Only seven days remained until the Inner Sect Preliminary Assessment.
Shen Hao's cultivation had already stabilized at the Late Qi Refining Third Layer, just one step away from Perfected Qi Refining Third Layer. His sword art had also grown increasingly refined; the three forms—slash, thrust, and sweep—had been practiced to perfection.
That day, after Shen Hao finished his work at the Medicine Garden, he received one Low-grade Spirit Stone. After giving it some thought, he decided to make a trip to the Market and buy some Spiritual Medicine for treating injuries. The Combat Competition of the Inner Sect Preliminary Assessment would surely be fierce, and injuries would be hard to avoid.
When Shen Hao arrived at the Market, he saw people streaming through its streets. It was even livelier than usual. Clearly, everyone was preparing cultivation resources for the Inner Sect Preliminary Assessment.
Shen Hao walked up to a stall selling healing Spiritual Medicine, his gaze landing on a completely white medicinal herb. This herb was called Blood-Stopping Grass, a healing Spiritual Medicine commonly used by Qi Refining Stage cultivators. After taking it, one could quickly stop bleeding.
"How much is this Blood-Stopping Grass?" Shen Hao asked.
The stall owner was a middle-aged man. He glanced at Shen Hao and said, "Five Low-grade Spirit Stones per stalk."
Shen Hao nodded and bought ten stalks of Blood-Stopping Grass. He also purchased some Trauma Powder before preparing to leave the Market.
Just then, a familiar voice came from nearby.
"Senior Brother Shen!"
Following the voice, Shen Hao looked over and saw Zhang Shan running toward him, his face full of anxiety.
"Junior Brother Zhang, what happened?" Shen Hao asked.
Zhang Shan ran up to Shen Hao, panting heavily. "Senior Brother Shen, you have to help me. I just saw a copy of the Basic Footwork Technique at a stall, but I didn't bring enough Spirit Stones."
Shen Hao smiled. "The Basic Footwork Technique? That's good stuff. After cultivating it, it can increase the speed of your movement technique, which will be greatly beneficial in the Combat Competition."
He paused, then asked, "How many Spirit Stones do you need?"
Zhang Shan scratched his head. "The stall owner said it costs twenty Low-grade Spirit Stones. I only have ten right now, so I'm still short ten."
Shen Hao nodded, took ten Low-grade Spirit Stones from his robe, and handed them to Zhang Shan. "Take them. If it's still not enough, just ask me again."
Zhang Shan accepted the Spirit Stones, his eyes brimming with gratitude. "Senior Brother Shen, thank you. I'll remember this kindness in my heart. Once I pass the Inner Sect Preliminary Assessment and become an Inner Sect Disciple, I'll definitely repay you double."
Shen Hao smiled. "It was merely a small effort, so don't take it to heart. We're fellow disciples; helping each other is only right."
The two chatted for a while before heading toward the stall selling the Basic Footwork Technique.
The stall owner was an old man. When he saw Zhang Shan and Shen Hao approaching, he smiled and said, "Little fellow, have you made up your mind? This Basic Footwork Technique is the treasure I keep at the bottom of my chest. After cultivating it, your movement speed can increase by at least thirty percent."
Zhang Shan nodded and handed the old man twenty Low-grade Spirit Stones. The old man accepted them and passed the Basic Footwork Technique to Zhang Shan.
Holding the Basic Footwork Technique, Zhang Shan felt as though he had obtained a priceless treasure. He hurriedly opened it and began reading it carefully.
Shen Hao smiled as he watched Zhang Shan. He knew just how important the Basic Footwork Technique was to him.
After leaving the stall, Zhang Shan said excitedly, "Senior Brother Shen, with this Basic Footwork Technique, my combat ability will definitely rise by a huge margin."
Shen Hao nodded. "Mm. Cultivate it well and strive to achieve good results in the assessment."
After chatting for a while longer, the two returned to their respective residences.
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