Long Haochen's fingers hovered over the wooden shelves of Qinghe Martial Hall's library. Though he had gained permission to choose a manual, his options were limited—only Yellow Rank techniques, the lowest tier of cultivation methods, were available to him.
Even so, this was an opportunity he couldn't afford to waste.
The wooden shelves were lined with dozens of old scrolls, each inscribed with the names of their respective techniques.
Iron Body Sutra – Strengthens the physical body but offers no offensive techniques.
Flowing Cloud Steps – A basic footwork technique for increased agility.
Earth Shattering Palm – A crude palm technique that enhances force but lacks flexibility.
Haochen's eyes swept over the choices, but none of them seemed suitable. His Primordial Vessel System was unlike traditional cultivation methods. He didn't rely on meridians, so ordinary techniques might not be fully compatible.
There must be something here that suits me…
As he continued scanning, his gaze landed on a scroll tucked away in the farthest corner. Unlike the others, this one was covered in dust, its title barely visible beneath the grime. He reached out and brushed away the dirt, revealing the faded inscription:
[Void Spirit Art]
A strange name.
Curious, Haochen picked it up and unrolled the scroll.
> "The Void is boundless. The spirit unshackled. To cultivate the Void Spirit Art, one must sever all limitations and forge a vessel beyond the heavens."
His breath caught. The description was vague, but something about the wording resonated with him. Forge a vessel beyond the heavens? It almost sounded as if it was describing his Primordial Vessel System!
His instincts screamed at him—this was the one.
"I'll take this one," Haochen declared, turning back to Instructor Wei.
The instructor glanced at the scroll and frowned. "That one?"
Haochen nodded. "Is there something wrong with it?"
Wei hesitated before shaking his head. "It's not that there's anything wrong, but… that technique has been in the library for years. No one has ever succeeded in cultivating it. Most who tried found it to be useless."
Haochen's grip on the scroll tightened. "Then they weren't meant for it."
Wei studied him for a moment, then let out a chuckle. "Fine. Since you're so determined, take it. But don't come crying to me if it turns out to be worthless."
Haochen bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Instructor Wei."
With the scroll in hand, he turned and left the hall.
Today, he had taken his next step.
---
Returning Home – First Cultivation Attempt
Back in his courtyard, Haochen sat cross-legged beneath the gnarled pine tree, the Void Spirit Art scroll laid out before him.
He took a deep breath and began reading.
The more he read, the more he realized why others had failed. The Void Spirit Art did not function like traditional techniques that required drawing spiritual energy through meridians. Instead, it focused on constructing a spiritual vessel within one's soul.
A vessel…
Haochen's heart pounded. This was exactly what his system had given him!
Was this fate?
His eyes gleamed with determination. Wasting no time, he activated Primordial Absorption and closed his eyes.
Immediately, thin wisps of golden energy spiraled toward him. Unlike before, this time he didn't simply absorb it—he followed the instructions of the Void Spirit Art, guiding the energy into his Primordial Vessel.
The moment it entered, his consciousness trembled.
A vast space unfolded within him. It was dark and endless, like the void of the cosmos. At its center was the Primordial Vessel, a golden construct floating in the abyss.
It was small, barely the size of a boat, but it pulsed with untapped potential.
Following the technique's instructions, Haochen guided the absorbed energy into the vessel. It shimmered, absorbing the power like a ship drawing in wind to sail.
Then—
Boom!
A sudden pain erupted in his chest. His breathing hitched as his body trembled. Sweat dripped from his forehead. The energy was unstable, refusing to settle!
Gritting his teeth, Haochen pushed through. He willed the vessel to contain the energy, to refine it properly.
Time passed.
An hour. Two hours.
Finally—
Ding!
---
[Vessel Capacity: 10/100]
[Void Spirit Art – First Layer: Initiated]
---
Haochen exhaled heavily, his body drenched in sweat, but his eyes burned with excitement.
He had done it.
Not only had he increased his Vessel Capacity, but he had successfully initiated the Void Spirit Art—something no one else had achieved!
His heart pounded.
This is only the beginning.
With this technique, he would grow stronger. He would defy the heavens.
And one day—he would stand above all.