The air in the archives grew thin. Su Jin's gaze was a physical weight, cold and assessing. My [
Passive Scan] screamed a silent alarm. This was not a casual glance; it was the focus of a
predator sensing an intrusion.
For a heart-stopping second, I considered playing the fool—dropping my eyes, stammering an
apology, shuffling away like the insignificant outer disciple I was supposed to be. But something
in his expression, a flicker of sharp suspicion, told me that would only confirm his curiosity.
Innocent people don't cower; they get confused.
So, I did neither. I met his gaze, allowing a hint of polite confusion to touch my features, and
gave a slight, respectful nod of the head, as one might offer to any senior disciple they didn't
know. Then, I turned back to the shelf in front of me, pulling out a random manual on herbology
with a calmness I did not entirely feel. My heart was a drum against my ribs, but my hands were
steady.
I could feel his eyes on my back for a long, tense moment. Then, the pressure lifted. I heard the
soft rustle of pages as he returned to his book. I didn't need to look to know he was now acutely
aware of my presence.
This was a problem. A big one. An inner disciple at the Peak of Qi Gathering was a world away
from bullies like Zhang Wei. This was someone with resources, backing, and the power to squash
me without a second thought if I became a genuine nuisance.
I needed to be invisible again, and fast. I needed that [Veil of the Common Soul] technique.
With the herbology manual in hand, I walked calmly to the archive keeper's desk, checked it
out—a suitably boring choice for a low-level disciple—and left without a backward glance. I
didn't look at Su Jin, and I didn't look at Xiao Lian. Drawing any connection between us right now
would only put her in his line of sight.
Once outside, the urge to run was overwhelming. I forced myself to walk, my [Placid Deer Steps
] making my retreat look like a leisurely stroll. I didn't stop until I was back in the safety of my
room, the door closed firmly behind me.
Only then did I let out a long, shaky breath. That had been too close.
I pulled up my system interface. My points balance was a beautiful, round 100. Without a
moment's hesitation, I navigated to the shop and purchased the [Hidden Technique: 'Veil of the
Common Soul'].
[ 200 System Points Deducted. ]
[ New Skill Acquired: Veil of the Common Soul (Novice) ]
Information flooded my mind—a complex but elegant method of circulating Qi to create a
spiritual camouflage, wrapping my core in a cloak of mundane energy. I focused, channeling my
energy according to the system's perfect instructions. A subtle shimmer passed over me, and I
felt my spiritual presence diminish, compressing down until it radiated the unremarkable aura of
someone firmly at the third level of Qi Gathering.
I checked my status screen.
Cultivation: Qi Gathering Stage, Level 3 (Solid) [Veiled]
Perfect. To any observer below the Foundation Establishment stage, I was just Lin Yun, the
disciple who'd gotten a bit lucky. My rapid progress was once again my secret.
With that critical security measure in place, my curiosity returned with a vengeance. I focused on
the new [Technique Synthesis] icon.
The interface was fascinating. It presented me with two slots, like a recipe card.
Slot A: [Select Technique]
Slot B: [Select Technique]
Synthesis Cost: 50 System Points
Chance of Success: Variable (Dependent on technique compatibility and grade)
I had 50 points left. It was a steep cost, but the potential was enormous. I looked at my current
arsenal of Novice-level skills.
What to combine? [Gale Palm] and [Iron Skin Technique] seemed incompatible—one
offensive, one defensive. [Placid Deer Steps] and [Gale Palm]? Movement and attack…
An idea sparked. What about footwork and perception? I selected [Placid Deer Steps] for Slot
A and [Soaring Eagle's Sight] for Slot B.
The system analyzed them.
Compatibility Analysis: 68%.
Predicted Result: Movement Technique with enhanced environmental awareness. Grade: Mortal
(High-Tier).
Synthesis Success Chance: 78%.
A 22% chance of failure, which would waste 50 points. Too risky.
I tried another combination: [Placid Deer Steps] and [Four Directions Movement].
Compatibility Analysis: 91%.
Predicted Result: Advanced Footwork Technique. Grade: Mortal (Peak-Tier).
Synthesis Success Chance: 98%.
That was more like it. Both were movement techniques, so merging their corrected, flawless
forms should create something superior. I took the plunge.
[ 50 System Points Deducted. ]
The two skill icons in my status screen swirled together, glowing with a bright, golden light. Lines
of code—no, lines of Dao—flowed and merged in my mind, optimizing, refining, eliminating
redundancies. A few seconds later, the light faded, leaving a new, consolidated icon.
[ Synthesis Successful! ]
[ New Skill Acquired: Ghostly Stride (Apprentice) ]
Description: A seamless fusion of evasion and agile movement. Allows for near-silent traversal and rapid, unpredictable changes in direction. Greatly enhances balance and footing on any
terrain.
I felt the knowledge settle into my bones. My understanding of movement had deepened
exponentially. I was no longer just avoiding attacks; I could flow through a battlefield like a
phantom.
I was down to 0 points again, but the power I had gained was immense. A perfect veil, a superior
movement skill, and the knowledge that a hidden treasure—a lost technique fragment—was
within my reach in the archives.
But Su Jin was the guardian at the gate. I had drawn his attention, however briefly. I needed to
be careful, smarter, and more patient than ever. The idle life was getting complicated, but the
rewards were worth the risk.
The hunt for the Verdant Sword Saint's legacy had just begun, and I was the only one who knew
the exact page it was hidden on. Now, I just had to figure out how to read it under the nose of a
Level 9 Qi Gathering expert.