I Can Add Points Infinitely - Chapter 9

Shen Lian immersed his consciousness, attempting to control the cluster of spiritual energy within him.

Since the energy originated from a pill, it was gentle and obedient, making it easy to manipulate and circulate.

Following the Qi Gathering Technique’s route, Shen Lian guided the energy through a complete cycle before settling it into his dantian.

The energy stabilized, transforming into his own spiritual energy, never to dissipate again.

He had reached the first level of Qi Refining.

Shen Lian felt no excitement; after all, he had relied on the Profound Spirit Pill to succeed in converting to internal cultivation—nothing to be proud of.

Ding!

Just then, a system notification rang out in his mind.

【Detected successful breakthrough of a major realm, adjusting skill points…】

【Preparing to issue rewards…】

【Body Tempering Technique, 100 skill points…】

【Qi Gathering Technique, 100 skill points…】

【Azure Cloud Sword Technique, 100 skill points…】

【Hundred Step Fist, 100 skill points…】

…

Ding!

【Total skill points balance surpasses one thousand for the first time, system upgrade initiated.】

A series of notifications bombarded Shen Lian’s mind, leaving him slightly dizzy.

After the final message, the system finally fell silent.

He quickly delved into his mind and summoned the system interface.

【Infinite Point Addition System】

【Host: Shen Lian】

【Upgrading (Estimated completion time: 72 hours)】

【Skill Points: 1400】

Seeing his skill points suddenly surge past a thousand, Shen Lian was overjoyed.

Unfortunately, the system had entered an upgrade phase and would take three days to complete, rendering it temporarily inoperative.

With nothing else to do, Shen Lian decided not to dwell on it and exited the system interface.

Three days wasn’t a long wait.

With time to spare, he resumed cultivating the Qi Gathering Technique.

When focused on cultivation, time passed swiftly.

Unnoticed, another two days went by.

As Shen Lian exited his cultivation state, he saw that the system’s upgrade was just two hours from completion.

He then assessed his cultivation progress.

Shen Lian couldn’t help but click his tongue.

His aptitude was truly abysmal. After nearly three days of continuous Qi Gathering Technique cultivation, the amount of spiritual energy in his body had barely increased.

Without the system, relying on his current body alone, Shen Lian doubted he would ever enter Qi Refining in his lifetime.

Bzzzzz—

Just as he was lamenting, a faint humming echoed around him.

The surrounding space seemed to tremble.

The other disciples, still immersed in their cultivation, were also jolted awake by the disturbance, exiting their meditation.

The space quivered briefly before jolting violently; the golden runes disappeared, and the ambient noise of chirping insects, birds, and the rustling wind returned.

It was as if the world suddenly became vibrant and alive.

“The array has been deactivated?”

Shen Lian glanced around.

The figures of other disciples came into view, and beyond the array, a large crowd had gathered around the plaza.

These disciples had come to witness which candidates would advance.

“The thirty-day period has ended. The selection is over.”

The authoritative voice of the inner sect elder in the purple robe rang out once more.

He hovered in the air, his gaze sweeping over the assembled disciples.

Everyone instinctively stiffened.

“Those who successfully completed Qi Gathering, report to me. The rest may choose to withdraw or register for the second round of selection.”

“Those opting for the second round should head over there to sign up.”

The elder gestured to the side.

Several outer sect stewards were seated at a table on the left side of the plaza, ready to register participants.

“Alright, make your choices,” the elder said, descending slowly to stand before the disciples.

Shen Lian observed the crowd. Some disciples were visibly pleased, having successfully reached the Qi Refining stage. Others looked dejected, filled with disappointment or hesitation about whether to attempt the second round.

The second round offered a single spot, providing another chance. However, many lacked confidence in their abilities, fearing they might get injured in the battles, which could hinder their future cultivation.

These doubts led many to hesitate about signing up for the second round.

Shen Lian, having already passed the test, had no such concerns.

Seeing others heading toward the inner sect elder, Shen Lian rose and walked in the same direction.

Others soon made their decisions—some marched decisively toward the outer sect stewards to register for the second round, while more disciples sighed in resignation and left the plaza.

At the edge of the plaza, Senior Brother Liu had joined the crowd, his eyes fixed on the elder. Then, he spotted a familiar figure.

“Shen Lian… he… actually passed the selection?” Liu murmured to himself.

“Hey, Senior Brother, did one of your friends pass the test?”

Someone overheard Liu’s words and approached to ask.

“Ah… yes,” Liu replied instinctively.

“Wow, congratulations! With an inner sect brother to look out for you, life will be much easier.”

“Yeah, Senior Brother, we’ll be counting on you for guidance in the future.”

…

“Uh… sure, no problem…” Liu waved dismissively, his expression filled with a bitter smile.

Just a few days ago, an inner sect steward had approached Liu, inquiring about Wang Hui and whether any outer sect steward had come searching for him.

Liu, fearing repercussions, had told them everything he knew, including Shen Lian’s involvement.

He couldn’t shake the feeling that Shen Lian was somehow connected to Wang Hui’s disappearance and the secret behind Shen Lian’s sudden rise in strength.

Caught up in this mess unexpectedly, Liu felt an immense sense of pressure, unsure if his involvement would bring fortune or disaster.

It now seemed that knowing Shen Lian might not be such a good thing after all.

“Maybe… it’s time for me to find an excuse to get away for a while,” Liu mused quietly.

…

Meanwhile, Shen Lian was unaware of these events as he moved forward in the queue.

Glancing ahead and behind, he noted that only about forty disciples had passed the first round of selection.

Out of nearly ten thousand participants, only this small group had succeeded—a staggering elimination rate.

On the other side, only around a hundred disciples had signed up for the second round, suggesting that most lacked confidence in their combat skills and had chosen to withdraw.

Lost in thought, Shen Lian’s turn soon came.

The elder cast a brief, authoritative glance at Shen Lian.

Shen Lian felt as though he was being seen through entirely, an unsettling feeling of vulnerability washing over him.

Fortunately, the elder’s piercing gaze lasted only a moment before his expression softened.

He looked at Shen Lian with a hint of surprise.

“Qi Refining, peak of the first level? Impressive!”

The elder nodded slightly. “What is your name?”

“Reporting to the elder, disciple Shen Lian!” Shen Lian answered respectfully, presenting his disciple token.

The elder examined the token before replacing it with a new silver one, signifying Shen Lian’s status as an inner disciple.

“Continue to cultivate diligently. If you have any questions, feel free to come to me in the future,” the elder said warmly.

Shen Lian nodded in agreement.

The elder gestured for him to stand by his side. “Wait here. I’ll take you and the others to the inner sect shortly.”

Shen Lian bowed politely and stood behind the elder, ready for his next step in the Azure Cloud Sect.