Decision~

As Xu Shangran said, [Azure Fish Hall] is indeed an excellent place for Cultivator in Qingzhou with outstanding Spell Talent and superior Combat Power to quickly accumulate wealth.

The generous commission is enough to grant someone access to cultivation resources that are unimaginable to outsiders in a short period of time.

However, high returns are always accompanied by high risks, and this hidden, razor-sharp path is by no means an easy one.

The primary risk lies in its activity area: the Demon Star Sea Cultivation World!

This place is far beyond Qingzhou, separated by several large Cultivation World, and the environment is extremely complex.

Human Race sects, immortal cultivation Lineage, and independent cultivators are intertwined, and powerful Demon Race with diverse Talent also inhabit the area.

The situation is constantly changing, with constant competition, cooperation, and infighting.

Let alone carrying out missions, even just surviving and moving around in that environment requires extreme caution.

Secondly, there are the risks inherent in the task itself.

Although [Azure Fish Hall] is known for its accurate intelligence and meticulous planning, it always tries its best to find out the details of the target and even their possible trump cards before each mission, and strives to send out Assassin with enough strength to crush the target and complete the mission to ensure the success rate.

But in a battle of Magic Duel and strength, the variables are endless.

The target's last-minute breakthrough, hidden unknown trump cards, and sudden intervention from a third party.

Even subtle changes in weather and geography can turn a seemingly sure-fire assassination into a life-or-death situation.

Therefore, no matter how well prepared [Azure Fish Hall] is, the annual Assassin rate still exists.

This is not a game; every move you make could be a one-way trip.

Su Bai listened quietly, quickly weighing his options in his mind.

This level of danger, while certainly alarming, was still within his psychological tolerance.

The Path of Cultivation is inherently defying fate and fraught with peril.

If he only seeks stability and takes on routine patrol and guard duties within the sect, he will be safe, but the speed at which he accumulates resources will likely be far behind his urgent need to pursue the Great Dao.

To climb to the summit faster, gain greater strength and a longer Lifespan, some risks are unavoidable.

Moreover, he possesses the top-tier Combat- type Sword Cultivator Talent of [Clear Heart Sword Intent] (now coordinated as part of [Clear Heart Enlightenment Root]), giving him a far greater ability to anticipate and perceive danger than ordinary people.

When carrying out Assassin missions, this ability is tantamount to having an extra life.

From this perspective, the life of Assassin, which involves living on the edge of a knife, and his Talent talents seem to complement each other in some ways.

"If I am truly determined to go to the [Azure Fish Hall], then before that, I must hone my Combat Power to the limit of my current level!"

Su Bai made up his mind in secret.

Combat Power is fundamental to completing a mission.

There are only a few ways to improve Combat Power: the first is to further consolidate the foundation and continue to refine the Sword Phantasm of the [Nine Heavens Sword Soul Art], which is the core.

Secondly, it is essential to master more and stronger offensive Spell Divine Ability, especially powerful defensive and crowd control Law Technique, which are crucial in life-or-death battles.

Thirdly, one should replace the Law Artifact with a more powerful one. While a top-grade first-tier Azure Dragon Sword is good, replacing it with a true Second Tier Spirit Sword would significantly boost Sword Cultivator's Combat Power.

As his thoughts cleared, Su Bai suddenly thought of a question and looked up at Xu Shangran: "Academy Master, you seem so familiar with the [Azure Fish Hall], analyzing it in such detail. Could it be... that you were once a member of it?"

Upon hearing this, Xu Shangran made no attempt to conceal anything and nodded frankly.

A hint of reminiscence flashed in his eyes. "Indeed, after I Foundation Establishment, I spent nearly twenty years cultivating diligently in the sect, but my progress was slow, and I deeply felt the scarcity of resources."

"Later, with the recommendation of a senior, I passed the assessment and went to the Demon Star Sea."

"I stayed there for almost ten years." He paused, a hint of emotion in his voice, "I broke through the bottleneck of my Foundation Establishment Middle Stage through countless life-or-death battles."

"It was there that we saved up the initial capital to establish the Sword Academy."

"The path of Sword Cultivator requires honing one's edge through battle; a sword capable of cleaving the heavens cannot be nurtured in a greenhouse."

He looked at Su Bai, his expression turning serious, and instructed him, "If you aspire to this, remember one thing I say: In the Demon Star Sea, apart from the mission targets assigned by the [Azure Fish Hall], try not to provoke any forces, and don't get involved in the local grudges and feuds."

