Chapter 5: Qi Training Level 2, Meeting Ye Chen Again

“Hahaha, Zhou Chen, do you even know what you're saying? Do you still think you're the high and mighty Genius you once were? Just you, this piece of trash?”

Zhang Xiaoxin was stunned when he heard Zhou Chen's words, then laughed in extreme anger.

Zhou Chen stopped talking nonsense, his aura contained, and he directly drew his sword, Spiritual Qi condensing on the blade.

“Breaking the Void!”

He let out a low cry and thrust straight at Zhang Xiaoxin.

Zhang Xiaoxin sneered, Qi sinking into his Dantian, blood and Qi surging within his body, and the Realm of Body Refining Eighth Layer burst forth.

“Mang Niu Fist!”

This was precisely the Yellow Rank Cultivation Technique Zhang Xiaoxin had chosen in the Technique Pavilion.

The powerful fist force came tearing through the air, his fist covered in a thin layer of blood and Qi, showing that Zhang Xiaoxin's Mang Niu Fist had already reached the Minor Achievement Realm.

However, it was clear that Zhang Xiaoxin hadn't used his full strength; in his opinion, a piece of trash only at Body Refining First Layer could be crushed effortlessly.

The moment he approached Zhang Xiaoxin, Zhou Chen suddenly increased his Spiritual Qi output.

Sword shadows surged, the first move of Tiangang Swordplay was fully unleashed, and in an instant, piercing sounds of air breaking echoed through the air.

Dozens of sword shadows appeared out of thin air with the Spiritual Qi's enhancement, each sword shadow carrying an afterimage of Sword Qi. This was the effect derived from the Perfection of the first move of Tiangang Swordplay.

Seeing this, Zhang Xiaoxin's smile vanished instantly.

“How can you be at the Qi Refinement Stage! Fake! It's all fake!”

Zhang Xiaoxin then prepared to dodge, but his body had long been hollowed out by wine and women.

He also had almost no combat experience and couldn't make any effective response, his pupils suddenly widening.

Before he could react, the moment the sword shadows met the Mang Niu Fist, Zhang Xiaoxin's fist instantly exploded, revealing his stark white bones, and countless sword marks appeared on his body.

With a booming sound, Zhang Xiaoxin was instantly torn to pieces, and the residual Sword Qi smashed countless deep gouges into the ground behind him.

Zhou Chen's face also showed a hint of surprise; he hadn't expected the first move of Tiangang Swordplay to be so powerful.

This was also the first time he had used it in combat, and he hadn't accurately grasped its power.

The moment Zhang Xiaoxin died, Zhou Chen felt his body lighten, as if some obsession had been released. It seemed the original owner's obsession still had some influence on the current Zhou Chen.

Zhou Chen was very satisfied with the swordplay's power, but its consumption was too great; a third of his Spiritual Qi was gone in an instant. If he encountered an enemy skilled in attrition, he could easily be worn down to death.

“It seems I need to find an alternative Cultivation Technique, one that emphasizes endurance, to avoid being targeted.”

Zhou Chen muttered.

After checking the murder scene for any omissions, Zhou Chen quickly left Longtou Mountain and quietly returned to the Sect under the cover of night.

The next morning.

Zhou Chen woke up early and went to the waterfall near Third Pill Refinement Peak to continue practicing his sword.

After careful consideration, and with some time remaining until the Outer Sect Competition, Zhou Chen decided to take out the Yellow Rank High Grade combat skill, Qingfeng Swordplay, which he had obtained from Mang Niu Fist earlier, and Cultivate it.

The benefits were twofold: on one hand, it could serve as a disguise, and on the other, it could compensate for Zhou Chen's lack of diverse methods in combat.

With the enlightenment stone's enhancement and the foundation laid by Tiangang Swordplay, Zhou Chen only took half an incense stick of time to grasp the true meaning of Qingfeng Swordplay and began his initiation.

As noon approached, Zhou Chen packed his things and returned to the Outer Sect Disciple dormitory of Third Pill Refinement Peak.

All the Outer Sect Disciples were gathered in the square at the foot of the mountain.

The Outer Sect Steward of Third Pill Refinement Peak stood in the center of the square, and beside him stood a gloomy-faced man, also wearing the Outer Sect Steward uniform.

The Outer Sect Steward lightly coughed.

“Everyone, quiet down. Is everyone here? If not, please inform each other below. I have an important announcement to make.”

“Zhang Xiaoxin, an Outer Sect Disciple of our Third Pill Refinement Peak, was found dead yesterday on Longtou Mountain. His death was extremely gruesome. We are currently searching for the murderer. If anyone has any clues, please inform us; there will be a reward of 10 Mid-Grade Spirit Stones.”

He paused slightly, then continued.

“This person beside me is Steward Zhang from the Sect's Second Pill Refinement Peak. If you have any clues, you can also report them directly to him.”

After he finished speaking, Steward Zhang stepped forward, his face grim, and addressed the Disciples.

“Zhang Xiaoxin is a member of our Zhang family. If anyone reports a clue, our Zhang family will give an additional reward of 10 Mid-Grade Spirit Stones.”

