Ji Hong turned toward the door, and Li Yan followed, casting one last polite glance at Kang Ming. "Thank you for your time, Senior Kang."

  Kang Ming nodded in return but remained standing behind the counter, his thoughts unsettled. The Sect Leader’s treatment of this newcomer was far from ordinary.

  Ji Hong led Li Yan further down the main hallway, stopping before another door.

  From the outside, it looked much like the last one, but inside, the difference was clear.

  Instead of robes, shelves filled the chamber, stacked high with scrolls. A faint aura of Qi saturated the air, and the scrolls themselves seemed to hum softly with age and power.

  Behind the counter stood a man in green robes. His hair was a striking shade of blue, matching the calm depth of his eyes. He appeared to be in his early forties, carrying a composed authority.

  At Ji Hong’s arrival, the man rose and offered a respectful nod. "Sect Leader, I have been awaiting your arrival with Li Yan. Which level of techniques should I prepare?"

  Li Yan recognized him immediately—one of the elders present during the sect assembly when Yao Fuhuo had introduced him to Ji Hong.

  Ji Hong gestured toward him. "Li Yan, this is Elder Lu Zhi, the guardian of the Techniques Hall."

  Li Yan cupped his hands toward Lu Zhi, "Greetings, Elder Lu."

  Lu Zhi nodded with a smile, "It’s good to have you here in this sect."

  Li Yan only smiled in response as Ji Hong continued to explain. "In this Technique Hall, we keep Mortal Tier Low-, Mid-, and High-Level techniques across all categories: movement, defense, offense, body tempering, and weapon arts."

  "Choose according to your needs."

  Li Yan’s mind moved quickly. He wanted to ask about neutral or non-darkness techniques that could match his hidden affinities, but doing so would only invite suspicion.

  Instead, he chose caution. "Elder Ji," he said respectfully, "may I ask—what level techniques do newcomers usually receive?"

  Ji Hong gave a faint smile, catching Li Yan’s intent. "Even for techniques, do you wish to follow the rules of newcomers?"

  Li Yan nodded, his eyes steadied. He stood tall, his tone respectful but firm. "Yes, Elder Ji, I will follow the rules. If I’m capable, I’ll earn techniques myself in the future."

  For a moment, both Ji Hong and Lu Zhi studied him, faint surprise flickering in their eyes. But beneath it lay approval. Self-restraint and resolve—qualities few young disciples possessed.

  "Very well," Ji Hong said, nodding slowly. "You have a strong will. As for the newcomer rule, each receives three Mortal Tier Low-Level techniques—one for defense, one for offense, and one for movement."

  He gestured toward Lu Zhi. "Elder Lu, please show him the Mortal Tier Low-Level techniques."

  Lu Zhi inclined his head. With smooth, practiced movements, he ran his hand along the shelves before selecting over twenty scrolls. He laid them across the counter in an orderly row.

  "These are all Mortal Tier Low-Level techniques…" Lu Zhi said evenly, "best suited to the darkness element."

  Li Yan nodded, his gaze sweeping over the scrolls—each one containing knowledge that could shape his future strength. He examined them one by one, unfolding the scrolls and reading their descriptions carefully.

  Soon, he separated them into two piles—those he dismissed and those worth considering.

  Before long, he had chosen his offensive and defensive techniques, but when it came to movement, two scrolls remained.

  Both were exceptional, and choosing between them proved difficult.

  His brow furrowed as he debated internally. After a long pause, he finally chose the one that resonated most with him.

  With his decision set, he returned the remaining scrolls to Lu Zhi.

  "Thank you, Elder Lu, for your patience. I’ll take these three," Li Yan said firmly.

  A faint smile touched Lu Zhi’s lips, softening his usually stern demeanor. "Not a problem. I look forward to seeing you here again, once you’re ready for higher-level techniques."

  Li Yan cupped his hands respectfully. "I appreciate that, Elder Lu."

