Chapter Seventy-Six: Selecting the Primordial Techniques

After parting ways with Hengcheng, Tianming began searching within, as Elder Yu had instructed. He was allowed to take one item of the heavenly rank and two of the earth rank. This was much the same as the functions annotated on the token, though Tianming had no need for weapons or cultivation methods. What he sought was the right elemental technique. After all, he already possessed the Lightning Sword and Celestial Moon Creation Sword. Although the Lightning Sword would soon expire, Tianming believed that as a weapon gifted by Qingpo, it was exceedingly rare.

As for cultivation methods, with the Universal Dora in his possession, what need had he for further methods? Clearly, none. Tianming required only experience points.

“Universal Dora, if I copy the cultivation methods or elemental techniques here, can they be exchanged for experience points?” A sudden inspiration struck Tianming, and he delved into his mind to ask.

He recalled that the cultivation method on the bowl had been converted into experience points, so he wondered if copied scrolls could also be turned into experience. If so, he would be rich indeed; for here, elemental techniques and cultivation methods were beyond counting.

“No, Master, you must use the original scrolls of cultivation methods or elemental techniques to exchange for experience.”

Soon enough, the resolute voice of Universal Dora echoed in Tianming’s mind.

Hearing this, Tianming sighed and shook his head. As expected, it was impossible. He had suspected as much, but could not resist the urge to try; after all, the outcome was merely a matter of a single question, and he lost nothing if it failed.

Even so, this did not deter Tianming from seeking elemental techniques. Gazing around, he quickly found the designated section. The area was divided into three rows of large shelves, each filled almost to bursting with scrolls, some ancient and untouched, others new and popular. He did not understand the rules of the Heavenly Pavilion, but as a native of Earthstar, he possessed basic knowledge. The ancient scrolls, likely old and seldom moved, the new ones, much sought after.

Moreover, the shelves were divided into four smaller categories, each row corresponding to one.

The first row was for movement techniques: techniques such as Sword Flight, Swallow Step, Burst Step, Unthought Step, Flower Flight, and Plum Blossom Tyrant Flash. The second row was for offensive techniques: Hundred Fury Divine Kick, Ultimate Slash, Unyielding Immortal Finger, Imprintless Tyrant Finger, and so forth. The third row was for defensive techniques, like Primordial Shield, Celestial Arm, and Radiant Screen. The fourth row was for divination techniques: Seven Avian Divine Art, Innate Divine Art, Minor Expansive Numerology, Grand Innate Expansive Numerology, and so on...

Scanning through them, Tianming was dazzled; there were names of every sort, some useful, some not. To his eye, most were of value, but he could only pick three scrolls, making the choice difficult.

For instance, Sword Flight was quite useful, but Tianming wished to select more offensive elemental techniques, as he had no need for auxiliary ones at this stage. As for the fourth row of divination, he immediately excluded it; there were only a few scrolls, and he had no use for them.

The third category—defensive techniques—was also presently unsuitable, for he did not wish to remain passive.

“It seems I can only choose from offensive and movement techniques!” Tianming stood in place, pondering aloud.

If that was the case, the choice was clear: focus on offensive techniques, and select only one movement technique. After all, mastering too many skills was not advisable; even sects held such a belief—breadth without depth was unwise.

Exhaling a breath of turbid air, Tianming, having made up his mind, strode directly to the first row.

This was the shelf for movement techniques, and as Tianming glanced over it, he noticed a scroll with an impressive name: Plum Blossom Tyrant Flash. How domineering! Moreover, he found an offensive technique in the second row with a similarly tyrannical name—surely they formed a set.

“Plum Blossom Tyrant Flash, Imprintless Tyrant Finger!” Picking up the two slightly dusty scrolls, Tianming murmured to himself.

Excellent!

He was pleased; from the names alone, these two techniques promised great power. Yet he wondered at their potency, for all these scrolls bore restrictions. How did he know this? When he tried to open them, no amount of force sufficed.

“…Now I have found two earth-rank elemental techniques. I need only a heavenly-rank offensive technique!” Placing the two scrolls back on the shelf, Tianming moved to the other side. The shelf was long, and he had only explored a fraction; many techniques remained unseen, so he was in no hurry.

“Alas! If only Brother Chu were here, he could offer advice.” Gazing at the myriad scrolls, Tianming sighed in frustration.

Though some were of heavenly rank, they were sparse. After ten minutes, he had found barely a dozen heavenly-rank elemental techniques.

Wait!

Amid his searching, Tianming’s attention was caught by a dust-laden scroll in a lower corner, its name intriguing.

“Nine Heavens Violet Lightning Immortal Annihilation Slash?!”

Seven ancient characters, though dim, could not conceal the fearlessness and relentless spirit of annihilating immortals. Most importantly, as Tianming approached, he sensed a subtle resonance between this scroll and the item he had obtained outside the Heavenly Pavilion.

The sensation was mysterious and fleeting.

“Annihilate immortals? According to Qingpo, there are no immortals in this world, so why…” Holding the scroll, Tianming pondered.

It was undoubtedly a technique from ancient times, but why was it left in a corner, and why had no one tried it?

Could it be that this offensive heavenly-rank technique was extremely difficult to master? Tianming could think of no other explanation.

Nevertheless, caution was necessary. His token allowed three selections per month, but as Chu Qingchen had mentioned, even he could only choose three times each year.

Thus, Tianming could only proceed step by step, waiting for next month to see. This was an uncertain matter, for he knew it was not publicly disclosed; otherwise, Elder Yu would have mentioned it.

“If you don’t want it, I do!”

Just as Tianming was lost in thought, a fair hand flashed before his eyes, and suddenly his hand was empty.

“…Who allowed you to take it?” Realizing what had happened, Tianming frowned deeply.

Turning swiftly, he reached for the intruder behind him, caring not for their identity. To snatch something openly in broad daylight—was this not an affront? Yet Tianming did not employ elemental energy, for the risk was too great.

Still, though he refrained from using elemental energy, his movements were quick, precise, and ruthless.

Almost in the blink of an eye…