The Disciples of Third Pill Refinement Peak immediately erupted into chatter. After all, 20 Mid-Grade Spirit Stones was equivalent to 2,000 Low-Grade Spirit Stones, which was an enormous sum for Outer Sect Disciples.

“However, if we discover that someone is withholding information, or if one of you harmed Zhang Xiaoxin, our Zhang family has ten thousand ways to make your lives worse than Hell.”

Steward Zhang shouted coldly.

At this moment, the Steward of Third Pill Refinement Peak looked at Steward Zhang, about to erupt, when Steward Zhang turned and whispered to him.

“Steward Zheng, I was too angry just now and couldn't help but say something abrupt, offending you. We will drink tonight, and I will apologize to you.”

Steward Zheng smiled, because this was their previous unwritten rule: an apology drink started at least at 10 Mid-Grade Spirit Stones, which counted as a small windfall.

So he calmly replied.

“Steward Zhang, what are you saying? Special circumstances are understandable.”

Then the two Stewards left, and the remaining Sect Disciples departed amidst low discussions.

“Good riddance, that cursed scoundrel, he robbed me of 20 Spirit Stones in total.”

“You're lucky, I was completely robbed of 50 Spirit Stones. Such a person deserves to go to Hell.”

“Evil has its retribution; it's not that it doesn't come, just that the time hasn't arrived. Haha, it's truly satisfying.”

Zhou Chen also left. He knew that this form of investigation was a complete waste of effort, meaningless except as a formality.

He also believed that the scene had been handled cleanly enough. When he killed Zhang Xiaoxin, he had also deliberately gotten a Disciple drunk, pretending to be drunk with him to create an alibi.

Unknowingly, another half month passed. Zhou Chen's Qingfeng Swordplay had also reached Perfection, and he had grasped the true meaning of Qingfeng Swordplay.

His sword strikes were swift and elusive, appearing slow but actually fast, and the Sword Qi was hard to detect, killing invisibly.

Not only was its power immense, but it was also sufficiently concealed, and its consumption of Spiritual Qi was very low. Currently, Zhou Chen's Spiritual Qi could sustain dozens of uses.

The investigation into Zhang Xiaoxin's death lasted a few days and then faded away. The Cultivation world was just that cruel; no one would waste resources for a dead person.

During his time practicing swordplay, Zhou Chen hadn't encountered any Opportunities, nor had he found anyone with Opportunities.

Noon.

Zhou Chen suddenly felt the circulation of blood and Qi within his body, and thin strands of spiritual power slowly gathered towards him, drilling into his pores one by one. This was a sign of a Breakthrough.

So Zhou Chen quickly left Room 444 and came to an uninhabited cave in the back mountain, where he sat cross-legged, sensing the Spiritual Qi permeating the air.

Before long, Spiritual Qi gradually converged around Zhou Chen, forming a Spiritual Qi vortex about five zhang long.

Under Zhou Chen's guidance, the Spiritual Qi gradually transformed and gathered in his Dantian, but the efficiency of this transformation clearly couldn't keep up with the speed of the Spiritual Qi's convergence, largely due to the limitations of the Cultivation Technique.

“It seems I need to find a better Spiritual Power Cultivation Technique. The Yellow Rank Low Grade Qi Condensation Art distributed by the Sect to all Outer Sect Disciples can only be Cultivated to the Qi Refinement Stage, and its power is limited.”

Zhou Chen thought to himself.

He then composed himself and focused on guiding the Spiritual Qi's transformation.

Before long, the Spiritual Qi vortex spun faster and faster, and the beads of sweat on Zhou Chen's forehead grew more numerous.

Suddenly, the Spiritual Qi's circulation paused, and the Spiritual Qi vortex seemed about to dissipate.

Zhou Chen immediately made a decision and swallowed the Spiritual Marrow he had intercepted from Zhang Xiaoxin earlier.

In an instant, Spiritual Qi expanded from his abdomen, replenishing a large amount of Spiritual Qi for Zhou Chen, and the Spiritual Qi vortex gradually stabilized.

“Condense!”

With Zhou Chen's low cry, the surrounding Spiritual Qi finally transformed into Spiritual Qi in his Dantian and stabilized, signifying Zhou Chen's successful Breakthrough to Qi Refining Second Layer.

“Phew! That was tough. This Cultivation Technique is indeed common, I almost failed the Breakthrough!”

Zhou Chen was speechless.

He packed his things, glanced at the empty bottle that had contained the Spiritual Marrow, and secretly sighed in regret.

Then Zhou Chen left the cave and returned to Room 444.

Given the experience of almost failing his Breakthrough, Zhou Chen pondered where he could get a good Cultivation Technique.

The first method was to pass the Outer Sect Competition and enter the Inner Sect, where the Cultivation Techniques taught would definitely be better than those in the Outer Sect, but they probably wouldn't be the Sect's top-tier Cultivation Techniques.

The second method was to try his Luck, to visit the market and see if there were any overlooked Cultivation Techniques, but such a chance was like finding a needle in a haystack; only a Child of Destiny could pull it off.

“That's right! I'm so stupid, I have a Golden Finger!”

