I was told I'd be a late bloomer, but I was born with the potential to achieve great things!

This training lasted for about ten days.

In the courtyard, Zhou An was practicing the Qingfeng Sword Technique.

He is making rapid progress, improving at a visible rate every day.

【Qingfeng Sword Technique (Sword Qi Realm Minor Completion 15/1000): Practice 100 times daily, can be mastered in five years】

Now, Zhou An's sword energy, combined with his hidden strength, can reach a distance of three feet from the sword.

The chilling sword energy could easily leave sharp sword marks on the earthen wall, and cutting through bricks and stones was a piece of cake.

As for the Bloodbath Eight Directions sword technique, he had already mastered the sword energy several days ago and was almost at the minor completion level.

"I'm progressing too fast. I need to master the Iron Pole Technique of the Skin Polishing Realm as soon as possible."

Looking at the long sword in his hand, Zhou An sighed inwardly.

Although he had mastered the internal energy, he lacked the corresponding techniques, which resulted in a very slow process of refining his skin membrane.

"Have Wang Yi and Sun Wenhao not yet mastered Blood Refinement? They've been calling for it for ten days now, and even with new recruits arriving, there's been no response at all?"

Zhou An was very disappointed.

The young man from the Wang family who proclaimed "thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river" did not have the bearing of an emperor, and Sun Wenhao was not a twin star standing shoulder to shoulder with him.

This left Zhou An feeling both helpless and anxious.

He truly realized the importance of resources, especially for someone like him who had no money or power but was exceptionally talented.

They were clearly capable of flying, but due to limitations in their cultivation techniques and resources, they could only grind it up little by little, like grinding tofu.

"Brother Zhou, we both practice the Qingfeng Sword Technique, so why do I feel that your swordsmanship has a slightly more unusual charm than mine?"

Seeing Zhou An sheath his sword and stand there, Liu Shuqing, who had come to learn from him, asked with a puzzled look.

His swordsmanship had already reached a certain level of proficiency, but for some reason, he felt that Zhou An's swordsmanship had an inexplicable smoothness compared to his own, with no trace of deliberate crafting in each move.

"Sword techniques are static, but people are dynamic. Even the same sword technique can vary depending on the user, just like the Tongbei Changquan (a style of swordsmanship)."

Zhou An took a deep breath, calming his agitated emotions, and then spoke.

"I thought you already understood, Brother Liu, but I didn't expect you to be a step behind me. It seems I will master the sword technique before you do."

"If you're slow on one step, you'll be slow on every step; I won't give you a chance."

Upon hearing this, Liu Shuqing refused to back down.

These days, the two of them would set aside some time each day to exchange tips on boxing and swordsmanship, and he could clearly feel his own progress.

"Really? Then you'd better keep it up."

Zhou An's gaze was deep and unfathomable.

"Um?"

Liu Shuqing's brow twitched. He sensed that Zhou An's tone was a bit off, but before he could think about it further, he heard Zhou An ask again.

"By the way, how long until your Qi and blood flow throughout your body? Do you know the situation of Wang Yi and Sun Wenhao?"

"I'm still a little short, but those two should be close."

At this point, Liu Shuqing seemed to have thought of something, but there was some uncertainty in her words.

……

The next day.

A small square outside the detached house.

"Instructor Guo, my qi and blood are now flowing smoothly throughout my body. I wonder if I am now ready to cultivate the techniques for the Skin-Refining Realm?"

After Guo Tao finished testing everyone's knife and sword skills, Wang Yi stood tall and proud, his eyes filled with pride and smugness.

"Coach Guo, my blood and energy have also flowed through my entire body."

Seeing Wang Yi glance at him, Sun Wenhao stepped forward, not wanting to be outdone, with a clear intention to retaliate.

"Um?"

Guo Tao's eyes lit up, and he was about to say something when he suddenly saw Zhou An also silently take a step forward.

"Zhou An, you..."

"I agree with Coach Guo."

Before Guo Tao could finish speaking, Zhou An interrupted him.

Wang Yi has already taken the initiative to request the techniques for the Skin Polishing Realm, so there's no reason for him to keep holding back.

"Um?"

Everyone was shocked by these words.

"Brother Zhou, it's you?"

Liu Shuqing was completely taken aback, staring at Zhou An in astonishment, only to see the latter looking back at her with a deep, unsettling gaze.

uncomfortable.

