Exchanging Spirit Stones

"Um?"

"Huh! Su Bai!"

"You've joined the Inner Sect?" Steward Lin looked up and recognized Su Bai Su Bai at a glance. He was initially surprised, but then his gaze fell on the Mysterious Black inner disciple's robe that was the same style as his own, only with slightly newer patterns. He immediately realized what was going on.

A pleased smile spread across his face. "Good lad! How long has it been? You've really advanced to the Inner Sect! Congratulations!"

"It was just luck. I owe it all to the sect's cultivation, and I'm also grateful for Senior Brother Lin's care back then." Su

Bai smiled faintly, cupped her hands in a gesture of respect, and said sincerely, "This bottle of Golden Marrow Pill is a small token of my gratitude to Senior Brother Lin for his help back then. I hope Senior Brother Lin won't find it offensive."

"Golden Marrow Pill?" Steward Lin was taken aback. He reached for the Jade Bottle on the table, uncorked it, and took a gentle sniff. A pure and mild medicinal fragrance immediately filled the air.

A hint of surprise flashed in his eyes as he confirmed that these were indeed genuine Golden Marrow Pill produced by the Jade Mist Sect's Alchemy Institute, and there was a whole bottle full of them—ten pills!

This is worth at least fifty Contribution Points!

"Okay, okay!"

Steward Lin's smile grew even brighter, and he said "good" three times in a row before unceremoniously putting the Jade Bottle into his Storage Bag.

"I knew you were a promising person from the start, so my secret favor wasn't in vain! I'll shamelessly accept this Pill!"

He initially made things easier for Su Bai in assigning Servant because he saw that Su Bai was calm and diligent in his cultivation, which was a way of building goodwill and investing in the future.

For him, it was merely a matter of using his position for personal gain, a simple favor, without any real loss.

Now, Su Bai has not only successfully advanced to the Inner Sect, but also returned the favor with a valuable Golden Marrow Pill, a return that has exceeded his initial expectations.

Steward Lin was naturally overjoyed, feeling that his "investment" had been a brilliant move with a rich return.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Su Bai inquired about the recent situation in the Outer Court, while Steward Lin also asked about Su Bai's adaptation to the Inner Sect.

During their conversation, Steward Lin increasingly felt that Su Bai possessed a composed demeanor and that his speech and actions already hinted at the style of an elite Inner Sect Elite Disciple, making him a far cry from the somewhat naive Outer Court youth he had been before.

A moment later, Su Bai took his leave.

Steward Lin watched him leave the Steward Hall.

Su Bai pointed his fingers, and a clear, melodious sword cry, like Dragon's Roar, rang out. A Longsword, radiating spiritual light, appeared before him.

Su Bai leaped lightly, and with a flash of Sword Light, he transformed into a streak of Azure Streak, rushing towards the Inner Sect Area at an astonishing speed, becoming a tiny dot on the horizon in the blink of an eye.

Steward Lin rubbed his eyes, his smile gradually replaced by disbelief and shock. His mouth agape, he murmured, "That Sword Light... that power... could it be... Top-grade Magic Artifact?!"

Although he was just an ordinary Inner Sect Steward, and his cultivation had been stuck at the Qi Refining Layer Seven for many years, he still had good eyesight.

The Spiritual Pressure and speed emanating from the flying sword beneath Su Bai's feet were far beyond what ordinary High-grade Magic Tool could match!

It's already quite good for inner disciple to possess High-grade Magic Tool, but Top-grade Magic Artifact... those are treasures that many Foundation Establishment Cultivator dream of!

"What exactly happened to this kid?"

Steward Lin gazed in the direction where Su Bai had disappeared, his heart filled with turmoil.

He vaguely Consciousness that the young junior brother with whom he had unintentionally formed a good relationship was probably growing faster and encountering more opportunities than he had imagined, and his future achievements might truly be limitless.

Su Bai rode his Sword Flight, enjoying the exhilarating experience of the "Dragon Roaming Sword Control Technique" and the unparalleled ease with which he wielded the Azure Dragon Sword.

Before long, he flew over the many palaces and pavilions and returned to the sky above the inner sect's training ground.

In the center of the Training Ground, the Jade Firmament Immortal Crane, a Fifth Rank Sect-Guardian Spirit Beast with a pure white body, still stood gracefully in the morning light, sometimes preening its feathers, sometimes standing on one leg.

Although Su Bai knew it was the sect's guardian Spirit Beast, whose duty was to protect the sect and its Disciple, the vast aura it possessed, comparable to the late Golden Core stage, and the natural difference in species, still filled him with awe.

Consciousness manipulating the Sword Light, it slightly deviated from the central area where the crane was located, intending to go around it from the side and above.

