Chapter 185: Scripture Pavillion and Choosing Cultivation Methods (2)

But soon, Mikael thoughts shifted.

'Still, as amusing as Lianyu may be in her own eccentric way, she doesn't matter right now. What does matter is finding the necessary Cultivation Methods!'

'So far, I've already acquired the Adaptive Cultivation Method from the Elemental Unity Path and the Standard Cultivation Method with the Sun-Moon Unity Technique. All that remains is to locate methods for body, mind, and soul cultivation. Once I have those, I'll possess the foundational material I need to begin my research in earnest.'

With those thoughts in mind, Mikael resumed his exploration of the fourth floor, silently weaving between the dense shelves of ancient tomes. Time passed as he scanned bookshelves after bookshelves, dismissing most without a second thought. Finally, after a prolonged search, he came upon two techniques that met his criteria:

{Ninefold Physique Method

Introduction: A powerful body-tempering method built around nine successive cycles of total bodily refinement. Each stage demands the use of rare tempering resources and the endurance of grueling, inhuman physical conditioning. Though the process is both agonizing and resource-intensive, each completed cycle permanently enhances the user's overall physique—boosting durability, raw power, and regenerative capacity. Widely regarded as one of the most extreme and unforgiving methods available for those pursuing absolute bodily strength.}

{Obsidian Spirit Reinforcement

Introduction: A mental cultivation technique focused on strengthening one's willpower, clarity, and focus. The method relies on absorbing and refining obsidian-infused spiritual minerals, which gradually fortify the practitioner's mind against external pressures, mental fatigue, and intrusive influences. Over time, users gain enhanced cognitive endurance and greater mental stability. It is considered essential for formation masters, battlefield strategists, or anyone cultivating under high-pressure environments.}

At this moment, Mikael held four Cultivation Methods in his hands, his gaze lingering particularly on the two he had just acquired. He let out a quiet sigh.

'It's unfortunate… I've managed to find Cultivation Methods covering every category I needed—except for the Soul. It seems that, within the Akashic Records Universe, the soul is treated as a high-level subject. Even here on the fourth floor, there's not a single method tied to it, which is rather problematic for me.'

Rubbing his chin thoughtfully, he frowned. 'Hmm… what could I do about this?' He contemplated the issue for a while, but no immediate solution came to mind.

'The core problem is simple—there's nothing related to the soul on the fourth floor. Maybe the higher floors hold something more relevant, or perhaps the sect itself doesn't possess any such method at all. In either case, it'll take time before I can get my hands on a Soul Cultivation Method.'

'Which is… not ideal for my current plan. Without a method focused on the soul, I won't be able to complete the framework I envisioned—it'll remain fundamentally incomplete…'

With a light shrug, he dismissed the frustration. 'For now, delving further into the issue won't help. I'll focus on what I can do, and simply postpone my work on the soul until a later stage. As for the fifth book I'm allowed to take from the fourth floor…'

His eyes swept over the shelves once more. 'There isn't much else here that truly interests me. In that case, I'll head down to the third floor and pick up an attack technique, a movement technique, and a defensive technique. That way, I'll be covered in almost every basic category.'

'Originally, I hadn't planned to go this route. I figured I could learn techniques in those categories directly from Master, and I'd intended to use my fifth choice on a Soul Cultivation Method instead. But plans never survive first contact… so, this will do.'

With those thoughts, Mikael descended to the third floor. There, his search did not take long—he quickly identified three techniques that suited his needs. They were:

{Moonpiercer Sword Art

Introduction: A complex Sword Art centered on channeling the elegant yet lethal qualities of lunar energy to enhance slashes with precision and refined control. This art revolves around the idea of striking with a fluid grace, mimicking the moon's serene but overwhelming presence in the night sky. While it does not prioritize brute strength, it excels at delivering rapid, pinpoint attacks designed to exploit flaws in an opponent's defense. Those who master this technique can imbue their blade with lunar Qi, allowing them to pierce even the sturdiest of defenses with minimal effort.}

{Cloudbreaking Stride

Introduction: A high-grade movement technique that emphasizes weightlessness, speed, and reactivity. Inspired by the drifting, unpredictable nature of clouds, this method enables the user to maneuver with exceptional swiftness and evasive finesse. Though not built for direct confrontations or overpowering force, its unmatched fluidity makes it an invaluable asset in fast-paced skirmishes, pursuits, or retreats.}

{Crystalline Shell Art

Introduction: A defensive cultivation method that revolves around forming a dense, resilient barrier of condensed energy, shaped like a crystalline structure. This technique excels at absorbing and deflecting incoming attacks, with each successive layer reinforcing the previous one for increased protection. Mastery requires precise energy control, as maintaining the crystalline shell's integrity demands a refined balance between defense and latent offensive potential. In its final stage, this art allows the user to unleash devastating counterattacks using the accumulated energy stored within the defensive layers.}

Now carrying seven Cultivation Technique books in his arms, Mikael found the load rather cumbersome. Unfortunately, none of them could be stored inside his storage ring, so he had no choice but to bear with the inconvenience.

He moved quickly, crossing a large portion of the expansive third floor. Along the way, he briefly encountered an unfamiliar Core Disciple. The two exchanged a polite nod, but aside from that, no words were shared.

As he neared the staircase leading to the lower levels, Mikael found himself within the Sword Technique section—the largest category present on each floor of the Scripture Pavilion. In fact, it occupied over 40% of the total Cultivation Techniques available!

