The news that Shen Hao, with Perfected Qi Refining Third Layer cultivation, had defeated Li Wei at the Early Qi Refining Fourth Layer spread across Qingyun Peak as though it had grown wings.
The news was like a massive boulder dropped into a tranquil lake, stirring up towering waves and leaving every Inner Sect Disciple utterly shocked. One had to know that the difference of a single level in the Qi Refining Stage might seem small, but was in truth as different as heaven and earth. The density of one's spiritual qi and one's control over cultivation arts differed like clouds and mud. Shen Hao's victory in challenging an opponent above his level was enough to prove that his strength far surpassed those of the same level. For a time, Shen Hao's name became the hottest topic on Qingyun Peak. Whether newly admitted disciples or veteran disciples, all were discussing this young man who had appeared out of nowhere.
That day, Shen Hao was cultivating the Meridian Tempering Art in his room. He sat cross-legged upon the Jade Bed, his hands forming seals as he guided the spiritual qi within his body to slowly wash through the meridians in his limbs and bones. Wherever the spiritual qi passed, his meridians tingled faintly and became tougher and broader. The sunlight outside was just right, streaming through the window lattice onto his body and outlining his focused profile.
Suddenly, he heard slow, steady footsteps outside the door. They drew closer and closer before stopping at his doorway. Shen Hao frowned and halted his cultivation, somewhat puzzled. He knew few people on Qingyun Peak; apart from Zhang Shan, almost no one would come looking for him.
He rose, walked to the door, and opened it.
An elderly man in a Green Daoist Robe stood outside. His beard and hair were white as silver threads, combed impeccably neat. His complexion was rosy, and a kindly smile rested on his face. His eyes were as deep as ancient wells, carrying the weathered air of years gone by. His aura was calm and heavy as a mountain, giving off an unfathomable impression.
Shen Hao was startled and quickly bowed in salute. "Disciple Shen Hao greets Elder." He could clearly sense that this old man's cultivation was at least in the Foundation Establishment Realm, far beyond anything he could reach. Every elder of the Inner Sect was a pillar of the sect, powerful and highly esteemed.
The old man smiled and waved a hand, his voice gentle. "No need for such formality. This old man is the Inner Sect's Transmission Elder, surnamed Chen. I have come today because I have something to discuss with you."
"Please come in, Elder." Shen Hao stepped aside to clear the way, invited Elder Chen into the room, then hurriedly brought over a stone stool and respectfully asked him to sit.
Elder Chen entered the room, his gaze sweeping over the Ziyang Inner Sect Basic Qi Cultivation Art and Meridian Tempering Art laid out on the stone table. A trace of approval flashed through his eyes, and he nodded with satisfaction. "Not bad. So young, yet quite diligent. Most young people nowadays are restless and impetuous. Those able to settle down and cultivate bitterly are rare indeed."
After a pause, he continued, "This old man has already heard about you defeating Li Wei. With Perfected Qi Refining Third Layer cultivation, you defeated a cultivator at the Early Qi Refining Fourth Layer. Both your talent and strength are quite impressive. Your footwork and control of spiritual qi in particular far surpass those of cultivators at the same level. You have great potential."
Shen Hao said modestly, "Elder, you flatter me. This disciple merely won by luck. Senior Brother Li was only careless for a moment; it is not that this disciple's strength truly surpassed his."
Elder Chen smiled and waved his hand, clearly unconvinced by his modesty. "Do not belittle yourself. This old man has seen your strength. Your footwork and swordsmanship are both solid, without a hint of empty flourish. Your spiritual qi is also much richer than that of cultivators at the same level. Those are all abilities you earned through real effort. Cultivate well, and one day you will surely become a pillar of Ziyang Sect."
With that, Elder Chen took a thin booklet from his robes and handed it to Shen Hao. The booklet was wrapped in blue silk, and three ancient, unadorned characters were written upon it—Flowing Cloud Steps.
"This Flowing Cloud Steps is a mid-grade footwork cultivation art," Elder Chen said slowly. "After cultivating it, your movement speed can increase by at least fifty percent. This old man sees that you possess considerable insight into footwork and are good material for cultivating such arts, so I am giving this cultivation art to you. I hope you will make good use of it and not disappoint this opportunity."
Shen Hao was overjoyed. He accepted Flowing Cloud Steps, feeling a slight chill against his palm. A mid-grade cultivation art! This was something even Inner Sect Disciples dreamed of obtaining! The Basic Footwork Technique he had comprehended before was merely a crude, lowly method that did not even rank among proper arts. Compared with Flowing Cloud Steps, it was as different as clouds and mud. To him, this was a heaven-sent opportunity. He hurriedly bowed, his tone solemn. "Many thanks for Elder's generous favor! This disciple will certainly cultivate diligently and not disappoint Elder's expectations!"
Elder Chen nodded, an gratified smile appearing on his face. "All right, this old man will not disturb your cultivation any longer. Remember: the road of cultivation is blocked and long. Talent is certainly important, but diligence and perseverance are what one relies upon to go farther. Guard against arrogance and impatience. Cultivate with single-minded focus, and do not let external things disturb you."
After saying that, Elder Chen flicked his sleeve and departed. His figure drifted away like a clear breeze, soon vanishing from Shen Hao's sight.
Shen Hao held Flowing Cloud Steps in his hand, his heart brimming with excitement. He impatiently opened the booklet and began reading it carefully. The contents of Flowing Cloud Steps were exceptionally profound, every word a pearl of wisdom, several times more advanced than his previous Basic Footwork Technique. It emphasized "moving like drifting clouds, changing beyond all prediction." Once cultivated, one's body would be graceful as flowing clouds and one's steps nimble as running water, impossible to grasp. It could not only increase speed, but also allow one to evade an enemy's attacks in actual combat and seize the initiative.
What an excellent cultivation art! Shen Hao inwardly praised it without end. With this Flowing Cloud Steps, his movement speed would surely rise to another level. His combat ability would likewise increase greatly.
He gripped Flowing Cloud Steps tightly, bright light gleaming in his eyes. He knew this opportunity had not come easily; it was Elder Chen's recognition of him. He would never disappoint that trust. He would certainly master Flowing Cloud Steps, raise his strength as soon as possible, and bring glory to the sect.
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