Fairy, don't be afraid, I, Wang Daqi, am truly an honest man.

Wang Daqi remained silent, but secretly memorized these names.

He had his own considerations. Those famous spells were certainly good, but they might not be the most suitable for him.

Before long, the two arrived at the library.

This is a seven-story pagoda that exudes an ancient and rustic atmosphere.

Surrounded by layers of restrictive spells, the air was filled with a faint scent of ink and aged spiritual paper.

At the entrance of the pavilion, two disciples guarding the pavilion sensed someone approaching. Upon opening their eyes and seeing Shen Ruyan, they stepped forward and respectfully bowed, saying, "Greetings, Senior Sister Shen. May I ask what brings you here today?"

"Bring Junior Brother Wang over to exchange for a low-rank Earth-level spell." Shen Ruyan's tone was calm, yet it carried an air of authority.

Wang Daqi did as instructed and took out the black Earth-rank token.

The two disciples guarding the pavilion exchanged a glance, their eyes revealing undisguised surprise.

They looked Wang Daqi up and down, and seeing that he was only wearing an ordinary outer disciple's robe, their hearts were filled with shock.

How could an outer disciple actually obtain an exchange token for an Earth-rank spell?!

This is extremely rare in the history of the sect.

However, given Shen Ruyan's identity and the authenticity of the token, they did not say much and stepped aside to make way: "Since you have a token, please come in. The Earth-rank spells are on the second floor. Please make your selection within the time it takes for an incense stick to burn."

Wang Daqi nodded, and with Shen Ruyan's encouraging gaze, he stepped into the library alone and climbed the wooden stairs leading to the second floor.

Compared to the bustling crowds on the first floor, the second floor was extremely deserted.

What's placed here aren't bookshelves, but rather rows of glowing spiritual energy shields, within which ancient jade slips float.

Wang Daqi did not immediately step forward to check the few sects recommended by Shen Ruyan. Instead, he took a deep breath and quietly circulated the wisp of mysterious purple energy within his body.

As the purple energy flowed into his eyes, his azure-blue golden pupils opened, and his vision instantly changed.

Those originally jewel-like jade slips of the Earth Rank suddenly appeared with different colors and rhythms in his eyes.

"Since it's 'Earth Rank,' I'll choose the most extraordinary one..."

He paced slowly, using his keen intuition about spiritual energy to search inch by inch.

"The 'Surging Waves Crashing Palm' technique is a powerful and boundless method that unleashes waves in succession."

"The Phantom Steps, once mastered, can create nine afterimages, making it difficult to find an opponent among those at the Earth Rank."

"The defensive 'Diamond Lapis Lazuli Body,' the extremely lethal 'Golden Splitting Finger,' and the wide-ranging 'Frosty Nine Provinces'..."

These are all renowned Earth-rank techniques!

Shen Ruyan had already introduced him to her on the way here.

"I already possess the Mystic Water Arrow, spiritual energy, and other spells, which allow me to attack from both close and long range, with boundless power!! The Surging Waves Palm technique is of little use to me."

"The stealth footwork is good, and the Vajra Lapis Lazuli Body is also good..."

"Frost Freezes the Nine Provinces is a group attack, not bad..."

He wanted all of these techniques.

So for a moment, Wang Daqi was itching to try it out and couldn't make up his mind.

"Fine, let's choose a technique that's more compatible with the purple aura."

He muttered to himself.

He had previously discovered that when he used magic instead of spiritual power, the magic was stronger and faster!

It's a complete transformation.

Unfortunately, after looking for a long time, he still couldn't see which one matched.

Finally, he decided to practice the Phantom Step.

He chose this technique because he couldn't fly on a sword, so this technique was a perfect substitute.

The downside is that it has to be low.

In addition, his speed and agility have been greatly improved.

When engaging in magical combat with others, it holds a significant advantage!

Most importantly, once the Phantom Step is mastered, one walks without making a sound!

This technique, besides its advantages in footwork, also has the effect of concealing one's presence!

This was a technique he carefully considered and chose after much deliberation.

At this point, the time was almost up.

He picked up the jade slip and went downstairs.

Before long, he and Shen Ruyan walked out of the library.

…………

…………

Along the way, Shen Ruyan walked gracefully while carefully reminding everyone of the precautions for the "Phantom Tracking Step".

"Great talent! Although this footwork is not good for long-distance raids in the high heavens, it is exceptionally agile in the low air, making it most suitable for a disciple like you who has not yet mastered the art of sword control. Moreover, its most valuable aspects are the words 'concealment' and 'illusion.' Once mastered, not only can one walk silently, but one can also form a faint spiritual energy field around oneself to conceal one's life force."

