After Li Qingyun's match against Luo Ji, the rest of the first round of the Azure Sky City Youth Combat Selection unfolded in full force. Waves of young cultivators from various clans and backgrounds took to the grand arena stage, each demonstrating their strength and hopes of standing out under the eyes of the many sect representatives observing from the upper pavilions.
Hundreds of matches played out—some explosive and fast-paced, others more measured and tactical. The crowd cheered and buzzed, but through it all, one thing remained certain: the competition was fierce. From four hundred participants, only two hundred emerged victorious and qualified for the second round. The city arena, freshly renovated for this grand event, rang with echoes of sword clashes, elemental explosions, and excited gasps.
As the sun began to set, dyeing the sky in warm hues of gold and crimson, Li Qingyun quietly left with his parents. Though he was satisfied with how he'd handled his match, his expression remained thoughtful as he rode the spirit carriage back to the Li estate.
Back in the open area of his personal courtyard, Li Qingyun stood under the silver light of the moon, his arms crossed behind his back as he replayed today's events in his mind. Luo Ji's defeat had been swift, too swift, drawing more attention than he'd intended. But it couldn't be helped. His intent had never been to show off — it was simply that Luo Ji had been far too slow in his eyes.
He sighed and turned, making his way into his room. The warm glow of spiritual lamps lit the space as he sat cross-legged on the cushion near his desk, his back straight and composed.
"Even though I'm hiding my strength... it's foolish to think I'm the only one."
His gaze sharpened slightly.
"Qin Wushuang, Mu Yihan, Zhao Yunhai, Xia Shuying… each of them comes from prominent clans with strong inheritances. If I had to guess, at least some of them are holding something back. But that's fine. They can do as they please."
He wasn't interested in meaningless comparisons. He simply needed to walk his path. Still, caution was always warranted.
With that thought, he called upon the system.
---
[System Interface]
[Host: Li Qingyun]
[Realm: Qi Gathering (7th stage)]
[Physique: Primal Chaos Vessel Physique]
[Slots: 2 (available)]
[Techniques:]
Jade Body Tempering Scripture (Perfect)
Ninefold Essence Sutra (Perfect)
Voidcleave Sword Manual (Perfect)
[Energy: 0 points]
---
Looking at the interface, he gave a soft hum. "Zero points left... not unexpected."
Perfecting both his core cultivation technique and his primary sword art had cost him all the energy points he'd accumulated since awakening. While the benefits were immense — faster cultivation speed, enhanced energy control, and a sword technique now beginning to manifest embryonic sword intent — it also left him with nothing to push new techniques forward.
There was still time before the second round. Time to prepare. And he knew exactly what he wanted to do next.
Movement. If there was one area he hadn't yet refined, it was mobility.
"Voidcleave has movement elements built into it," he murmured, "but at its heart, it's an attack technique. I need something purely focused on footwork."
Voidcleave sword manual has some space elements aspects but at it's core it was still not a movement technique.
Fortunately, he had access to a valuable resource.
He pulled out a dark gold token from his robe — engraved with the character "Li" in flowing calligraphy, surrounded by faint spiritual runes. It was his father's personal family medallion, granting him access to the third floor of the Li clan library. Only core members could enter that level, where some of the more treasured cultivation manuals were stored.
Before long, he made his way to the library grounds, moving past the guards with a nod and flashing the token. They respectfully bowed and let him through without question.
The third floor was a quiet place, filled with an air of solemnity and reverence. Rows of jade slips floated gently over pedestals, each radiating a unique aura. Li Qingyun's eyes scanned across the titles calmly and patiently. It took a while, but finally, a particular jade slip caught his attention.
"Phantom Step Art"
A movement technique reputed to create afterimages and silent acceleration by weaving through space lightly — not quite teleportation, but close enough in illusion and speed.
He placed his hand on the jade slip. The moment he accepted it and mentally registered it with his system, a small pulse of light shimmered before him.
---
[New Technique Detected: Phantom Step Art]
[Do you wish to insert into slot?]
[Yes]
[Technique inserted. Progress: Beginner]
[Effect: Grants basic insight and first-layer movement shift. Improves agility and step speed. ]
---
The flood of information entered his mind immediately — not overwhelming, but intricate. He could already sense the lines of movement it wanted him to follow, the precise breath patterns that aligned with the steps, and the subtle shift in spiritual flow along his legs and soles.
"Not bad," he whispered with a small smile. "Beginner level already grants utility."
But a beginner technique wouldn't do. He needed it at least at minor completion to make the most of it in actual combat. For that, he needed more energy.
He exited the library quietly and returned to his courtyard. From a hidden compartment beneath his floorboards, he retrieved a small storage pouch. Inside were several spiritual objects gifted by his parents — spirit herbs, refined stones, and even a low-grade spirit crystal. They thought he would use them to assist in his cultivation, and he would. Just not in the way they imagined.
Sitting cross-legged again, he placed the items one by one before him and activated the system's absorb function.
---
[Energy absorbed: +12 points]
[Energy absorbed: +8 points]
[Energy absorbed: +5 points]
[Total Energy: 25 points]
---
Not enough to force perfection, but enough to accelerate it. He selected Phantom Step Art and slowly fed it a portion of his energy points.
---
[Spending 5 points…]
[Technique: Phantom Step Art upgraded to Proficient]
[Effect: Movement speed increased by 10%, greater control over body position and shifting trajectories.]
---
He exhaled slowly and smiled.
"That's better."
Unlike before, he chose not to spend all his energy at once. With Phantom Step, he wanted to gradually integrate the footwork into his natural rhythm before pushing it to perfection. Every movement technique had its own 'feel,' and trying to master it too fast could create bad habits. He'd take his time to polish it.
Tomorrow, the second round's bracket would be announced.
And Li Qingyun, still publicly known as a 4th stage cultivator, would quietly sharpen his blade behind the curtain — no arrogance, no attention, only purpose.
And once more, he reminded himself:
"I'm not here to show off."
"I'm here to grow."
And he would grow.