The next morning, Lin Feng was ordered to present a demonstration of his "Transmutation Method" for several high-ranking Outer Sect Elders, including Elder Gao, in the Resource Hall's main testing chamber.
This was not a show of force, but a test of utility. Lin Feng knew that failure meant being reassigned back to the Central Scrap Mound, or worse, having his method seized by the Sect.
He chose two demonstrations: one of his resource recycling, and one of his new combat technique, framed as an application of his refined Scrap Qi.
The Alchemy Demonstration
For his first demonstration, Lin Feng was given three separate, unusable items:
A handful of highly contaminated White Jade Dust (rejected for containing trace poisons).
A low-grade Qi Replenishment Pill (failed due to instability).
A shard of Meteorite Iron (too impure for refining).
Lin Feng began with the White Jade Dust. He carefully isolated the trace poison essence using the Scrap Essence Focus and absorbed it into his root, filtering and discarding the toxicity while keeping the pure Earth Essence.
He then took the unstable Qi Pill. Using his refined Earth Essence (Scrap Qi), he carefully infused the pill, "patching" the instability. The failed pill immediately solidified, its Qi fluctuations becoming smooth and reliable.
"The pill was energetically sound," Lin Feng explained calmly to the Elders. "It merely lacked structural stability. My refined Scrap Qi acts as a spiritual stabilizing agent."
He then took the Meteorite Iron, which contained trace Fire Essence but was riddled with impurities. He focused on the fire element, pulling out a small amount of pure Fire Scrap Qi. He then used this heat essence to gently polish the surface of the jade dust, enhancing its spiritual luster.
The Elders exchanged impressed glances. Lin Feng wasn't creating; he was salvaging. He was turning a 100% loss into a 50% gain, which, at the Sect's scale, was massive.
The Martial Demonstration
Elder Gao nodded in approval. "The utility is noted. Now, Lin Feng, we must address the matter of your combat prowess. Your strike against Lin Wei was noted for its unnatural density. How does this 'Scrap Qi' apply to combat?"
This was the risky part. Lin Feng had to show power without showing the [Aetherial Scrap System].
"Elders," Lin Feng stated. "My Scrap Qi is derived from dense, non-organic refuse—primarily metals, earth, and stone. Unlike ambient Qi, which is light and flowing, my energy is heavy and concentrated. I have integrated a Black Grade technique designed to maximize this density: the Scrap Iron Palm."
Elder Gao assigned two veteran 4th Stage Outer Disciples to stand against a heavy, spiritual training dummy made of reinforced basalt rock. The disciples attacked with their full force, using standard Outer Sect techniques. The dummy groaned, but remained firmly in place.
"Now, Lin Feng," Elder Gao instructed. "Show us the application."
Lin Feng walked up to the dummy. He took a deep breath, circulating the dense, metallic Scrap Qi of the 4th Stage Mortal Body directly into his right arm. The arm felt unnaturally heavy, like he was carrying an ingot of lead.
He didn't use any flashy footwork or complicated motions. He simply executed the raw, forceful Scrap Iron Palm strike that the System had imprinted.
His palm connected with the basalt dummy.
K-CRACK!
The sound was deafening. The spiritual reinforcement around the basalt cracked immediately, and a deep, spider-web fracture spread across the dummy's surface. The entire 500-jin training dummy was jolted back a foot, nearly toppling over.
The Elders stared, utterly silent. The two veteran disciples looked at the dummy with wide eyes.
Elder Gao walked forward, running his hand over the deep fracture. "Unprecedented density," he muttered. "The sheer, raw mass of the strike rivals that of a mid-level 5th Stage cultivator using a weapon."
The conclusion was drawn: Lin Feng's method produced an energy suited only for defense, stabilization, and raw physical offense—a narrow but potent path. The threat of him learning complex, high-tier techniques was low, but his utility was immense.
The Elders convened briefly. When Elder Gao returned, his verdict was clear, but the price of his new power was revealed.
"Lin Feng," Elder Gao announced. "Your Transmutation Method is classified as a significant, high-utility resource to the Azure Sky Sect. Your role is permanent."
However, Elder Gao continued, his voice hardening: "As the primary expert in this method, you are forbidden from revealing its nature to any other disciple. Furthermore, to ensure the maximum efficiency of this new process, you will be granted full, unrestricted access to the entire Sect's waste stream—from the Core Elder's latrine cleaning to the highest peak's refinement slag."
This was a double-edged sword. He had limitless resources, but his cultivation path was now forever tied to filth, and his every movement would be monitored. He was an incredibly valuable resource, not a disciple.
"Accepted, Elder," Lin Feng replied, bowing deeply. His heart was pounding. Limitless resources.
Elder Gao gave him a final instruction: "Your first official assignment is to clear the massive buildup of mineral waste accumulating near the Outer Sect Alchemy Pits. That filth has been attracting low-level spiritual beasts."
Lin Feng bowed, accepted the command, and left the Resource Hall. His path was now legitimate, but his hands were permanently covered in the world's refuse. He smiled inwardly. The 4th Stage Mortal Body was now a certainty.