Chapter 16: Making Friends

“Let’s begin our formal practice session,” Mr. Zuo announced, his voice resonating with enthusiasm. “Students, activate the guidance feature on your identity bands and immerse yourselves in my teaching!”

Li Zhen followed Mr. Zuo’s instructions, engaging the guidance function of his identity band.

In an instant, a basic sword technique training mode materialized before his eyes. As Mr. Zuo executed the first form—a ‘Bow Step Thrust’—virtual lines appeared on Li Zhen’s retinal display, outlining the precise movements required.

The virtual lines guided him on how to thrust the sword, where to position his feet, and even the subtle shifts in body weight needed for optimal performance.

This was a revelation—an experience made possible only by the synergy between the identity bands and the combat room’s intelligent assistance system. It promised students like Li Zhen the ability to master the fundamentals of swordsmanship with unprecedented precision.

“‘Bow Step Thrust’ execution: 95.63%!” Li Zhen completed the form, receiving an instantaneous evaluation from the smart assistant system integrated into his vision.

As he finished the move, Li Zhen could feel the potency of the ‘Bow Step Thrust’. Though he had attempted this practice sword before, under Mr. Zuo’s guidance, achieving a score of 95.63%, he sensed something profound happening within himself. A connection seemed to have formed between his body, the practice sword, and the spiritual energy coursing through him.

It seemed that through the ‘Bow Step Thrust’ technique, the spiritual energy within his body could be channeled into a powerful eruption.

What appeared to be an ordinary beginner’s sword method was actually capable of harnessing spiritual energy for explosive force—the true essence of a cultivator’s sword technique.

He couldn’t help but recall the day he had stabbed Senior Student Lu in the back with a short sword. After learning ‘Bow Step Thrust,’ he realized that attack hadn’t utilized any spiritual energy at all. It relied solely on the sharpness of a mid-grade flying sword combined with his own brute strength.

If he were to attack Senior Student Lu after mastering ‘Bow Step Thrust,’ he would have been far more confident and effortless.

In Mr. Zuo’s retinal display, he could see the completion rates for 53 students. He looked with some surprise towards Li Zhen.

In truth, Li Zhen ranked third in this group of students’ completion rates. However, the top two spots were occupied by Yu Nan and Han Wenqin. Mr. Zuo knew well their backgrounds; these two had been exposed to exceptional environments and knowledge since childhood, far beyond what most ordinary students could compare to.

Yet Li Zhen was a complete novice. Achieving a completion rate of 95.63 on his very first attempt at swordsmanship demonstrated his remarkable control over his body.

Body control was paramount; it formed the very foundation of combat ability.

Mr. Zuo wished to further assess Li Zhen’s progress. During this single lesson, he had taught three basic forms, each of which Li Zhen executed with an accuracy exceeding 95%.

It wasn’t that Mr. Zuo didn’t want to teach more, but rather he needed to consider the learning capacity of all students. If only everyone were like Yu Nan, Han Wenqin, and Li Zhen—then he could indeed cover more material in one session.

“Classmates,” Mr. Zuo instructed, “after today’s class, be sure to practice these three beginner sword forms diligently!”

The students exited the combat room in small groups. Li Zhen lingered behind, knowing full well that the intelligent training aids within the room were unavailable elsewhere. Any extra time he could spend honing his skills here would prove beneficial.

As Li Zhen emerged from the combat room, he expected everyone to have left already. To his surprise, however, Vice-Class Leader Han Wenqin awaited him just outside.

Taken aback by her presence, Li Zhen asked, “Han-class leader, is there something you need?”

He was aware of her privileged background, so her sudden approach caught him off guard.

“We have a private study group for martial arts exchange,” Han Wenqin explained with a smile. “I’m here to invite you to join our little circle!”

“Why me?” Li Zhen couldn’t help but ask, bewildered by the invitation.

Nearly half of his class had already reached the first layer of Qi Refinement. Han Wenqin bypassing other classmates to invite him suggested this was a private, individual offer.

“I’m from one of the four great clans in Yunxi—the Han Clan,” Han Wenqin explained with a smile, showing no intention of hiding her background. “Apart from studying at school, my task is also to forge connections with talented cultivators!”

Li Zhen was taken aback; he hadn’t expected Han Wenqin to be so straightforward.

He’d never heard of the Four Great Clans of Yunxi before, but given how freely she mentioned them, it was clear that the Han Clan held significant sway in Yunxi County.

“Li Zhen, there’s no need for concern,” Yu Nan interjected, stepping forward. “The clan has no ulterior motives— they simply wish to establish a good relationship!”

