I Can Add Points Infinitely - Chapter 13

Inside the courtyard.

A shadow moved swiftly, accompanied by flashes of cold light.

There were no piercing sword roars or explosive bursts of spiritual energy, but every strike tore through the air, carving deep grooves into the ground.

“Swish!”

Another brilliant flash of light streaked by. Shen Lian abruptly halted, sheathing his sword, his breath calm and steady, as if the intense sword training had not affected him at all.

Unbeknownst to him, Shen Lian had been practicing for an entire day and night.

He had finally begun to integrate the embryonic form of Sword Intent into all his sword techniques. Though the execution was still somewhat unrefined, its power had grown significantly compared to before.

The most surprising part was that despite a day and night of relentless practice, Shen Lian felt no exhaustion. Instead, he was full of energy, his vitality brimming.

This left Shen Lian in quiet amazement.

“That should do it. After advancing to an Inner Sect disciple, I’m entitled to select two more techniques.”

Shen Lian murmured softly.

After enhancing the Nine Swords of Dugu and gaining an embryonic Sword Intent, he had been so excited about integrating it into his sword moves that he had completely forgotten about this benefit.

Given his current strength, two new techniques could mean an additional two hundred skill points. If all were invested in his embryonic Sword Intent, who knew how much more powerful it could become? Perhaps it could even evolve into true Sword Intent.

The thought filled him with anticipation, and Shen Lian immediately left his courtyard and headed toward the Outer Sect.

Although the Inner Sect also had a Scripture Pavilion, it was only open to disciples at the Foundation Establishment stage and above. Newly promoted disciples like Shen Lian, still in the Qi Refining stage, had to return to the Outer Sect to select new techniques.

“Once I pick my techniques, I’ll also check on my old residence. I need to find an opportunity to deal with Senior Brother Liu.”

With these thoughts, Shen Lian quickened his pace.

He soon arrived at the Outer Sect. Along the way, many Outer Sect disciples, upon seeing Shen Lian’s robe signifying his status as a True Disciple, stopped to bow respectfully.

Shen Lian nodded in acknowledgment as he passed by, not wanting to draw too much attention.

When he arrived at the Scripture Pavilion, the Elder guarding the library greeted him even more courteously than before.

Wasting no time, Shen Lian quickly registered and entered the library. Having visited before, he was already familiar with the layout and knew where each technique was placed. In just a quarter of an hour, he had selected two sword techniques.

After reading them, two hundred skill points were immediately added to his balance.

Shen Lian then spent thirteen points to elevate both low yellow-grade sword techniques to perfection. He allocated the remaining 187 points entirely to the embryonic Sword Intent.

In his mind, his understanding of the fundamental rules grew clearer, as if he were grasping numerous threads of a vast web.

Shen Lian could sense his attack power had surged once more.

However, when he checked the system interface, he found that the Sword Intent section had not changed at all. It remained labeled as Embryonic Sword Intent, with no indication of levels.

“No wonder Sword Intent can perceive the essence of reality. It seems evolving this embryonic Sword Intent into its complete form will require an immense amount of skill points; what I’ve invested so far is still not enough.”

Shen Lian muttered quietly, having reached some understanding.

Since that was the case, he decided not to dwell on it further. He left the Scripture Pavilion and headed toward his old residence.

He remembered that Senior Brother Liu’s living quarters were just three wooden huts away from his own, not far at all.

As he approached, Shen Lian had already prepared a plausible excuse to bring Senior Brother Liu away, but upon arrival, he found the hut completely empty.

Unlike the Inner Sect, the Outer Sect disciples’ quarters had no protective formations, making it easy for Shen Lian to enter and inspect.

“He’s not here?”

Shen Lian frowned slightly, then asked around among the nearby disciples.

He learned that Senior Brother Liu had gone out to complete a sect mission and had left just yesterday, with no set return date.

“Missed him by a step.”

After pondering for a moment, Shen Lian decided against searching outside the sect and planned to check again later.

Given his status as a True Disciple, many Outer Sect disciples acted nervously around him, which made Shen Lian feel uncomfortable. Not wanting to linger, he returned to the Inner Sect.

With no immediate plans, Shen Lian slowed his pace after re-entering the Inner Sect. He hadn’t explored much since his promotion, and this seemed like a good time to look around.

Before long, he noticed a massive building up ahead with three large characters written in seal script above it: Martial Arena.

The Seventh Elder had introduced this place when showing the new Inner Sect disciples around. The Azure Cloud Sect strictly prohibited private duels between disciples, but grievances were inevitable. Thus, the Martial Arena was established as a sanctioned place for settling disputes.

Disciples could come here to duel and determine a victor. It was also a place for those wishing to spar and test their skills.

Curious, Shen Lian decided to enter.

The Martial Arena was vast, with formations set up to isolate the area and several large platforms inside.

Currently, two Inner Sect disciples were sparring intensely on one of the platforms. Shen Lian noticed that neither of them displayed any killing intent in their moves, suggesting it was a friendly match rather than a duel over a grudge.

“Hey, isn’t that Shen Lian?”

A voice called out suddenly.

Shen Lian turned to see a fellow Inner Sect disciple dressed in a red robe, his face vaguely familiar.

After a moment’s thought, Shen Lian remembered this person was one of the forty-three disciples who had advanced alongside him two days ago—they had met once before.

“Hello,” Shen Lian greeted politely.

“It really is you, Shen Lian! You’ve become a True Disciple?”

The disciple eyed Shen Lian’s distinctive robes, his gaze filled with envy. He smiled and said, “We all noticed how much the Seventh Elder favored you during the selection. I never thought he’d truly take you in as a True Disciple. That’s impressive.”

“Oh, I was just lucky,” Shen Lian replied modestly.

“Don’t be so humble, Senior Brother!” The disciple shook his head repeatedly. His eyes brightened as he suggested, “Senior Brother Shen, we’re all newly promoted and still getting the hang of Qi Refining combat. We came here to spar and learn from each other. How about joining us? You could give us some pointers.”

Following the disciple’s gaze, Shen Lian noticed that everyone present had advanced alongside him two days ago. However, after observing the sparring in the arena, his interest waned.

He had already upgraded the Qi Refining insights provided by the Seventh Elder to the maximum level, perfecting his combat experience. Shen Lian was confident that even if the Seventh Elder himself were to suppress his power to the Qi Refining stage, he wouldn’t be Shen Lian’s match—let alone these newly promoted disciples.

To Shen Lian, their battles were childish, like kids playing house.

He shook his head, feeling no urge to participate in what would be a one-sided match. Just as he was about to decline, a brash voice interrupted.

“You all, get out of here. We’ve reserved this place.”

The voice was filled with arrogance.

Shen Lian and the others turned to see a group of seven or eight disciples entering. All wore the same True Disciple robes as Shen Lian, but unlike his robes embroidered with the number “Seven,” theirs bore the number “Three” on the sleeve.

They were True Disciples under the Third Elder.