Minor Mastery of a Movement Technique

Without saying much, Dongfang Yueming took out nine white coins that emitted a faint spiritual aura and handed them over.

The old man took the money, wanting to offer a few more words of advice, reminding him of the principle that one shouldn't bite off more than one can chew.

However, Dongfang Yueming had already turned around and walked quickly in the direction where the main force had left outside the city, without the slightest hesitation.

"That kid..." The old man at the stall watched Dongfang Yueming's departing figure, his eyes filled with complex emotions. "Is he a true genius, or just a self-important madman?" In the end, he shook his head and whispered a blessing, "Never mind, good luck, young man."

Dongfang Yueming seemed to hear his blessing and casually waved his hand in response.

As he traveled, he flipped through the three manuals and checked the newly updated interface.

[Character: Dongfang Yueming]

[Realm: Qi Refining Realm (Perfection - High-Grade Phenomenon) (Gain 200 points daily)]

[Cultivation Techniques: Extreme Body Tempering Method (Perfection), Crimson Swirl Qi Refining Method (Perfection), Nine-Turn Qi Refining Method (0/300, Not Yet Entry), Heaven-Surging Qi Refining Method (0/200, Not Yet Entry)]

[Martial Arts: Gale Swift Saber (Perfection), Swift Swimming Movement Technique (Perfection), Venomous Snake Dagger Technique (0/1, Not Yet Entry), Fierce Tiger Fist Technique (Perfection), Blood Burning Secret Method (Perfection), Crimson Flame Fist Technique (0/2000, Major Accomplishment), Surging Waves Fist Technique (0/9, Not Yet Entry), Surging Waves Movement Technique (0/9, Not Yet Entry), Cloud-Treading Steps (0/9, Not Yet Entry), Shadow-Chasing Movement Technique (0/10, Not Yet Entry)]

[Points:3667]

"I still have over 3,600 points left, with 67 extra points that I can use flexibly." Dongfang Yueming thought to himself, "The rest of the points should be saved to improve those two new Qi Refining techniques and condense more Qi Swirl Phenomenon; that's the best approach."

After a moment's thought, he decided to first improve one of his movement techniques, just in case. "Since we need to travel, I'll start by improving the ' Cloud-Treading Steps '."

A thought flashed through my mind!

[Cloud-Treading Steps (0/27, Entry)]!

A light and agile feeling welled up in my heart, as if I were walking on clouds and as light as a swallow!

"Continue!"

[Cloud-Treading Steps (0/45, Minor Accomplishment)]!

The profound mysteries of movement techniques became even more refined. Dongfang Yueming felt that the resonance between the acupoints throughout his body and the spiritual energy of heaven and earth became even closer, and his speed increased once again!

[Points:3631]

"This Minor Accomplishment is enough." Dongfang Yueming nodded in satisfaction, then changed his footwork and quietly unleashed the "Cloud-Treading Steps," a technique at the Minor Accomplishment achievement level!

His figure moved like a ghost, traversing the rugged mountain path as if it were flat ground, his speed suddenly increasing! In just a few breaths, he caught up with the vast and imposing procession ahead!

At the very front of the procession, the Cloudwater Sect's team took the lead.

Princess Yun Qian, riding a magnificent white steed, frowned slightly as she looked at the vast, swarming group of rogue cultivators behind her, resembling a locust plague. A hint of impatience crossed her face. "Brother," she said, "Look at those guys behind us! They're such annoying insects! They're sticking to us like glue, we can't shake them off!"

Upon hearing this, Prince Yun Han smiled faintly and said, "He is indeed a bit of an eyesore."

He thought to himself, "Most of these rogue cultivators are just here for the fun of it all. How many of them will actually make it to the Heavenly Splendor Dynasty and pass the trials? Many will probably lose their lives at the slightest danger along the way. So what's the point of them participating?"

Seeing his younger sister's adorable pout, Yun Han's eyes flashed with doting affection, and he said with a smile, "Since Qian'er thinks they're in the way, then... how about we speed things up a bit?"

"Great! Great!" Princess Yun Qian's face lit up with a smile upon hearing this, her previous annoyance vanishing. With a delicate shout, her spirit horse galloped forward, unleashing an extremely advanced movement technique—the "Ethereal Movement Technique" at its Major Accomplishment! She seemed to transform into a pale blue phantom, speeding ahead!

Yun Han smiled slightly, his figure also becoming elusive as he followed closely behind.

Princess Yun Qian even turned around and made a provocative face at Qu Yutang, Xie Ning, and the others behind her.

"Boring." Qu Yutang coldly uttered two words as she watched the two figures disappear into the distance. But she subtly increased her speed, clearly not wanting to fall too far behind.

Xie Ning observed all of this, then glanced at Gao Feng beside him, who was riding an ordinary horse and struggling to keep up. His brow furrowed almost imperceptibly, and he thought to himself, "What a nuisance!"

He spurred his horse, and the magnificent Crimson Flame Steed beneath him let out a neigh, its speed suddenly increasing dramatically! At the same time, he reached out and grabbed Gao Feng by the collar, lifting him up and accelerating with him!

The teams from the three top forces suddenly accelerated, instantly leaving the scattered cultivator teams far behind!

"Hey! Wait for us!"

"Too fast! I can't keep up!"

The rogue cultivators behind them were thrown into chaos. Many tried to force their way out, but found it was futile and could only watch helplessly as the group ahead went further and further away.

The burly, bearded man they'd met at the teahouse earlier watched the group disappear into the distance with a rather calm expression. "Heh, they've done pretty well to keep up this far. The rest of the journey is up to us."

Upon hearing this, the others in his group were somewhat worried. "But... without those powerful forces clearing the way, won't we be in great danger?"

The burly man with a thick beard waved his hand reassuringly, "Don't worry! Generally speaking, most of the official road from the Cloud Water Dynasty to the Heavenly Splendor Dynasty is quite safe. The only place you need to be careful is the area called ' Sand Snake Land ' near the border of the Heavenly Splendor Dynasty!"

"Sand Snake Land?!" Upon hearing this, someone's expression immediately changed. "I've heard of that place! It's said to be extremely dangerous! Not only are there highly venomous sand serpents, but also all sorts of bizarre and Ferocious Beast! Every year, quite a few Qi Refining Realm artists die there, and even... Internal Force Realm experts have perished!"

The burly man with the thick beard nodded, his expression turning serious. "That's right! It is indeed a dangerous place! However, as long as we all work together, cooperate, and are careful, we should be able to get through safely!"

The local martial artist who had tried to attack Dongfang Yueming at the teahouse but was instead taught a lesson chimed in, "That's right! As long as we're united, there's nothing to be afraid of!"

Upon hearing this, everyone felt somewhat relieved.

Dongfang Yueming overheard their conversation and thought to himself, "The Sand Snake Land? I wonder what dangers lie inside."

Just then, the local martial artist who had been taught a lesson by Dongfang Yueming earlier inadvertently caught sight of Dongfang Yueming, who was mingling in the crowd and following at a leisurely pace. He was taken aback at first, then a trace of fear flashed in his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by resentment.

He dared not provoke them any further, and could only curse viciously in his heart, "Hmph! You ignorant brat! You dare to venture into the Sand Snake Land alone? Just wait! You're doomed!"