C19 Vajra Body

"It's a shame that this book is missing so many parts," Zhao Yu lamented, returning the book to its original spot.

He had previously encountered this secret tome, known as Void Chopping—a sophisticated manual capable of converting genuine energy into an intangible inner force, boasting considerable power. Had the manual not been so extensively damaged, it would have been beyond the reach of ordinary disciples.

The Martial Arts Repository wasn't the true heart of the Sky Profound Sect; the most coveted techniques were often safeguarded by the Sect Master and the elders.

Light suggested, "Despite the extensive damage to this secret manual, there might still be valuable content to salvage. I recommend you keep recording."

Zhao Yu concurred, retrieving the fragmented manual once more for Light to document.

After all, there was nothing to lose; even if Light failed to extract anything of value, they wouldn't be at a loss.

About fifteen minutes later, having documented all the manuals on the third floor, Zhao Yu descended the stairs.

"Elder Chung, surprised, remarked, "You're done so soon?"

Perusing these manuals was not simply a matter of rote memorization; comprehension of the content was essential. The more arcane manuals could be so esoteric that martial artists might dedicate years to grasping their meanings.

And even if Zhao Yu had relied solely on memorization, two hours seemed rather brief. Typically, sect disciples would spend several hours in the Martial Arts Repository.

"I didn't come across the right manual. I think I'll stick to refining the martial skills I've been practicing," Zhao Yu explained.

Elder Chung nodded in understanding. "That's a sound approach. You've only just recovered; there's no need to rush into learning new skills. Solidifying your foundation is paramount."

"I understand," Zhao Yu acknowledged, ready to take his leave, but then a thought struck him. "Elder Chung, the inner sect disciple assessment is just over a month away. I've been training in the Taibai Mountain Range and am out of the loop. Do you know how the other disciples are faring?"

While recovering from his poisoning, Zhao Yu had remained within the Sky Profound Sect but had largely isolated himself from others, leaving him out of touch with the current state of the inner sect disciples.

Elder Chung was renowned within the sect for his well-connected insights, and he was certain to be privy to a wealth of information.

"You're looking to gather intel on the other powerhouses, aren't you?" Elder Chung chuckled, sharing his knowledge: "Not too long ago, the Sect Master's foremost disciple, Sun Mingyu, advanced to the fifth layer of Qi Refining. His cultivation now stands as the most impressive among the inner sect disciples. Barring any unforeseen events, Sun Mingyu is likely to clinch the top spot."

Sun Mingyu has reached the fifth layer of Qi Refining? Zhao Yu was taken aback by the revelation.

Even the majority of the sect's elders possessed a cultivation base hovering around the sixth layer of Qi Refining.

While cultivation level isn't synonymous with strength, it remains the primary benchmark for assessing one's power.

Currently at the second layer of Qi Refining, Zhao Yu's prowess was on par with a third-layer practitioner. He could even best Tian Feng, a warrior of the third layer, with ease.

Yet, facing an opponent at the fourth layer would leave him without a fighting chance, not to mention the fifth layer.

Elder Chung went on to say, "Additionally, Zhou Yun and Wu Caiyue are noteworthy among the inner sect disciples. They haven't reached the fifth layer like Sun Mingyu, but they've attained the peak of the fourth layer. Rumor has it they've been secretly honing a formidable martial skill in preparation for the upcoming inner sect disciple assessment. As you know, cultivation doesn't equate to strength, so they too have their sights set on the top rank."

Hearing this, Zhao Yu felt a growing weight on his shoulders. He was familiar with the three individuals Elder Chung had mentioned.

His title as the sect's premier prodigy was a nod to his martial arts aptitude, not his current strength.

When he first joined the Inner Sect, those three were already the cream of the crop, and even at his zenith, he couldn't match them. The year lost to poisoning only widened the gap between his capabilities and theirs.

Elder Chung added, "Aside from them, there hasn't been much change among the rest. However, the stakes of this inner sect disciple assessment are high, as it determines eligibility for the Martial Meeting of Seven Sects. The competition is fierce, and it's likely that inner sect disciples who've been training abroad will return for the assessment. Their current levels of cultivation are anyone's guess, and we might well see some surprising talents emerge."