“Han Wenqin, what brings you here?” Yu Nan asked, casting an annoyed glance at her.

“If your Han Clan seeks to befriend Li Zhen, then naturally, our Yu Family shares the same interest!” Yu Nan replied with a smile.

When he saw Han Wenqin paying close attention to Li Zhen earlier, he’d immediately grasped her intentions.

When Yu Nan saw Han Wenqin waiting outside the battle arena, he stayed as well, witnessing her invitation to Li Zhen.

Han Wenqin and Yu Nan locked eyes for a moment, silently reaching an understanding.

Han Wenqin knew she couldn’t prevent Yu Nan from acting. Even if he wasn’t paying attention to Li Zhen now, once Li Zhen’s abilities became apparent, Yu Nan would be sure to take notice.

“Li Zhen, consider this a gesture of goodwill and an investment,” Yu Nan said with a smile. “In the future, when you’re more capable, remember this kindness!”

“You should approach Cheng He instead; he better fits your criteria!” Li Zhen suggested knowingly.

“Cheng He is too conspicuous. While he has potential, I don’t see him succeeding,” Yu Nan shook his head.

“A cultivator’s temperament is crucial. Cheng He’s disposition is poor—forget about reaching Foundation Establishment; he might not even attain late-stage Qi Refinement!” Han Wenqin was even less optimistic about Cheng He. She continued, “Your cultivation base is clearly no weaker than Cheng He’s, but your temperament far surpasses his. That’s why I believe in you.”

She paused briefly before adding, “Can you perceive my cultivation base?”

He had always been careful to conceal his mid-grade spiritual root talent, precisely to avoid falling into the same peril as Cheng He.

Yet Han Wenqin had discerned his cultivation base. Didn’t that mean he could no longer protect his secret?

“I’m truly sorry,” Han Wenqin said with genuine remorse. “Today, I inadvertently used the Heaven Eye Technique and glimpsed your spiritual energy manifestation. As an apology, I have here a secret method for concealing one’s spiritual aura!”

Using the Heaven Eye Technique at school was actually prohibited.

However, since the class’s spiritual energies were currently very low, nobody could detect its use. In just half a year’s time, if she were to use it again, several classmates would immediately sense it.

Han Wenqin hadn’t done this deliberately; she was simply curious about Cheng He’s strength, given that he had slain Senior Student Lu, who stood at the peak of the second Qi Refinement stage.

“Very well,” Li Zhen replied resignedly. “I hope you can keep this confidential!”

There was little else he could do. Even if he tried reporting Han Wenqin, aside from the likelihood of it being ineffective, there’d be nothing to gain for him.

Besides, they were only just beginning their cultivation journey. With numerous methods available to accelerate progress, claiming someone’s innate talent could be determined with a single glance seemed unlikely—she could at most make some educated guesses.

Of course, the most crucial factor was Han Wenqin’s willingness to share her secret technique.

The method for concealing one’s spiritual energy couldn’t be learned during middle school at least; even in high school, it depended on whether such an opportunity presented itself.

“Cheng He consumed low-quality spirit pills, which resulted in his spiritual energy becoming impure,” Han Wenqin explained while transmitting the secret technique to Li Zhen. “If you have aspirations for your future, avoid taking inferior-grade spirit pills as much as possible. The mid-grade spirit pills awarded by the school have significantly fewer side effects!”

“What exactly is wrong with consuming low-grade spirit pills?” Li Zhen genuinely didn’t understand. While there was information about this topic online within cultivation forums, the varying opinions made him hesitant to trust any of it.

Han Wenqin before him was different—her background allowed access to more secretive knowledge. Moreover, with Yu Nan present, Han Wenqin wouldn’t dare speak recklessly.

Yu Nan chimed in, explaining, “Consuming spirit pills leaves behind pill toxins in your body. Most of these toxins gradually dissipate over time, but the stubborn remnants are difficult to expel. The lower the quality of the spirit pill, the more persistent the toxic residue.

“These lingering toxins can interfere with the efficacy of other spirit pills. It may not matter normally, but when taking Boundary Breakthrough Pills or even Foundation Establishment Pills, even a trace of stubborn pill toxin can drastically reduce your chances of advancement.”

“Is there any way to detect these pill toxins?” Li Zhen, aware that he had much to learn, seized the rare opportunity without hesitation.

“There are pill toxicity detectors available,” Han Wenqin replied promptly. “If you need one, I can help arrange for you to borrow one!” Her enthusiasm was always infectious and hard to resist.