"Maintain absolute discretion and neutrality, complete the task, collect the reward, and then leave."

"With your Sword Dao Talent, if you can keep this in mind, you might be able to quickly rise from a ' Small Fish ' to a ' Great Fish,' just like I did back then, and even become a ' Shark' -level Assassin that strikes fear into the hearts of those in the same realm."

He further explained, "Within the [Azure Fish Hall], Assassin are roughly divided into three levels based on their skill, mission completion rate, and difficulty: ' Small Fish ' are mostly novices or those with average skill; ' Great Fish ' are experienced and shrewd core members; and ' Shark ' are the true Elite of each level, with an extremely high mission success rate, often taking on the most challenging and rewarding bounties."

"Correspondingly, the commission split is also more generous. The gang only takes 30%, and the remaining 70% goes to the Assassin himself. Of course, becoming a ' Shark ' also means facing more dangerous targets."

Xu Shangran clearly changed his attitude after seeing Su Bai's determination, turning from initial concern to support and detailed guidance.

He continued to reveal more details to Su Bai: "If you are truly determined, I can act as your recommender and secretly submit an application to the sect's Law Enforcement Court."

"Given your status True Disciple Elder and the Combat Power you've demonstrated, your approval from the sect should be assured."

"Afterwards, you will need to go to a secret headquarters of the [Azure Fish Hall] in Qingzhou to confirm your Combat Power."

"Finally, through the special Teleportation Array there, one can directly reach the core area of the Demon Star Sea and officially become a member of the [Azure Fish Hall]."

In this Quiet Chamber, the two had an in-depth conversation that lasted for more than an hour, discussing the operation mode of [Azure Fish Hall], the process of accepting missions, the common forces and customs of the Demon Star Sea, and even some survival and concealment techniques.

Xu Shangran generously shared his knowledge, passing on as much of the experience he had gained through blood and tears as possible to Su Bai.

Only after all of Su Bai's doubts had been largely resolved did he stand up, solemnly thank Xu Shangran, and take his leave.

After leaving the Sword Academy, Su Bai took to the Sky-Flying, but instead of returning directly to Qingyun Cliff, he headed towards the Ice Court.

He pressed himself down in the air Sect Gate of the Ice Court and waited quietly.

Before long, a graceful figure in ice blue emerged from the courtyard and landed on the platform in front of the Sect Gate; it was Bing Li.

Her expression remained Clear and Cold, but the look in her eyes as she gazed at Su Bai held a more complex and unfathomable quality than it had three years ago.

"Senior Sister Bing Li."

Su Bai cut to the chase without any pleasantries, "I need the advanced Law Technique for the [Ice Snow Jade Puppet] and the Method Formula for the [Ice Crystal Jade Puppet]."

Upon hearing this, Bing Li raised her slender eyebrows slightly, and a look of undisguised "What are you thinking?" appeared on her Clear and Cold face.

His tone was icy and unapproachable. "Elder Bai, what makes you think I would so easily hand over my Ice Court's secret Second-Rank High-Grade Defensive Spell to someone from the Sword Academy?"

You promised me.

Su Bai's expression remained unchanged as he calmly replied, "Three years ago, after the Inner Sect Grand Competition, you approached me, and this matter was included in the terms of the deal you proposed."

Bing Li frowned even more deeply. "I did promise."

"But the prerequisite is that you need to fight Junior Brother Zhao Hanshuang again and help him break through his mental barrier. But what about you? You disappeared for three years and then returned to the Foundation Establishment."

"Now that you are Foundation Establishment Elder, but Junior Brother Zhao... how can I fulfill my promise? That agreed-upon battle could no longer be conducted fairly due to the difference in their cultivation levels."

Su Bai shrugged, his tone still calm, yet carrying an undeniable logic. "Senior Sister, the agreement we made was that I agreed to fight Senior Brother Zhao Hanshuang at any time."

"I have never regretted this point, and it remains valid. As for when he will be able to adjust his condition and be qualified and willing to fight me, that is a problem you need to solve."

"I can't possibly force a senior brother with an unstable Dao Heart to fight me. Given my Senior Sister's status and prestige in the Ice Court, she wouldn't go back on her word just because of changes in objective conditions, would she?" Su Bai said.

Bing Li was taken aback by his words, her chest heaving slightly, clearly annoyed but unable to refute him.

