"Well, all that's left now is to organize the techniques I have," Lin Tian thought to himself. "With the profound-rank, low-grade Mystic Flame, I should be ready to start."
Despite the significance of possessing his clan's core technique, Lin Tian knew it wasn't enough; he lacked offensive and movement techniques to bolster his skills.
"Let's check the clan's Martial Pavilion. There might be something suitable."
As he set off, a towering five-story building soon loomed ahead, its structure both imposing and majestic, a testament to the clan's legacy.
Lin Tian stepped into the clan's Martial Pavilion, a place he had only heard of in hushed conversations.
The pavilion was grand, with towering pillars and an air of timeless wisdom within its five-story structure. As he approached, an elder with a kindly face greeted him, his robes flowing gracefully.
"Ah, Young Master Lin," the elder said, bowing with a warm smile. "What brings you here today?"
Lin Tian nodded in respect. "I'm here to search for new techniques, Elder."
With his status as the clan's young master, Lin Tian had permission to ascend to the third floor—an honor few could claim.
As he moved through each level, he was awed by the sheer number of scrolls and techniques, each promising power and refinement. Yet, he pressed on, searching for something that resonated with him.
On the third floor, tucked away on a high shelf, Lin Tian's eyes fell on a thin, unassuming scroll.
The label read: Shadow Blade. Intrigued, he opened it to find that it was a sword technique focused purely on enhancing speed, promising to make each strike as swift and elusive as a shadow.
Further searching led him to a movement technique scroll titled Ghost Step. The technique promised nimble footwork that could match his newfound sword speed.
After careful consideration, Lin Tian brought both scrolls to the elder for registration. The elder, noticing one of his choices, raised an eyebrow and said, "You have chosen wisely, Young Master. But… are you certain about Shadow Blade? No one has chosen that technique in nearly a decade. It's an incomplete high-rank profound technique."
"Oh?" Lin Tian asked, intrigued. "Could you tell me more about it?"
The elder sighed, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes. "Shadow Blade was once a Heaven-grade technique, but the version we have is incomplete.
It promises unmatched speed and elusiveness, yet no one has achieved mastery in years. Many ambitious geniuses tried their hand at it, only to abandon it after repeated failure."
The elder gave him a cautious look. "I advise you to pick a different technique, one that's less… temperamental."
Lin Tian bowed respectfully. "Thank you for your advice, Elder. But I believe I can master it."
With both scrolls now in his possession, Lin Tian returned to his abode, anticipation igniting his resolve. He spent the day engrossed in practice,
the sword becoming an extension of his will. Each swing grew faster, each movement more agile. Hours slipped by unnoticed, yet he remained relentless, pushing his limits into the dead of night.
But as his blade cut through the air, a faint and mysterious glow began to emanate from his chest—subtle yet undeniable, like the awakening of something ancient within him.