I Can Add Points Infinitely - Chapter 40
Shen Lian checked the manuals he received.
One was a Sword Control Technique, a standard for the Foundation Establishment stage.
Once mastered, it not only allowed him to wield flying swords against enemies but also fulfilled his long-awaited wish to fly on a sword.
Controlling flying swords in combat was the hallmark of a true cultivator.
Though he had just advanced to the Foundation Establishment stage and was far from the legendary ability to behead enemies from a thousand miles away, he could now engage foes from ten meters away.
Against those below Foundation Establishment, no matter their sword skills, he was virtually undefeatable, unless they encountered someone as monstrous as Shen Lian, who had grasped the embryonic form of Sword Intent during Qi Refinement.
He continued to the second book, a handwritten manual titled “Foundation Establishment Insights.”
It was clearly penned by the Seventh Elder, sharing his knowledge and experiences about various applications of the Foundation Establishment stage.
Having previously read the Qi Refinement insights, Shen Lian treasured this new manual even more, carefully storing it in his storage ring.
He bowed to the Seventh Elder, saying earnestly, “Thank you, Master.”
“Enough with the formalities,” the Seventh Elder waved his hand and advised, “Foundation Establishment is different from Qi Refinement. It marks your first step out of the mundane world.”
“At this stage, you must gradually change your perspective and habits to truly adapt and unleash your full combat potential.”
“Go back and study carefully; do not slack off. Also, now that you’ve completed Foundation Establishment, the Inner Sect Scripture Pavilion is open to you. All the techniques there are of the Profound Rank, and with your current level, you can choose two to study.”
“The Inner Sect Scripture Pavilion?”
Hearing this, Shen Lian’s eyes lit up with excitement, and he eagerly asked, “So, Master, when I become a core disciple, does that mean the Inner Sect Scripture Pavilion…”
“Get lost!”
Before Shen Lian could finish, the Seventh Elder knew exactly what he was getting at.
Rolling his eyes, he said, “You wish! The Inner Sect Scripture Pavilion is one of the Azure Cloud Sect’s core treasuries. How could a mere core disciple have unrestricted access?”
“But being a core disciple does come with privileges. Compared to others, you can select one extra technique per realm.”
“That’s the only perk.”
“Only one more? Just one…”
Shen Lian was immediately disappointed.
“What were you expecting? Profound Rank techniques are not so easily cultivated. How many times have I told you? Don’t bite off more than you can chew; mastering your art is more important than quantity. Why do you still act like this?”
The Seventh Elder was infuriated, his beard bristling in frustration.
“Yes, yes, I understand my mistake,” Shen Lian quickly admitted, feeling helpless inside.
He couldn’t exactly tell the Seventh Elder that he had a system where the more techniques he learned, the stronger he became, without actually needing to practice them—just a few skill points would suffice.
The system was Shen Lian’s greatest secret, something he couldn’t share, not even with the Seventh Elder.
“You better have learned your lesson.”
The Seventh Elder scolded, then added, “Now get lost. I need to report to the Sect Master and apply for your promotion to core disciple.”
“Hehe… Master, how could you say that? In front of you, I’m always your disciple; I wouldn’t dare think of myself as anything else…”
Shen Lian grinned cheekily.
“Get lost!”
The Seventh Elder waved him off irritably.
Shen Lian finally scurried out of the courtyard.
Only after he left did the Seventh Elder’s angry expression gradually fade.
Thinking of something, the elder’s face softened into a gentle smile. He shook his head and made his way to the main hall atop the peak.
Shen Lian returned to his courtyard.
With nothing else to do, he read through both manuals.
Since the system was still upgrading and he couldn’t allocate skill points, he set off for the Inner Sect Scripture Pavilion.
He selected two Profound Rank techniques.
One was the Soul Forging Art, a method for training the mind.
The other was the Spring Rain Sword Art, an introductory sword technique for the Foundation Establishment stage.
Though it was an entry-level technique, its true power was impressive. By manipulating the sword with spiritual sense and qi, it could form a rudimentary sword formation.
Its continuous attacks were as gentle as spring rain, making it nearly impossible for opponents to defend against.
The process for Shen Lian’s promotion to core disciple was swift.
Especially since the Sect Master had already pre-approved his qualifications.
While Shen Lian was still studying martial techniques in the Inner Sect Scripture Pavilion, the news of his promotion spread throughout the sect.
At the Third Elder’s residence.
“What did you say? That brat Shen Lian has been promoted to core disciple? Are you sure?”
The Third Elder leaped from his chair, glaring at the yellow-robed figure below him.
“It’s true. The news came from the Internal Affairs Pavilion, and the Inner Sect stewards are likely already heading to Shen Lian’s place to inform him.”
The man in the yellow robe replied.
The yellow robe signified his status as an Inner Sect steward.
Many of the sect’s internal affairs were handled by the Inner Sect stewards, so the information was unlikely to be wrong.
The Third Elder understood this but found Shen Lian’s promotion to core disciple too shocking, prompting him to confirm it again.
“How could this be? Even if he advanced to Foundation Establishment, it doesn’t make sense for him to be immediately promoted to core disciple.”
“That’s a highly significant position, given to a mere newly advanced disciple—what is the Sect Master thinking?”
The Third Elder frowned.
The steward remained silent, standing respectfully in place.
The Third Elder paced the room, then suddenly turned to the steward.
“Any news about Hongde?”
“None.”
The steward shook his head and continued, “I’ve investigated. Second Brother learned of Shen Lian’s mission from a disciple at the task issuing area.”
“After that, there’s been no further news—he’s completely vanished.”
Hongde, full name Wang Hongde, was a core member of the Wang family.
He was the Inner Sect steward who had been tracking Shen Lian last time and was killed when Shen Lian unexpectedly unleashed his Sword Intent.
“It’s Shen Lian again.”
Hearing that name, the Third Elder’s frown deepened.
“Is there anything suspicious about the disciple at the task issuing area?”
“No issues. I used a Soul Searching technique to check, and there’s no mistake. I’ve already dealt with that disciple.”
The steward replied solemnly.
“Good.”
The Third Elder nodded slightly, then, after a moment of silence, said, “I have a feeling that the disappearance of Yanglie and his son, as well as Hongde, are all related to Shen Lian.”
“All of them had some connection to Shen Lian just before they disappeared. To call this coincidence is a stretch.”
“I have similar suspicions.”
The steward agreed, then added, “However, when Second Brother vanished, Shen Lian was only at the second level of Qi Refinement. Even if he was hiding his strength, it’s impossible he reached Foundation Establishment.”
“He couldn’t possibly have been a match for Second Brother, so how…”
“Hmph, does it matter if he wasn’t a match? Couldn’t he have had help?”
“Either way, Shen Lian is definitely involved.”
The Third Elder said coldly.
“So, what’s our next move? The Sect Master has already warned you; if we…”
The steward hesitated.
“We can’t act directly, but we can’t let this go either.”
“That little brat better not give me a reason. If I find any evidence, then…”
A hint of malice flickered in the Third Elder’s eyes. After thinking for a moment, he said, “Alright, head out and bring back the Ghost Valley Elder for me.”
“Invite him? Isn’t that too costly?”
The steward frowned.
“What choice do we have? Go. I can’t let Second Brother just vanish without doing anything.”
The Third Elder replied helplessly.
“Yes.”
The steward bowed and swiftly exited.
His figure flickered, and he disappeared from the room, leaving the Third Elder standing there, his eyes gleaming with cold malice.