly unresponsive left hand.
End of the chapter.