Clearly, Shen Ruyan was already very familiar with this technique.

Wang Daqi nodded slightly, taking all of Shen Ruyan's instructions to heart.

A short while later.

As they neared her cave dwelling, Shen Ruyan suddenly stopped, her beautiful eyes sparkling with a playful and teasing light as she looked at Wang Daqi: "Junior Brother Daqi, this Earth-rank technique is obscure and difficult to understand. If there's anything you don't understand, why don't we go to my cave dwelling, and I'll teach you in more detail and help you unravel the key points?"

Wang Daqi felt a sudden chill, and a cold sweat broke out on his back.

Good grief, going back to your cave again?!

He had been working himself to the bone for the past hour.

If I go again, I'm afraid I won't even have time to learn the newly acquired "Phantom Steps" before this ravenous senior sister drains me dry again!

Wang Daqi is no longer the young man who was blinded by beauty.

He knew all too well that although Senior Sister Shen's gentle embrace was intoxicating.

But strength is the foundation for him to survive in this world of cultivation.

"Senior sister, this... is not necessary."

Wang Daqi declined without hesitation, cupping his hands with an upright and dignified expression, saying, "The sect competition is imminent. I am grateful for Senior Sister's guidance and dare not delay for even a moment. I only want to go back to seclusion to study. I would never dare to waste Senior Sister's good intentions."

Seeing Wang Daqi run faster than a rabbit, a hint of resentment appeared on Shen Ruyan's pretty face. She snorted and said, "What an idiot. Others would kill for something like this, and you're complaining about it."

However, she also knew that too much of a good thing can be bad, so she called out from behind, "Alright, then you should rest well these few days. Remember to come find me in five days. We'll head to my Shen family home. My several equally beautiful and charming best friends will be there too, and I'll introduce them to you."

"Thank you, Senior Sister. I take my leave now!"

Upon hearing the words "best friend," Wang Daqi quickened his pace, practically fleeing from Shen Ruyan's sight.

…………

…………

When I got home, a wonderful aroma of food wafted towards me.

"Madam is the best." Wang Daqi's tense nerves relaxed instantly.

They saw that their Daoist partner, Xu Yan, had already prepared a sumptuous meal.

The meal consisted of three dishes and a soup, a perfect balance of meat and vegetables.

The most eye-catching dish was a plate of "Red Crystal Pork Chop" that exuded a rich, bloody aroma.

This Crimson Crystal Pig is a low-level spirit beast raised in captivity. Its meat contains pure blood essence, making it an excellent tonic for cultivators who are often overworked and suffer from blood and qi deficiency.

This is what Xu Yan just bought from the errand area.

It's said that the hunting team just returned, so they're selling the meat cheaply; there's plenty of it.

She bought quite a lot of things as well.

Anyway, now that we have storage bags, it's very convenient to store things.

Wang Daqi sat down and, while enjoying his meal, began to talk to Xu Yan about exchanging for Earth-rank techniques that day.

"What a pity, this jade slip can only be comprehended once, and after that it will turn into dust."

Wang Daqi looked at the jade slip in his arms with some regret.

"You're never satisfied."

Xu Yan gently ladled him a bowl of soup, covering her mouth with a smile, "How precious is this Earth-rank technique? In the black market, even the most ordinary fragments would probably sell for hundreds of spirit stones. To prevent the secret techniques from being leaked, the sect naturally sets up a one-time soul restriction. Daqi, you should cultivate diligently. Once you've mastered it, let's see who dares to bully our family then."

"Yes, definitely!!!"

After eating and drinking his fill, Wang Daqi couldn't wait to go inside and begin to study the "Phantom Tracking Steps".

He originally thought that with the omnipotent mysterious purple energy within his body, his cultivation would surely progress by leaps and bounds.

But as his consciousness sank into the jade slip, he realized he was wrong.

Purple aura can refine spiritual power, heal injuries, and even sense treasures.

However, it has little direct effect when facing the profound and complex incantations and footwork of Earth-rank techniques.

Because the cultivation of magical arts emphasizes "enlightenment"!

In other words, comprehension is very important!

That is an understanding of the rhythms of heaven and earth and the laws governing the flow of spiritual energy.

Even though Wang Daqi had decent talent, without any foundation in movement techniques, he was somewhat at a loss when faced with this obscure Earth-rank jade slip, which was as difficult to understand as a celestial book.

"Is this illusion... a fleeting image, or a mere illusion formed from condensed spiritual energy?"

Wang Daqi stepped out a strange position in the secret room, but due to the poor connection of spiritual energy, he stumbled and almost fell head over heels.