I Can Add Points Infinitely - Chapter 12

As skill points were invested, the spiritual energy within Shen Lian’s body rapidly increased.

The exhilarating sensation of his strength growing at such a speed was intoxicating.

After spending twenty points, Shen Lian sensed that the spiritual energy within him had more than doubled compared to before.

But when he turned his attention back to the system’s attributes panel, Shen Lian realized that he hadn’t broken through to the Foundation Establishment stage.

Like with his previous experience in the Body Refining stage, where his Body Forging Technique reached perfection and was then marked as Body Forging Technique · Perfected (Enhanced), his current Qi Refining Technique had similarly transformed into Qi Refining Technique · Perfected (Enhanced).

“It seems that due to the level of the technique itself, no matter how much I enhance it, I can only reinforce my Qi Refining, not break through to Foundation Establishment.”

After some contemplation, Shen Lian understood the reason.

Therefore, he decided not to continue upgrading the Qi Refining Technique. With only fifty skill points remaining, he knew he had to spend them wisely.

Reviewing his learned techniques, Shen Lian noticed that most were of low yellow grade, not worth further investment. His gaze eventually settled on the Nine Swords of Dugu.

“This is the only offensive technique I’ve obtained from the system, classified as peak human-grade. I hope it brings me some surprises.”

With this thought, Shen Lian did not hesitate and poured all remaining fifty points into the Nine Swords of Dugu.

A vast amount of swordsmanship insights flooded into Shen Lian’s mind. He absorbed, comprehended, and fused these insights together like a sponge.

Before long, Shen Lian entered a wondrous state, as if he could see the true nature of the world: countless threads of rules intertwined and transformed into the tangible world around him.

After an indeterminate amount of time, Shen Lian jolted awake.

Almost instinctively, he stood up, reached out with his right hand, and the Blue Jade Sword appeared in a flash, firmly grasped in his hand.

Turning swiftly, he performed a simple thrust.

No, it wasn’t even a proper sword move—merely a fundamental thrust, the most basic motion any novice would learn upon picking up a sword.

But in the instant Shen Lian thrust out, an indescribable sharpness burst forth.

“Boom!”

Three meters in front of the blade, a wooden piece of furniture emitted a low groan, and a fist-sized hole appeared in it. Sawdust scattered, reduced to fine powder.

“What…”

Shen Lian stared at the damage he had just caused, his face full of astonishment.

“Is this Sword Intent?”

He pondered for a moment before shaking his head, “No, the power is too weak; it should just be the embryonic form of Sword Intent.”

With this realization, he summoned the system interface, and indeed, in the skills section, there was a newly added ability: Embryonic Sword Intent.

A plus sign indicated it could be enhanced using skill points.

Unfortunately, Shen Lian had already used up all his points, but he could only imagine how potent it would become with further enhancement.

Sword Intent—the pinnacle that many exceptional swordsmen strive their entire lives to reach, but only a few achieve. Those who grasp Sword Intent often find their battle prowess skyrocketing, making defeating higher-level opponents as simple as drinking water.

Shen Lian never imagined he would one day glimpse Sword Intent, even if it was just in its nascent form. Properly utilized, this would be a massive boost to his combat capabilities.

His heart racing with excitement, Shen Lian rushed out of his quarters and began practicing sword techniques in the courtyard, working to incorporate the Sword Intent into his strikes.

…

Time passed quietly as Shen Lian immersed himself in training, his mind far removed from worldly concerns.

Meanwhile, the Inner Sect selection had concluded, and the second round’s spot had gone to a disciple named Lian Hong. Lian Hong, at the peak of the Body Refining stage, defeated all challengers with his exceptional combat talent.

The Seventh Elder had intended to take Lian Hong as a disciple, but the Third Elder swooped in first.

In the vast Azure Cloud Sect, resources were limited despite its large disciple base, and competition among the higher-ups was fierce. Recruiting promising disciples was one way for the Elders to strengthen their factions.

Since the Seventh Elder was promoted later and lacked family support, his faction was the weakest among the elders. He could only recruit one or two disciples when it was his turn to host the selection.

At this moment, inside Third Elder’s estate—a sprawling manor that served as both his cultivation retreat and the center of the Wang family’s power—Lian Hong knelt respectfully, listening to his master’s teachings.

A middle-aged man in a green robe entered.

The Third Elder glanced at him and nodded before dismissing Lian Hong. “You may leave. Later, a senior brother will help you convert your energy and step into the Qi Refining stage.”

“Yes, thank you, Master.” Lian Hong bowed respectfully.

The Third Elder nodded slightly, watching Lian Hong depart before turning to the middle-aged man. “Any news?”

“None.” The man shook his head, frustrated. “I tracked down to the Shadow Forest, but there were no leads.”

“But the longer we search without results, the more certain it seems that Yanglie and his son were killed. It’s too coincidental for both to disappear without a trace.”

Third Elder’s expression darkened. “No clues at all? If this is merely a personal grudge, it’s manageable, but if…”

“You mean the possibility that the other Elders have discovered that matter?” The man’s expression changed, lowering his voice.

Third Elder paused in thought, then shook his head. “Probably not yet, but we can’t be careless. If it comes to light and they target our family, we’ll be at a serious disadvantage.”

“Yes.” The man nodded solemnly.

“Also, prepare for the secret realm’s opening. I’ll try to secure a few more spots to let the disciples get some experience.”

The man asked, “Will that new kid participate?”

Third Elder pondered. “Depends. He needs to break through to Qi Refining first. It’s unfortunate I wasn’t overseeing this selection—heard there was a prodigy named Shen Lian who not only converted his energy but also reached the peak of the first level of Qi Refining in just a month.”

“A disciple like that should be mine,” the Third Elder lamented.

The man’s face turned grim upon hearing the name. “Shen Lian? Master, are you sure that’s his name?”

“Why? What’s wrong?” Third Elder asked, puzzled.

“Master, while investigating Yanglie and his son’s disappearance, I found that a Shen Lian from the Outer Sect was involved. He participated in this selection too, though I haven’t met him yet. Could it be the same person?”

“Well, isn’t this interesting…” Third Elder mused, a sly smile crossing his face.

“However, since Shen Lian has been taken in by the Seventh Elder as a True Disciple, we can’t touch him lightly. Investigate quietly, and don’t draw unwanted attention.”

“Yes, I’ll handle it immediately.” The man nodded and swiftly departed.