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nA commotion began in the tranquil Sword Guild.

nThe day where newcomers joined the sect was bound to have conflict.

nThe new grand champion, Fang Lang, challenged the Light Pavilion disciple, Zhao Yu, on the first day of joining the sect. He defeated Zhao Yu with a thunderous strike, breaking past records by entering the Light Pavilion as a fresh disciple.

nThe news spread throughout the entire Sword Guild like wildfire—it was an amazing record after all.

nAll the disciples from the inner sect and outer sect were astonished by this news. However, just shortly after, they heard that Zhao Yu was being challenged once more.

nEverybody was stunned. What did Zhao Yu do to deserve this?

nHowever, most of them were still excited to see what happened next.

nMany inner sect disciples flocked to the Grooming Peak to observe the battle.

nHowever, by the time they arrived at the Grooming Peak, the battle on the floating island was over.

nZhao Yu was lying on the ground—his eyes filled with despair and seemed a little lost.

nIt was as if all the worldly emotions had left him.

nThe look in his eyes was branded into the memory of thousands of Sword Guild disciples.

nAfter that, they realized the young lady who defeated Zhao Yu was the runner-up of the Imperial Examination—she had the cultivation of a third-class sword wave realm.

nShe completely obliterated Zhao Yu.

nNone of them took pleasure in his defeat. Instead, their stress level heightened significantly. With the newcomers’ level of mastery, they would be left behind very soon if they did not put more effort in cultivation.

nNo one wanted to be left out. Cultivation was a competitive journey and they all joined the Sword Guild with the dream of having a bright future ahead.

n…

nJiang Linglong arrived at the 800th courtyard. There was nothing much inside.

nHowever, the courtyard was not important, it was the status that mattered. Earning a spot in the pavilion allowed one to enter the demon portal tunnel and endure the pressure between the two worlds.

nTherefore, most of the disciples in the pavilion would practice in the demon portal tunnel instead of staying in their courtyards.

nIt was rare to be challenged twice in a day like Zhao Yu. The fact that he lost both battles made others’ eyebrows raise.

nWhen the previous 800th disciple returned, he was not too affected as he was not on the receiving end of the attacks.

nThere was nothing much to talk about.

nIf they won, they would retain their place. Otherwise, they would just continue to cultivate and take it back in the future. This was the common rule in the inner sect of the Sword Guild.

nThe door to Fang Lang’s courtyard was sealed shut. He was in the middle of cultivation. Jiang Linglong glanced at him from afar and went back to her own courtyard.

nIn the 799th courtyard of the Light Pavilion, Fang Lang had no idea that Old Jiang had chosen the Sword Guild and defeated Zhao Yu too.

nHe was totally immersed in his cultivation. He was practicing the Ten Thousand Blade Scripture to transform the spiritual energy in his energy center into blade energy. The existing blade energy would also be channeled into the direction specified by the scripture and change its malleability.

nThe practice method was crucial for a cultivator as it laid the foundation for their cultivation.

nIf the foundation was not strong enough, the building would not be able to go any higher from the base.

nHowever, Fang Lang was still able to continue absorbing spiritual energy. As a ninth-grade sword master, his body should be transforming the spiritual energy into blade energy.

nHe was able to absorb and transform simultaneously because he was not solely a sword master, he was also a martial arts master, spell master and a casual practitioner of Ruism…

nMartial arts mastery and spell mastery required the absorption of spiritual energy.

nNot many attempted to cultivate all three disciplines because it demanded more effort and time than a single-disciplined cultivation.

nFour phantoms appeared around Fang Lang after he switched to binding partner mode.

nWith the assistance of all four phantoms of Jiang Linglong, Ni Wen, Liu Bubai and Wei Sheng, Fang Lang’s cultivation sped up immensely.

nFang Lang opened his eyes—a gentle current circled him, making his sleeve float in the air.

nHe fell into deep thought as he stared at the four phantoms.