Intercepting Opportunities from talented Genius Disciples was the fastest and most reliable method.

Quickly recalling the original owner's memories, he found that the person with the highest Aptitude he had encountered in Wenxian Sect so far was his enemy, Ye Chen, who had knocked him off his pedestal.

“Hiss, isn't this Ye Chen the quintessential protagonist template? If Cultivation Techniques aren't enough, Opportunities will make up for it!”

The next day, gongs and drums blared; today was the day the Inner Sect Elder would give a public lecture.

Not only Inner Sect Disciples would come to listen, but many Outer Sect Disciples would also attend as auditors. The only difference was that Outer Sect Disciples had no seats and could only watch and listen from afar.

Of course, Zhou Chen also came to the scene. He had inquired and found that Ye Chen usually appeared and disappeared like a Dragon, only at such relatively grand public occasions and lectures related to Cultivation, Ye Chen was never absent.

Before long, the Inner Sect Disciple seats were mostly filled.

Zhou Chen also saw a familiar figure approaching from afar: dressed in white as snow, with a handsome face, this person was none other than Ye Chen.

Strangely, even though Ye Chen and the original owner had a deep hatred, seeing the actual person now, Zhou Chen felt no hatred, which made him wary.

“As expected of a protagonist template, it seems the Heavenly Dao is subtly influencing things; all villains become dumber when they meet the protagonist.”

Zhou Chen thought to himself.

Zhou Chen looked at Ye Chen, and his attributes almost blinded Zhou Chen.

Name: Ye Chen.

Realm: Qi Refinement Stage Sixth Layer.

Destiny: Child of Destiny, Immortal Dao Aptitude, Turn Misfortune into Blessing, Opportunity Overlord, Fire Spirit Body (Unawakened).

Fate: Stops at Saint Realm Seventh Layer, becomes the Holy Lord of Blazing Fire Holy Land, Dao name Red Flame Saint Venerable. At Saint Realm Seventh Layer, challenges a Half-Emperor from an opposing force, battles the Half-Emperor for seven days and seven nights, depletes his spiritual power, and self-detonates to protect the Holy Land.

Tsk tsk, this wasn't an enemy; he was clearly a great benefactor! This attribute was clearly that of an Opportunity Child! Zhou Chen was amazed.

Child of Destiny: Purple Destiny. You are the protagonist destined by Heaven, with astonishing Luck. You can encounter an old man by falling off a cliff, find a peerless Cultivation Technique by browsing the market, always return with a full bounty from exploring a Secret Realm, often turn danger into safety when encountering peril, and your enemies generally become dumber when they meet you.

Immortal Dao Aptitude: Purple Destiny. You have Heaven-Grade Cultivation Aptitude, rarely encounter Bottlenecks in Cultivation, and possess the Aptitude for Immortal Ascension.

Turn Misfortune into Blessing: Red Destiny. You often turn danger into safety when encountering peril, and often gain Opportunities from desperate situations.

Fire Spirit Body (Unawakened): Purple Destiny. You are a single-attribute Fire Spirit Body, a born Alchemy Great Master. Cultivating fire-attribute Cultivation Techniques often yields twice the results with half the effort and possesses immense power.

Recent Opportunity 1: Today, listening to the Inner Sect Elder explain Cultivation Techniques, he gained some insights and will Breakthrough to Qi Refining Seventh Layer tonight.

Recent Opportunity 2: Three days later, while on an Outer Sect mission, he will be attacked by a group of second-tier Yao Beasts. In desperation, he will jump down Qiu Long Mountain and accidentally discover earth spirit liquid at the bottom of Qiu Long Mountain. After consuming it, he will Breakthrough to Qi Refining Eighth Layer.

Recent Opportunity 3: Seven days later, on Longtou Mountain, he will accidentally save Liu Qianru, the Sect Master's daughter, and receive a Guiyuan Pill from Liu Qianru. After consuming it, he will Breakthrough to Qi Refining Ninth Layer.

Recent Opportunity 4: Ten days later, while escorting Liu Qianru back to the Sect, passing through the Niu Tou Mountain ridge, he will accidentally discover an uninhabited Secret Realm and obtain the Saint Rank Low Grade Cultivation Technique, Sky Flame Art.

Recent Opportunity 5: Half a month later, while on an Outer Sect mission in Qingyun City, he will gain the favor of the Qingyun City Lord and receive an Opportunity to immerse himself in Qingyun Tianchi (Azure Cloud Sky Pool). He will accidentally discover the Heaven and Earth Treasure Trove, Fire Crystal Stone, at the bottom of Qingyun Tianchi, and Awaken his Fire Spirit Body.

Recent Opportunity 6: One month later, in the Qingyun City market, at the last stall, he will discover the Earth Rank special Cultivation Technique, Gathering Breath Art.

Recent Opportunity 7: … …

Zhou Chen's eyes turned red. Indeed, comparing people only leads to anger.

“Tsk tsk tsk, Ye Chen, your Opportunities are very good, very impressive, but now they are mine!”

Zhou Chen secretly gloated. If it weren't for all the people around, he would really have wanted to laugh uproariously.