It's so painful.

Looking into those familiar eyes, Liu Shuqing thought about their conversation yesterday, and felt as if she had been struck by lightning.

We agreed to improve together, but the other party took a shortcut and overtook us.

You'll get used to it.

Zhou An stepped back, patted Liu Shuqing on the shoulder, and showed him Old Liu's notes. Later, when they cultivated together, he would give him pointers from time to time, both openly and secretly.

Unfortunately, Lao Liu's comprehension was ultimately a tiny bit lacking compared to his.

Zhou An couldn't possibly give up the readily available cultivation technique just to appease his friend's feelings.

"Don't worry, I'll teach you once I've learned it."

Liu Shuqing understood Zhou An's gaze, but felt a pang of sadness in her heart.

A moment later, under Guo Tao's watchful gaze, three clear and powerful sounds rang out in the square.

"Good, you guys are very good."

Seeing that all three of them were able to unleash their full power, Guo Tao's smile grew even wider.

"Instructor Guo, does that mean we can start practicing the skin-smoothing technique?"

"With Qi and blood flowing smoothly throughout the body and mastery of Ming Jin (manifested strength), one is indeed qualified to begin cultivating the techniques of the next realm..."

Upon hearing this, Zhou An was overjoyed, but soon he noticed that Guo Tao's tone changed.

"However, the cultivation technique for the Skin Polishing Realm is worth at least one hundred taels of silver, while the contract you signed with the Seven Mysteries Sect is merely that of an ordinary disciple."

Obtaining the cultivation technique directly is not as simple as before.

really.

The more valuable the skill, the harder it is to obtain.

One hundred taels.

Although he had already guessed this outcome, Zhou An couldn't help but sigh inexplicably.

money.

Ultimately, it all comes down to making money, or perhaps it's about becoming deeply integrated with the Seven Mysteries Sect.

"Then what do we need to do to obtain the cultivation techniques for the next level?"

Wang Yi quickly asked, his voice tinged with urgency.

"Don't worry, this time our Seven Mysteries Sect has opened its gates wide, and some of the sect's rules are much more flexible than before."

"A very important person is coming soon, which will be an opportunity for you."

Before the three could ask any questions, Guo Tao continued.

"This important figure is surnamed Huang. He is an elder of our Seven Mysteries Sect who is in charge of the Medicine Pavilion. He will be going to Yunxia Mountain to collect herbs in about three days."

You can all go together to accompany him. If you can gain the favor of this elder, not only will you get the Skin Polishing Realm cultivation technique, but you might even have the chance to be accepted as his disciple.

"What if we aren't valued?"

Is it dangerous to go to Yunxia Mountain to collect medicinal herbs?

Looking at Sun Wenhao, who spoke at the same time as him, the two exchanged a glance in mid-air before Zhou An spoke again.

"Moreover, we are not proficient in herbs, so it will be difficult for us to gain the attention of Elder Huang."

Gathering medicinal herbs.

Zhou An didn't know if Wang Yi and Sun Wenhao were aware of this, but he learned from Steward Liu that this matter was the riskiest of the three missions.

Without absolute certainty, Zhou An was unwilling to lie down in a muddle without fully understanding the situation.

Upon hearing their questions, Wang Yi, who had been eager for the rewards of the cultivation technique, snapped out of his daze and became more serious.

"Your main task is to accompany them and prevent wild animals from disturbing them. The gathering of herbs will be handled by specialized herb gatherers."

Guo Tao was not annoyed by their questions, but patiently explained.

"This is also a test of your spiritual practice. As for safety..."

Not to mention that Elder Huang's cultivation level is already above mine, there are also senior disciples of my Seven Mysteries Sect at Yunxia Mountain.

As long as you don't act rashly, there shouldn't be any security issues.

"I'd like to inform Coach Guo that I'm wondering if I may go."

At this moment, Qian Youde suddenly spoke up.

Danger?

In his view, this was a rare opportunity.

"Sure, but your swordsmanship is only at the beginner level. You'll only be able to help carry odds and ends once you get there."

After a moment of contemplation, Guo Tao spoke.

"Thank you, Coach Guo."

Upon hearing that he could go, Qian Youde was overjoyed and said with a grateful expression.

"If even a weakling like Qian Youde can go, it seems this mission shouldn't be too dangerous."

Seeing this, Zhou An couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.

……