As Su Bai Sword Flight about a hundred feet above the crane on his sword, a strange feeling stirred in his heart. He seemed to sense that the enormous white figure below had glanced at him very briefly and almost imperceptibly.

He quickly composed himself, increased his Sword Flight speed, and swiftly moved away from the center of the Training Ground.

Soon, he arrived at the main gate of the Inner Sect Grand Hall, respectfully landed his flying sword, and walked into the hall.

Upon finding the Elder on Steward, Su Bai presented his Inner Sect Jade Token, explained his purpose, and handed over the Cai Family Disciple Reception Mission.

The Inner Sect Steward checked the mission records in the Jade Token and confirmed that Su Bai not only completed the mission within the one-month deadline, but also nearly half a month ahead of schedule. Furthermore, the Spirit Root of the eight Disciple were tested and found to be correct, the supplies were handed over clearly, and the Spirit Stone were brought back in full.

The entire process was clear and flawless, and could be described as a perfect success.

The Elder in Steward nodded approvingly, took Su Bai's Jade Token token, and added one hundred Mission Reward Contribution Points.

"Excellent. It's rare for a newly inner disciple to perform so well on their first mission."

Thank you, Elder.

Su Bai accepted the Jade Token, thanked him, and then turned and left the Inner Sect Grand Hall without lingering.

As soon as he left the main hall, he didn't stop and headed straight for the Inner Sect Treasure Pavilion in another direction.

Treasure Pavilion, the same white-haired, Treasure Pavilion Elder with profound eyes was still on duty.

The hall was quiet, with only a few Disciple browsing the exchange catalog.

Su Bai stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and then took out a bulging Storage Bag that he had prepared beforehand, presenting it with both hands. "Elder, this Disciple wishes to exchange all these Spirit Stone for Sect Contribution Points."

Treasure Pavilion Elder slightly raised his eyelids, took the Storage Bag, and habitually scanned it with his Spiritual Sense.

With that glance, his seemingly cloudy old eyes suddenly narrowed, and then a sharp glint appeared!

Hmm? This quantity... this Spiritual Power fluctuation... it's a full ten thousand Low-grade Spirit Stone! Piled up like a small mountain!

Even with his vast experience and years of experience managing the Treasure Pavilion and handling countless resources, he couldn't help but be somewhat moved at this moment.

It's quite unusual for an inner disciple at the Late Qi Refining stage to spend such a huge amount of Spirit Stone to exchange for Contribution Points in one go.

The origin of this Spirit Stone... is probably not so simple.

However, as Treasure Pavilion Elder, he only cares about exchanging items and does not inquire about their origin; this is the rule.

He raised his head and gave Su Bai a deep look.

After a long pause, he said in an aged yet calm voice, "To accumulate such wealth at the Late Qi Refining, regardless of how you acquired it, requires luck, strength, and courage—all three are indispensable."

"Luck is especially crucial... Are you sure you want to exchange all 10,000 Spirit Stone for Contribution Points? Be aware that the exchange is irreversible, and a 5% handling fee will be deducted."

Su Bai nodded calmly and without hesitation. "This Disciple is certain. Thank you, Elder."

"Um."

Treasure Pavilion Elder said no more and accepted the Inner Sect Jade Token handed over by Su Bai.

He lightly touched the Jade Token tablet with his fingertip, then flicked it across the Storage Bag filled with Spirit Stone.

A faint light flashed, and the Spirit Stone in the Storage Bag instantly disappeared, transferred to the depths of the Treasure Pavilion.

Meanwhile, the numbers on Su Baiyu's card, representing the remaining contribution points, fluctuated rapidly before finally settling at an increase of 9,500 points.

Ten thousand Spirit Stone, minus Five Percent (five hundred Spirit Stone) handling fee, nets nine thousand five hundred Contribution Points.

"Then," Su Bai spoke again, his voice steady, "I would like to trouble the Elder to exchange another fifty bottles of Golden Marrow Pill for me."

Fifty bottles?!

Although the Golden Marrow Pill is First-Tier Superior-Grade Pill, fifty bottles contain five hundred pills, worth two thousand five hundred Contribution Points!

This is almost the total amount of Contribution Points that some inner disciple accumulate over several years.

This young man just redeemed a huge amount of Contribution Points, and in the blink of an eye, he's going to spend nearly a third of them on cultivation Pill. His eagerness and dedication to improving his cultivation level are evident.

"Fifty bottles of Golden Marrow Pill will cost 2,500 Contribution Points," Treasure Pavilion Elder confirmed.

"Yes." Su Bai nodded.

Treasure Pavilion Elder asked no further questions and manipulated Su Bai's Jade Token once more.

With a flash of light, 2,500 Contribution Points were deducted, leaving a balance of 7,100 points.