Zhao Yu nodded and bowed respectfully. "I understand. Thank you for sharing this with me, Elder Chung."

Noticing Zhao Yu's solemn demeanor, Elder Chung chuckled. "You needn't worry so much. You've only just recovered from your illness. Consider the upcoming assessment as a chance for growth. With your martial arts aptitude, it's only a matter of time before you outshine the rest."

Elder Chung's words were meant to offer comfort to Zhao Yu.

Given Zhao Yu's recent recovery, it was understandable that few would have high expectations for him.

Expressing his gratitude, Zhao Yu took his leave.

After departing from the Martial Arts Repository, he made a beeline for the pharmacy.

There, he spent over five thousand Tao points, nearly clearing out the pharmacy's stock of high-grade medicinal herbs.

These herbs, meticulously selected by Light to suit his specific needs, were designed to enhance his cultivation and optimize his training results.

Back at his quarters, Zhao Yu penned a letter to annul his engagement and instructed a servant to deliver it to Zhang Daoming.

With his affairs in order, he left the Sky Profound Sect and set off for the Taibai Mountain Range.

He had been planning this for some time.

Now that his powers were restored, he knew envy might draw unwanted attention. The Taibai Mountain Range offered a safer haven for his cultivation.

The mountain range was teeming with Demonic Beasts, providing Zhao Yu with ample opportunity to bolster his strength through combat.

And with the inner sect disciple examination just over a month away, he was intent on seizing every moment to improve.

As Zhao Yu stepped foot into the Taibai Mountain Range, a martial skill flashed into his mind.

"Is this Void Chopping?" he wondered, taken aback.

Light spoke up, "I've analyzed 3,564 cultivation techniques and made over 136 million deductions, filling in some of the gaps. Master, you can begin your training now. As I acquire more techniques, I'll continue the deductions and work towards completing the manual."

"Fantastic," Zhao Yu exclaimed, thrilled by the news.

Void Chopping was an advanced secret technique, and even partial mastery promised a swift boost to his strength.

Light was incredibly formidable.

Yet, the surprises for him didn't stop there.

Out of the blue, a new martial skill emerged in his mind.

Light said, "Master, you're currently lacking a defensive martial skill. Drawing from the existing data, I've referenced 3,400 secret tomes to distill their essence and create a Body Refining martial skill tailored for you. Its quality has reached the highest possible level attainable at present. Please bestow a name upon it."

"I'll call it Vajra Body," Zhao Yu decided, not keen on spending too much time on naming.

Initially, learning about the plight of Sun Mingyu and other formidable individuals had weighed heavily on his heart.

But with Light's assistance and the back-to-back surprises, he was finally able to breathe a sigh of relief.

Gratefully, Zhao Yu said, "Light, I can't thank you enough."

"To serve you is my purpose," replied Light. "Besides, as your cultivation improves, so too will my capabilities."

Nodding, Zhao Yu set off towards the Taibai Mountain Range with renewed vigor.

"Zhao Yu has ventured into the Taibai Mountain Range again?" Zhang Xuemeng pondered, her brow furrowed as she sat in her room.

An Outer Sect disciple before her confirmed, "Indeed, as per your orders, I've kept a discreet eye on him. I witnessed him enter the Taibai Mountain Range myself—there's no doubt about it."

"Understood. You may go," Zhang Xuemeng dismissed him with a wave of her hand.

The disciple bowed and exited the room.

Rising, Zhang Xuemeng approached the window, gazing out and murmuring to herself, "I had intended to end you this month. But no matter, another month you shall have. My father has already laid the plans."

A cold murderous glint shone in her eyes.

The following day, in a public declaration, Zhang Daoming announced Zhao Yu's annulment of marriage and sternly prohibited any discussion of the matter among the disciples.

The news hardly raised eyebrows.

The events of the previous day had already become common knowledge within the sect, and to them, this conclusion was inevitable.

And just like that, calm was restored.