Wang Shao laughed, "I have some matters to attend to, so I'll see you another time. It was good catching up." Wang Shao hesitated for a moment, his expression turning more serious.
"Just a word of advice before I go. Watch out for Lin Fang. This will only deepen his disdain for you and further his motivation to provoke you."
Bai Jian nodded, "Don't worry about me. What haven't I endured by now?"
"Hah, true. See you later brother!"
Bai Jian then stepped forward to the counter, pulling out a small leather pouch from his robe. The mission he had completed was a relatively straightforward one: collecting rare Yang Root herbs from the outer regions of the Yinwu Forest.
These fiery red roots, while prized for their medicinal properties, were surrounded by dangerous spirit beasts that made even the most routine collection a perilous task. But Bai Jian had carefully navigated the forest, evading danger, and successfully harvested the herbs. He placed them gently onto the counter.
The elder behind the counter, a middle-aged man with a neatly trimmed beard and sharp eyes, looked up from his ledger.
He was Elder He, a seasoned sect member tasked with overseeing the completion of lower-level missions. He picked up the herbs, inspecting them with an expert's gaze. After a brief moment, he nodded approvingly.
"Well done, Bai Jian. These are in good condition. You've done your part." He made a mark in his ledger and then reached for a small wooden token from the drawer.
"This mission rewards you with 80 contribution points. That brings your total to 510 points, based on the missions you've completed so far."
Bai Jian's heart gave a slight, involuntary flutter of relief. This was the moment he had been waiting for. With 510 contribution points, he finally had enough to purchase something valuable. He took the wooden token from Elder He, bowing his head slightly in gratitude.
"Thank you, Elder He," Bai Jian said politely, his voice calm but carrying a hint of excitement beneath the surface.
The elder gave a small nod, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully, but he said nothing further. Bai Jian could sense the elder's usual stoic demeanor, and there was no need for further conversation.
As he walked away from the counter, Bai Jian's thoughts were already set. Bai Jian's feet carried him toward the Cloudveil Sanctuary, the sect's most revered pavilion. Hidden behind a misty veil of clouds, it stood on one of the highest peaks of the sect.
Within its walls lay the most invaluable knowledge of the White Cloud Sect — ancient techniques and martial skills dating back to its founding. These legendary manuscripts were passed down through generations, preserving the secrets of cultivation and combat that had shaped the sect's power.
As Bai Jian stepped into the Cloudveil Sanctuary and took a look around. The shelves before him were lined with scrolls and tomes, each holding martial techniques and cultivation arts passed down.
Suddenly, a voice echoed within his mind, "Outer disciple," the voice intoned, its tone firm yet neutral.
"You may only access the first floor. The higher floors are reserved for inner disciples and elders. However, even the first floor holds techniques of great value. Choose wisely."
Bai Jian's footsteps faltered briefly as the voice receded, but he quickly regained his composure. He bowed slightly and made his way forward. These restrictions were along the lines of what he expected. With his contribution points in hand, he was determined to make the find a skill suited to him.
As Bai Jian walked through the aisles of the library, he gazed upon the scrolls, each containing ancient techniques and martial arts that had been preserved for centuries.
He ran his fingers along the dusty spines, reading the titles aloud in his mind. The first scroll he came across was titled Cloud Fist:
A swift and flowing fist technique that mimics the movement of clouds, allowing the practitioner to strike with fluidity and speed. The technique emphasizes unpredictability, as the user can change the direction and force of the punch mid-air, making it hard for opponents to read.
He had heard of it before — a swift and flowing technique praised for its unpredictability and speed. It seemed like a perfect fit for someone seeking to build fluidity in their strikes. However, he quickly shook his head, dismissing the idea.
He considered it for a moment, but then shook his head. "I'm already practicing the Bai Clan's Heaven-Shattering Fist. Although this skill is nice, it does not compare."
On the surface, The Heaven-Shattering Fist seemed simple—just a basic martial art focused on heavy, forceful strikes—but its true potential lay in the depth of its power. It was said to have been discovered by the founder of the Bai Clan during an expedition to an ancient ruin.
Despite its unassuming nature, the technique was capable of drawing on vast reserves of qi to strike with the force of an earthquake, shattering mountains and crushing foes with a single blow.
With a sigh, he moved past the scroll, continuing his search. Next, his eyes fell upon a scrolled named Heaven's Embrace:
A defensive technique that allowed the user to form an impenetrable barrier of energy around their body. It was said to be a staple for those with a higher cultivation base, capable of shielding oneself from both physical and spiritual attacks.
Bai Jian understood the importance of being able to protect himself, but for now, developing his attacking skills would give him the edge he needed in the early stages of his cultivation. He would need more than just a defensive barrier to make a mark in the sect.
He continued walking, his heart quickening with the anticipation of finding something that would truly enhance his abilities. He passed several other techniques, yet none of them felt like the right fit.
Finally, at the very back of the pavilion, he found a scroll that caught his attention — White Mist Step. It was a footwork technique, and Bai Jian's eyes immediately brightened as he read the description.
A movement technique that grants the user unparalleled fluidity and speed, allowing them to glide effortlessly through the air as light and unobtrusive as mist.
It is designed for evasion and rapid repositioning, making it perfect for cultivators who trying to avoid direct confrontation.
When mastered, the technique enables the user to leave behind no trace, becoming nearly invisible in low visibility environments.
While it does not directly increase combat power, its utility in both battle and exploration is unparalleled, allowing the user to outmaneuver opponents with ease.
The technique requires a high level of control over one's spiritual energy, and mastery demands not only physical agility but a deep understanding of balance and flow.
Bai Jian's heart surged with excitement as he finished reading the description of White Mist Step. This was it. It was exactly what he had been searching for. It seemed perfectly tailored for him.
With renewed determination, he rolled up the scroll and made his way to the front counter. The elder behind the desk looked up as Bai Jian approached, his gaze falling on the scroll in his hands.
"White Mist Step, hm?" the elder murmured, his eyes narrowing slightly.
"This is a delicate technique. Its complexity lies in its execution. Many who have tried to master it before you have found it far more difficult than anticipated. It requires more than just physical prowess — it demands a deep connection with your qi and a level of control that even some inner disciples struggle with."
Bai Jian held the elder's gaze, his expression unwavering. "I understand the difficulty. But I'm willing to put in the effort."
The elder sighed, shaking his head as if considering the stubbornness of youth. "It's not about effort alone," he muttered.
"But if you're set on it…" He paused, before letting out a resigned breath. "Very well. I won't stop you, but remember: The path you choose may not be as easy as you think."
Bai Jian gave a quiet nod of gratitude, his resolve solidifying. He had made his decision. Now, there was nothing that would hold him back.
The elder's eyes flicked to the scroll, then to Bai Jian, before he spoke again. "The price of this technique is 500 contribution points."
Bai Jian reached into his robes, pulling out the wooden token. He handed it to the elder, who marked it down.
The moment the transaction was complete, Bai Jian couldn't help but let out a sad chuckle. Just like that, he was left with a mere 10 contribution points. It was a steep price to pay, but he knew it was worth it. The technique would help him in ways that would far surpass the immediate loss.