Choosing Techniques

Three more months passed quickly, and Ouyang Li soon entered the 3rd stage of the Qi Gathering Realm. He could actually be considered a senior in the Outer Sect.

However, he thought it was best to hide his progress, lest someone raises a few uncomfortable questions. After all, his inborn talent was just too low.

Fortunately, Mysterious Bead's fluctuations were much better at hiding his cultivation base than any immortal technique he encountered thus far.

Leaving his cottage and entering the courtyard, Ouyang Li took a good look at the Gentle Wind Valley.

Although the Inner Court was hidden by a massive array, all outer areas were visible. They seemed to exude some natural charm.

Stone paths lead to secluded arbors. They crossed many well-maintained gardens too. Each one had some ponds within, and all of them were filled with black and white koi fish. One could also see numerous courtyards scattered along the mountain slope.

Although the sect lacked grandiose, it looked peaceful. Herbal fields, spiritual orchards, and agricultural terraces only added to its arcadian beauty.

Ouyang Li sighed, looking at the tall pagodas near the Arena Theatre. It was the place where the profession-related halls were located. Hundreds of disciples could be seen there. They were all busing themselves with various tasks.

Unfortunately, Ouyang Li has long realized that he was unsuited for any of these immortal occupations. He had no patience to make talismans in the Inscription Hall. Neither did he have the talent required to enter the Alchemy Hall.

As for studying array formations or crafting artifacts, these were even more unattainable. Required knowledge and capital were simply unimaginable!

"Well, perhaps I shouldn't strive for such things in the first place. It's much better to focus on raising my immediate strength. After all, the sect isn't as peaceful as it seems on the surface. Besides, I have long realized that I lack suitable immortal techniques."

That's why he decided to go look and for some at the Sage Pavilion.

Because tomorrow was the day Outer Disciples received their monthly quota, Ouyang Li didn't mind spending the rest of his savings on borrowing a few scrolls.

At his level, immortal cultivation was all about gathering spiritual energy and then using it to broaden his meridians. It allowed his cells to take a qualitative leap forward.

Strengthening the body and marrow-washing effects were but an addition. However, even though his cultivation was low, that did not mean he was unable to use his inner qi through some special means.

Soon, he arrived in front of the huge three-story pagoda building. He showed his Outer Disciple token, and the steward who worked at the reception hall led him to the first floor.

Thousands of scrolls and manuals were spread all over the walls here. Some were only introductory, while others consisted of fully compiled volumes.

If it was in a mortal kingdom, this place would be some world-famous repository of knowledge. Here, it was but a small library left in the care of an unimportant steward.

He saw immortal techniques sections, medicinal compendiums, poetry collection books, and various fictional stories. Many disciples from poor backgrounds would often come here. Most of them could be seen studying.

Ouyang Li was not new to the Sage Pavilion.

He knew that the majority of disciples were browsing through maps, diaries, and geographical journals. They were probably getting ready to accept some long-term assignments from the sect.

Very few were seen looking at mortal martial arts, searching for suitable healing techniques, or simply researching rare spiritual herbs.

Ouyang Li came to the shelf filled with a few cheap, low-level immortal techniques. There were ten of them available, and each one had a price of two Spirit Stones.

"Elemental Control, Elemental Barrier, Spirit Qi Manipulation, Soaring Cloud Steps, Intimidation Field, Plant Enhancement, Sword Riding, Sword Finger, Inner Healing, Chameleon Art…"

He read out their names one by one. Their introductions were vague, and he had no idea how to make a decision.

"It would be best for you to start with the Sword Finger Technique or Spirit Qi Manipulation Technique."

Some withered, old voice sounded abruptly right next to his ear.

The boy jumped. He didn't even realize when the silver-clad Elder appeared next to him.

It wasn't Ouyang Li's first time in the Sage Pavilion. However, he has never encountered anyone with such a high status before!

"Don't bother looking around, boy. No one here can see us. I don't like drawing unnecessary attention, not while I'm helping juniors choose their first immortal techniques. Now, hurry up! I don't have a lot of time."

"Elder… how do I know which ones are good for me?" The boy swallowed hard. After all, this was a huge opportunity for him! "May I ask how to choose the most suitable manual?"

Emaciated old men moved like the wind. He quickly poked his chest and shoulders. Then, he unceremoniously put some pressure on his acupoints!

"Ow! Respected… respected one! Please, stop!"

It was painful! His whole body bent, and the muscles were forced to relax.

"Yes, I was right. You have a high affinity with water!" The old foggy declared. "It's not necessarily bad… but only if you were a woman!"

He stopped for a second, looking at him thoughtfully.

"As for you... you are too soft and way too adaptable. You need to have more fire!" He continued energetically. "And so, Spirit Qi Manipulation Technique would help you gain it, along with the control that you so desperately desire."

