Bai Yu wasted no time. Accompanied by his visibly proud and relieved father, he made his way directly from the secluded courtyard towards the heart of the Bai Clan compound – the Clan Repository.
The Repository was a sturdy, stone building, less ornate than the main hall but radiating an aura of solemn importance. Ancient wards shimmered faintly around its perimeter, protecting the precious knowledge stored within. Standing guard just inside the entrance was Elder Wan, one of the eight Martial Master elders of the Bai Clan. He was a man with a meticulous air, his robes immaculate, known for his dedication to preserving the clan's heritage. His responsibility was the Repository, ensuring its scrolls and tablets were maintained and accessed only by authorized clan members.
As Bai Feng and Bai Yu approached, Elder Wan immediately straightened and offered a respectful bow. "Greetings, Patriarch," he said, his voice steady.
When Elder Wan looked up, his eyes fell upon Bai Yu standing beside the Patriarch. His practiced composure instantly shattered. He gasped, his eyes widening in shock and confusion. He scanned Bai Yu from head to toe – the flowing white hair, the striking golden eyes, the subtly powerful aura that seemed leagues beyond the struggling youth he'd seen just yesterday.
"Forgive my lack of composure, Patriarch," Elder Wan stammered slightly, quickly regaining his professional demeanor, though his curiosity was palpable. "And who might this distinguished young master be?" he asked politely, clearly not recognizing the figure before him as the clan's previously unremarkable heir.
Bai Feng let out a hearty laugh, clapping a hand on Bai Yu's shoulder. "Haha! This is my son, Bai Yu! Elder Wan, has it been so long you don't remember him?"
Elder Wan looked utterly astonished, his gaze flickering between Bai Feng's amused expression and Bai Yu's transformed features. He clearly remembered seeing Bai Yu on the training grounds yesterday – the same white hair, yes, but otherwise almost unrecognizable. The youth yesterday was still weak and frail in terms of cultivation, his efforts laborious. But the young man standing before him now… not only possessed an almost otherworldly handsomeness and those startling golden eyes, but he also radiated an ancient, suppressive aura. It was subtle, clearly restrained – even though Bai Yu tried to suppress it out of habit and consideration – yet Elder Wan, as a Martial Master, could sense its profound depth, something far beyond mere Qi Refining.
Bai Feng winked conspiratorially at the bewildered elder. "Let's just say he had a fortunate encounter. Fused with a powerful magical beast soul and awakened his bloodline. Never mind the details for now, Bai Wan. Let us pass. I wish to show him the techniques myself."
Understanding dawned partially on Elder Wan's face – a beast soul fusion explained the drastic change, though the sheer magnitude hinted at by Bai Yu's aura still boggled his mind. He quickly stepped aside, bowing again. "Of course, Patriarch. Please, proceed."
Bai Feng led Bai Yu deeper into the Repository, navigating through halls lined with shelves containing historical records and clan genealogies, until they reached a specific, heavily reinforced door guarded by another layer of protective formations. Bai Feng deactivated them with a specific Qi signature, and they stepped into the Hall of Battle Techniques.
The air here felt different, charged with the lingering intent of generations of Bai Clan warriors. Rows upon rows of scrolls, jade slips, and stone tablets filled the shelves, each containing a martial art or cultivation method. Bai Yu felt a thrill course through him – this was the arsenal of his clan.
His father gestured broadly. "All techniques up to the Spirit Grade are housed here. Start with the Mortal Grade section, Yu'er. Build your foundation properly, even with your... accelerated start."
Bai Yu nodded eagerly and directly went to the designated shelves, browsing through the techniques available to Qi Refining disciples. His golden eyes scanned the names and brief descriptions etched onto the containers or introductory scrolls.
The first technique he looked at was labeled "Gathering Clouds Hand." The description read: Mortal Grade, Low-Tier. A simple circular parrying motion focusing on yielding and redirection. Teaches beginners to feel and redirect an opponent's incoming force rather than meeting it head-on. Cultivates sensitivity and flow. Foundation for more advanced deflection arts. Bai Yu briefly considered it – understanding energy flow was crucial – but it felt too passive for his immediate needs.
The second he looked at was "Whistling Wind Step." Mortal Grade, Mid-Tier. A basic footwork pattern emphasizing short, controlled bursts of movement to maintain balance while evading or advancing. Beginners practice this to develop fluid transitions and a stable stance under pressure. Essential, certainly, but again, foundational rather than directly empowering in combat.
He continued to look at the different techniques, his enhanced comprehension allowing him to quickly grasp the core concepts of various Mortal Grade fist styles, sword forms, and movement arts. Many were solid, practical techniques honed over generations by the Bai Clan. They focused on efficiency, stability, and maximizing the limited Qi available at this realm.
His eyes scanned titles like 'Iron Bone Fist', 'Flowing Water Saber', 'Steady Mountain Stance'... until one particular jade slip caught his attention. It rested slightly apart from the others, emanating a faint, almost imperceptible sharpness. The title etched onto it was simple, yet held a certain predatory elegance.