The morning sun bathed the Sword Hall in a soft golden light. Lin Yuan had returned from the outer forest, carrying the faint hum of residual lightning energy along his limbs. The mist clung to the edges of the training platform, curling around the stone steps like a living presence.
Unlike before, the disciples weren't whispering in concern or suspicion. Instead, their expressions were a mixture of curiosity and admiration. Each of them was already powerful in their own right, with years of experience above Lin Yuan's level. They didn't need to feel threatened—they could recognize talent when they saw it.
Gu Shan approached first, nodding slightly. "Your movement… it's refined. Every strike is precise, efficient. You've grown a lot in just a few days."
Lu Yan's dark eyes gleamed as she studied his stance. "You've managed to improve skill proficiency faster than I thought possible. Impressive."
Shen Rui chuckled, leaning casually against a stone pillar. "I'll admit, I'm curious how far you can go. Your control over Lightning Body and Thunder Slash is sharp. Keep it up, and you might surprise even the Sword Hall Elder."
Even Mo Yu, who rarely praised anyone, smirked faintly. "Not bad. Looks like I'll have a worthy training partner soon."
Lin Yuan inclined his head respectfully. "Thank you. I've just been… focusing on skill mastery."
The system chimed softly in his mind.
[System Points Available: 320]
[New Feature Unlocked: Skill Fusion Lv 2 – Can Combine Multiple Techniques for Advanced Combos]
[Recommendation: Purchase Advanced Thunder Strike Scroll Lv 2 or Lightning Body Lv 2 Upgrade]
He stepped onto the training platform, eyes scanning the area. Today wasn't about leveling—it was about refining his skills and converting system points into tangible combat advantages.
He activated Thunder Slash Lv 2, moving fluidly across the stone floor. Lightning danced along his arms, leaving faint arcs in the air. Each swing was calculated, each movement efficient. The system provided real-time feedback on strike precision and combo efficiency:
Strike Accuracy +3%
Reaction Time +2%
Skill Mastery: 20% → 25%
Satisfied, Lin Yuan opened the shop. With 320 system points, he could afford the Advanced Thunder Strike Scroll Lv 2. He purchased it immediately.
[Skill Acquired: Advanced Thunder Strike Lv 2]
Adds multiple chain lightning strikes to Thunder Slash
Can target up to 2 enemies simultaneously
Cooldown: 15 seconds
He tested the skill, and the sparks of electricity danced across the stone platform like living snakes.
The other disciples had gathered to watch. Gu Shan's expression was thoughtful. "Combining techniques… that's clever. You're not just stronger—you're learning how to fight smartly."
Lu Yan stepped forward, a faint smile on her lips. "Most would waste time grinding EXP or energy. You're focusing on skill mastery and efficiency. That's how real power is forged."
Shen Rui crossed his arms, chuckling. "I'd call that impressive. Keep practicing, and soon you might surpass the weaker among us, at least in technique if not raw strength."
Lin Yuan smiled. "That's the goal."
Later, he returned to the outer forest, hunting medium-tier Mist-Horned Beasts. Each kill was measured, precise, and efficient. The system converted every victory into system points, allowing him to purchase new skills and consumables.
[System Points Earned: 120]
[Skill Proficiency Update: Thunder Slash Lv 2 – 30% Mastery]
He used part of the points to buy Spirit Pills ×3, ensuring he could maintain full energy for extended hunting sessions. Every action, every movement was deliberate, every kill contributing to skill mastery instead of arbitrary level gain.
As he returned to Sword Hall, the disciples watched quietly. Their eyes held admiration, not envy. They understood that growth wasn't just about raw power—it was about wisdom, precision, and mastering one's techniques.
Even the Elder observed from above, swirling his wine gourd slowly, lips curved faintly. "Good. Very good. He's learning the true way of cultivation… not by waiting for power to grow, but by sharpening himself into a weapon."
Lin Yuan's hands tingled faintly with electricity, his body brimming with controlled power. He didn't need to boast, didn't need to compete. Every kill, every technique, every skill purchased from the system brought him closer to mastery.
And the Sword Hall disciples, all stronger than him in raw cultivation, watched with quiet approval and genuine interest—mentorship, camaraderie, and a shared curiosity guiding their glances.
This path… this system… it wasn't about being the strongest yet.
It was about becoming the most precise, the most deadly, and mastering the art of cultivation in his own way.