Xue Mo navigated the familiar paths of the Azure Sky Sect, sunlight filtering through the leaves and casting dappled patterns on the ground. The soft rustling of foliage and distant chants filled the air, creating a serene backdrop. Small insects buzzed lazily, and the occasional chirp of spirit birds echoed from the treetops.
His mind, however, was occupied with thoughts of Li Mumin, a key figure renowned for his resources and connections within the sect.
Li Mumin was an inner sect disciple with a reputation built on both impressive achievements and his ability to influence others. He had earned favor from several elders and possessed access to resources many could only dream of. This made him a person of interest to both allies and rivals alike.
Whispers of his exploits—such as defeating a rank nine Spirit Awakening Serpent—circulated quickly among the disciples, cementing his status as someone who could open doors for those aspiring to rise. Some even speculated that he was being groomed for a leadership role, though nothing official had been stated.
After a purposeful walk, Xue Mo arrived at Cave Number 17, the place Li Mumin had designated for their meeting.
The area was unusually quiet; he had passed only a few preoccupied disciples on the way. This tranquility, however, did little to ease the tension rising within him. Even the usual chirps and whispers of nature seemed subdued in this part of the sect.
"He's probably waiting for me inside," Xue Mo muttered, steeling his resolve as he approached the dark wooden door reinforced with iron. With a steady hand, he knocked, the sound echoing faintly in the stillness.
"Senior Brother Li, it's Lin Feng," he called, his voice firm yet respectful, projecting calm confidence.
Moments later, the door creaked open, revealing Li Mumin—a tall man with sharp features and an aura that commanded respect.
Dressed in green robes symbolizing his status, Li Mumin embodied the poise of an accomplished disciple. "Ah, right on time," he greeted with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Come in, come in."
Xue Mo stepped inside, taking in the well-furnished interior. The cave was organized and inviting, with shelves lined with ancient tomes and an array of cultivation artifacts that hinted at the wisdom and wealth accumulated within these walls. A mix of incense and earthy herbs perfumed the air—an ideal environment for cultivation and discussion.
"Please, make yourself comfortable," Li Mumin gestured toward a plush chair. Settling into his own seat, he regarded Xue Mo with a look of curiosity. "So, how did the assessment go?"
"It went well, as expected," Xue Mo replied calmly. "But passing alone isn't enough to rise in the sect."
Li Mumin's eyes narrowed slightly. "You're right. Ambition alone won't take you far. What do you propose to secure your advancement?"
"I need access to resources and knowledge," Xue Mo said plainly, fully aware of the other's influence. "In exchange, I can provide information about internal movements within the sect."
Interest flickered across Li Mumin's face. "Information, you say? How specific?"
"I have ways that will allow me to listen to certain discussions among disciples. I can offer insights into their training, strategies, and potential alliances. Understanding your competition is critical," Xue Mo explained, measuring each word.
Li Mumin leaned back, folding his arms. "That could be valuable. Are you confident in your ability to gather reliable intel on specific individuals?"
"Absolutely," Xue Mo affirmed. "Everyone has blind spots. I'll stay low and strike only with information."
"Good." Li Mumin's tone became sharper. "If you can deliver actionable insights, I'll help you in return. But be cautious. One mistake could ripple across our ranks."
"I understand," Xue Mo replied, resolute. "I won't let you down."
"Then let's set a timeline," Li Mumin said, leaning forward. "A fortnight. That should be enough for fresh, relevant intelligence."
"Agreed," Xue Mo nodded.
Before he left, Li Mumin rose and moved toward a shelf filled with softly glowing vials. Selecting one with shimmering essence, he held it out. "This is a Minor Essence of Qi. It will help you stabilize your foundation as you go for the sixth level."
Xue Mo accepted the vial, feeling its warmth. "Thank you, Senior Brother. I will use it wisely."
"Remember," Li Mumin added gravely, "trust is nuanced. Misplaced trust leads to setbacks. Keep your dealings quiet."
"Of course," Xue Mo responded with conviction. "I'll maintain discretion."
The moment Xue Mo left to a certain distance, the smile and happy look on his face was nowhere to be seen.
He only did what he did with Li Mumin because it served his benefits, now that he was temporarily done, he would take care of other things.
"I'll go to the beast cavern to complete today's tasks, then head to the Technique Exchange Pavilion," Xue Mo decided inwardly as he stepped out.
---
Five hours later, he arrived at the Technique Exchange Pavilion.
This structure had four levels and was overseen by a Foundation Establishment realm elder.
The first level contained Qi Cultivation techniques.
The second, Foundation Establishment techniques.
The third, Golden Core techniques.
The fourth, Nascent Soul techniques.
The pavilion itself was built from reinforced spirit wood and stone, etched with defensive runes and maintained by the sect's array masters. Wide stairs connected each level, and the place buzzed with quiet energy as disciples browsed the scrolls and manuals available to them.
It was said even the Sect only had three Nascent Soul techniques, and anything higher was likely not something disciples would know about.
These techniques weren't free—they required contribution points. Most disciples didn't visit the pavilion unless they had reached the seventh level of Qi Cultivation or were preparing for the Inner Sect Competition.
After all, learning techniques required time—something few were willing to invest unless they were certain of their talent or confident of advancing.
"Senior Brother, I would like to choose a technique," Xue Mo said, handing over his identity token.
After verification, the disciple handed him a catalog containing descriptions of available spirit-rank spells.
"Thank you, Senior Brother."
Xue Mo flipped through the book, carefully evaluating his options. The pages were neatly organized, and each entry was accompanied by diagrams illustrating technique stances or formations.
Piercing Leaf Swordplay]
Type: Spirit Awakening Technique
Tier: Mid-Grade
Cost: 110 Contribution Points
Description:
A swift and graceful sword technique developed for outer sect disciples to defend against Spirit Awakening beasts and rogue cultivators. Emphasizes speed, accuracy, and control, making it ideal for quick eliminations and counterattacks.
Restrictions: Outer Sect Access Only
---
[Fire Condensation Art]
Type: Spirit Awakening Technique
Tier: High-Grade
Cost: 150 Contribution Points
Description:
A destructive fire-based technique that gathers and compresses elemental fire into a concentrated sphere. Upon release, it detonates with explosive force, capable of inflicting severe burns and disrupting enemy formations. Best used by cultivators with high fire affinity.
Restrictions: Requires Fire Affinity. Minimum Qi Cultivation Level: 7th Layer
---
[Light Body Technique]
Type: Movement Technique
Tier: Mid-Grade
Cost: 120 Contribution Points
Description:
A movement-based technique that lightens the user's body using Qi control, greatly enhancing speed and agility. Enables short bursts of aerial movement, increased evasion, and rapid redirection mid-battle.
Restrictions: Requires a minimum of 6th-level Qi Cultivation and strong Qi circulation control.
In addition to these specific techniques of the Azure Sky Sect, there were also a lot of other techniques for outer sect disciples.
For example, Beast Control Technique, Iron Body Technique, Wind Mastery Technique, Golden Shield, and so on.
Xue Mo was not actually interested in any of these techniques but he needed something to use while he stayed in the sect.
Using techniques from his past life in the open would be unrealistic as it would attract too much attention and those were just techniques that he got from the righteous faction members he had killed in his past life.
After thinking it over, Xue Mo decided to choose two techniques since he didn't have much contribution points.