"It would also push you with your self-imposed water-attributed personality to give birth to some flames! Yes, I am exactly on point by recommending you this technique!"

He nodded and smiled, looking a bit too smug.

"As for the Sword Finger Manual… you must first learn to be stubborn! It is a characteristic of metal, and you lack stubbornness." He elaborated. "It will force your hand. Without stubbornness, you will never be able to master it!"

"As for the other elements, you don't have to bother too much. Your wood and earth attributes aren't too bad. It's just that the first one is dominated by water while the other one lays dormant. The fire will create more earth! And when it comes to wood..."

"Yes?" Ouyang Li asked timidly.

"As for the wood... sooner or later, you will be forced to learn how to plant and care for the herbs. That is, without getting them all killed. So, there is no need to choose a specific technique for that. Perhaps, you can ask for a gardening assignment next time you visit the Mission Hall." The Elder advised him.

What he said was absolutely true! Even back on Earth, all the plants died under his care. However, why did it all sound so mystical? What five elements? What about not being manly enough? Is he crazy?

"So, it's like that." He murmured. "I see…"

Needless to say, Ouyang Li wasn't convinced. Neither did he understand Elder's words. After all, he came from a since-based civilization.

"I'm afraid that this is a bit too metaphysical for me." He spoke tactfully. "I find it difficult to process, but I think I understand, now. Thank you for your guidance, respected one."

Ouyang Li bowed deeply. He was reminded to bow every time he attended Outer Court's lecture.

"Nonsense, you understood nothing! This is exactly your water attribute speaking! Wait a moment…"

The Elder quickly took out his pouch, and soon, a small book with a token appeared out of thin air. They were suspended in the air, just waiting to be picked up.

The Elder quickly activated the token with his Spiritual Energy, noted something in the book, and then passed the token to Ouyang Li.

"Take it and go. After some time, visit steward Lin." He instructed. "Not now, mind you. This kid, Lin... He might not have a high talent in cultivation, but he should be able to help you."

"In what ways?" The boy asked suspiciously.

"Well, he sure knows a few things about the ways of Heaven and Earth. His acupuncture technique is outstanding too! Still, wait until you mastered these two techniques before you see him. Then, let him take a look at your body's constitution."

"A few things about the ways of Heaven and…" The boy repeated meekly. "Does Elder mean... fortune-telling?" Ouyang Li asked with a strange face.

What a swindler! He thought disbelievingly.

"Don't give me that look, boy! Uncovering heavenly secrets might seem like a fraud. It might also go against common sense. Nevertheless, it is still the way of the Great Tao! Those who have the talent to dabble in such things would pay for it dearly, and they would usually die young too. Be respectful. There is no need to mock it!

"You mean that I have a fortune-telling potential? Is it because of my body's constitution?" Ouyang Li asked incredulously. "But Elder... I don't even believe in such things!"

"Of course not! Fortune-telling is a rare profession! Anyways, I won't force you to go. I just think that this kid, Lin, could help you with your... you know... your little difficulty."

"Bullshit! Being soft and water-attributed hasn't killed anyone yet. It's not a difficulty at all. Can't you focus on the real problems of this world?! Besides, I'm still attracted to girls, you know!"

"Good! That's the spirit! Work on that, boy! Otherwise, you'll definitely end up dominated by your future Tao companion…"

With these words, the Elder vanished, and the outside world seemed to turn a bit nicer.

Ouyang Li was literally seething with anger! What a swindler! What a fake self-righteousness. What guts! Just you wait! What an old foggy! My cultivation will soon catch up to yours. Then…. you will see!

However, after a moment, his rage was gone. Suddenly, he started to carefully analyze the words of this Elder.

"Am I really too soft?" He wondered while trying to make himself appear a bit more masculine. Suddenly, he felt a few strange gazes focusing on his body. He realized that he had actually said these words out loud!

"Damn you, old man!" He cursed under his breath. "How can the people here be so judgy?"

After some hesitation, he decided to take both Spirit Qi Manipulation Technique and Sword Finger Technique. Then, he quickly went back to the reception area.

He exchanged four Spirit Stones for the two jades. These mystical crystals had the contents of the techniques inscribed within. All that it took was to gently touch their surface to his forehead and the knowledge would quickly appear in his mind.

Next, he left the Central Area and went back to his courtyard.

To his chagrin, after coming back to his cottage, he discovered that the old fogy was shameless to the extreme! It was because he still found the old man's token strapped into the back of his robe!

"Unbelievable…" He murmured while shaking his head. "Perhaps... Is there really something wrong with me?" He mused.

Soon, he got rid of similar thoughts.

"It seems that I indeed have to work on my character! I'm too easily influenced and I truly need more time to adjust to this world. Fortunately for me, I would soon have some strength. Then, no one would be bold enough to criticize me for being a bit too water-attributed."

Ouyang Li sighed, quietly comforting himself.

"After all, it's not easy to live in a cultivation world…"