Starfall Nine Heavens

Lu Xiuyuan's gaze fell calmly on Lin Fan, as if he were examining a rough, unpolished gem. "When a cultivation technique is compatible with the cultivator's spiritual energy attributes, temperament, physique, and even the origin of their soul, it can achieve twice the result with half the effort, and the foundation will be most solid. Conversely, if the attributes clash, even if the technique is of a high grade, it will be twice the result with half the effort, and may even damage the cultivator."

Lin Fan listened attentively. This was no longer simply a matter of good or bad, but a more fundamental understanding of cultivation.

"You were able to activate the Origin Star Stone and resonate with it. Although the Star Stone is a sacred object that our pavilion has preserved for thousands of years, the pavilion's records do not fully explain its true nature, but we know that it must be closely related to the stars. The fact that you can activate it at least shows that your spiritual power contains factors that can communicate with the power of the stars."

A glint of insight flashed in Lu Xiuyuan's eyes as he continued, "Just now in the secret chamber, I could vaguely sense that the nascent spiritual energy surrounding you was different from the murky or singular attribute of ordinary awakened beings. It was very restrained, yet carried a trace of... an extremely faint but pure lingering starlight. This quality has never appeared in the records of any of the existing members of my Dust Fate Pavilion. This is not something acquired later in life; it seems more like something you inherently possessed."

Upon hearing this, Lin Fan immediately recalled the feeling of being enveloped in starlight in the secret chamber, as if he had merged with the starry sky. Lu Xiuyuan noticed his thoughtful and absent-minded expression and knew what he was referring to. Without delving into the details of the resonance, he simply took a jade slip from the bookshelf based on his observations.

"It's precisely because I've noticed your unique qualities," Lu Xiuyuan said confidently, handing the jade slip to Lin Fan, "that I feel this 'Star Condensation Technique' is quite compatible with your attributes. Although it's not a domineering and powerful technique, its path of harmonizing stellar power, nurturing spiritual consciousness, and stabilizing the foundation of one's cultivation requires the kind of spiritual power you possess, which contains inner starlight, to drive and resonate with. With this as a foundation, your cultivation path will start more smoothly, and your foundation will be more solid."

"This is also a very precious intermediate-level Xuan-grade cultivation technique," Lu Xiuyuan emphasized. "Don't be fooled by the unassuming name; it's a proper method for condensing the true essence of stars and tempering spiritual consciousness, with high growth potential. If you cultivate this, your future will be bright."

Lin Fan took the jade slip, but his heart was in turmoil.

"Condensing Star Technique"... Mid-level Profound Rank. Uncle Lu said it's an extremely precious cultivation technique with high potential for growth.

What about the scroll I have here?

He glanced subconsciously at the dark gold scroll in his arms. It was given to him by Star Stone; Uncle Lu said it might be even higher than a Xuan-grade technique… If it were also a cultivation method, could I directly cultivate it?

The moment the thought popped into my head, I couldn't suppress it anymore.

Lu Xiuyuan looked at him and suddenly smiled slightly, as if he had expected it.

"I know what you're thinking." His tone was calm, without reproach, merely stating the facts. "That scroll in your possession was bestowed by a star stone; its origins are extraordinary. You're wondering, since there's something better, why cultivate the 'Star Condensation Technique'?"

Lin Fan opened his mouth, but did not deny it.

"I won't lie to you." Lu Xiuyuan's expression turned serious. "The scroll contains profound spiritual energy and has a far-reaching atmosphere. If it is truly a cultivation technique, its grade is probably far above that of the 'Condensing Star Technique'."

At this point, Lu Xiuyuan's eyes became deep, and his voice lowered so that only Lin Fan could hear it.

"Lin Fan, you must remember this ironclad rule: you can only focus on one cultivation technique. Different techniques have different pathways for the circulation of spiritual energy and different tendencies in refining spiritual energy. If you try to cultivate multiple techniques at the same time, at best you'll experience spiritual energy conflicts and slow progress, at worst you'll have your meridians disordered and your foundation completely destroyed. This is no joke."