  Then he turned to Ji Hong. "Elder Ji, earlier, you mentioned body tempering techniques. May I take a look?"

  Ji Hong nodded. "Of course. We have five in total—two Mortal Tier Low-Level, two Mid-Level, and one High-Level."

  At his signal, Lu Zhi retrieved the scrolls and laid them out neatly in three groups. "These two are Low-Level, these two Mid-Level, and this one High-Level."

  Li Yan picked them up one by one, reading carefully.

  The principles behind the body tempering methods mirrored those he had read in cultivation novels of his past life—techniques that enhanced endurance, defense, and physical strength, making a cultivator far more resilient to ordinary attacks.

  The Low-Level techniques, however, failed to meet his expectations. The Mortal Tier Mid-Level scrolls, however, intrigued him.

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  One in particular—Steel Body Tempering—described a method of strengthening bones and muscles until they took on the toughness of steel. Li Yan’s eyes lit with satisfaction as he set it aside for consideration.

  The second Mid-Level technique proved less impressive. He set it down and turned to the High-Level scroll.

  As expected, it was powerful—far superior to the others—but its design catered exclusively to Darkness element cultivators. Though he held Darkness affinity, Li Yan also carried other elemental seeds, with more yet to awaken.

  He refused to be bound to a path that would limit his growth. For now, the Mid-Level technique was the wisest choice.

  Li Yan looked up. "Elder Lu, how can I purchase these techniques?"

  Instead of answering, Lu Zhi glanced at Ji Hong.

  Ji Hong gave a calm nod. "As I said before, you may take them freely — but if you insist on following the rules: a Mortal Tier Low-Level technique costs 2,000 Shadow Points, Mid-Level 5,000, and High-Level 20,000."

  Li Yan nodded, his expression serious. "Understood. In that case, I’ll earn the points and return to buy it."

  For a moment, Lu Zhi and Ji Hong exchanged glances—an unspoken look of respect. Not many young disciples would make that choice.

  But Li Yan’s determination came with a cost. He now carried the weight of secrecy and ambition—bound by rules, watched by elders, and forced to grow without revealing his true depth.

  One mistake, and everything he was hiding could surface.

  Curious, Li Yan asked, "But how do I earn Shadow Points?"

  Ji Hong’s tone turned instructional. "There are several ways. Complete missions assigned by the sect, sell resources you collect from the hunting grounds and valley, or work within the sect in various roles."

  Li Yan listened intently, committing the details to memory. "Resources from the hunting grounds and valley?"

  Ji Hong nodded. "Correct. Beast cores, the bodies of magical beasts, and alchemical ingredients can all be traded in. These are always in demand."

  Li Yan tilted his head thoughtfully. "Elder Ji, I know beast cores have value, but bodies too? What are they used for?"

  Ji Hong replied without hesitation, "Beast meat is consumed, bones and hides are used in artifacts, power arrays, or serve as pill ingredients. Nothing goes to waste."

  A spark lit in Li Yan’s eyes. "That makes sense. How much would a Tier-1 beast body fetch?"

  "For a Tier-1 beast," Ji Hong explained, "the body earns about five Shadow Points. The core, however, is worth fifty."

  Li Yan nodded slowly, running the numbers in his mind. "So, while hunting Tier-1 beasts for Senior Yao Fuhuo’s task, I can also collect Shadow Points by selling their bodies."

  Ji Hong gave a small nod of approval, and Li Yan said firmly, "Then I’ll return after earning 5,000 Shadow Points to purchase the Body Tempering technique."

  Lu Zhi inclined his head. "I will wait for you." He gathered the scrolls and returned them to their places.

  Ji Hong smiled faintly, pride in his gaze. "Alright. You’ve received what you need for now. Let’s go."

  After bidding farewell to Lu Zhi, Li Yan carefully stored the three Mortal Tier Low-Level scrolls in his storage ring. He followed Ji Hong out of the Techniques Hall and left the core mountain, stepping once more into the open air.

