Arthur stood at the towering obsidian gates of the Vault of Echoes—a branch of the legendary network of repositories scattered across the lower world. The building loomed like an ancient fortress, etched with glowing runes and complex defensive arrays that shimmered faintly under the light of the twin suns. The entire structure pulsed with an aged energy, signifying its ancient origin. Though this was only a branch, it was protected by arrays strong enough to restrain even a peak Second Stage powerhouse, and inside it held cultivation and combat techniques meant only for those at the First and Second Stages.
As Arthur approached, the array flared briefly, scanning him with a pulse of silver light before allowing entry. A staff member, a woman in dark crimson robes with a jade emblem pinned on her chest, stepped forward. Her aura was calm but powerful, indicating at least a late First Stage cultivator.
"Welcome to the Vault of Echoes," she said with a polite bow. "My name is Lira. May I ask which section you wish to browse?"
"Cultivation techniques," Arthur replied, handing her a single gold coin discreetly. "Also, I'd prefer to examine them personally."
Lira's eyebrows lifted in surprise. Few offered gold casually. "Very well," she said with a smile. "Follow me."
They ascended a spiral staircase made of soul-wood, each step echoing with silent reverence. Upon reaching the second floor, Arthur stepped into a vast chamber filled with countless jade slips and scrolls.
"Only techniques suitable for First and Second Stage cultivators are stored here," Lira explained. "They are categorized from F-tier to D-tier."
Arthur walked through the aisles, gently placing his hand on the techniques, activating his scroll.
Scroll Interface: Copying Process Activated.
Copying 100 F-tier techniques... Energy Required: 1000 Units
Status: Complete.
Here are eight E-tier cultivation technique names for Chapter 6, crafted to match the tone and world of your novel:
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📜 Eight E-Tier Cultivation Techniques Arthur Copied:
1. Twilight Meridian Refinement
Focuses on cleansing and enhancing meridians using ambient dusk energy.
2. Stonevein Tempering Method
Fortifies bones and muscles, giving a body strength akin to solid stone.
3. Azure Root Essence Drawing
Absorbs life essence from spiritual herbs more efficiently.
4. Echo Breath Circulation Art
A breathing technique that aligns internal rhythm with surrounding spiritual energy.
5. Thunderspring Pulse Channeling
Channels energy in bursts, increasing short-term combat power.
6. Obsidian Flame Furnace Body
Refines the body using internal heat, providing resistance against fire-based attacks.
7. Silent River Mind Tempering
Enhances mental fortitude and resistance against soul attacks.
8. Cloudveil Qi Compression Manual
Compresses Qi in the dantian for denser, higher-quality cultivation energy.
Copying 8 E-tier techniques... Energy Required: 800 Units
Status: Complete.
He selected three D-tier manuals
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Three D-Tier Cultivation Techniques:
1. Heavenroot Essence Conduction
– A high-tier energy absorption technique that allows drawing essence directly from high-grade spirit herbs and elemental zones.
2. Ironblood Soul Refinement Technique
– Tempers the soul and bloodline together, building resilience and improving mental energy recovery.
3. Verdant Pulse Breathing Method
– Uses rhythmic pulse breathing to circulate Qi like flowing vines, optimizing internal balance and endurance during long cultivations.
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Each of these techniques provides foundational advantages that will synergize well with Arthur's unique Scroll Realm.
Copying 3 D-tier techniques... Energy Required: 1500 Units
Status: Complete.
Arthur's energy reserves were finally depleted. Total energy consumed: 3300 units from his absorbed 4100, leaving 800.
The scroll vibrated in his inner body.
Scroll Notification: You have completed the requirements for the First Realm: "Scroll Embryo Foundation." The unique throne has formed within your Inner Realm. Divine Ability locked. Reach Perfection to unlock.
Within his inner world, the mist had solidified into a structured space—and at its center hovered a throne, not made of gold or jade, but of countless floating runes and divine scripture. It radiated power and promise.