He changed the subject, his gaze sweeping over the dark gold scroll, his tone carrying a guiding and protective tone: "If you have the opportunity in the future to open that scroll in your own way and find that the cultivation method recorded inside is indeed suitable for you, then of course you can choose it as your foundation. After all, there must be a reason why the star stone gave it to you."

Lu Xiuyuan's gaze was piercing as he looked directly at Lin Fan: "Then you'll have to think it through: will you cultivate this, or the 'Star Condensation Technique'? You can only choose one as your main cultivation. If you choose this, you'll have to completely abandon the 'Star Condensation Technique'."

His expression turned serious: "But you must remember, like martial arts techniques, the higher the grade of a cultivation method, the more profound and difficult it is to practice. Not to mention a high-grade but incomplete cultivation method, it's like a mountain path that's half-broken; going forward will definitely be fraught with danger, and you're likely to get lost or even fall. Once you feel your spiritual energy stagnation, your mind become uneasy, or your progress stagnates for a long time without any clue, you must immediately and decisively give up and completely switch to the 'Star Condensation Technique.' At that time, this cultivation method will be your best and safest retreat and the foundation for your continued progress. Remember, cultivation is a long-term endeavor; knowing when to advance and when to retreat is far more important than blindly persisting."

Finally, Lu Xiuyuan lowered his voice even further, but every word was clear and distinct, filled with trust and entrustment: "More importantly, if it really comes to that, you can tell others that you've been practicing this 'Star Condensation Technique.' It can perfectly explain the various characteristics that your spiritual power might exhibit, saving you some trouble."

He patted Lin Fan on the shoulder, entrusting him with both wisdom and freedom: "Remember, Lin Fan. This is a secret that belongs only to you, and a path that belongs only to you. How you practice, when you practice, is up to you. You don't need to report any details to me, and I won't ask. Between Watchers, we respect each other's opportunities."

Lin Fan nodded heavily: "I understand, Uncle Lu."

"Here, we will provide each core member with the best and most suitable foundational techniques. As for offensive and defensive skills, that is, martial arts techniques," Lu Xiuyuan continued, "the approach is different. Martial arts techniques are valued for their quality, not quantity. Mastering one technique is far better than knowing only the basics of ten."

As Lin Fan listened, a general outline gradually formed in his mind.

He paused, looking at Lin Fan with gentle eyes: "Once you officially enter the Meridian Opening Realm and your cultivation level stabilizes, you can come to me, or I can have your Uncle Shi Yue take you back to the Scripture Pavilion to choose the first martial art that best suits your current state as the beginning of your cultivation."

He paused, his words carrying a sense of passing on knowledge: "From now on, every time you advance to a higher realm, you will be qualified to come here again and choose a martial art that best suits your new realm. This will ensure that you always have the motivation to move forward and a clear goal, and it will also force you to thoroughly study what you have learned at each stage, making it your own and truly mastering it."

Lu Xiuyuan continued, "Of course, rules are rigid, but people are flexible. On the path of cultivation, one will inevitably encounter bottlenecks or shortcomings, and there may also be special opportunities. Everyone's talent, progress, and suitable path are different, so we can't make a one-size-fits-all approach. Whether you can learn new martial arts techniques in the future depends on your cultivation progress, your temperament, and what you have done for the pavilion."

His tone was gentle yet earnest: "The Watchers are a whole, supporting each other and protecting one another. If you only know how to take and never contribute to the Watch, then no matter how talented you are, you don't deserve more. Conversely, as long as you sincerely do things for the Watch, everyone will see it. In the end, you will receive everything you are entitled to."

Lin Fan kept these words firmly in mind. The absence of rigid terms actually made him feel more at ease. This wasn't a transaction; it was mutual agreement.

"I understand, Uncle Lu," Lin Fan replied respectfully.