She took a deep breath, the icy aura seeming to lower the surrounding temperature slightly, and finally squeezed out a few words through gritted teeth. "... Your tongue is getting increasingly sharp. It's a real waste of your Talent that you won't discuss the path of Dual Cultivation with me."

Before she finished speaking, she raised her hand, and a stream of icy blue light shot towards Su Bai.

Su Bai raised his hand and caught it steadily. It was icy cold to the touch and was a light blue Jade Slip engraved with snowflake patterns.

A quick scan with his Spiritual Sense confirmed that it was indeed the complete Method Formula for the [Ice Crystal Jade Puppet].

"Thank you, Senior Sister." Su Bai put away the Jade Slip. At the same time, Bing Li's cold voice came again. "This is Second-Tier High-Grade Law Technique, profound and mysterious, requiring extremely high control over Ice Attribute Spiritual Power and Spell Talent."

"If you lack Talent, it will be extremely difficult to master this technique with only the Foundation Establishment Early Stage cultivation. You might even suffer a backlash from the cold energy if you're not careful."

"Furthermore, the Method Formula is given to you for your own self-study; you must never teach it to others privately. Otherwise, if the Old Ancestor of my Ice Court investigates, don't blame me for not warning you."

"Don't worry, Senior Sister, Su Bai what's important. This technique is only for my own study and cultivation; I will never pass it on to anyone else."

Su Bai assured him. Then, as if suddenly remembering something, he casually asked, "By the way, how has Senior Brother Zhao Hanshuang been lately?"

Mentioning Zhao Hanshuang, Bing Li's expression visibly dimmed, a hint of helplessness flashing in her eyes. "He... a few months ago, after hearing the news of your successful Foundation Establishment, perhaps he was stimulated, or perhaps he was eager to prove himself, he ignored my advice and forcibly took Foundation Establishment Pill to try to break through..."

She paused, her voice lowering, "Unfortunately, his Dao Heart is still cracked, and his Foundation Establishment is shaken. He failed to establish his foundation... and suffered a backlash. His cultivation has now fallen to the Qi Refining Layer Nine. He is currently in seclusion to heal his injuries and stabilize his realm."

Upon hearing this, Su Bai's lips twitched almost imperceptibly, and he thought to himself that this result was really not his fault.

Seeing that Bing Li's gaze towards him was becoming increasingly resentful and cold, as if he were the culprit behind everything, he quickly cupped his hands and said, "Thank you, Senior Sister, for keeping your promise and bestowing upon me the Method Formula. Su Bai will take his leave now."

"If Senior Brother Zhao regroups and successfully Foundation Establishment in the future, I will still be at the Sword Academy, ready to await his challenge at any time."

Having said that, before Bing Li could say anything more, he rose into the Sky-Flying and transformed into a purple shadow, quickly disappearing.

Watching Su Bai's disappearing figure, Bing Li stood still for a long time, finally letting out a long sigh.

She knew that Su Bai's words were just meant to comfort her.

On the Path of Cultivation, if you take one step too slowly, you'll take every step slowly.

Once Zhao Hanshuang has recovered from her injuries and resumed her cultivation to the Qi Refining Great Perfection, she will attempt Foundation Establishment again (whether she will succeed next time is still unknown)... By then, given Su Bai's terrifying Talent and rapid advancement, he will probably already be in the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage, or even higher.

The gap between the two will only widen.

That agreed-upon battle may never have a fair chance to unfold.

The defeat of Qi Refining Great Perfection to Qi Refining Layer Eight cultivator is a devastating blow to a proud and arrogant genius like Zhao Hanshuang, and may become Nightmare accompanies her for the rest of her life.

Su Bai returned to his Qingyun Cliff Cave Abode with the newly acquired [Ice Crystal Jade Puppet] Jade Slip.

As he ran his fingers over the cool Jade Slip, his plan became increasingly clear.

"That's excellent. Besides refining the Sword Phantasm each day, I can then study and cultivate this [Ice Crystal Jade Puppet]."

Now that we have decided to head to the perilous [Azure Fish Hall], preparations for Combat Power must be put on the agenda immediately.

The condensation of the Sword Phantasm is fundamental, but one only needs to endure the extreme pain for one or two hours each day.

The remaining time can be used to overcome this powerful Second Tier Upper Grade ice-type defensive Law Technique.

Once he masters the skill, his survival ability will be greatly enhanced.

