Chen Shuangbai was naturally aware of the shifting light and shadows behind him.
His Moon-Worshipping Clear Illumination Method paid homage to the twelve phases of the moon.
Zouyue was the first month of the year. It governed the birth of spring and the sprouting of plants. Ancient texts recorded that the god of Zouyue had a dragon's head and a human body and held a green jade scepter, which was why the god of Zouyue had appeared behind him.
The night passed without incident. After cultivating until daybreak, he rose.
As usual, Chen Shuangbai fed Feiguang, who had returned from playing wildly outside, then went back into his cave abode.
He was thinking.
Thinking about his current cultivation and the Law Techniques he had mastered.
These were troubled times. Although it was the Empty Sword Sect and the Heart-Eroding Stronghold that had clashed, there was no guarantee the Jade Spring Sect would not be dragged into the fray.
Besides, the same principle applied.
Even if the Jade Spring Sect was not dragged in, as the foremost sect in the Jing Kingdom, its unrivaled renown had been fought for, not won through boasts.
Only a year and a half remained until the five-year mark.
When the time came, he, Chen Shuangbai, would not only have to descend the mountain to put his Lineage in order, but also accept a garrison assignment from the sect. If he still had only the few Law Techniques he possessed now, they would be nowhere near enough.
After turning it over in his mind, Chen Shuangbai decided to cultivate two more Law Techniques.
"I currently practice three Law Techniques: Cold Spring Guidance, which is mainly for attack; Spirit-Appraising Pupil, which can distinguish unusual Qi; and the Obscuring Mist Method, which can conceal my figure and create illusions."
"To be honest, my methods are somewhat limited."
"Oh, right, there are also the Wind Control Technique and the Artifact Control Technique. But my strongest means of attack right now is still a flying sword, namely the Cold Spring Sword, which I've refined for the longest."
He thought for a moment, then took out the Law Treasures he currently possessed and placed them on the table.
One was the Cold Spring Sword, its icy light blazing as it gave off a chill. The flying sword was sharp and made of a special material, able to slice through iron as though it were mud. The other was a white cloud that resembled cotton: the Flowing Cloud Flying Pouch, which Chen Shuangbai had not yet had time to refine.
"The Cold Spring Sword is mainly for attack, and the Flowing Cloud Flying Pouch is mainly for escape and flight. With the third Law Artifact I commissioned for protection and cultivation support, I have enough Law Treasures. I just know too few Law Techniques, especially offensive ones."
When it came to finding Law Techniques, the first person Chen Shuangbai thought of was the Book Spirit.
The Jade Spring Sect did not forbid inner or outer disciples from entering the Scripture Transmission Hall's cave abode. On the contrary, the sect encouraged its disciples to study widely.
Only by reading more books could they more easily understand the subtleties of cultivation.
Outside the Scripture Transmission Hall's cave abode.
The Jade Spring disciples on rotation were generally familiar with Chen Shuangbai by sight. Seeing him come again this month, most could exchange a few words with him.
After he entered the cave abode.
Before Chen Shuangbai could call out, the Book Spirit appeared on his own.
He still looked like a tiny figure made of light. With practiced familiarity, he held out his little hand, waiting for Chen Shuangbai to give him the mortal martial-arts play scripts he had recently found at the Cloud Peak Small Market.
For some reason, the Book Spirit of the Scripture Transmission Hall's library cave, despite being as powerful as a Foundation Establishment cultivator, was particularly fond of worldly martial-arts plays.
He especially liked reading those full of tender romances!
Sometimes, when he reached a moving passage, quiet sobs could even be heard.
When Chen Shuangbai asked about it out of curiosity, the Book Spirit merely planted his hands on his hips and said haughtily, "This is grown-up business. Stay out of it, kid."
All right, all right.
You're a grown-up! You're a grown-up! In the whole Jade Spring Sect, no one is greater than you, Lord Book Spirit.
