I don't want to be trained by my senior sister!

Ning Qian led Fang Xuan through the bookshelves, her eyes quickly scanning the rows of jade slip labels.

She walked slowly, but with a clear goal in mind. Occasionally, she would stop, pick up a jade slip, quickly scan it with her divine sense, and then put it back in its place.

Before long, she had four or five jade slips of different colors in her hand.

"These are all high-grade Xuan-level cultivation techniques or sword manuals, each with its own emphasis."

She handed the jade slip to Fang Xuan, saying, "The Splitting Light and Shadow Sword Technique emphasizes speed and change, while the Heavy Mountain Sword Aura focuses on heavy defense and overwhelming the opponent with its power."

Her explanation was clear and concise, clearly indicating that she had carefully selected the information.

Fang Xuan accepted the jade slip.

Hmm, they all sound pretty good, and the descriptions of the techniques are quite impressive. If they were released outside, some small families would probably fight tooth and nail for them.

But... I always feel like something's missing.

These are all textbooks for model students.

Following the usual pattern, wouldn't it be fair to the future big shot beside me if I didn't find some hidden gems, fragments, or unassuming but supreme martial arts techniques?

Senior sister has such good fortune; it would be a complete waste not to use it to dig for treasure.

"Of course, what Senior Sister chooses is good, but this Scripture Pavilion is so big, let's take a look around some more, maybe there will be something even more suitable."

Ning Qian glanced at him, seemingly understanding his thoughts.

She paused for a moment, then looked deeper into the bookshelf, at the areas where dusty jade slips and even broken stone slabs were placed.

"Better cultivation methods certainly exist, but those above the Earth Rank are usually kept in higher levels or subject to special restrictions."

"Moreover, most of them are fragments and rare books, which are classified as low-level due to the lack of subsequent parts, have low practicality, and may even have hidden dangers."

Her words were a reminder, but she didn't object to Fang Xuan trying his luck.

"I'll just take a look and broaden my horizons."

Fang Xuan's gaze began to drift towards the section of ancient books that looked very old and even tattered.

Ning Qian sighed softly, said nothing more, and followed behind him, turning her gaze back to the corners that ordinary disciples rarely visited.

She actually felt that although the cultivation method she chose for Fang Xuan was stable, it might not be able to fully unleash his amazing talent...

The two searched through the vast sea of ​​books for a while longer.

Fang Xuan pretended to look around, but his attention was actually entirely on Ning Qian.

Sure enough, not long after, Ning Qian stopped in front of a bookshelf labeled "Miscellaneous · Fragments".

Her gaze was drawn to a dusty bronze box in the corner, its label blurred and illegible.

The box was very small, only the size of a palm, and had an antique design.

It was casually tucked away at the bottom of the bookshelf, as if it had been forgotten for many years.

Ning Qian bent down, took it out, and gently brushed away the dust on its surface.

The box was unlocked, and she opened it easily. Inside lay only a gray jade slip with a dull color and even tiny cracks on the edges.

The top is written with only a few lines of small characters in ancient seal script.

After a moment, she frowned slightly and handed the jade slip to Fang Xuan: "Take a look for yourself."

Fang Xuan quickly took it.

The information in the jade slip was incomplete; it only contained the cultivation techniques for the first three levels.

The technique is nameless, but its contents are extremely peculiar.

It does not pursue overwhelming spiritual power or unique attributes, but emphasizes quantity over quality.

The spiritual power cultivated is as vast as the ocean.

However, the cultivation process is extremely difficult and painful, requiring a very high level of physical strength and willpower, and can be described as self-torture.

According to the opening description, if one can master it, its power will be no less than any Heaven-rank technique.

However, because it only has the first three levels left, it can only support cultivators up to the peak of the Void Core stage at most. The subsequent cultivation methods are missing, and the path forward is cut off.

Therefore, it was rated as a high-grade Xuan-rank item.

It's like a chicken rib – tasteless to eat, but a pity to throw away.

"This technique... has an extremely high concept; its essence should be at the Heavenly Rank, or even higher."

Ning Qian said in a low voice, with some regret, "It's a pity that it's too incomplete, with only three layers. Even if you can cultivate it quickly, you will need to change your cultivation method after reaching the peak of the Void Core stage. At that time, the transition will not be easy, and you will suffer from it instead."

"It would be safer to choose a complete Xuan-level cultivation technique."

She rationally analyzed the pros and cons.

But Fang Xuan's eyes lit up.

Fragments, that's exactly what I need.

He wouldn't want it if it wasn't a fragment.

The protagonist chose the incomplete scroll, and could find the other half even while walking.

"Senior sister, I want this one. I think it suits me perfectly."

Ning Qian looked at his shining eyes, somewhat puzzled: "Are you sure? The path to this technique is blocked, and cultivation is extremely difficult..."

Seeing that he had made up his mind, she stopped trying to persuade him.

"In the future... I will also keep an eye out for the remaining clues about the cultivation techniques for you."

Fang Xuan happily put the jade slip into his pocket, feeling that this trip to the Scripture Pavilion was well worth it.

......

It was still early when we left the Sutra Repository.

Fang Xuan was in a good mood and was thinking about how to coax his senior sister into starting the punishment when he got back, when he suddenly felt the air in front of him freeze.

Looking up, one could see a figure standing on a white stone arch bridge that led down the path to the foot of the mountain, blocking the way.

The man was rather short, probably just over 1.6 meters tall, and wore a black robe inscribed with his personal sword skills.

