I Can Add Points Infinitely - Chapter 38

“That’s right,” the Sect Leader affirmed confidently.

“He mentioned earlier that he encountered a fortuitous event in the secret realm, which allowed him to quickly rise to the tenth level of Qi Refinement,” the Sect Leader continued. “I was curious, though—how could someone who just advanced defeat Lu E, who had been at this level for a long time and even used a forbidden technique? So, I had him use the same move on me.”

“Are you saying…” The Seventh Elder pondered, glancing at the Sect Leader.

Everyone had witnessed Shen Lian’s attack in the grand hall, but since they hadn’t faced it personally, their perception wasn’t as precise, including the Seventh Elder.

“I sensed sword intent in his technique,” the Sect Leader explained seriously. “While the intent was faint and not fully formed, it definitely crossed the threshold of true sword intent.”

“This…” The Seventh Elder was stunned, then overjoyed, his voice trembling with excitement. “Senior Brother, you… you must be mistaken, right?”

“How could I be?” The Sect Leader chuckled. “I’m not that old or confused.”

“This kid… incredible!” The Seventh Elder exclaimed, slapping his thigh in excitement. “I knew his talent in the sword was exceptional! When I first gave him the Qi Refinement insights, it didn’t take him long to fully comprehend and demonstrate them back to me.”

“That’s why I insisted on securing him a spot in the secret realm, hoping he’d grow further. I never expected it would bring such a huge surprise. Sword intent…”

The Seventh Elder couldn’t help but sigh. The higher one’s cultivation, the more they understood the rarity and power of intent.

Even the Sect Leader himself had only just scratched the surface of sword intent, and his comprehension was perhaps not even greater than Shen Lian’s. This realization was the key reason the Sect Leader valued Shen Lian so highly and insisted on quelling the issue of him killing a fellow disciple.

“This matter must remain confidential between us,” the Sect Leader suddenly turned serious, instructing the Seventh Elder. “No one else should know, not even Shen Lian. Do you understand?”

“Rest assured, I understand,” the Seventh Elder nodded.

Both had enough experience to grasp the potential consequences if the news that Azure Cloud Sect had a disciple comprehending sword intent spread. Other sects, including Thunder Valley, would undoubtedly attempt to assassinate Shen Lian at all costs to prevent a genius of this caliber from maturing.

A powerful sword cultivator who truly grasped sword intent would be a devastating threat to other sects, as their strength would defy conventional measurement by cultivation level.

“I don’t think Shen Lian realizes he’s grasped the rudiments of sword intent,” the Sect Leader continued after some contemplation. “Don’t tell him directly, but you can guide him subtly in that direction.”

“Haha, don’t worry about that, Senior Brother,” the Seventh Elder reassured with a smile. “This kid naturally gravitates towards sword techniques and has an innate affinity for sword arts.”

“Of all the techniques he’s cultivated, about eighty percent are related to the sword.”

“I wouldn’t even need to tell him; he’ll naturally delve deeper into it on his own.”

The Sect Leader chuckled, “Of course, anyone who isn’t inclined towards the sword wouldn’t be able to comprehend sword intent in the first place.”

He shook his head, then continued, “Now that he’s reached the peak of Qi Refinement, the next step is Foundation Establishment. As soon as he successfully breaks through, notify me, and I will promote him to a core disciple.”

“Core disciple? Promoting him right after Foundation Establishment—won’t that be…” The Seventh Elder hesitated.

“It’s fine,” the Sect Leader said calmly. “His comprehension of sword intent alone qualifies him for the position.”

“From now on, the sect’s resources can be allocated more generously to Shen Lian. We must nurture him with everything we have.”

“Understood.” The Seventh Elder nodded.

After discussing some specific details, the Seventh Elder finally took his leave. Unlike the Third Elder, who had left the hall with a grim expression, the Seventh Elder was in high spirits, his face beaming with joy all the way back.

Upon returning to his meditation chamber, he found Shen Lian, Yun Xiong, and the others waiting.

Seeing the Seventh Elder’s cheerful demeanor, Yun Xiong, sensing the outcome, stepped forward with a broad grin. “Master, is Shen Lian’s matter resolved? The Third Elder won’t secretly cause trouble anymore, right?”

“Don’t worry,” the Seventh Elder replied with a satisfied smile. “The Sect Leader has spoken personally. At least on the surface, the Third Elder won’t dare to cause any more issues.”

“You got lucky, brat,” the Seventh Elder said, turning to Shen Lian with a grin. “The Sect Leader thinks highly of you and has already instructed me to promote you to a core disciple as soon as you succeed in your Foundation Establishment.”

“Core disciple?” Shen Lian’s companions were stunned, their faces filled with envy as they looked at him.

Shen Lian, however, was a bit confused. His original self was too low-level and had never heard of core disciples. His brief time in the inner sect had been focused elsewhere, so he hadn’t paid attention to such matters.

“Don’t underestimate the status of a core disciple,” the Seventh Elder explained, seeing Shen Lian’s puzzled expression.

“Becoming a core disciple means you’ve stepped into the path toward the sect’s leadership.”

“One requirement for becoming a core disciple is that you must be at least at the Foundation Establishment stage. But do you know how many Foundation Establishment disciples there are in the inner sect?”

“How many?” Shen Lian asked, his curiosity piqued.

“Only eleven,” the Seventh Elder stated.

“So few?” Shen Lian raised an eyebrow in surprise.

“Heh, what did you expect?” the Seventh Elder chuckled. “Core disciples are eligible to compete for the position of Sect Leader in the future. Even if they fail, they can directly become inner sect elders.”

“They are essentially the reserve high-level members of Azure Cloud Sect and receive the sect’s full support and training.”

“High-level members?” Shen Lian felt as if he was dreaming. Not only had he faced no consequences for killing Lu E, but he was also on the verge of becoming a core disciple.

“Work hard and complete your Foundation Establishment soon. The sect’s resources will be increasingly directed toward you. If you need anything, just let me know,” the Seventh Elder encouraged, patting Shen Lian on the shoulder.

Feeling emboldened, Shen Lian quickly seized the opportunity. “Hehe… Master, does that mean I can go to the Scripture Pavilion and pick a few more techniques?”

“You rascal,” the Seventh Elder shook his head, half-amused and half-exasperated. “Is that all you have your sights set on? Haven’t you heard the saying, ‘biting off more than you can chew’? Focus on mastering the techniques you already know first.”

“Oh…” Shen Lian looked visibly disappointed.

The Seventh Elder found it amusing and continued, “You did make significant progress during the secret realm trial, so by the rules, you are allowed to select new techniques.”

“Moreover, once you complete your Foundation Establishment and officially become a core disciple, the Scripture Pavilion will be fully open to you.”

“As a core disciple, you will have unrestricted access, regardless of your cultivation level.”

“Really?” Shen Lian’s eyes widened in excitement.

“Why would I lie to you?” The Seventh Elder feigned anger.

“No, no, that’s not what I meant. Hehe… Thank you, Master!” Shen Lian quickly shook his head.

The idea of unrestricted access to the Scripture Pavilion filled Shen Lian with euphoria. The thought of exploring the vast collection of nearly a thousand techniques had him feeling like he was floating on air.

Thousands of techniques… How many skill points could that translate into?

The overwhelming joy made Shen Lian feel as though he were dreaming.