Preparing for the Assessment

The next morning, Fang Yan arrived at the Mystic Martial Pavilion's secret stronghold punctually. Elder Chen was already waiting in the main hall and nodded with satisfaction upon seeing him.

"It's good that you're here," Elder Chen said. "Today, I'll first familiarize you with the Mystic Martial Pavilion's rules and resources, and then I'll create a cultivation plan for you."

Following that, Elder Chen took Fang Yan on a tour of the Mystic Martial Pavilion's stronghold. It not only had spacious cultivation rooms and a library filled with books, but also a dedicated medicinal garden and an artifact refining room. Every part of it opened Fang Yan's eyes.

In the library, Elder Chen gave Fang Yan a jade slip. "This contains several Cultivation Techniques suitable for your current stage of cultivation. Choose one yourself. Remember, it's not about having many techniques, but about mastering them. Choose the one that suits you best and cultivate it with all your heart."

Fang Yan took the jade slip and probed it with his spiritual power. It contained three Cultivation Techniques: Ice Heart Art, Gale Step, and Mountain Splitting Fist. Ice Heart Art was an ice-attribute internal cultivation method, perfectly matching his Northern Darkness Ice Soul Body. Gale Step was a movement technique, far more profound than the basic footwork he was currently practicing, "Wind-Treading Steps." Mountain Splitting Fist was a fierce fist technique with immense power.

Fang Yan hesitated for a moment before finally choosing Ice Heart Art. His Northern Darkness Ice Soul Body was ice-attribute, so cultivating Ice Heart Art would undoubtedly yield twice the results with half the effort. Moreover, ice-attribute Cultivation Techniques had strong defensive and control capabilities, which would perfectly compensate for his shortcomings.

"A good choice," Elder Chen nodded upon seeing Fang Yan choose Ice Heart Art. "Ice Heart Art is one of our Mystic Martial Pavilion's basic internal cultivation methods, but its power should not be underestimated. Cultivate it well, and it will be of great help to you."

Afterward, Elder Chen led Fang Yan to a cultivation room and gave him a bottle of pills. "These are Body Tempering Pills. They can help you increase your Blood Essence faster and consolidate your realm. You can start cultivating here and familiarize yourself with the circulation route of Ice Heart Art. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me at any time."

"Thank you, Elder Chen!" Fang Yan said gratefully.

Elder Chen left the cultivation room, and Fang Yan sat down cross-legged, beginning to cultivate Ice Heart Art. Following the instructions in the technique, he guided the Blood Essence within his body to circulate along a specific route. The circulation route of Ice Heart Art was much more complex than the basic cultivation method he had practiced before, but it was also more refined. The Blood Essence flowed through his meridians, carrying a faint chill that also activated his Northern Darkness Ice Soul Body.

[Commencing cultivation of Ice Heart Art, Proficiency +1%, Current Proficiency: 1%.]

[Blood Essence slightly increased, Current Blood Essence: 0.97.]

The System's notification chimed in his mind, invigorating Fang Yan. He focused even more intently on his cultivation, and without realizing it, a whole day passed.

When Fang Yan stopped cultivating, he was pleasantly surprised to find that his proficiency in Ice Heart Art had increased to 10%, and his Blood Essence had reached 0.99. Moreover, he could clearly feel that the Blood Essence within his body was more condensed and flowed more smoothly.

"This Ice Heart Art is truly amazing!" Fang Yan rejoiced inwardly.

Just then, Elder Chen walked in. "How is it? Is your cultivation going smoothly?"

"Very smoothly, Elder Chen," Fang Yan quickly got up. "Ice Heart Art suits me very well. Both my Blood Essence and my strength have improved significantly."

"Very good," Elder Chen nodded. "Since you are already familiar with the basics of Ice Heart Art, I will now create a detailed cultivation plan for you."

Elder Chen took out a piece of paper covered in dense text. "This plan is divided into three parts: daily internal cultivation, practical exercises for fist and sword techniques, and a secret realm trial once a month. By following this plan, your strength will definitely improve rapidly."

Fang Yan took the plan and read it carefully. The plan was very detailed, arranging everything from morning cultivation time to evening rest time in an orderly fashion. Furthermore, it included some cultivation methods and techniques he had never encountered before.

"Thank you, Elder Chen!" Fang Yan said gratefully again.

"Alright, you can go back now. Starting tomorrow, cultivate according to this plan," Elder Chen waved his hand.

Fang Yan left the stronghold, filled with motivation. He knew that with the resources of the Mystic Martial Pavilion and Elder Chen's guidance, his path in the Martial Dao would be smoother. He would definitely cultivate diligently, not failing Elder Chen's expectations or his own dreams.

Back in his dormitory, Fang Yan did not rest. Instead, he began practicing the combination of Ice Heart Art and Basic Fist Technique as required by the cultivation plan. He discovered that the chilling energy of Ice Heart Art integrated into his Straight Punch, not only making the punch more powerful but also adding a freezing effect.

"This is simply incredible!" Fang Yan exclaimed excitedly. He could feel his strength improving at a visible rate.