nHe was inspired by the Double Cultivation Card.

n‘Sword master, spell master, martial arts master… Could I direct the phantoms individually to cultivate based on their discipline? Ni Wen’s a spell master, I should let her help me with the absorption of spiritual energy for spell mastery. Wei Sheng’s a martial arts master, he’ll be assisting me in the cultivation of martial arts,’ Fang Lang thought to himself.

nHe decided on it and cultivated all three disciplines at the same time!

nThis would definitely increase his rate of cultivation significantly!

nAfter all, without a small leap of faith, Fang Lang would not be able to progress much in spell mastery and martial arts mastery.

nAs Fang Lang channeled his thoughts, the phantoms started moving.

nNi Wen and Wei Sheng’s phantoms started absorbing spiritual energy from the spirit crystals.

nJiang Linglong and Liu Bubai’s phantoms continued to practice the Ten Thousand Blade Scripture.

nFang Lang’s spiritual senses were operating at maximum capacity with all three cultivations going simultaneously. His burden increased greatly but it was extremely effective.

nFang Lang was thrilled and continued his cultivation in this manner!

nThe System’s experience points surged as the spirit crystals were gradually used up. Spiritual energy was transforming into blade energy and his cultivation speed accelerated slowly.

n…

nAfter 15 minutes, Fang Lang opened his eyes and breathed out. He exited the Quadruple Binding Mode and massaged his temples. Although he received help from all three disciplines, he was the main beneficiary. Hence, the training consumed his own spiritual sense.

n“If only I had more Double Cultivation Cards,” Fang Lang muttered.

nThe Double Cultivation Card would spare him from exhausting his spiritual sense.

nThis was the first time he realized the benefits of the Double Cultivation Card.

nHe did not continue cultivating as Elder Ji had informed them to gather at the practice grounds before heading to the Hidden Sword Tower.

nThe newcomers would be choosing a practice method that suited them.

nThe practice method was crucial in every sect—the fundamental core of a sect. All students from the academies worked so hard to enter a sect of their choice because of this reason. One’s cultivation speed could only improve by grasping the practice methods.

nWhen he walked out of the courtyard, Fang Lang saw Jiang Linglong emerging from the adjacent courtyard.

n“Old Jiang?”

nFang Lang was surprised to see her. He was cut off from the surroundings when he activated the calming rune.

nJiang Linglong nodded her head in an aloof manner. Fang Lang instantly understood what happened and sympathized with Zhao Yu’s situation.

nFang Lang did not discuss with Old Jiang about cultivation. Both left the pavilion and headed to the practice grounds.

nLiu Bubai and Ni Wen were already waiting at the practice grounds. They were not the only ones there. Fang Lang and Jiang Linglong saw several other figures, some were recruited by the Sword Guild. There were also outer sect disciples who passed the exam and entered the inner sect.

nFang Lang had met some of them once but the impression was rather faded.

nFang Lang started using the Stats Scanner excitedly but he was disappointed to find only ordinary cores in all of these newcomers.

nThe highest quality was a yellow core, but a yellow core was not helpful in Fang Lang’s current phase.

nWen Ting was wearing a blue robe with a sword hanging around his waist. He stood at the practice ground as he sipped on the wolfberry tea in his gourd canteen.

nThe scarred Elder Ji walked over fiercely and scanned through the crowd. Then, he nodded in satisfaction, “Everyone’s here? We’ll head over to the Hidden Sword Tower now.

n“Some of you may have cultivated using other practice methods before this, but these methods may not necessarily be suitable for you. Once you enter the Hidden Sword Tower, the practice method will choose you, not the other way round. If you are paired with a suitable practice method, just go on with it,” Elder Ji said.

nThe next moment, Elder Ji raised his hand and pushed upwards gently.

nFang Lang felt a gush of blade energy appearing beneath his feet. The energy formed a moving cloud.

nWhat an incredible skill.

