C44 Top Grade Third Level

"Congratulations, Brother Ni Situo."

Ni Huibo offered a slight smile and a fist-and-palm salute, his demeanor remaining calm.

Ni Situo snorted and stepped aside, holding the cultivation method, yet his gaze lingered on Ni Huibo.

"Alright, Yirong, what about yours?"

"Patriarch, I have the Smoking Steps, a medium-grade, second-level cultivation method."

"Very good! The cultivation method you've acquired is impressive as well!"

Ni Xianjian was elated. The gains of the younger generation from their venture into the forbidden area had greatly pleased him. Barring any unforeseen events, the Ni family's strength was expected to surge significantly in the coming decades.

Besides Ni Situo and Yirong, the cultivation methods obtained by Ni Shang and Ni Yong were also commendable. Both were medium-grade, first-level methods. While not the pinnacle of cultivation, they were still of a remarkably high caliber.

Ni Huibo remained on the edge of the group until finally, Ni Xianjian approached him and said,

"Alright, Ni Huibo, let's see the cultivation method you've found."

Ni Huibo nodded and gently pulled out a battered book from within his clothing.

The book's cover was riddled with damage, its pages yellowed and curled, and the spine was torn, missing half of its back.

Ni Xianjian paused, taken aback, as did the five elders. They struggled to recognize the book at first glance due to the extensive damage, which made it impossible to discern the title.

The elders and the patriarch were momentarily speechless, and a wave of laughter swept through the crowd.

"Ni Huibo, did you really think you could kill me with laughter by finding such a ragged book?"

Ni Situo clutched his stomach, doubled over in mirth, and gasped, "Where on earth did you dig up this sorry excuse for a book? Has your cultivation addled your wits?"

His reaction set off a chorus of laughter among the onlookers.

Many harbored no ill will; the situation was simply too bizarre. The book in Ni Huibo's hand looked like something a destitute scholar might burn for warmth in the dead of winter, particularly with half of it missing.

Ni Huibo surveyed the expressions of those around him and shook his head solemnly. "No, this is the cultivation method I've chosen."

Just then, Ni Ruiyuan, who had been observing from the sidelines, approached and took the book from his hands. "Ruiyuan, do you recognize this book?"

Ni Xianjian furrowed his brow. Had he not trusted Ni Huibo, he might have dismissed it as a worthless tome, given its tattered appearance.

After examining the book for a moment, Ni Ruiyuan gave Ni Huibo a complex look and said, "If I'm not mistaken, this is indeed a third-grade book."

"A third-grade book?" Ni Xianjian was startled, then quickly remembered something. "Wasn't this book lost long ago?"

"Yes, I thought the same. But I've read some of its contents before, which is the only reason I can be certain," Ni Ruiyuan replied with a sigh, turning her gaze to Ni Huibo.

"Huibo, this incomplete cultivation method is of the top-grade third level. If it were complete, it would be even higher in grade. Our Ni family has never mastered it. You..."

She seemed inclined to persuade Ni Huibo to abandon the attempt but hesitated and held back her words. Some things didn't need to be said aloud; he would understand on his own.

And Ni Huibo did understand. Emotion flickered in his eyes, but his resolve was steadfast as he shook his head and responded, "Aunt, don't worry. Since I've chosen this cultivation method, I am determined to master it."

"That's a top-grade third-level cultivation method, and the book is missing half of its content. Do you really think you can master it?" Ni Situo chimed in with a smirk, his tone laced with sarcasm.

The level of this cultivation method was far beyond their current capabilities. The gap between their power and the power required by the method was vast. It seemed utterly impossible for Ni Huibo to succeed in such a feat, especially with the book being incomplete.

Even if he managed to master the first half of the cultivation method, what about the latter half?

Many of the surrounding disciples displayed looks of sympathy.

Sometimes, a cultivation method being of a high grade isn't necessarily advantageous. They hadn't heard of this particular method before, but they could gather a general idea from Ni Ruiyuan's comments.

An incomplete top-grade third-level cultivation method had never been mastered by anyone in the Ni family.

Given that no one had succeeded in practicing it and the method itself was incomplete, it was virtually certain that cultivation was not feasible.

Ni Xianjian wore a complex expression as he gazed at the incomplete cultivation method in Ni Ruiyuan's hands, his mind awash with thoughts.

Currently, Ni Huibo was the Ni family's ace. Whether in the upcoming competition among the three major families or the branch competition in the capital three years hence, their hopes of victory rested on Ni Huibo. Put simply, Ni Huibo's strength would directly impact the Ni family's destiny.

Moreover, Ni Xianjian and Ni Huibo shared a personal connection.

After weighing his options, Ni Xianjian decisively said, "Huibo, return this cultivation method book. Go back to the forbidden area and select another."

Upon Ni Xianjian's declaration, the expressions of the onlooking disciples shifted dramatically. Ni Situo stood up and challenged, "Father, the Martial Hall's forbidden area is sacred to our Ni family. How can you justify opening it again just for Ni Huibo?"

Ni Situo wasn't alone in his astonishment; Ni Ruiyuan was equally taken aback.

The Martial Hall's forbidden area held immense significance within the clan, seldom opened unless for matters of great importance. Moreover, family rules dictated that once a cultivation method was chosen, one must commit without regret.

In contrast to Ni Situo and Ni Ruiyuan, the five elders appeared much more composed.

While the elders' responsibility was to safeguard the forbidden area, the authority to open it rested with Ni Xianjian.

Ni Xianjian maintained a stern demeanor, offering no explanations to the others. He fixed his gaze on Ni Huibo, awaiting his decision. Choosing a cultivation method was a critical matter, one that could significantly influence Ni Huibo's future. Ni Xianjian was resolute in preventing any misfortune from befalling him.

As long as Ni Huibo agreed, regardless of the numerous opposing voices within the Ni family, he would wield his authority as the Patriarch to once again open the forbidden grounds of the Martial Hall.

After all, mastering a top-grade third-level cultivation method was nearly impossible for anyone.

Upon hearing Ni Xianjian's words, Ni Huibo was taken aback, a wry smile quickly spreading across his face.

Ni Huibo took a few steps to Ni Xianjian's side and whispered, "Uncle, please come with me."

With that, he made his way to the edge of the contest field.

Ni Xianjian's brow furrowed slightly as he promptly followed Ni Huibo. The astonished onlookers remained rooted to the spot.

"Huibo, don't concern yourself with their remarks. The cultivation method is crucial to your future; you must approach this matter with caution."

Ni Xianjian continued to offer his patient counsel as soon as Ni Huibo approached, his demeanor grave.

Ni Huibo shook his head in resignation. Glancing back at the still-buzzing crowd, he said, "Uncle, the truth is, I've already mastered the incomplete top-grade third-level cultivation method. My prolonged stay in the forbidden area was due to my dedication to cultivating this very method."

"What did you say?"

"I've mastered that cultivation method."

"Have you opened the Heavenly Eye?"

Ni Xianjian was visibly taken aback, his voice a mix of surprise and uncertainty.