At the same time, he took out a specially made, large-capacity Storage Bag from under the counter, inside which were fifty jade Jade Bottle labeled "Golden Marrow Pill" neatly arranged, and handed them to Su Bai.

Su Bai took the heavy Storage Bag, feeling a sense of peace in his heart.

Five hundred Golden Marrow Pill, if taken one per day, would be enough for him to cultivate continuously for nearly a year and a half!

With the Spiritual Qi of the Qingyun Cliff Cave Abode and his own dual Spirit Root Talent, he was confident that he could break through to the Qi Refining Layer Eight within a year!

Thank you, Elder.

Su Bai bowed again, carefully put away the Storage Bag full of Pill, and turned to leave the Treasure Pavilion.

Stepping out of the Treasure Pavilion, the sun was shining brightly.

Su Bai took a deep breath and felt his steps become much lighter.

He summoned the Azure Dragon Sword, Sword Flight it, and sped off towards his cave dwelling on Qingyun Cliff.

He had ample "Surplus Provisions" on hand: a huge sum of over seven thousand Contribution Points, and enough Golden Marrow Pill for a year and a half of cultivation.

As the saying goes, "With food in hand, one has nothing to fear." For a long time to come, he can focus on his cultivation without worrying about resources.

In the days that followed, Su Bai's life became regular and fulfilling.

He spends four to five hours each day in the Qingyun Cliff Cave Abode, consuming and Refinement Golden Marrow Pill, circulating the seventh level of his Cultivation Method, and steadily improving his cultivation level.

The pure medicinal power of the Golden Marrow Pill, combined with the rich Spiritual Qi of the cave, made his Spiritual Power increase clearly and visibly.

The rest of the time, he was active in various parts of the Inner Sect.

On one hand, he would wander around the Inner Sect Academies, secretly observing those Disciple who excelled in Law Technique cultivation, in order to find suitable targets for Copy the Talent [Immortal Talent Reflection] that would be refreshed in June.

He currently possesses offensive Sword Dao, but lacks a powerful defensive Spell Talent.

On the other hand, he would go to the Underground Training Ground almost every day to hone his precise control over the "Dragon Roaming Sword Control Technique," deepen his understanding of the "Dragon's Roar Sword Heaven Soaring," and occasionally practice with the newly acquired Golden Bell defensive magic Law Artifact.

Time slips away quietly as you focus on your practice.

In the blink of an eye, it's already May.

On this day, Su Bai had just finished Refinement Pill in the morning and felt refreshed, with the Spiritual Power in his dantian becoming even more abundant.

Suddenly, the Inner Sect Jade Token hanging at his waist vibrated slightly, emitting a soft white light.

Su Bai picked up the Jade Token and immersed his Spiritual Sense in it. It was a Flying Letter Transmit Message from Xu Shangran, the Academy Master the Sword Academy:

"Su Bai, if you are at the sect today and have nothing urgent to attend to, you may come to the Sword Academy."

"The Academy Master wishes to assess your progress in the ' Dragon Roaming Sword Control Technique.' If you are at a critical juncture in your training, another day may be arranged. --Xu Shangran."

The calligraphy is bold and vigorous, carrying a sharp Sword Qi- like quality.

With a small number of students in the Sword Academy, Xu Shangran naturally paid extra attention to his only two Disciple.

In particular, Su Bai's astonishing Sword Dao Talent gave Xu Shangran hope for the revitalization of the Sword Academy.

He desperately hoped that Su Bai could go further in Sword Dao, and even more so that Su Bai could make a name for himself in the Inner Sect Grand Competition this year, and restore the reputation of the long-silent Sword Academy.

This kind of proactive assessment and guidance of Disciple' cultivation progress is extremely rare in popular academies with hundreds of Disciple and a high-ranking Academy Master.

Su Bai pondered for a moment; he had finished his cultivation for the day and had some free time.

He immediately replied, "Academy Master, Disciple be there right away."

Putting away the Jade Token, Su Bai's mind stirred, and the Azure Dragon Sword flew out from his dantian.

He leaped onto the sword, and the azure Sword Light pierced through the clouds outside the cave, speeding towards the Sword Academy.

Before long, the somewhat Clear and Cold, clean and tidy courtyard of the Sword Academy appeared below.

Su Bai lowered his altitude and immediately saw that the Academy Master, Xu Shangran, was sitting Prayer Mat- legged on a small Training Ground in the center of the courtyard. His eyes were slightly closed, his aura was deep and calm, and there was a faint, sharp Sword Intent flowing around him, as if he was comprehending the Sword Dao.

Su Bai manipulated the Sword Light, finishing with a rather agile "Dragon Diving into the Abyss" move from the "Dragon Roaming Sword Control Technique." The Sword Light was contained, and his figure landed lightly and precisely at the edge of the Training Ground, without disturbing a speck of dust.

