Chapter 3: The Dance of the Ice Blade

As the last rays of sunlight dipped below the horizon, Lin Yulan began her slow walk toward her home at the edge of the village. The crisp evening air, scented with pine and earth, seemed to clear her thoughts. Yet, beneath the calm exterior, her mind was a storm. The system's cryptic words still echoed in her mind."Create martial skills. Reward cultivation power based on disciple mastery."

The implications were staggering. For years, she had struggled, hindered by her weak spiritual root and the lack of resources. Yet now, with the Martial Creation System, it felt like a door had opened a chance to transcend her limitations. The problem was, she didn't know if this opportunity was a blessing or a curse.

She reached her modest wooden house nestled against the base of a hill. It was simple, but it had been her sanctuary for years a place where she could hone her craft, away from the prying eyes of the world. Opening the door, she was greeted by the faint smell of dried herbs and the comfort of familiar surroundings.

After setting down her pack and briefly surveying her humble abode, she moved to prepare a simple meal of steamed vegetables and rice. Her actions were automatic, but her mind was elsewhere, focused on the system. The day's events had left her weary, yet her curiosity burned brightly.

"What's the conversion rate for monster cores and spirit stones?" she asked as she stirred the rice. The system, ever efficient, responded immediately.

[Monster core conversion rates are as follows:]

[Tier 1: 10 points.]

[Each subsequent tier adds 10 points, up to Tier 10: 100 points.]

[Spirit stones offer a higher exchange rate due to their purity and concentrated energy:]

[Low-grade: 100 points.]

[Mid-grade: 250 points.]

[High-grade: 500 points.]

[Top-grade: 1,000 points.]

Lin Yulan paused, chopsticks in hand. "So spirit stones are the most valuable. But monster cores are plentiful here in the mountains," she mused aloud. "They'll serve as a good starting point for earning points."

She finished her meal in thoughtful silence, savoring the simplicity of the moment before quickly cleaning up. As she retreated to her small bedroom, she settled onto the floor, cross-legged, eyes closed. Her breath slowed as she calmed her mind, mentally preparing herself for the next step.

"System," she said with quiet authority, "activate the Create function. I'm ready to design a new manual."

[Create function activated. Please specify the base of the new manual.]

Lin Yulan thought for a moment. Her gaze flickered over the walls of her room, where small weapons and trinkets hung reminders of her journey. Her mind locked onto Dance of Frost, the manual she had studied in her earlier years. It was basic, but its core principle of ice element manipulation could be a foundation.

"Use the Dance of Frost as the base," she said, her voice steady. "I want a more refined understanding of ice manipulation. Ice should not only be conjured but shaped, controlled, and used as a weapon and shield."

The system responded with a soft hum, as though processing her request. Lin Yulan's thoughts wandered as she began to outline what she wanted next.

"There are sword techniques I've learned fragmented, incomplete, but they will serve as a foundation. Integrate those with the ice element," she continued. "Create stances that allow fluidity in both defense and offense. I want a style that can evolve with me."

[Acknowledged. Incomplete techniques will be optimized during the simulation process.]

Lin Yulan's lips twitched upward, a small but genuine smile. "And finally, I want a focus on cultivating sword intent. I need the manual to lay the foundation for precision, for the essence of the sword clarity, focus, and unyielding intent."

[Understood. Beginning simulation to optimize and finalize the new manual. Estimated time: 30 minutes.]

She sat still, allowing herself to feel the system's subtle presence as it worked. Time passed slowly as she meditated, reflecting on her journey thus far. The life of a cultivator was never simple, but the path had always been clear for her a path of survival, of forging her strength from nothing.

Yet, now, with this system at her disposal, there was a sense of possibility she hadn't dared to entertain in years. What could she truly accomplish, with all the resources and tools the system offered? What could she make of herself?

As the minutes stretched into what felt like hours, she rose from her seat, moving toward the basin of water by the window. The coolness of the water refreshed her as she splashed her face, cleansing herself from the grime of the day.

Just as she finished changing into clean robes and settled back into her room, the system's voice echoed through her thoughts, breaking the stillness.

[Simulation complete. A new Earth-ranked cultivation manual has been created. Please provide a name for the manual.]

Lin Yulan closed her eyes, letting the details of the technique flow through her. The elegant, precise sword stances blended with the frosty power of ice. It was balanced fluid yet deadly, practical yet beautiful. She could see it all clearly, the image forming in her mind as if it had always been there, waiting for her to uncover it.

"Dance of the Ice Blade," she murmured, the name fitting perfectly.

[Name confirmed. Dance of the Ice Blade has been added to the host's inventory. This manual combines ice element control, optimized sword stances, and a foundation for cultivating sword intent. Would you like to begin cultivation now?]

Lin Yulan smiled faintly, her gaze distant. "Not tonight. Tomorrow I will begin cultivating. For now, I need to create a manual for my new disciple."