nThey rode on the blade energy and flew over several mountaintops, finally landing on a building situated on one of the peaks.

nIt was an ancient building. There was an ancient bell on the roof. An old man was meditating beside the bell. His breath was undetectable.

nElder Ji brought the disciples to the tower and put his hands together to pay respects to the old man.

n“Senior, these are this year’s new disciples. Ji Mo brought them here for the practice method selection, please open the tower.”

nOn top of the tower, the old man opened his cloudy eyes. There seemed to be energy crackling in his eyes.

nHe looked at Old Jiang, then Ni Wen. His eyes finally landed on Fang Lang.

nA purple gleam flashed in his eyes.

n‘Hmm? Mutated core!’ The old man was astonished.

n“This cohort of newcomers is quite impressive,” the old man stated.

nThen, with a wave of his sleeve, countless blade energy emerged from the ground and sky. The clouds were roaring above the tower, forming a mysterious rune between the thick layers of clouds.

nCreak…

nThe wooden door of the tower creaked open.

n“Remember, you don’t need to snatch or compete with each other for a practice method. Let it come to you. If you weren’t selected by a practice method, do not fret. You’ll receive a basic practice method as compensation before you exit the tower.” The old man’s hoarse voice sounded from the roof of the tower.

nThen, the old man raised his hand. He held the horizontal wooden pole and gently pushed it forward.

nThe wooden pole struck the ancient bell.

nDong!

nThe deep chime of the ancient bell resonated to a far distance.

n“Enter the tower!” The old man’s voice traveled over the sea of clouds, accompanied by the echoes of the bell.

nElder Ji looked at each newcomer standing in front of the ancient tower situated on the peak of the mountain with a serious expression.

n“You may enter now. Remember, no violence is needed to pick a practice method. Let it be,” Elder Ji said calmly.

nThen, the disciples climbed the ancient stairs that led into the Hidden Sword Tower in an orderly manner.

nFang Lang followed the convoy and entered the tower. He was very calm the entire time.

nThis was mainly because he already owned the Ten Thousand Blade Scripture. This practice method was awarded to him as the champion’s reward. It was an earth-level high-grade practice method, which was one of the higher level methods.

nIt was impossible for Fang Lang to change his practice method. Therefore, he regarded this trip into the tower as a mere formality.

n…

nThe surroundings of the tower quieted down.

nElder Ji stood outside the tower and watched the group with brooding eyes. The last disciple disappeared into the building.

nWen Ting took a sip of the wolfberry tea and said with a chuckle, “The Hidden Sword Tower has been the foundation of the Sword Guild for thousands of years. The tower holds ten thousand practice methods, ten of them are earth-level, eight hundred dark-level practice methods… Elder Ji, do you think that anyone will get an earth-level practice method?”

nElder Ji glanced at Wen Ting with a cold expression. “How many practice methods approached you when you first stepped into the Hidden Sword Tower?”

n“Three hundred,” Wen Ting laughed and said.

n“Of course, the amount of practice methods differs among individuals.”

nElder Ji scoffed, “You remembered so clearly huh. I’m not sure about the others, but I think that Fang Lang will definitely get an earth-level practice method. I’m betting on him!”

nThen, Elder Ji waved his hand and blade energy rose from the ground and formed a mirror that reflected the happenings inside the Hidden Sword Tower.

n…

nFang Lang saw boundless darkness after he entered the Hidden Sword Tower. Beyond the dark abyss was a brilliant white light.

nAn endless wooden hallway appeared in front of him.

nBoth sides were covered with bookshelves that reached the ceiling. Fang Lang turned around and saw that the road behind him was blocked by more shelves.

nThe bookshelves held individual boxes. Each box had one volume of practice method. A short blade was beside the book. The book was glowing slightly, illuminating the dark interior of the Hidden Sword Tower.

nThe view was spectacular. Fang Lang felt as if he had entered into a world of libraries. Other than the path forward, he was surrounded by bookshelves.