"Little Baibai, what sort of problem have you come to see this lord about this time?"
The Book Spirit conjured up a little desk from who knew where and set it floating in midair. He opened the play script and began reading as he asked absentmindedly.
Chen Shuangbai explained the problem he had encountered.
The Book Spirit turned his head slightly, though his eyes remained fixed on the script. "There's nothing wrong with learning a few more Law Techniques. After all, when you're out and about, every additional Law Technique at your disposal gives you another chance to stay alive."
"Little Bai, have you come to ask this lord to recommend one or two for you?"
"Yes, Lord Zhang Yin."
Zhang Yin was the name the Book Spirit had chosen for himself.
The Book Spirit Zhang Yin waved his little hand, and dozens of Jade Slips flew out from deep within the cave. They shimmered with watery light, jade light, or shades of green and blue.
"This lord remembers that you have water- and wood-aspect Spirit Roots, Little Bai, with middle Grade B aptitude. Most of the ones suited to you are here. Take a good look and see if any catch your fancy."
"Many thanks for taking the trouble, Lord Zhang Yin!"
As usual, Chen Shuangbai first flattered the little fellow to his satisfaction, then turned to the dozens of Jade Slips.
The Jade Slips contained a wealth of information, including but not limited to names, effects, assessments of power, and shortcomings. There were even notes and insights from many seniors. These Law Techniques all belonged to the paths of water and wood, with a small number belonging to earth and metal, and all could be practiced by Qi Refining Stage cultivators.
Chen Shuangbai quickly read through them, comparing each against what he wanted.
After about the time it took an incense stick to burn, Chen Shuangbai selected three.
They were the Water and Wood Pure Splendor Incantation, the Thousand-Silk Spirit-Entangling Hand, and the Azure Billows Layered Waves Instruction.
The Book Spirit Zhang Yin came back to his senses and looked at the three Law Techniques Chen Shuangbai had chosen. With the air of a wizened elder, he said, "Let this lord see what Law Techniques you've picked, Little Bai."
"So it's these..."
"Little Bai, your Spirit-Appraising Pupil has made quite some progress, and your eye for things has improved considerably too."
Faced with the Book Spirit's praise, Chen Shuangbai did not hesitate to place another tall hat on his head.
"It's all thanks to Lord Zhang Yin's excellent teaching."
"Quite right."
The Book Spirit nodded, deeply gratified, then began analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of the three Law Techniques for Chen Shuangbai one by one.
"The Water and Wood Pure Splendor Incantation is a special incantation with four effects: healing, purification, battlefield control, and enhancement. It's primarily a support Law Technique. Its offensive power is lacking."
"The Thousand-Silk Spirit-Entangling Hand is a wood-attribute control Law Technique. It uses pure wood Spirit Power to generate threads, which the cultivator controls. These incomparably tough Spirit Power threads can entangle and bind enemies, slowing their movements, or be woven into a net to control an area. But bear in mind that its effectiveness depends entirely on the quality of the Spirit Power threads the cultivator condenses. That's why it requires aged spirit wood as a cultivation aid and many years of painstaking practice."
"The Azure Billows Layered Waves Instruction isn't a direct offensive Law Technique; it's more of an enhancement. The cultivator uses water-aspect Spirit Power to imitate the surging of waves, layering Law Power upon Law Power before finally unleashing a charged strike that deals great damage to the enemy. Its power increases with each layer, up to a maximum of nine, giving it tremendous explosive force. But it isn't without weaknesses. In places rich in fire and metal Qi, its effect is halved."
The Book Spirit clearly explained the strengths and weaknesses of all three to Chen Shuangbai, leaving him to make his own choice.
Chen Shuangbai nodded repeatedly as he listened, but did not ask him to choose on his behalf.
He gazed at the three Jade Slips before him and pondered for a long while. Only then did he pick up two, cup his hands to the Book Spirit again, and say, "Lord Zhang Yin, this disciple would like to choose these two Law Techniques."