Two Years

The noon sun hung heavily in the sky, casting its warm glow over the world. Inside the second floor of the Art Tower, Han Yue sat cross-legged, her mind deeply immersed in comprehending the Mist Frost Spear Divine Technique. Though she possessed exceptional talent, this was a Heaven-rank technique—one that required immense effort and patience to grasp. Even for someone like her, understanding such an advanced martial art wouldn't happen in a single session. True mastery would take days, if not longer.

For now, she focused only on the fundamental aspects of the technique, carefully analyzing its structure. Han Yue had a monstrous comprehension ability, not because of any past life memories or reincarnation, but simply due to her natural talent. Now that her Ice Phoenix Physique had awakened further, her comprehension ability had grown even stronger. However, even with such an advantage, fully understanding this technique was no easy task.

After five hours of intense study, she finally opened her eyes. Although she didn't grasped the Mist Frost Spear Divine Technique , she still felt satisfied. This technique was undoubtedly the best choice for a spear user like her.

With that settled, Han Yue turned her attention to finding a speed-based technique. Since she had already taken a Heaven-rank technique, she didn't expect to obtain another. Instead, she searched for an Earth-rank movement technique—one that specialized in both speed and evasive maneuvers. After carefully going through the available options, she finally selected Water Smoke Technique, a movement art known for its agility and ability to dodge attacks with fluid motion.

Once she had chosen both techniques, Han Yue walked toward the staircase area on the second floor, where a protective array guarded the section. Against the wooden wall, a small wooden box was embedded, with a slight indentation on its surface—just large enough for a jade slip to be placed.

Following the proper procedure, Han Yue took the Mist Frost Spear Divine Technique jade slip and placed it into the slot. Immediately, the name of the technique was displayed above the box in glowing script. Using her Qi, she carefully wrote her own name beneath it. Unlike ordinary disciples, who could only obtain techniques from their own peak, she had special permission to access techniques from any peak. Because of this, she also had to write her master's name as a formal requirement.

Normally, disciples did not need to record their master's name, since techniques were taken from their assigned peak and would naturally be returned there.

After completing the registration process, Han Yue carefully took the Mist Frost Spear Divine Technique jade slip from the box and placed it into her storage ring. She then retrieved the Water Smoke Technique jade slip, followed the same procedure, writing her name on the display before storing it safely.

With both techniques secured, she turned and walked out of the Art Tower, stepping back into the open air.

In the Ethereal Blossom Palace, all Heaven-rank techniques borrowed by disciples had to be returned within three months, while Earth-rank techniques had to be returned within two months. This system ensured that high-level techniques remained within the sect's control and prevented prolonged monopolization by any single cultivator.

The third floor of the Art Tower was a private space reserved for the elder responsible for overseeing the tower. This elder had access to detailed records of who borrowed which technique, when it was taken, and when it was due for return. Naturally, she would also be aware that Han Yue had obtained two techniques today.

With her business in the Art Tower concluded, Han Yue left River Peak and began her journey back to her own residence—Purple Flower Peak.

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By the time Han Yue returned to Purple Flower Peak, the sun had already set, giving way to the silent embrace of night. A silver moon now hung high in the sky, casting a soft glow over the mountain peaks. The cool night breeze carried the faint fragrance of blooming spirit flowers, adding a tranquil atmosphere to the surroundings.

She entered her residence and walked toward her wardrobe, selecting a fresh set of robes. Without delay, she made her way to the pond behind her courtyard. The water was clear and still, reflecting the night sky like a polished mirror. She stepped into the cool water, letting its refreshing touch wash away the fatigue of the day.

After finishing her bath, Han Yue dressed and returned to her room. She prepared a simple meal, eating in silence as she gathered her thoughts. Once she was done, she cleaned up and moved to her meditation cushion, sitting down in a cross-legged position.

Before beginning her cultivation for the night, she took out a jade slip containing the Glacial Moon Essence technique —a Saint-rank cultivation technique that her master had personally chosen for her. This technique formed the very foundation of her cultivation, allowing her to refine ice-attribute spiritual energy more efficiently and deepen her connection with her Ice Spirit Root.