At first glance, 40% might not seem excessive, but when one considered that there were five major categories of techniques—each containing numerous subcategories—the figure became staggering. That a minor subcategory like Sword Techniques within the broader Attack category could take up such a massive portion of the collection spoke volumes about the sect's deep-rooted emphasis on the way of the sword.

While walking through this area, occasionally casting glances at the technique names displayed on the towering bookshelves, Mikael abruptly came to a halt. Something had caught his eye.

It was a sword technique with a particularly striking name—one that instantly piqued his interest.

{Sword Nurturing Art

Introduction: A distinctive cultivation technique centered on the profound spiritual connection between a swordsman and their weapon. The Sword Nurturing Art teaches that a sword is not merely a tool for battle—it is a companion, a reflection of the cultivator's heart, will, and chosen path. Those who follow this art devote themselves to the lifelong refinement and elevation of a single blade, nurturing it as one would a living being.

Through the continuous infusion of Qi, practitioners gradually enhance both the physical structure and the metaphysical essence of their sword. The quality of the cultivator's Qi, the depth of their emotional bond, the time spent nurturing, and their understanding of the Sword Nurturing Art all influence the pace and scope of this growth. As the connection deepens, the sword becomes increasingly spiritualized, responding more intimately to the wielder's intentions, movements, and instincts.

At its highest attainment, the technique enables the sword to awaken sentience, transforming it into a genuine living entity—a spiritual companion with thoughts, instincts, and will of its own, bound by unwavering loyalty to its master. However, reaching this stage demands not only strength but absolute commitment, as abandoning the blade without just cause is seen as a betrayal of the sacred bond. On the path of a true swordsman, blade and soul must walk as one.}

At first glance, the technique's name didn't sound especially awe-inspiring—certainly not compared to something like the Heaven Cleaver Sword Art, another sword technique he had seen earlier. Yet, the potential hidden within this one…

Mikael's fingers came to rest on Sangrelia's hilt as he gently caressed the familiar weapon, feeling a subtle 'resonance' stirring in response. 'I could cultivate you using this technique… Let you grow alongside me…' It was this thought that ultimately convinced him to choose the Sword Nurturing Art.

After all, he had wielded Sangrelia for nearly three full years, forming a natural attachment to it. The idea that, as his strength continued to rise, he would eventually be forced to part with his longsword due to its increasing 'fragility' hadn't been a pleasant thought. The knowledge that it would one day become obsolete—shattered by the burden of his power—had left a bitter taste. But with this technique, he could continue using his faithful blade, strengthening it as he grew. That alone made him feel good, almost relieved.

If the absence of a Soul Cultivation Method had been an unwelcome surprise, then finding this technique was a satisfying counterbalance. Combined with the fact that he had already acquired a considerable number of useful cultivation methods and techniques, Mikael found himself in a rather good mood as he made his way downstairs, swiftly arriving at the first floor where his master awaited.

Upon seeing the sheer number Cultivation Methods Mikael had selected, Great Elder Jianhai raised a curious eyebrow, clearly surprised. After all he was able to recognize them as Cultivation Methods of the fourth floor and he didn't expect him to use four of his free techniques on Cultivation Methods. However, he offered no further reaction, remaining true to his earlier words—he would not interfere with their choices, leaving each of them the freedom to forge their own path.

Afterward, Great Elder Jianhai personally guided Mikael through the process required to formally take the selected Cultivation Methods and Techniques out of the Scripture Pavilion. He explained the procedure in detail, ensuring Mikael understood how the registration and confirmation process worked. Following his instructions, Mikael first placed the Sun-Moon Unity Technique onto the counter, followed by his Core Disciple Identification Plaque.

"At this point," Jianhai explained, "you would normally use your divine sense to finalize the transaction. But since your recent breakthrough has left your control over it unstable, you won't be able to do that yet. I'll finalize it on your behalf."

True to his word, he completed the process for him and continued doing the same for each subsequent technique, all while calmly elaborating, "This is just one of many examples of how essential divine sense is in the everyday life of a cultivator. That's why refining your control over it should be among your highest priorities moving forward."

Mikael gave a nod of understanding. "I see. But I don't have any cultivation technique that can help me refine my divine sense…"

"Once we return to the Sword Heart Peak," Jianhai replied calmly, "I'll assist you with this crucial matter myself."

With those words, the conversation came to an end, and the two of them quietly waited for the girls to arrive.

It took a little while, but eventually, each of them finished their own 'shopping', having selected cultivation techniques aligned with their personal preferences and the insights they had gained thus far. Amelia, for example, had chosen a variety of techniques, though a clear emphasis on archery-related content could be seen among her selections. Kiara, unsurprisingly, had focused on techniques linked to the Music Dao and its related fields—everything resonating with the art she held so dear.

Lyra's choices were a bit more eclectic. She picked cultivation methods and techniques that all shared a common theme: either Alchemy or Elemental Control. It was clear she intended to walk the twin paths of alchemist and 'elemental mage', deepening her mastery in both disciplines. As for Hua Lianyu, she hadn't taken any books at all. She simply seemed content to accompany them and enjoy the time spent chatting with her newfound junior brothers and sisters.

Once everyone had completed their transactions and secured their new techniques within their storage rings, the group took to the skies once again, flying together as they returned to the serene heights of the Sword Heart Peak.

Author Note:

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