nFang Lang took a step and the short blades on the shelves trembled.

n‘This is the Hidden Sword Tower? It holds the swords, practice methods and the inheritance of the sect!’

nFang Lang kept his composure. The flickering light lit up the entire tower.

nThe ancient staircase creaked as Fang Lang stepped on it. He moved forward without hurry, his green robe flowing gently in the air.

nAfter switching to Quadruple Binding Mode, Fang Lang felt the Sword Intent Seed in his energy center shudder.

nBuzz…

nSuddenly, the short blades on the shelves started vibrating, giving out a crisp buzzing sound.

nThen, the vibrations transformed into thunderbolts and charged at Fang Lang!

nFang Lang was stunned but after the burst of speed, they suddenly stopped and hovered around him quietly as if they were waiting for his choice.

nFang Lang let out a breath. Then, multiple tiny explosions sounded around him.

nThe short blades flew out the bookshelves and flew towards him, stopping inches behind Fang Lang. They hovered silently.

nThey floated quietly in the air after the explosions.

nOver time, Fang Lang was surrounded by more and more floating practice methods.

nThe level of the practice methods could be determined by the emitted light. The brighter the practice methods glowed, the higher the level.

nFang Lang saw a few practice methods that shone like high beams squeezed their way to him.

nFang Lang was gaping at the sea of lights that surrounded him.

nHe was totally surrounded by practice methods!

nWhat?

n‘I don’t need any more practice methods but looking at the situation, can I walk out of the tower if I don’t select one?’

n…

nOutside the Hidden Sword Tower, Elder Ji, Wen Ting and the old man on the roof were observing the blade mirror closely.

nThe mirror was showing what was happening to the disciples in the tower.

n“He attracted forty-two practice methods. Not bad, next.”

nElder Ji glanced briefly and waved his hand to change to another disciple. The blade mirror dimmed instantly.

n“Eighteen practice methods. He’ll only get a light-level practice method at most.”

nElder Ji continued to comment.

nThen, the screen changed to Liu Bubai—his surroundings were extremely bright.

n“Hmm? A hundred and nine practice methods? This kid only has an ordinary core, but he has an affinity for practice methods. He might be able to receive a dark-level practice method and probably reach to a third of Wen Ting’s level.”

nWen Ting was speechless. When did he become a measuring unit?

nThen Ni Wen appeared in the blade mirror and it shone brightly. She managed to attract three hundred practice methods, most of them for spell mastery. It was impressive since spell mastery practice methods were scarce in the Hidden Sword Tower.

nElder Ji nodded proudly. “Good, at least one Wen Ting.”

nThe blade mirror switched to another scene and this time it was Jiang Linglong.

nDazzling light shone through the mirror, blinding their eyes with its brilliance.

nElder Ji and Wen Ting inhaled sharply.

n“Six hundred practice methods!”

nElder Ji was genuinely impressed, “She’s definitely the daughter of Martial Arts King Jiang. She would get an earth-level practice method and be equivalent to two Wen Tings.”

nWen Ting was speechless.

nWhat about Fang Lang?

nWen Ting and Elder Ji were curious about the grand champion who kept making miracles. How many practice methods would he get?

nWhen the blade mirror switched to him, it was just pure blinding white light.

nThe intense light shocked Elder Ji and Wen Ting.

nThe expression of the old gentleman on the roof of the tower also changed. “Impossible! Three thousand practice methods! There’s something fishy about him!”

nThe scar on Elder Ji’s face was dancing as he rejoiced. “No wonder he managed to draw Sect Leader Taihua’s sword! There’s nothing wrong with him! He was hand-picked by Sect Leader Taihua? This kid’s going to beat ten Wen Tings!”

nWen Ting was left speechless once more.

nWen Ting was no longer surprised. Instead, the amazing feat was expected.

nHe popped open the cork of the gourd canteen and gulped a mouthful of wolfberry tea.

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