He stood with his arms crossed, glaring coldly at Fang Xuan and Ning Qian as they approached.

It was none other than Jianfeng's second senior brother, Diao Mao.

With a Foundation Establishment peak cultivation level, his talent was originally quite good among the direct disciples of Sword Peak. Unfortunately, his cunning seemed to be inversely proportional to his height, making him yet another loyal knight under Shen Qingqing's spell.

Judging from his appearance, he probably just heard Shen Qingqing's tearful complaint and couldn't wait to come and stand up for his goddess.

Fang Xuan: "..."

Blocking the bridge? Don't they know that blocking the bridge brings bad luck to their parents?

Moreover, he's already at the peak of Foundation Establishment, and he's already at the Void Core stage. Why would he come here to die?

When Diao Mao saw the two stop, especially when he saw Ning Qian standing side by side with Fang Xuan, his sinister look intensified.

He puffed out his not-so-impressive chest, and with a condescending posture, though requiring a slight tilt of his head, he shouted sternly:

"Fang Xuan! You have no respect for your elders, bully your fellow disciples, and have repeatedly spoken rudely to Junior Sister Shen."

"Today, I, Diao Mao, will cleanse Sword Peak of its filth. Do you dare to step onto the dueling platform and fight me fair and square? If you lose, you'd better immediately go and kowtow to Junior Sister Shen to apologize!"

He spoke with righteous indignation and stern words.

After hearing this, Fang Xuan only showed an expression as if he were looking at an idiot.

Ning Qian's eyes turned cold.

Almost instinctively, she took a half-step forward and subtly pulled Fang Xuan behind her.

This subtle gesture fueled Diao Mao's burning jealousy.

Ning Qian, that good-for-nothing, actually dares to protect this pretty boy?

Diao Mao shrieked, "A piece of trash who has lost all his cultivation dares to block the way? Get out of my way, or I'll teach you a lesson too."

Fang Xuan gently pushed aside Ning Qian's hand that was protecting him, took a step forward, and stood right in front of Diao Mao.

At this stop, the height difference became immediately apparent.

Although Fang Xuan was young, he was tall and slender, more than a head taller than Diao Mao.

He lowered his eyes slightly, looking down at this "second senior brother," his gaze indifferent yet carrying an invisible pressure.

Diao Mao felt a sudden panic when he was looked down at like that. He instinctively wanted to back away, but then felt ashamed.

He could only force his neck to stiffen and try to widen his eyes, attempting to create a fierce aura.

Fang Xuan watched him roll his eyes upwards in an attempt to glare at him and suddenly found it a little funny.

Little potato, that's not how you glare at someone.

Forget it, why bother arguing with an idiot?

"Do you... want to plant yourself in the ground and photosynthesize to see if you can grow taller?"

"???" Diao Mao was stunned, not understanding these inexplicable words, but instinctively felt that they were not good people.

Ning Qian, standing behind him, was also taken aback upon hearing this, a faint hint of confusion flashing in her cool eyes.

Photosynthesis? What does that mean?

Before Diao Mao could react, Fang Xuan had already lost his patience.

......

Diao Mao suddenly felt his whole body stiffen, as if he were frozen by invisible ice. His movements suddenly slowed down, and even the circulation of his spiritual energy became sluggish.

He stared wide-eyed in terror, trying to break free, but found himself trapped like an insect stuck in the mud under the oppressive force!

The next second, he was so fast that most of his body was embedded in the floor tiles.

Only its head remained outside, twitching twice before drooping limply and remaining still.

I'm completely dizzy.

A wisp of smoke rose from the bridge, which was then dispersed by the mountain breeze.

The world is quiet.

......

Fang Xuan shook his hand, turned to look at Ning Qian, and his face returned to its indifferent expression.

"Senior sister, he seems to really want to plant himself in the ground, he's planting himself very precisely."

Ning Qian: "......."

She stared at the half-human-shaped plant, momentarily at a loss for words.

Although she knew this junior brother was no ordinary person, the fact that he dealt with a Foundation Establishment Peak cultivator so cleanly and decisively, almost overwhelmingly, still exceeded her expectations.

Moreover... when he used that power just now, there was a faint feeling that made her heart tremble.

"you....."

Ning Qian opened her mouth, but in the end she only sighed softly and glanced at Diao Mao's condition.

He's still breathing, but he's been stunned, and may also have suffered a concussion and multiple fractures.

She withdrew her gaze and looked at Fang Xuan, her tone helpless: "Didn't I tell you... not to be so reckless?"

"This is a necessary step before photosynthesis can take place. Don't you think this might help him absorb the spiritual energy of heaven and earth faster?"

........

"Let's go back." She turned around and stopped looking at the unfortunate Diao Mao.

.......

The two returned to the quiet courtyard in the valley.

Ning Qian seemed to have forgotten the words she had blurted out outside the Scripture Pavilion, which had led to her being punished.

She walked straight to her bamboo hut, seemingly preparing to rest.

But Fang Xuan hadn't forgotten.

Being severely disciplined by my senior sister is a great opportunity to greatly increase my discipline points.

Now or never.

He stood in front of his house, watching Ning Qian's retreating figure as she was about to push the door open and go inside, and suddenly cleared his throat.

"Senior Sister—"

Ning Qian stopped pushing the door open, turned around, and looked at him with her moon-like eyes.

Fang Xuan continued, "Aren't you supposed to be punished?"

......