Two spectral scripture wings hung behind it, dormant but majestic.
Scroll Interface: Second Realm: Scroll Nesting Stage (Initial)
Arthur asked, "So I've started the next stage? But I'm still in the middle of the first..."
Scroll: Perfection will awaken your Divine Ability. Your strength will evolve qualitatively. Focus on cultivation now. Seek resources: Beast cores, Spirit Dew Stones, Origin Crystals.
Arthur sighed. "More gold..." He looked to Lira. "I'd also like to browse combat techniques."
She nodded and led him to the combat section. Arthur selected:
D-tier Sword Technique: "Phantom Severing Wind Style" (7 gold)
D-tier Sword: "Windspike Fang" (6 gold)
As he imagined mastering the technique, Arthur laughed like an idiot. Lira chuckled from behind. "You dream big, stranger."
Before leaving, Arthur stopped by the resource section and purchased:
Here are the detailed cultivation resources
🌿 Cultivation Resources Arthur Bought
1. Azure Flame Spirit Grass(x2 stalks)
Cost: 3 gold coins each
Effect: A high-grade spiritual herb that burns with internal elemental fire. Consuming it refines inner circulation and expands meridians, especially beneficial for powering up foundation-building techniques.
Use: Enhances energy absorption speed and burns impurities in the body.
2. Stellar Dew Crystals(x5 shards)
Cost: 1.5 gold coins per shard
Effect: Naturally condensed from the dew of spiritual trees under starry night skies in high-energy zones. These crystals are rich in ambient essence and aid greatly in stabilizing spiritual thrones or inner realms.
Use: Used during deep meditation to harmonize body and scroll energy pathways.
3. Wind-Touched Silver Leaves(Bundle of 10)
Cost: 6 silver coins per bundle
Effect: Helps refine internal energy flow with an affinity toward movement-based breathing techniques. Commonly used to temper the foundation before learning wind or movement-based martial arts.
Use: Crushed and brewed as tea during cultivation.
4. Thundersap Resin Drops(x3 drops)
Cost: 4 gold coins total
Effect: Extracted from Lightningroot Trees. Each drop surges with violent essence—very hard to control, but when tamed, it awakens latent physique properties related to energy resonance.
Use: Used carefully with breath regulation to stimulate physique evolution and energy merging.
5. Beast Core of a Peak First Stage Thunder Panther(Refined)
Cost: Acquired via hunting (valued at 6 gold coins if sold)
Effect: Its refined core has compact thunder essence and will be devoured slowly by the Scroll to provide an extra burst of 400–500 energy units.
Use: Absorbed directly over time by the Scroll to fuel the second realm initiation.
Total Cost Summary:
Azure Flame Spirit Grass (x2) – 6 gold
Stellar Dew Crystals (x5) – 7.5 gold
Wind-Touched Silver Leaves – 6 silver
Thundersap Resin Drops (x3) – 4 gold
TOTAL SPENT: ~17.5 gold coins + 6 silver
He had just enough gold remaining. Each item pulsed with essence-rich energy.
Returning to Lira, he thanked her. "If I become famous, I'll owe a bit of it to you."
"Just remember the Vault," she said.
Arthur turned to leave, pausing. "Since this branch has no name... I'll call it Silent Requiem. It suits its silence and power."
Scroll: "...A fitting title."
Back at the inn, Arthur ordered a plate of fire-grilled meat and a cup of Shadowleaf Spirit. As he sipped the drink, the innkeeper leaned over.
"Where'd you sell your beast materials?"
"Market Square," Arthur replied.
"Next time, try the Blackhorn Merchant Guild," the man said. "They pay more for Perfection Realm beast cores."
Arthur filed the tip away.
Now, with resources in hand, a throne in his soul, and a sword at his side, Arthur prepared for the next leg of his journey.
Tomorrow, he would cultivate.
Tomorrow, he would ascend.