What Su Bai was even more excited about was that after Copy Xu Shangran's [Sword Enlightenment Root] and coordinating it into [Clear Heart Enlightenment Root], he did indeed have some vague but feasible sparks of inspiration regarding the fusion of different attribute powers with Sword Dao.

Especially the Lightning Attribute... Perhaps in the future, there will be an opportunity to try to Copy Elder Wan Haoran's Thunder Method Talent, and attempt to truly integrate the characteristics of Thunder into his own Sword Dao, creating a unique killing move of his own.

This is not wishful thinking, but a possibility granted to him by [Clear Heart Enlightenment Root].

Just recently, during a routine internal inspection, Su Bai was surprised to find that his data interface had quietly changed:

[Name]: Su Bai

[Spirit Root Talent]: Single Spirit Root (Lightning)

[Sword Dao Talent]: Clear Heart Enlightenment Root (Yellow Tier, displayed through the coordination of Clear Heart Sword Intent and Sword Enlightenment Root)

[Spell Talent]: Ice Attribute Spell Talent (Beyond Third-tier), Lightning Attribute Spell Talent (Tier 1)

[Immortal Talent Reflection]: Survey 1/1, Copy 0/1.

"A first-tier Lightning Attribute Spell Talent... it actually materialized on its own?"

Su Bai was initially surprised, but then it dawned on him.

Over the past three years, he has possessed a single-attribute Lightning Spirit Root, and day and night he has tirelessly absorbed Refinement the Lightning Spiritual Qi between heaven and earth, so his Spiritual Power has naturally acquired Lightning Attribute characteristics.

Over time, the body and soul gradually developed an extraordinary affinity and adaptability to the Lightning Spiritual Qi, and the formation of the corresponding first-level Spell Talent was a natural outcome.

"No wonder it's widely acknowledged in the Cultivation World that those with Single Attribute Spirit Root are almost always geniuses... their innate advantage is simply too great."

Su Bai sighed.

This unexpected joy undoubtedly paved the initial path for his future attempt to integrate Thunder Method with Sword Dao.

From then on, Su Bai's cultivation life became more intense and fulfilling.

During the day, he first used immense willpower to temper the Sword Phantasm with the Geng Metal Qi, enduring the extreme pain.

Afterwards, he took the Cloud Mist Pill to regulate his breathing and recover. At the same time, he devoted himself to comprehending the Method Formula of the [Ice Crystal Jade Puppet], attempting to use his "Beyond Third-tier" Ice Magic Talent to guide Ice Attribute Spiritual Power and construct a more complex and solid ice crystal structure.

The difficulty of cultivating Second-Tier High-Grade Law Technique far exceeds that of a first-tier spell, and even with Su Bai's Talent, his progress cannot be described as rapid.

Moreover, the fluctuations in Ice Attribute Spiritual Power generated during cultivation are quite intense.

Although the caves on the upper level of Qingyun Cliff are more distant and better protected, they are ultimately not a dedicated training ground for rituals.

So, not long after Su Bai began cultivating the [Ice Crystal Jade Puppet], his fellow disciples in the neighboring and nearby caves suffered great misfortune.

At first, I felt the temperature inside the cave drop inexplicably, and the cold air was bone-chilling.

Immediately afterwards, a strange layer of solid ice would occasionally condense on the walls, the ground, and even the barrier light screen, emanating a chilling aura.

Sometimes, Cultivator who is in deep meditation will be startled awake by a sudden, chilling wave that seems to freeze their soul, and they will look around in horror.

"Which scoundrel is practicing such a domineering Ice Magic in this cave?! Are they even letting anyone else cultivate?!"

"The chill has seeped into my Pill Furnace! This entire batch of ' Qi-Nourishing Pill ' is almost ruined!"

"Fellow Daoist, could you please tone it down? I cultivate Fire Attribute Cultivation Method, and this interference is truly unbearable!"

Every now and then, voices of exasperation or helpless complaints would be heard outside Su Bai's cave, and sometimes even people would go out and shout.

Su Bai could only shrug and pretend he hadn't heard anything.

Now that he's the Deputy Academy Master of the Sword Academy, he can't possibly keep going to the Ice Court every few days to borrow their specialized Cultivation Room; that would be utterly disrespectful.

This cave dwelling, Abundant Spiritual Energy, is indeed the most suitable place for cultivating Law Technique.

As for the sect's rules... there is indeed no explicit prohibition against cultivating Spell Divine Ability within the cave dwelling.

He could only apologize in his heart to the neighbors who were caught in the crossfire, and then... continue to bury himself in his training.