Chapter 9: An Enhanced Step Towards Contribution
Lin Fan walked away from the Outer Sect Training Grounds, leaving behind a wake of stunned silence and fevered whispers. The 'Excellent' rating slip felt solid in his hand, tangible proof of the capabilities granted by his system and cultivation. The 500 System Points were a welcome addition, bringing his total to 725, but it was the other reward that truly captured his interest – the Enhancement Token (Low).
He navigated the familiar paths back towards his own quiet corner of the vast Outer Sect, ignoring the continued wary glances. His performance had undoubtedly cemented his reputation as a rising, potentially dangerous, figure. Even the lingering animosity he'd seen in Zhao Feng's eyes felt insignificant now; the gap between them had widened into a chasm, not just in resources, but in actual, demonstrable combat prowess.
Reaching the relative seclusion of his hut, Lin Fan closed the door and immediately accessed the system interface, focusing on the new reward. It appeared as a small, pulsating icon resembling a golden gear or rune. Selecting it brought up the detailed description:
[Enhancement Token (Low)]
[Type: System Reward Consumable]
[Effect: Can be applied to one designated target within the Host's current major realm (Qi Refinement). Applicable targets include Skills, Techniques, or Equipment of Low-Grade or below.]
[Potential Enhancements (Varies by Target): Increase effectiveness, reduce Qi consumption, slightly boost core attributes (e.g., sharpness, durability, defensive rating), refine energy flow.]
[Note: Token is consumed upon successful application. Enhancement is permanent. Cannot be used on Mid-Grade or higher targets.]
Lin Fan's eyes lit up. This was incredibly useful! While the lottery provided variety, this allowed for targeted improvement of something he already possessed. The question was, what to enhance? He mentally reviewed his current assets that fit the criteria:
Wind Step Technique (Low-Grade Movement Skill): Crucial for agility, evasion, and closing distance. Improving speed or lowering Qi cost would be highly beneficial in any situation.
Iron Skin Art (Low-Grade Defensive Skill): His primary defense. Making it tougher or more efficient would increase survivability dramatically.
Wind Blade Technique (Low-Grade Offensive Qi Skill): His main ranged attack. More power or less Qi usage would improve his offensive output.
Flowing Shadow Sword (Low-Grade Spiritual Weapon): His main weapon. Enhancing its sharpness, durability, or Qi conductivity could make every strike more effective.
Silent Step Insoles (Minor Stealth Gear): Enhancing these might improve stealth slightly, but seemed less impactful than core combat skills.
Spirit Warding Jade Pendant (Minor Protection): Likely too specialized to warrant using the token on it now.
His Nine Cycles Refining Art was Mid-Grade, so it was ineligible.
It came down to the core combat options: movement, defense, offense, or weapon. Offense was tempting with the Wind Blade, and improving the sword was always good. However, survivability and tactical flexibility often proved more valuable, especially when facing unknown opponents or situations. Both Iron Skin and Wind Step fit that bill.
He considered Iron Skin – being able to tank more hits was undeniably useful. But Wind Step... enhanced speed meant better dodging (avoiding hits altogether), better positioning for attacks, and crucially, a better chance of escape if things went truly wrong. Reduced Qi consumption on movement would allow him to stay agile for much longer in a protracted fight.
Mobility is life, Lin Fan decided. Especially for someone like him who preferred overwhelming offense or, failing that, avoiding damage entirely. Enhancing Wind Step felt like the most versatile choice.
"System," he instructed, focusing his intent on the token icon and the concept of his movement technique. "Apply the Enhancement Token (Low) to the Wind Step Technique."
[Acknowledged. Consuming 1x Enhancement Token (Low). Applying enhancement to 'Wind Step Technique'...]
The golden gear icon pulsed brightly on the interface, then dissolved into motes of light that seemed to flow directly into Lin Fan's mind. He felt no physical change, but rather a sudden, deep understanding of the Wind Step Technique. Nuances he hadn't grasped before became clear – subtle shifts in weight, more efficient Qi pathways in his legs, ways to transition between steps seamlessly. It felt like a technique he'd practiced for years had suddenly revealed deeper layers.
[Enhancement Complete! 'Wind Step Technique' has been upgraded.]
[New Effects: Increased maximum burst speed (+20%), Reduced Qi consumption per use (-30%), Smoother transitions between steps.]
A 20% speed boost and a 30% reduction in Qi cost! That was significant for a Low-Grade enhancement. Eager to test it, Lin Fan stood up.
He took a single step, activating the enhanced technique.
FWOOSH!
The burst of speed was noticeably faster than before. He crossed his small hut almost instantaneously, appearing by the far wall with barely a whisper of displaced air. The movement felt incredibly fluid, and the drain on his Dantian's Qi reserves was significantly less than he anticipated. He performed several more bursts, weaving around the limited space, executing sharp turns and quick stops. It felt effortless, exhilarating.
This upgrade was definitely worth it.
With his cultivation consolidated at the fifth layer, his combat skills tested and proven ('Excellent' rating), and his primary movement technique enhanced, Lin Fan felt ready for the next logical step. Staying hidden wasn't his style, and idly cultivating wouldn't earn System Points or advance his standing within the sect structure.
The Contribution Hall.
It was the central hub for sect tasks and rewards within the Outer Sect. Disciples completed tasks ranging from gathering herbs, hunting low-level beasts, guarding caravans, or even assisting deacons with administrative work, all in exchange for Contribution Points. These points were essential for acquiring better resources from the sect (beyond the meager monthly allowance), accessing restricted training areas, and were a key metric for the annual Inner Sect assessment.
His 'Excellent' rating would allow him to accept tasks previously beyond his reach, including those rated for sixth layer disciples as per the completed mission's suggestion. Completing such tasks would not only yield valuable Contribution Points but could also present opportunities for showing off, potentially triggering system point rewards or even new missions. It was time to officially leverage his capabilities within the sect system.
Decision made, Lin Fan checked his appearance – still clad in the simple Outer Disciple robe, Flowing Shadow Sword on his back, Mid-Grade Storage Ring on his finger. He looked like countless other disciples, yet possessed resources and power they couldn't dream of. Perfect.
He opened the door and stepped out once more, this time heading towards the administrative heart of the Outer Sect.
The Contribution Hall was situated in a large, imposing stone building near the center of the Outer Sect's main plaza. Even from a distance, Lin Fan could see it was a hive of activity. Disciples constantly streamed in and out, their faces a mixture of hope, determination, and frequent exhaustion. Inside, vast boards would list available tasks, their requirements, and their rewards.
As Lin Fan approached, the sheer number of disciples underscored the competitive nature of the sect. Everyone was striving, fighting for resources, desperate for a chance to climb higher. He, however, walked towards it with the calm assurance of someone playing a different game altogether.
He reached the tall, arched entrance of the Contribution Hall, pausing momentarily to observe the bustling interior. Rows of counters, massive boards covered in task scrolls, disciples eagerly scanning lists or reporting completed missions to weary-looking clerks. The air hummed with conversation and the faint scent of medicinal herbs and beast blood.
This was the next stage.