Chapter 4: [Featherweight Competitor I]

Chapter 4 [Featherweight Competitor I]

“Ten, hundred, thousand… ten billion.”

Twenty-two billion!

Hissing in awe, how many spirit stones would that be? Enough to pile into a mountain of gemstones.

But the prerequisite for this enhancement is too steep. From Xiao Chen’s experience, it might be something you’d die trying to obtain.

In his past life, he’d often been eliminated early in auto-chess games, never reaching the ninth stage. Though the effect seemed powerful, it was like distant water failing to quench immediate thirst—a tempting but impractical choice.

The second option looked more promising: exchanging twenty years of lifespan for 700 spirit stones.

For a mid-core-formation cultivator earning roughly three spirit stones monthly, this trade meant pre-paying future earnings. Advanced consumption, technically speaking.

But as the saying went, “An inch of gold can’t buy an inch of time.” Trading life for stones now might mean losing years that even multiples of wealth couldn’t reclaim. Risky—not a prudent choice.

The third hex, however, intrigued him.

[Featherweight Competitor I: Yellow-Rank Cultivation Manual’s cultivation speed increases tenfold; Yellow-Rank spell power increases tenfold.]

Cultivation manuals varied in quality, ranked Heaven, Earth, Mystery, and Yellow. Each tier offered distinct advantages.

Higher tiers meant greater power and hidden benefits. Lower tiers eased cultivation difficulty and lowered talent requirements.

Selecting the right manual, based on one’s spirit root, aptitude, and background, was critical for every cultivator.

Servant disciples practiced foundational breathing techniques—mundane, accessible basics akin to learning stances. Only upon becoming outer sect disciples could one access Yellow or Mystery-Rank manuals to begin true cultivation.

Perfect timing—he’d soon choose his path.

Securing this hex would let him use it immediately. Its effects were shockingly potent: tenfold cultivation speed, tenfold spell power.

Yellow-Rank manuals were inherently easy to cultivate, albeit with limited ceilings. Accelerating that tenfold? Progress would skyrocket.

If he recalled correctly, the gap between Mystery and Yellow-Rank manuals was usually two to threefold in combat power. With tenfold spell power, even a Yellow-Rank choice could surpass Mystery-tier strength.

Xiao Chen decisively selected the third hex.

Shortly after, morning practice ended. Other disciples dispersed, leaving Xiao Chen and two companions behind.

Wu Lao Tou habitually warned, “From mid-core-formation onward, advancing each layer requires refining three mana streams. Many disciples spend eight to ten years breaking into Layer Six.”

“When you reach the branch academy, never slacken. Study diligently.”

The trio nodded in agreement.

As they spoke, a middle-aged man in a cyan robe entered. “Master Wu, are these the three who succeeded?”

“These are they. Allow me to introduce Steward Chen of the Second Branch Academy—he oversees instruction here.”

The trio chorused, “Greetings, Steward Chen!”

“Hmph.” Steward Chen sized them up.

“That boy Lin Ping An lingered at Core-Formation Layer One for three years. After coincidentally consuming Purple Orchid Essence, he leapt to the Ninth Branch Academy.”

“Never expected another lucky prodigy to emerge so soon. You’re Xiao Chen? I’ve heard of you.”

Without waiting for a reply, he waved them onward. “Come. First, collect your manuals. I’ll explain the branch’s rules as we walk.”

“Outer sect disciples differ from servant disciples—you’ve now truly entered the sect’s gates.”

“From today, you’ll shoulder more sect duties, but gain greater resources in return.”

“Besides tending spirit fields, you may choose other assignments. Currently, the alchemy hall, weapon-forge hall, Xiaofeng Mountain, and the stone quarry lack hands.”

“Speak your preference, and I’ll file it. Otherwise, we’ll assign you.”

Ye Fei immediately replied, “I’ll take the alchemy hall.”

Steward Chen glanced at him. Though Wu Lao Tou mentioned his wind spirit root, he’d chosen the fire-aligned alchemy hall. Likely planning to study alchemy—confident in his talent.

Jiang Si Xuan had her answer ready: “I’ll go to the stone quarry.”

Steward Chen blinked. The quarry, excavating spirit ore for Lihuo Sect, was grueling labor few cultivators sought. A fire spirit root choosing this?

Noticing her bearing, he guessed, “Are you from the Jiang family?”

She nodded.

He warned, “Though the quarry only requires monthly ore quotas, visit monthly to verify records. Avoid errors.”

She obediently agreed.

Steward Chen turned to Xiao Chen. “Your choice?”

Having cultivated spirit fields for three years, Xiao Chen opted conventionally: “I’ll continue farming.”

Steward Chen deduced: no talent, no background—just a lucky break.

“This way. The Second Branch Academy’s scripture pavilion is ahead. Choose your cultivation paths carefully.”

“The pavilion has three floors: first for general texts, second for Yellow-Rank manuals, third for Mystery-Rank. Your choice shapes your future—don’t rush.”

Ye Fei and Jiang Si Xuan ascended to the third floor. Xiao Chen lingered on the second.

The second floor’s manuals, as expected, were unremarkable. Sect elders’ notes praised their simplicity and accessibility.

Xiao Chen sifted through titles until finding 《Yang Qi Tuna Method》.

Its sole feature: nurturing yang energy in the dantian, slightly easing future breakthroughs past Core-Formation’s bottleneck. Sect records noted a 10% increased success rate—unique among second-floor manuals.

Xiao Chen’s eyes gleamed. If Featherweight Competitor’s effect amplified this trait…

He’d struck gold.

For others, balancing speed and stability mattered. But for him, rapid advancement was paramount. Faster breakthroughs meant new hexes to empower himself further.

Exiting, he found Ye Fei and Jiang Si Xuan waiting. They’d swiftly chosen Mystery-Rank manuals.

Seeing Xiao Chen with a Yellow-Rank text, they exchanged glances—shock evident.

Common disciples favored Yellow-Rank, but Xiao Chen had shattered three layers that morning. Hardly ordinary.

Ye Fei puzzled. He’d assumed Xiao Chen, a high-aptitude genius, would seize a Mystery-Rank manual. For prodigies, such opportunities let them shine.

Yet Xiao Chen chose Yellow-Rank? Bizarre. Had he given up? Or did Yang Qi Tuna Method hide secrets?

Ye Fei memorized the title.

Jiang Si Xuan wondered too. Could his choice stem from a lack of resources as a wandering cultivator?

An idea sparked—a test.

(New book request: [The Unyielding Dragon Awakens])

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end