Bai Yu's golden eyes traced the characters etched onto the jade slip.
"Crescent Moon Kick." Mortal Grade, High-Tier. The description elaborated: "A sweeping, powerful arc kick primarily targeting the mid-level areas (ribs, waist, flank) of an opponent. This technique introduces practitioners to circular attacks, emphasizing proper hip rotation for generating force, and the critical importance of chamber positioning before execution. Its power, when landed correctly, can stagger or even disable opponents within the same realm." A crucial addendum followed: "Warning: The execution requires significant flexibility and core strength. Its wide arc makes it inherently slower than linear attacks, and a standard Qi Refining body often has difficulty utilizing it freely and rapidly in the heat of combat without leaving openings. Mastery is challenging at this stage, but a successfully executed Crescent Moon Kick can decisively change the flow of a fight."
It was a gamble. A powerful technique, but one explicitly noted as difficult for his current realm. Yet, the potential payoff, the ability to deliver a decisive blow, appealed strongly to Bai Yu's desire for tangible strength. Moreover, his body, reforged by the dragon bloodline, felt inherently more resilient and perhaps more adaptable than a standard Qi Refining cultivator's.
His gaze scanned further along the shelf, seeking a complementary movement technique. His eyes landed on another jade slip, this one emitting a faint feeling of lightness. "Azure Cloud Steps." Mortal Grade, High-Tier. The description promised: "A footwork technique focusing on lightness, agility, and elusive movement. Practitioners learn to minimize ground contact time, utilize subtle shifts in weight, and change directions unpredictably, mimicking the drifting nature of clouds or a sudden breeze. Excels at evasion and repositioning."
Agility and a powerful, albeit risky, attack. The combination felt right. He wouldn't just be a stationary target trying to land a difficult kick; he'd have the means to create openings and evade counters.
Bai Yu didn't hesitate. He reached out and took both the jade slip for the Crescent Moon Kick and the one for the Azure Cloud Steps.
Bai Feng watched his son's choices, raising an eyebrow slightly. "The Crescent Moon Kick and Azure Cloud Steps? Yu'er, are you certain? The kick is notoriously difficult to master at your level, prone to leaving you exposed if mistimed. And training two High-Tier Mortal Grade techniques simultaneously, especially one offensive and one movement-based, requires significant effort and talent". It's hard to train in them," Bai Feng asked, ensuring his son understood the challenge.
Bai Yu met his father's gaze, his golden eyes steady and determined. The memory of helplessness against Ao Tian's soul breath was still fresh. He needed techniques with impact, techniques that pushed his limits. "I understand the difficulty, Father. But my body feels... different now. Stronger. More receptive. I need techniques that can harness this potential, even if they are challenging. I believe I can master them." Bai Yu had already made up his mind.
Seeing the unwavering resolve in his son's eyes, a look he hadn't seen before the transformation, Bai Feng didn't argue further. He simply nodded, a flicker of pride in his expression. "Very well. Diligence and talent go hand in hand. Remember to build your foundation steadily. Don't rush."
With the two jade slips secured, they exited the Repository. Elder Wan watched them leave, his gaze lingering on Bai Yu's back, a mixture of awe and speculation on his face.
As Bai Yu walked back towards his own courtyard through the familiar paths of the Bai Clan compound, he couldn't ignore the changes. Before, he was met with indifference or thinly veiled pity. Now, whispers followed him, not of scorn, but of shock and curiosity. Junior disciples stopped their training, their eyes wide, staring openly at his transformed appearance, particularly his striking golden eyes and the almost palpable aura he carried. Senior disciples gave him assessing looks, trying to gauge the depth of his sudden change. He was still not accustomed to the whispers and looks, but now they stemmed from awe and uncertainty rather than disappointment. It was a different kind of scrutiny, one that spoke of newfound potential rather than perceived failure. He ignored them as best he could, his mind already focused on deciphering the secrets held within the two jade slips he carried. His journey had truly begun.