C8 I Was on the Verge of Death

I never imagined I'd be able to sense the Spiritual Force. I'm no longer worthless!

With this newfound ability, I must return and find a way to acquire a cultivation technique.

Now that I'm capable of cultivating, who wouldn't aspire to become an immortal and enjoy boundless freedom?

Dusting off my pants, I, Zhou Mu, swiftly climbed down from the tree, determined my direction, and made a beeline for the sect.

As for the mess I left behind... well, aside from the elders and a few folks from the Pill Pavilion, it's unlikely anyone else saw my face.

If all else fails, once I secure a cultivation technique, I'll just keep a low profile until the end of time.

Amidst the whooshing wind, I felt another wave of excitement. I wondered just how many Pills the person who framed me had consumed. Not only did they enable me to sense the Spiritual Force, but I could also faintly detect a potent medicinal power slowly cleansing my marrow and body.

This only solidified my resolve to return.

Before long, I made it back to the sect, stealthily avoiding the patrol and slipping into my humble abode. It was too late to act tonight; I'd head to the Tripitaka Sutra Pavilion for a cultivation technique in the morning.

The night passed without incident, and as the sun showered the world with its golden glow, I woke up.

Blinking, I leaped out of bed and closed my eyes, focusing until I could faintly sense the Spiritual Force around me. A smile broke across my face, and I laughed heartily.

"It's not a dream. It's real—I can cultivate now!"

Taking a deep breath, I stepped out the door.

Immediately, I spotted the bullies who used to torment me. Before I could even react, they scattered like rats before a cat.

What's gotten into them?

I couldn't figure out why they were suddenly so scared of me, but that was a mystery for another time. My priority was the Tripitaka Sutra Pavilion.

The Tripitaka Sutra Pavilion is a vital hub of the Jade Sun Sect, housing all of the sect's cultivation techniques. They range from the most basic to the most advanced, including some brought back by disciples from their travels.

"Huh, isn't that the loser? What's he doing here?"

"Ha, what a joke. Does this loser really not know when to quit?"

"He's nothing but a loser who can't sense the Spiritual Force, yet he shamelessly sticks around. Ridiculous."

Zhou Mu overheard the taunts but kept his anger in check. Just you wait, he thought. Once I acquire the cultivation technique, I'll show you all.

He approached the Tripitaka Sutra Pavilion but veered off to a nearby doorkeeper's room instead.

"Young Miscellaneous Affairs Disciple Zhou Mu here. I successfully sensed the Spiritual Force yesterday and humbly request that the elder grant me a cultivation technique."

Zhou Mu bowed deeply to the doorkeeper. It was customary for every disciple who sensed the Spiritual Force to register as an official disciple before the sect would provide them with a cultivation technique.

The unkempt, portly Taoist priest inside the room peered at Zhou Mu, who stood bowing respectfully at the door.

"Hmm? There's a slight presence of Spiritual Force swirling within you. It appears you've truly sensed it."

The plump elder was somewhat astonished. He was familiar with the sect's notorious underachiever, though he was clueless about the sudden awakening of his Spiritual Force. Nonetheless, it was of no concern to him.

"Well then, you are granted the status of an official disciple of the sect. After registration, you'll receive the benefits accorded to an official disciple. Proceed to the Tripitaka Sutra Pavilion and select a cultivation technique."

Zhou Mu bowed again, expressing his gratitude. "Thank you, Elder."

He rose and made his way into the Tripitaka Sutra Pavilion, which was divided into three levels. Newly minted official disciples were only permitted to select from the first level's cultivation techniques. Advancement to the higher levels required mastery of these techniques and notable contributions to the sect.

"Withering Spring Evergreen Technique, garbage."

"Great Sun Bearfire Technique, garbage."

"Nine Heavens Devil Sweeping Technique, such grandiosity, yet still garbage."

Zhou Mu meandered through the first level, perusing numerous cultivation techniques. They were either mundane and basic or boasted grand titles but were equally worthless.

His eyes grew tired as he surveyed the hundreds of options available on the first level, a headache slowly setting in.

If I were to read through each of these books one by one, when would I ever finish?

"What's this one?"

Zhou Mu's attention was drawn to a simple black book at the bottom of the pile. Driven by curiosity, he picked it up.

"The Azure Lotus Sword Qi Spell? It's focused on sword qi?"

He skimmed through the book and understood its contents. The Azure Lotus Sword Qi Spell was incomplete, only allowing cultivation up to the seventh level of Qi Refining.

What truly intrigued Zhou Mu was that this technique was dedicated to mastering the Azure Lotus Sword Qi—a formidable and dominant force. Even limited to the seventh level, the might of the Azure Lotus Sword Qi could contend with a cultivator at the peak of the tenth level of Qi Refining.

The most appealing aspect for him, however, was the minimal Spiritual Force required to condense the Azure Lotus Sword Qi.

As a penniless Miscellaneous Affairs Disciple, he didn't have much choice.

"It's settled then. This is the one."

"Elder, I've made my selection."

Holding the Azure Lotus Sword Qi Spell, Zhou Mu approached the elder to register his choice.

The plump elder took a brief look and remarked, "An incomplete Azure Lotus Sword Qi Spell? It only goes up to the seventh level. Are you certain?"

"I am certain, Elder. Please proceed with the registration."

The elder registered the technique without further comment. "Remember, you have three days to memorize it, after which you must return it. Understood?"

"I understand, Elder. I shall take my leave now."

Containing his excitement, Zhou Mu left the Tripitaka Sutra Pavilion after the registration and went to claim the benefits due to an official disciple.

In the Jade Sun Sect, simply sensing the Spiritual Force qualifies you as an official disciple, and the sect grants you certain benefits.

There were three benefits: a Storage Bag, a Taoist robe, and a book detailing the Divine State.

Having received his official disciple benefits, Zhou Mu felt as if he were walking on air, eager to retreat to his humble abode and immerse himself in cultivation. He vowed not to emerge until he had achieved success.

Upon arriving at his humble abode, Zhou Mu furrowed his brow in dismay.

Despite his recent promotion to official disciple, the lingering label of "trash" still affected his living situation; he remained in the quarters designated for Miscellaneous Affairs Disciples.

The area was a melting pot of characters with complex dynamics. Attempting to cultivate in seclusion here was risky; one false move could lead to a catastrophic loss of control.

"It seems I can't practice here. I need to find somewhere quiet and isolated," he mused.

The Miscellaneous Affairs Disciples nearby could hardly believe their eyes when they saw Zhou Mu, clad in the robe of an official disciple, approaching. Their eyes widened in shock.

"Am I seeing things? Did that nobody really become an official disciple?"

"This is trouble. I've picked on him before. He wouldn't hold a grudge, would he?"

"We're done for. What goes around comes around. Fate has spared no one."

Fear gripped the hearts of the Miscellaneous Affairs Disciples as they murmured among themselves. When Zhou Mu glanced their way, they all hung their heads in shame. Those who had tormented him previously made themselves scarce.

Zhou Mu paid them no mind and walked straight into his modest dwelling. His possessions were meager; there was nothing worth taking. All he could do was select a few sets of clothes to change into.