Chapter 9: Choosing a Cultivation Technique

In the world of cultivation, there was no reckoning of time.
Three months passed in the blink of an eye.

At the foot of Shuiyue Peak, Wang Shuheng now wore the white robe of a Spirit Sword Pavilion disciple. Pure and simple, it lent him the aura of a detached immortal. He stood in line alongside several others.

In front of them stood a steward.

Fang Haidao spoke:
“In just three months, you’ve broken through to the first layer of Qi Refinement. This alone proves your effort. Now, follow me to the library to select your cultivation technique. Remember: once chosen, there’s no regret.”

With that, he led them toward the library.

The Library

Beams were crafted from cloud-top sandalwood. A massive Moon Pearl hung from the treasure-domed ceiling, radiating light like a full moon. The floor, paved in white jade, was inlaid with golden beads forming intricate patterns.

Wang Shuheng and the others gazed at the building, unable to hide their astonishment.

“Junior brothers and sisters, according to sect rules, you may only choose from the first layer,” Fang Haidao explained.

They answered in unison.

The library had nine layers. The first floor was the largest. Bookshelves painted black stood neatly one meter apart. Each was draped with a red cloth. On top rested a delicate wooden frame that supported the books, making the titles clearly visible.

Cultivation techniques were not lightly shared. Each manual was extremely precious. Some sections held only a single volume, while others contained multiple copies.

Once everyone entered the library, a rainbow beam descended, revealing a figure—

Lin Lingshu.

“Senior Sister Lin,” Fang Haidao greeted respectfully.

“Hm.” Lin Lingshu replied coldly, stepping forward with urgency.

Though she had seen this place many times in the original owner’s memories, this was her first time here in her own right. Damn brilliant and magnificent, she thought inwardly as she gazed at the interior. But now wasn’t the time for sightseeing.

Her priority: find the male lead and ensure he chose the Fire Path.

Her steps seemed casual, but in truth, she carefully tracked Wang Shuheng’s movements. After circling half the first floor without spotting him, anxiety stirred. Perhaps he has already chosen and left. If he picked the Fire Path, fine—but if not… it would be a disaster.

Her composure faltered. Distracted, she turned a corner—

Clang!

She collided head-on with someone.

“Senior Sister Lin, forgive me.” The other stepped back apologetically.

Upon hearing the familiar voice, she replied calmly, “No harm done.” Inwardly, though, she thought, Finally found you.

Casually, she picked up a green-covered cultivation manual—Qingfeng Art.

“Junior Brother Wang, what kind of technique are you planning to select?” she asked.

“What would Senior Sister Lin recommend?”

Exactly the words she wanted to hear.

Lin Lingshu opened her palm. A faint electric arc danced across her hand.

“A cultivation technique was created by the ancestors. Originally, I practiced the Water Path, but now I shift to the Thunder Path, intending to build my Dao Foundation with countless thunder strikes.”

She shaped the lightning into a flying phoenix, a galloping white horse, a diving carp… each form shifting fluidly.

“The Water Path flows like dark waters. The Metal Path is sharp and rigid, like precious steel. The Fire Path blazes, spreading like wildfire. The Earth Path is solemn and deep as the ground beneath. The Wood Path towers like ancient trees.

I observe your fate carries latent starfire… why not choose the Fire Path?”

By the time she finished her display, light sweat dotted her brow.

Wang Shuheng considered her suggestion, then asked, “Senior Sister Lin, where are the Fire Path manuals stored?”

Upon hearing this, Lin Lingshu knew half the battle was won. To avoid mishaps, she grabbed his hand firmly.

“Junior Brother Wang, please follow me.”

They walked together for about the time it took half an incense stick to burn before reaching the Fire Path shelves.

“Senior Sister Lin…” Wang Shuheng began.

“Rest assured, Junior Brother Wang. This is the most comprehensive collection of Fire Path techniques in Spirit Sword Pavilion. You’ll definitely find one you like.”

“It’s not that… Senior Sister Lin, your hand…”

“What?”

Their faces were suddenly so close they could almost feel each other’s breath. Her nose brushed against his chin.

Lin Lingshu hastily let go and stepped back a few paces. She could still feel the residual warmth lingering on her forehead. Clearing her throat, she muttered, “Junior Brother Wang, please choose on your own. Damn it, getting groped by the male lead.”

Wang Shuheng regained composure and examined the shelves. At last, he reached for a plain, unnamed manual from the third row.

“Senior Sister Lin, I’ve made my choice.”

Lin Lingshu breathed a sigh of relief, grateful he had chosen the same technique as in the original story.

“Junior Brother Wang, what secondary profession do you intend to choose?” she asked.

The secondary professions were Array Path, Talisman Path, Artifact Path, and Pill Path. All had one thing in common—making spiritual stones. As the saying went: poor in writing, rich in breaking wealth while cultivating. Not false.

But Wang Shuheng wasn’t advanced enough to decide. He needed to reach Qi Refinement’s third layer first.

“I haven’t decided yet,” he admitted.

“Since you’ve chosen the Fire Path, why not select Pill Path as your secondary?” Lin Lingshu suggested.

In the original story, Ye Danxiang had recommended this. But now that Wang Shuheng had chosen her faction, Lin Lingshu had to fill that role.

“Senior Sister Lin, I—”

“Junior Brother Wang, wait here a moment.” She left before he could finish.

About the time it took to burn an incense stick later, she returned holding a plain, ancient-looking book.

“Thank you for your kindness, Senior Sister Lin, but I haven’t yet reached Qi Refinement’s third layer. I can’t select a secondary profession.”

Unacceptable! If I don’t give it to him, how can the plot proceed?

“Don’t worry. You reached Qi Refinement first layer in just three months—you’re clearly gifted,” Lin Lingshu said. She presented a token to the steward, who let them pass without objection.

As they exited the library, she prepared to hand him the book. But Wang Shuheng frowned.

“Senior Sister Lin and I are unrelated. Why would you help me?”

Suspicious already? Fair enough, she thought. Aloud, she replied, “Junior Brother Wang is of Shuiyue Peak. It is natural for a senior sister to support a junior brother. And… I also have personal motives.

“Our recent disciples vary greatly in talent. Only you and Junior Brother Huang stand out. But Huang is a family scion. I hope you will achieve great results in the upcoming Sect Trial.”

Finishing her words, she stuffed the ancient book into his arms, along with a storage pouch.

“Cultivation demands resources. Don’t refuse. Consider this an advance reward from Shuiyue Peak, for achieving a high rank in the competition.”

Without waiting for a reply, Lin Lingshu mounted her sword and vanished in a rainbow beam.

Left behind was a thoughtful Wang Shuheng, manual and pouch in hand.

High above, Lin Lingshu exhaled in relief. She had finally managed to steer the plot back on course.