As Han Yue cultivated, the Qi in her body circulated steadily, flowing into her dantian like a quiet river. With each cycle, it condensed and expanded, gradually forming a fourth Qi ring within her dantian. A faint chill spread through her meridians, harmonizing with her Ice Spirit Root. Once her cultivation session was complete, she exhaled softly and allowed herself to rest.

Morning arrived. As the first light of dawn touched the peaks of Purple Flower Peak, Han Yue made her way to the flower garden. Seated among the gently swaying spirit flowers, she focused her mind entirely on comprehending the Mist Frost Spear Divine Technique. Even though she had already spent time studying its foundation, she had yet to fully grasp its essence.

She went through the technique again, carefully analyzing its structure. Slowly, a small breakthrough occurred—she comprehended 2% of the first step. However, this was merely the beginning. The Mist Frost Spear Divine Technique was divided into five steps, each more profound than the last. At her current level, she could only glimpse the very surface of the first step.

Afterward, she shifted her focus to the Water Smoke Technique, a speed-based movement art. Unlike her spear technique, this one was significantly easier to comprehend. Within a single session, she had already grasped 10% of its essence. The technique specialized in fluid, mist-like movement, allowing the user to weave through attacks effortlessly. Compared to the Heaven-rank Mist Frost Spear Divine Technique, this technique posed far fewer risks during comprehension.

Once she had finished her morning practice, Han Yue decided to test what she had learned. She carefully executed the 2% she had comprehended from the Mist Frost Spear Divine Technique, followed by the 10% she had gained from the Water Smoke Technique. Her spear movements were not yet refined, but her body movement had noticeably improved—her steps became lighter, and she could shift between positions with ease.

With her practice complete, she took a bath, letting the cool water soothe her body.

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Time passed swiftly.

Two years had gone by.

Han Yue had now reached the Qi Gathering Fifth Realm. Her cultivation base had stabilized, and her control over ice-attribute Qi had deepened considerably. The most significant progress, however, was in her comprehension of her techniques.

Over the years, she had pushed her understanding of the Mist Frost Spear Divine Technique to the third step. Although she had not yet fully mastered it, she had gained a vague glimpse of its third step's principles. Her movements had become sharper, and her spear techniques carried a frigid, oppressive force.

Meanwhile, her comprehension of the Water Smoke Technique had reached 60%. She could now move with a mist-like fluidity, allowing her to evade attacks effortlessly. Her speed had also improved, making her movements unpredictable in battle.

With her new cultivation realm and improved combat techniques, Han Yue had become far stronger than before.

Despite her rapid progress in other techniques, Han Yue struggled to comprehend her main spear technique—Glacial Ancient Spear Technique. This was the Saint-rank spear technique that her master had personally given her, yet she had only managed to comprehend 10% of the first level. No matter how much time she dedicated to it, she couldn't fully grasp the first level's essence.

Her master had been clear—only after Comprehensed first level completely could she proceed to the training that level. Because of this, Han Yue repeatedly attempted to understand the technique's first stage, but it was proving to be an overwhelming challenge. The complexity of a Saint-rank technique was on an entirely different level. Even with her Ice Phoenix Physique, which significantly enhanced her comprehension, it provided no advantage here. Her progress remained stagnant.

The same was true for her Glacial Moon Essence Technique, the foundation of her cultivation. Even after two years, she had only comprehended 5% of this profound technique. However, this limited comprehension was still enough for cultivation during the Qi Gathering Realm. Despite her slow progress in understanding the technique itself, it played a crucial role in her rapid advancement through the realms.

Normally, even a monstrous genius would require much longer to reach the Qi Gathering Fifth Realm. However, thanks to the Glacial Moon Essence Technique, Han Yue had achieved this level in just five years. Without it, her cultivation speed would have been much slower. Even though her comprehension of the technique was far from complete, its benefits were undeniable.

*****[End]****