Almost as soon as he landed, Xu Shangran slowly opened his eyes.

Those clear, bright eyes were now looking at Su Bai with an undisguised look of surprise and admiration.

"Good lad."

Xu Shangran spoke, his voice filled with satisfaction, "In just over a month, you've already mastered the ' Dragon Roaming Sword Control Technique ' to such an effortless and fluid level. It's comparable to Shanhe's years of arduous practice."

Although he had his eyes closed, his Spiritual Sense had already enveloped the entire Sword Academy. He was fully aware of Su Bai's entire process of arriving on his Sword Flight and landing.

Su Bai's mastery of the "Dragon Roaming Sword Control Technique" far exceeded his expectations.

"It's all Academy Master's exquisite teachings and skillful instruction; Disciple 've simply practiced diligently."

Su Bai cupped his hands in a humble manner.

Xu Shangran's lips twitched slightly as he thought to himself: I only gave you the Jade Slip, but I didn't teach you step by step... This kid's comprehension is truly terrifying.

He suppressed his emotions, remembered the important matter, and asked, "Now that you have condensed your Sword Qi, have you encountered any difficulties or obstacles in cultivating the ' Dragon's Roar Sword Heaven '?"

"Since you have some free time today, Academy Master, may be able to answer some of your questions."

He planned to take this opportunity to properly instruct Su Bai on this powerful Sword Dao Secret Method.

Upon hearing this, Su Bai pondered for a moment.

His cultivation of "Dragon's Roar Sword Heaven" benefited from the enhancement of "Profound Sword True Essence Art" and the [Clear Heart Sword Intent] Talent, and his progress was smooth. He has not encountered any obvious bottlenecks so far.

He thought for a moment and said, "Reporting to the Academy Master, when Disciple was cultivating the ' Dragon's Roar Sword Heaven,' I felt that it was going quite smoothly, and I haven't encountered any particularly difficult parts yet."

He paused, then looked at Xu Shangran, "How about... this Disciple demonstrates once, and asks the Academy Master for his critique and corrections?"

Xu Shangran's pupils suddenly contracted, his body leaned forward slightly, and his tone was filled with disbelief. "You mean... you've already mastered the ' Dragon's Roar Sword Heaven '?!"

This Secret Method is extremely difficult. Even Zhao Shanhe, after condensing his Sword Qi and practicing diligently for many days, has not yet fully mastered it.

Su Bai has only had the Jade Slip for a little over a month, and that's while balancing his daily cultivation and familiarizing himself with the Inner Sect environment... How is this possible?

Su Bai nodded, his tone certain. "Yes, Academy Master, Disciple have been fortunate enough to have begun to grasp the basics."

Xu Shangran took a deep breath, suppressing the shock in his heart, and stared intently at Su Bai: "Fine! Show me what you've Academy Master!"

"Yes."

Su Bai took a few steps back, creating some distance.

With a thought, the Azure Dragon Sword emitted a cheerful chime and appeared before him, its tip pointing diagonally towards the sky.

The sword shone with a bright blue light and emitted a deep hum, as if an ancient dragon was awakening within it.

"Dragon's Roar Sword Heaven!"

Su Bai let out a low shout, completed the last hand seal, and pointed sharply forward!

"Hold head high--!"

A clear, resounding, majestic, and domineering Dragon's Roar roar suddenly echoed throughout the entire Sword Academy!

At the tip of the Azure Dragon Sword, a solid, scaled, and clawed azure Dragon-shaped Sword Qi aura, over four zhang long, roared out!

With its eyes wide open in fury and whiskers flying wildly, the dragon was incredibly lifelike, exuding a terrifying and sharp aura capable of shattering everything, as it charged headlong into the empty sky above the Sword Academy!

The Dragon-shaped Sword Qi emitted a sharp, explosive sound.

The Sword Qi shot straight up a hundred meters into the sky before slowly dissipating, its residual power stirring the clouds and lingering for a long time.

The Sword Academy was completely silent.

Xu Shangran stood still, his gaze fixed on the Dragon-shaped Sword Qi until it completely disappeared.

The expression on his face gradually shifted from initial shock to utter astonishment, and finally settled into an indescribably complex look.

"... Indeed, the Sword Qi energy is solid, the dragon form is manifest, and the Dragon's Roar is clear and melodious... This is indeed a sign of successful cultivation of the ' Dragon's Roar Sword Heaven Soaring,' far beyond what is achieved by those who have only just begun to understand it."

He paused, his gaze suddenly sharpening and burning as he stared intently at Su Bai, speaking each word with unwavering resolve:

"Su Bai! You're going to the Inner Sect Grand Competition at the end of this year!"

"Go and bring me first place!"

"If you can win the championship, starting next year, I, the Academy Master of the Sword Academy, will waive all your tuition fees!"