As time passed, Jian Ning continued fervently hunting several low and mid-level Rank 2 beasts.
~~One day later~~
"Tomorrow, Lingyun Sect will begin their selection, so I better return home after hunting until around 4 PM," Jian Ning thought to himself as he exited the cave.
"Ling, show me my status," Jian Ning commanded upon emerging.
[Name: Jian Ning]
[Cultivation: Qi Gathering Stage 4 [4,000/60,000] (+)]
[Age: 14 years]
[Physique: Storm Body "Dormant"]
[Talents: Low-level Earth Cultivation Talent [0/256,000] (+) // Middle Celestial Lightning Element Talent [0/2,480,000] (+) // Low Celestial Wind Element Talent [0/1,240,000] (+) // Low King-grade Sword Talent [60,000/10,000,000] (+)]
[Cultivation Technique: "Jian Family Technique" (Middle Yellow Rank) – Perfected Stage – [2,185/3,200] (+)]
[Martial Skills: 'Leaf Sword Technique' (Middle Yellow Rank) – Perfected Stage – [1,000/3,200] (+) // 'Mystic Phantom Steps' (Middle Yellow Rank) – Peak Stage – [230/1,600] (+) // 'Shadowless Sword Technique' (High Yellow Rank) – Great Achivement – [1,250/2,400] (+) // 'Wind Breeze Steps' – Peak – [0/4,800] (+)]
[Weapon Understanding: Sword Intention at 10% [0/100,000] (+)]
[Luck: Sky Rank Chance [101/800]]
[Total Energy: 32,000 White Energy]
[White Energy per Minute: 18 White Energy / minute]
Reviewing his status, Jian Ning began to contemplate.
"Today, I aimed to challenge a mid-level Rank 2 Sabertooth Tiger, but my overall power is slightly insufficient to defeat it. Since I cannot elevate my cultivation level, my only solution is to enhance my martial techniques," Jian Ning pondered.
"I should focus on attack techniques first, and then on evasion. As the proverb goes, 'The best defense is a good offense.' Ling, enhance 'Wind Breeze Steps' and 'Shadowless Sword Technique' to their pinnacle of perfection."
[Ding, task complete. Congratulations on mastering 'Wind Breeze Steps' and 'Shadowless Sword Technique' to their peak perfection. This cost you 29,950 WE. You can now evolve these techniques to the Black Rank level.]
Jian Ning was surprised.
Enhance martial skills?!!
Could this mean I can indefinitely enhance my techniques as long as I have enough WE?
"Ling, tell me, how much does it cost to upgrade a technique to the Profound Rank?" Jian Ning inquired.
[Ding, in response to the host, it costs 100,000 WE.]
"That's expensive!!" Jian Ning furrowed his brows. Firstly, he lacked the required sum, and secondly, he might be able to acquire a Black Rank technique at Lingyun Sect.
While the ability to synthesize martial techniques into stronger ones was exceptionally potent, its utility for Jian Ning depended mainly on its usefulness and his specific needs.
However, Jian Ning was somewhat eager for a Black Rank technique, knowing that to comprehend Sword Intention or any other martial essence, one must start with Black Rank techniques.
"I wonder if I can negotiate the price down," Jian Ning pondered.
[Ding, in response to the host, to negotiate the price down, you need another martial technique of the same rank at the peak perfection stage. If you meet the prerequisites, the cost will be reduced to 50,000 WE.]
"Hmm... It costs me about 18,000 WE to perfect a High Yellow Rank martial technique, so this method could save me a lot. But for now, I don't have another High Yellow Rank technique on hand. I'll try when I return home tonight," Jian Ning planned his next moves.
-------
After resolving his issues, Jian Ning emerged from the cave, a sword in hand. Though modest in appearance, the iron sword was of exceptional craftsmanship, reflecting the determination in his eyes as he surveyed his surroundings.
"It is time to go hunting," he murmured to himself.
Without hesitation, Jian Ning swiftly headed towards the inner regions of Cheng Jiang Forest, taking great care to mask his aura. He knew that attracting the attention of a powerful beast could be perilous.
"Let's climb the trees for better visibility," he thought aloud. Choosing the tallest tree nearby, he began to climb, seeking a vantage point to spot a saber-toothed tiger.
After several minutes of meticulous searching, Jian Ning finally found his target: a saber-toothed tiger in the mid-second rank. This majestic creature, renowned for its deadly attacks, possessed fangs as sharp as sabers. Few beasts of its rank could match its prowess. The tiger stood there, a picture of power and ferocity, embodying the raw force of nature.
Quick, powerful, and fierce, it was a true force of nature with few natural predators. The tiger's muscles rippled as it moved gracefully and powerfully through the clearing.
—
Jian Ning observed the tiger intently, analyzing its every move. "The power of this saber-toothed tiger should be equivalent to that of a sixth-level Qi Gathering cultivator, and it is on the verge of a breakthrough, two small levels above me," he silently noted.
Closing his eyes for a moment, he called upon his internal analysis Ling.
"Ling, analyze this tiger for me," he whispered.
[Target analysis]
[Species: saber-toothed tiger]
[Cultivation: peak of mid-second rank (comparable to a sixth-level Qi Gathering cultivator)]
[Note: Due to their sharp fangs, often compared to sabers, these beasts possess exceptional attack power. With considerable speed, they are known as elite hunters in the forest]
[Weak points: its heart, eyes]
Jian Ning pondered the information provided by Ling. Despite the beast's formidable power, he knew its weak points could be exploited. He carefully formulated his attack plan, fully aware that any mistake could be fatal.
The wind whispered through the trees, carrying with it the earthy scents of the forest. Jian Ning took a deep breath, gripping his sword tightly. He was ready. The hunt was about to begin, and he knew he had to give his all to emerge victorious in this duel against one of the most formidable predators in Cheng Jiang Forest.
Woosh!
Jian Ning leaped from the tree without hesitation and landed in front of the saber-toothed tiger.
"Growl!"
The saber-toothed tiger growled at Jian Ning, getting into an attack position. But of course, Jian Ning wasn't going to let it strike first.
Woosh!
Jian Ning immediately used 'wind breeze steps' to appear just above the saber-toothed tiger.
Seeing Jian Ning above him, the saber-toothed tiger violently opened its mouth towards Jian Ning with the intention of shredding him with its sharp canines.
Slash!
Jian Ning swung his sword at a speed practically invisible to the naked eye, creating a magnificent and elegant arc of black light.
The saber-toothed tiger jumped to avoid Jian Ning's attack.
"Roar!!"
The saber-toothed tiger roared and leaped towards Jian Ning, opening its mouth wide and showing its sharp canines.
Seeing the tiger attacking, Jian Ning smiled because he knew it was time to end this fight.
When the saber-toothed tiger was a few meters away, Jian Ning decided to launch his counterattack.
Jian Ning disappeared in a gust of wind, reappearing just below the saber-toothed tiger.
Slash!
Jian Ning fiercely thrust his sword right into the heart of the saber-toothed tiger.
"Roar!!!"
The saber-toothed tiger roared in pain, using its last strength to try to claw at Jian Ning.
Watching the desperate attempt of the tiger to inflict damage on him, Jian Ning smiled coldly.
Woosh!
Jian Ning took a step to his right to effortlessly avoid the attack.
"Sorry for you, brave beast, who even at the end continues to attack, but it is time for you to die," said Jian Ning aloud as he deeply thrust his sword into the heart of the saber-toothed tiger.
[Ding, congratulations to the host for killing a saber-toothed tiger comparable to a sixth-level Qi Gathering cultivator, +600 WE]