The sun hung low above the Azure Sky Sect, bathing the mountain range in molten gold. The trial grounds buzzed with fading excitement. Victorious disciples staggered toward the Sect Plaza — bruised, exhausted, but filled with pride.
Gu An walked among them silently, robes clean, expression calm.
Only a few scrapes on his sleeve hinted he'd battled. In truth, he had suppressed every opponent without truly trying.
But he remained low-key.
Like a shadow following sunlight, unnoticed but always present.
Outer Sect Pavilion — Technique Selection Ceremony
A towering, jade-roofed hall stood before them. At its entrance, a silver-haired outer sect elder announced:
"Outer sect disciples may choose three cultivation techniques from the Basic Pavilion.
Choose wisely — this will shape your path."
Many disciples trembled with excitement.
Gu An's gaze flickered.
Choosing three techniques was indeed rare — but the Azure Sky Sect had a unique system.
Sect Rule:
One Qi Method, one Martial Technique, and one Support Arts technique (movement, weapon mastery, or pill/formation basics).
A balanced foundation — suitable for a large sect nurturing thousands.
Gu An thought calmly:
Side Characters Technique Choices
Gu An blended into the crowd, observing, not rushing.
Bai Yue — a calm girl with ice-blue eyes:
Qi Method: Frost Jade Manual
Martial Skill: Snow-Piercing Needle Arts
Support Art: Ice Lotus Movement
Quiet, elegant, deadly at range.
Chen Hao — loud, big-hearted idiot with loyalty:
Qi Method: Mountain-Breath Tempering Scripture
Martial Skill: Earth-Shattering Palm
Support Art: Iron Body Forging Method
"I'll become a shield for my brothers!"
He grinned toothily.
Lin Xue — sharp-tongued but righteous girl:
Qi Method: Verdant Spirit Sutra
Martial Skill: Emerald Vine Whip
Support Art: Basic Alchemy Arts
Ambitious — she wants to be a combat-alchemist.
Gu An's turn
When his time came, he bowed lightly.
The elder looked at him longer than necessary.
Something about Gu An's aura felt… deeper. Like a tranquil abyss.
"What techniques do you choose?"
Gu An answered softly:
Qi Method: Breath Contemplation Sutra (a simple meditation method)
Martial Art: Cloud-Soft Palm (entry-level defensive art)
Support Art: Basic Herb Recognition
Everyone froze.
"He chose the weakest ones??"
A few snickered.
"Heh, another trash genius."
"No ambition."
The elder, however, narrowed his eyes.
Those who choose weak things boldly… are the dangerous kind.
Gu An simply bowed again and left.
Low-key is a form of power.
Gu An returned to his quiet courtyard.
He meditated
The moon was calm.
Cicadas murmured.
Yet—
A flicker of blood-black qi surged far away, near the mountain's shadow.
Someone was practicing forbidden arts.
Gu An's gaze sharpened minutely.
A demonic cultivator inside the sect already? Interesting.
His eyes closed again — tranquil.
Patience is also cultivation.