Chapter 40: Variations on a Blade

The simple hut became Lin Fan's sanctuary after the day's tedious, yet strangely productive, work at the Spirit Beast Stables. After a thorough Qi cleansing to remove any lingering stable stench, he settled down not for rest, but for study. The manual obtained from the lottery, 'Advanced Wind Blade Variations', lay open before him.

Unlike the skills granted directly by the system which came with instant, innate understanding, this manual required actual learning. It detailed various methods to enhance the basic Wind Blade technique he already possessed. Lin Fan immersed himself, his powerful spiritual sense and peak fifth layer comprehension absorbing the information rapidly.

The manual described several intriguing variations:

'Sharpened Edge': A technique to further compress the Qi within the blade, making it significantly sharper and capable of piercing tougher defenses, albeit at a slightly higher Qi cost.

'Curving Trajectory': Complex Qi manipulation methods to allow the Wind Blade to arc or curve after being launched, making it harder to predict and dodge.

'Splitting Phantom Blades': Launching a single, larger blade that could then split mid-flight into three or five smaller, faster projectiles, overwhelming an opponent's defenses through sheer numbers.

'Elemental Infusion Basics': A brief, theoretical chapter discussing how cultivators with affinities could potentially infuse elemental Qi (like fire, water, earth) into the wind construct for added effects – though it offered no practical methods for gaining those affinities, merely applying them if already possessed. Lin Fan briefly considered his 'Earth Spike' technique, wondering if that earth-attribute Qi could theoretically be merged, but the manual didn't provide specific instructions for such combinations.

The theories were complex, involving intricate real-time Qi shaping and precise energy flow adjustments during casting. Yet, Lin Fan found himself grasping the core concepts quickly. His Nine Cycles Refining Art provided not just dense Qi, but also a foundation of superior energy control. Furthermore, the hours spent earlier that day subtly manipulating air currents to move stable waste had, unexpectedly, served as excellent groundwork. That practice in delicate, sustained, external Qi manipulation directly translated to the finer control needed for these advanced Wind Blade variations.

Who knew mucking out stalls could be advanced technique prep? The thought brought a wry smile to his face.

Practicing the more dynamic variations like curved trajectories or splitting blades was impossible within the confines of his small hut – he'd likely demolish the flimsy structure. However, he could practice the 'Sharpened Edge' condensation.

He extended his palm, carefully channeling Qi according to the manual's instructions. Instead of launching, he focused on forming the blade directly above his hand, compressing the wind-attribute Qi relentlessly, making it denser, sharper. A standard Wind Blade shimmered into existence, roughly thirty centimeters long. Then, applying the 'Sharpened Edge' technique, he compressed it further. The blade shrank slightly, becoming perhaps twenty-five centimeters long, but its edges seemed to vibrate with increased intensity, the light it emitted becoming sharper, more focused. It felt significantly more potent, carrying a greater sense of cutting power. Maintaining the compression required significantly more concentration and a steadier Qi output than the basic version.

He held the 'Sharpened Edge' blade for several seconds, analyzing the energy flow, before letting it dissipate harmlessly. Good. Very good. The control practice from the stables paid off. He felt confident he could form and launch this enhanced version effectively in combat. Mastering the curving and splitting variations would require dedicated practice in a suitable environment, like the Training Grounds.

Just as he was about to delve back into the manual, comparing the 'Splitting Phantom Blades' theory with his own Qi circulation, a hesitant knock sounded at his door.

Lin Fan paused, slightly surprised. Visitors were rare, especially since his reputation had grown more intimidating. He extended his spiritual sense briefly. The aura outside was familiar, weak but noticeably purer and stronger than he remembered – Xiao Mei.

Curious, he rose and opened the door.

The timid Outer Disciple girl stood there, looking healthier and more vibrant than when he'd first encountered her struggling near his courtyard. Her simple robes were clean, her eyes held a newfound clarity, and her cultivation, as his Qi Sight subtly confirmed, had progressed significantly. She was now solidly in the third layer of Qi Refinement, perhaps even touching the threshold of the fourth – a remarkable improvement for someone previously stuck at the first or second layer with mediocre talent. The ten Mid-Grade Spirit Stones he'd given her had clearly been put to excellent use.

Seeing him, she immediately flushed and bowed deeply. "S-Senior Brother Lin! Forgive my intrusion!"

"Xiao Mei," Lin Fan acknowledged neutrally. "Is something wrong?"

"No! Not at all, Senior Brother!" she stammered quickly, looking up with eyes full of earnest gratitude. "I... I heard from others that you were assigned service at the stables after the... the incident in the plaza. I wanted to... to see if you were alright, and to thank you again! The Spirit Stones you gave me... they changed everything! I broke through two layers! I... I can finally keep up in basic training!" Tears welled up in her eyes.

Lin Fan regarded her. Her gratitude was genuine, palpable. It reminded him that while he treated vast wealth as meaningless, even a small fraction could drastically alter the fate of ordinary disciples like her. It was... interesting.

"Your own diligence is the primary reason for your progress," Lin Fan stated calmly, though not unkindly. "Resources merely provide the opportunity." He didn't need or particularly want her gratitude, but dismissing it felt unnecessarily curt.

"Still... I owe Senior Brother everything," she insisted, bowing again. She hesitated, then asked nervously, "Senior Brother... since you are so knowledgeable... I have been stuck on a minor point in the basic Azure Origin Chant circulation near the shoulder meridian. The instructors explain it, but I still feel a blockage..."

She looked hopeful, yet fearful of having overstepped. Lin Fan considered for a moment. Explaining a basic technique was trivial for him now. He offered a concise, insightful explanation, drawing upon his deeper understanding from the Nine Cycles Art, pointing out a common misconception regarding Qi flow angles in that specific meridian pathway.

Xiao Mei listened intently, her eyes widening as comprehension dawned. "Ah! I understand! That makes so much sense! Thank you, Senior Brother Lin! Thank you!"

Seeing her genuine excitement, an idea occurred to Lin Fan. He retrieved one of the three Impure Qi Gathering Pills he had made earlier that day during his alchemy practice. It was misshapen, dull – clearly inferior.

"Here," he said, holding it out to her. "Consider this a small aid. I concocted it myself recently during practice. Its quality is poor, likely less effective than standard sect pills, but perhaps it can offer some minor assistance."

Xiao Mei stared at the pill, then at Lin Fan, her eyes wide with astonishment. Senior Brother Lin... practiced alchemy? And was giving her one of his own creations? Even if it was low quality, the gesture felt immense. She accepted it with trembling hands. "Th-thank you, Senior Brother! I will treasure it!"

"It's merely a basic pill," Lin Fan said dismissively, reinforcing the casual nature of the gift. He noted the system prompt: [Detected minor act of giving. Triggered emotions: Intense Gratitude (+40 Points), Awe (+30 Points), Surprise (+20 Points). Total SP: 4200 + 90 = 4290]. A small gain, but confirming gratitude still yielded points.

Xiao Mei bowed deeply one last time, clutching the pill carefully, before practically floating away, her face beaming with happiness and reverence.

Lin Fan closed the door, a thoughtful expression on his face. The interaction was a brief detour, a reminder of the world outside his system-driven progression. He wondered idly how effective his crude pill would actually be for her. Shaking his head, he pushed the thoughts aside and turned back to the 'Advanced Wind Blade Variations' manual, ready to absorb more knowledge before another day of 'penalty' dawned.