"Li Shen, now that our tea time has ended," Elder Zhang's calm voice flowed like a tranquil stream, his gaze distant as if he were already contemplating the Dao itself, "go back to your courtyard, familiarize yourself, and cultivate well."
"Yes, Master," Li Shen bowed deeply, his voice steady but filled with reverence.
When he left the pavilion, the wind atop Azure Veil Peak was cool and fragrant, carrying faint traces of spiritual energy from the floating formations above. The horizon shimmered in verdant hues, as if the very heavens acknowledged his newfound path.
In his courtyard, Li Shen took a deep breath.
The faint fragrance of pine and spiritual herbs drifted through the open windows, the quiet rustling of leaves merging with his heartbeat. He had dreamed countless nights of being chosen, but now that it had happened, it felt unreal. His life had changed within a single breath — from a nameless outer disciple to the personal disciple of a Grand Elder.
His hands trembled slightly as he unwrapped the items bestowed upon him.
The first was a jade slip — pale green, translucent, and cool to the touch. The words Verdant Core Sutra were engraved on it in ancient script, each character pulsing faintly with life.
He remembered Elder Zhang's words from earlier, echoing like a whisper through time:
"This sutra refines Qi through resonance with nature itself, harmonizing one's breath with the rhythm of heaven and earth. It will guide you from Body Tempering to Core Formation without deviation — but only if your heart remains pure and steadfast."
Li Shen infused a wisp of Qi into the jade slip.
Immediately, a soft radiance enveloped him. The jade melted into motes of green light, flowing into his forehead before vanishing entirely. A moment later, a flood of comprehension surged through his consciousness — patterns of breathing, meridian pathways, and profound truths about balance, motion, and stillness.
Then, a crisp notification echoed in his mind.
Ding: Detected that host has learned a cultivation method — Verdant Core Sutra (Tier III).
Verdant Breathing Art Mastery has been converted to Verdant Core Sutra (Tier III).
Verdant Core Sutra (Tier III) [Proficiency: 10%] [Efficiency: 10%]
Li Shen froze, stunned.
"So… a Master-level Tier I technique… only equates to ten percent of a Tier III Sutra?"
The realization hit him like thunder.
The Verdant Breathing Art he had practiced all his life suddenly felt shallow — a child's attempt to mimic the grand flow of heaven and earth. It drew Qi crudely, without harmony or intent, like gulping air in a storm. But the Verdant Core Sutra — this was refinement in its truest form.
It was not about absorbing Qi but inviting it. Not about forcing energy into one's dantian, but resonating with the rhythm of creation itself.
He closed his eyes, his heart trembling. "So this… is the path of the true Verdant Dao."
"System," he whispered inwardly, "use my remaining mental energy to improve the Verdant Core Sutra."
Ding: -70 Mental Energy consumed.
Verdant Core Sutra (Tier III) [Proficiency: 10%] [Efficiency: 10% → 17%]
A cool sensation rippled through his body as clarity filled his mind, his breathing instinctively adjusting to match the subtle rhythm of nature.
But he stopped himself. "I've already meditated earlier… pushing further tonight may only disrupt my rhythm. I must let it settle first."
He turned his attention to the next treasure: a thin scroll bound with emerald silk — the Windstride Steps.
The scroll unfurled itself gently as if sensing his touch, revealing golden brushstrokes that shimmered faintly like flowing wind.
Ding: Host has learned Movement Technique — Windstride Steps (Tier III) [Proficiency: 1%] [Efficiency: 1%]
Ding: As this is the first time the host has learned a movement technique, a Tier I technique may be upgraded to full efficiency.
Detected: No Tier I Movement Technique available.
Would host like to convert the bonus to a 10% efficiency upgrade for Tier III Windstride Steps?
Li Shen pondered briefly. "System, will improving efficiency cause backlash?"
System:
Negative. Efficiency pertains to conceptual understanding — how one interprets the Dao within a technique, when to act, and when to flow.
Proficiency, however, represents ingrained bodily instinct, which requires physical adaptation and may cause strain if forced.
Li Shen nodded in understanding. "Then proceed."
Ding:Windstride Steps (Tier III) [Proficiency: 1%] [Efficiency: 1% → 10%]
As comprehension flowed, he felt his body lighten. For a moment, it seemed as if his feet were gliding over air, a whisper of wind curling around his ankles.
"This art truly lives up to its name," he murmured, smiling faintly. "When the heart moves, the wind follows."
Next, he opened the small pouch beside the scroll. Inside were five Mid-grade Spirit Stones.
They glowed with a faint cyan hue, as though fragments of frozen moonlight were trapped within. The energy they contained was dense yet tranquil — far more refined than the impure Qi he was used to drawing from the surroundings.
"One Mid Spirit Stone equals a hundred Low Spirit Stones," he murmured in awe. "This… could sustain my cultivation for months."
Only cultivators who had stepped into the Qi Realm truly benefited from spirit stones. For those at Body Tempering, it was an extravagance. He decided he would use them sparingly, with utmost care.
Finally, at the bottom of the wooden box lay a sword.
The blade was wrapped in dark-green cloth, its hilt engraved with a cloud motif that shimmered faintly when touched. As he unwrapped it, a low hum echoed — as though the weapon was breathing.
Verdant Spirit Blade — Spirit Tier.
He recalled what the texts said about weapon tiers:
Mortal-Tier artifacts were mere vessels of steel and Qi.
Spirit-Tier artifacts, however, bore consciousness — faint yet aware. They resonated with emotion, their strength threefold that of mortal weapons.
The sword pulsed faintly, awaiting acknowledgment.
With solemn respect, Li Shen pricked his finger and let a drop of blood fall upon the blade. It vanished instantly, absorbed like morning dew.
The sword trembled once, then released a faint verdant glow.
Their bond was formed.
Though Li Shen was still within the Body Tempering Realm, he could sense the blade's restrained power — like a sleeping dragon waiting for the call of a worthy wielder.
"One day," he whispered softly, "I'll be strong enough for you to show your true brilliance."
As he set the treasures aside, a knock came from outside his courtyard.
"Knock, knock. Young Master, your dinner is ready," a gentle female voice called.
When he opened the door, a young maid bowed deeply, presenting a lacquered tray. On it were steaming dishes — fragrant spirit rice that glowed faintly, sliced boar meat marinated in spiritual herbs, and soup brewed with lotus roots that exuded a calm aura.
Li Shen's eyes widened. As an outer disciple, he had eaten coarse grain and watered soup — barely enough to sustain cultivation. But this… this was food suffused with Qi essence itself.
When he tasted the first bite, warmth spread through his body like flowing light. His fatigue faded, his spirit refreshed.
He smiled quietly. "Even the food of the inner sect nourishes cultivation itself. No wonder they soar while others crawl."
The maid bowed once more before leaving, the faint scent of jasmine lingering behind her.
Li Shen gazed out the window, watching the distant peaks shrouded in mist. The moon hung high, its silver glow mingling with the faint shimmer of defensive formations surrounding the sect.
Everything felt surreal — the gifts, the courtyard, the sudden change in fate.
He placed a hand over his heart. "So this is the beginning… of my new path."
As the night deepened, Li Shen lay down, exhaustion gently taking him.