  The two walked in silence for a while, until Ji Hong asked, "Do you truly wish to begin your practice in the Hunting Ground today?" His tone carried both curiosity and a trace of concern.

  Li Yan nodded without hesitation. "Yes, Elder Ji. My task is not simple. If I want to finish, I must use every moment."

  Ji Hong smiled faintly, a glimmer of approval in his eyes. "Very well. I see you’ve already considered the risks. But remember—don’t push beyond your limits."

  "The higher tiers are far more dangerous than your current cultivation. So… don’t venture into the higher tiers. Even the lower beasts are dangerous if underestimated."

  Li Yan nodded his head solemnly. "Understood, Elder Ji. I’ll be careful."

  They soon reached the edge of the assembly area, where the smallest of the surrounding mountains loomed quietly beneath the noon sun.

  At its base was a wide, dark, and unyielding cave entrance. Groups of disciples entered and exited the tunnel, their chatter echoing faintly.

  Several disciples glanced curiously at Li Yan—some drawn by his different robes, others recognizing him as the one who had stood beside the goddess. Whispers followed, but Li Yan ignored them, keeping his focus on the training ahead.

  The air inside the cave was cool, the narrow tunnel stretching endlessly forward. After about twenty meters, it expanded into a cavern nearly eighty feet wide, lit by glowing crystals embedded in the rock.

  A lively marketplace filled the space. Stalls lined the walls, manned by disciples in brown and purple robes. The scent of roasted meat, spiced fruits, and fresh bread drifted through the air.

  Ji Hong gestured toward the stalls. "This section was built so disciples can prepare before entering the Hunting Grounds. You may store food, water, and supplies in your ring—enough to last your entire stay in the Hunting Grounds."

  Li Yan nodded, scanning the displays. The variety impressed him: roasted meats, fresh fruits, and breads, each marked with small tags showing both price in Shadow Points and the food’s Tier.

  Ji Hong told Li Yan, "Summon your disciple badge."

  Li Yan, understanding his intent, waved his hand and retrieved the badge from his storage ring. It was the mark of his identity as a member of the sect. Ji Hong produced his own badge, a platinum one of the same size but far more prestigious.

  Channeling his Qi into it, Ji Hong established a connection between the two badges. Within seconds, with a hum, the transfer was complete. He then stored his badge away and said, "I’ve added one hundred Shadow Points to your account—your monthly allowance as a new disciple. Use them wisely."

  Li Yan respectfully bowed. "Thank you, Elder Ji, for the monthly allowance. I’ll make sure to earn my own Shadow Points so I don’t need the allowance next time."

  Ji Hong gave him a quiet glance and sighed softly. His many years of experience told him Li Yan was determined—perhaps more than most disciples—but he also knew the road ahead was not to be underestimated.

  He thought to himself, "The Goddess warned me he was mature… but not to this extent. I didn’t expect that."

  With his account now credited, Li Yan approached the stalls. He browsed carefully, noting the difference between Tier-1 and Tier-6 provisions.

  Higher-tier foods promised greater benefits, enhancing stamina and Qi recovery, but their prices were steep—far more than he was willing to spend on his first trip. He settled on a modest stock of Tier-2 rations, enough to last three or four days, costing him forty Shadow Points.

  After storing the food in his ring, he rejoined Ji Hong, who was already heading toward the other side tunnel’s exit. The atmosphere grew heavier with each step, as though the very path was reminding him of the trials to come.

  Once outside, Li Yan froze.

  Before him stood over twenty massive teleportation gates, each both beautiful and imposing.

  The structures were simple stone frames, but within them rippled blue spatial energy like the surface of a tranquil pond. Above each door, inscriptions marked their destinations. Ji Hong gestured toward one labeled Tier-1 Hunting Ground.

  Following behind, Li Yan stepped through the portal. In the next instant, he emerged on the other side—and his breath caught.