C45 Heavenly Eye Technique

Ni Xianjian naturally had some knowledge of that particular cultivation method.

The top-grade, third-level cultivation method was specifically designed for developing the Heavenly Eye.

To them, the Heavenly Eye was nearly a thing of legend. In distant foreign lands, within grand sects and noble houses, there were those who had mastered this art. It was rumored to be the most coveted ability among those who aspired to become Earthly Treasure Masters.

Ni Xianjian's hand suddenly landed on Ni Huibo's left shoulder, his face set in a stern expression as he fixed his gaze on him.

Ni Huibo blinked twice, hesitated briefly, but then gave a slight nod and said, "Uncle, I've truly mastered the cultivation method. If you don't believe me, just wait and see."

With that, he began channeling spiritual Qi toward his forehead, where a very faint trace slowly emerged.

Ni Xianjian squinted, perceiving streaks of golden light, yet it seemed somewhat insubstantial, almost like an illusion.

The sensation was incredibly subtle, so much so that he had to focus all his attention to detect it. Just then, the golden light vanished without a trace.

"Uncle, are you carrying a Spiritual Box? Inside, there's a stalk of spirit medicine and a treasure seal, right? They seem immensely powerful."

As soon as Ni Huibo spoke, Ni Xianjian's face turned pale, and he quickly scanned their surroundings.

The crowd was at a distance, with no one close enough to overhear their conversation.

Relieved, Ni Xianjian's expression turned to one of astonishment as he murmured, "Indeed, I acquired that spirit medicine recently for an elder in our clan. And yes, the treasure seal is extremely potent."

His shock deepening, he scrutinized Ni Huibo, eyes gleaming with intensity.

"They say that those who open the Heavenly Eye can not only draw in cosmic energy but also detect surrounding treasures. Now it seems, you..."

In that moment, Ni Xianjian had no reason left for doubt. Overwhelmed with amazement, he fell silent for a while before speaking again, "Huibo, the matter of the Heavenly Eye is of utmost significance. You mustn't speak of it to anyone; otherwise, it could lead to deadly peril."

Ni Huibo listened intently as his uncle spoke with grave seriousness, causing a tightness in his chest that prompted a solemn nod of acknowledgment.

Ni Xianjian, still harboring some concerns, let out a sigh before continuing, "The origins of the Heavenly Eye technique are murky at best, largely because no one has ever succeeded in mastering it. That's how our Ni family has managed to keep it safe all this time. If word were to get out, it would spell disaster."

"But Uncle, isn't the cultivation method incomplete? How could anyone be interested in it?" Ni Huibo asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.

A glint of cold determination shone in Ni Xianjian's eyes as he replied softly, "No, the latter half of the method exists right here in Mightcairn City, within the Lee family. Its incomplete state is precisely why it hasn't stirred up any trouble—no one has been able to master it."

A flicker of excitement crossed Ni Huibo's face upon hearing this revelation. With the initial stages of the Heavenly Eye's cultivation behind him, he was acutely aware of the gaps in the method. Securing the remaining portion had become his urgent priority, and he was astonished to learn that it was hidden within the city.

The desire to fully refine the cultivation method burned within him. He knew the Heavenly Eye's potential was far greater than anything he had demonstrated thus far. Achieving mastery could prove immensely beneficial, perhaps even becoming his most crucial technique.

Ni Xianjian, perceptive to his nephew's ambitions, took a moment to reflect before speaking deliberately, "Huibo, I understand your eagerness, but remember the Lee family is a prominent force in Mightcairn. You mustn't act hastily."

"I'm aware, Uncle," Ni Huibo responded, his expression earnest. He grasped the gravity of the situation, yet the allure of completing the cultivation method was strong.

"Wait for the right moment to seek the rest of the method," Ni Xianjian advised. "When the time comes, I'll support you with all my strength."

With those words, Ni Xianjian cast a meaningful glance at Ni Huibo and gave his shoulders a firm pat before heading back to the contest field.

Having confirmed Ni Huibo's capability with the cultivation method, there was no going back to the Martial Hall's restricted area for an exchange. Nevertheless, to maintain appearances, Ni Xianjian publicly offered his nephew a token of compensation.

Among them was a movement technique he had previously practiced called the Dust Steps, a medium-grade, first-level technique.

Despite their resentment, the others refrained from voicing their discontent out of respect for Ni Xianjian's authority as the patriarch.

"He's nothing more than a failure," Ni Situo remarked under his breath from a distance, a sneer on his face before he turned and walked away.

With Ni Huibo having acquired the Dust Steps, the previously coveted damaged book lost its value. Consequently, the commotion stirred by the top-grade, third-level cultivation method quickly died down.

Ni Xianjian, as patriarch, was adept at managing the sentiments of his people and was quite pleased with their reactions. His actions were not only for Ni Huibo's safety but also to mitigate potential threats to the family.

Thus, the Ni family competition concluded.

Despite the event being somewhat dull due to Ni Huibo's presence, which dashed the hopes of many young disciples, no significant issues arose under Ni Xianjian's watchful eye.

Ni Huibo retreated to his humble abode to delve into his studies. The High Clarity Mantra proved too challenging to master fully, so he devoted the majority of his efforts to the Heavenly Eye, along with a bit of practice in the Dust Steps gifted by Ni Xianjian.

Cultivating the Heavenly Eye was arduous, yet the practice itself was relatively straightforward. He sensed a resemblance between the Heavenly Eye and the Lifedrinker Orb; both seemed like insatiable black holes, drawing in cosmic energy along a peculiar path.

His task was to channel the energy, ensuring it remained focused and stable. In time, it would seamlessly integrate on its own. A subtle golden mark became increasingly prominent on his forehead.

Mastering the Dust Steps, on the other hand, came easily to him. Within a mere two months, he had grasped the technique, leading him to question the rank of the High Clarity Mantra.

"I managed to learn a medium-grade, first-level cultivation method in just two months, yet I still can't comprehend the High Clarity Mantra," he pondered, standing in the courtyard, his mind elsewhere as he watered the plants.

Over the last two months, he had dedicated himself to cultivation, scarcely stepping foot outside the courtyard.

With the aid of the Lifedrinker Orb and the Heavenly Eye, he had managed to condense 124 cyclones within him, marking significant progress in his cultivation. Yet, as he delved deeper, the task of condensing additional cyclones became increasingly challenging. Reaching the state of Great Perfection in a short span was virtually out of the question.

Lacking the edge in his cultivation level, his shortcomings in combat were becoming ever more pronounced.

His sole offensive cultivation method, the High Clarity Mantra, had seen no advancement, which was now his greatest concern.

"The grand competition among the three major clans is fast approaching. I've heard that the other two have prodigies in their ranks. If push comes to shove, I may have no choice but to confide in my uncle."