Chapter 7: Martial Skill Pavilion

Words : 1742 Updated : Feb 21st, 2024

"I'll pay 100,000 copper coins!" "I'll pay 110,000 copper coins!" "I'll pay 120,000 copper coins!" ... "I'll pay 250,000 copper coins!" The disciples were fiercely bidding, especially those with fourth-grade bloodline talent who seemed most desperate to secure the prize. The competition was intense. Dwight wished he could join in on the bidding, but having spent all his money on the Fire Spirit Sword, he reluctantly gave up on the auction. In the end, Noah's Meridian Opening Pill was sold to a disciple with a fourth-grade bloodline for an impressive 300,000 copper coins. Noah received thirty banknotes worth 10,000 copper coins each. Pleased with the outcome, he prepared to leave the bustling square of the Martial Hall. "Noah!" Elder Giles's voice rang out, calling him back. With a flick of his wrist, the elder tossed a token toward Noah. "Since you successfully opened your meridians, take this token. It grants you access to choose a high-grade human-tier martial technique from the Martial Arts Pavilion!" "Thank you, Elder!" Noah responded, bowing respectfully. With the token in hand, he left the square under the envious gazes of many disciples, making his way toward the distant Martial Arts Pavilion. The disciples watching Noah's departing figure felt a pang of unease. Despite having what everyone considered a trash-grade bloodline, Noah had become the first to break through as an entry disciple and successfully open his meridians to become a martial artist. Those with fourth and even fifth-grade bloodlines were now being surpassed by someone they had once dismissed as talentless. As he walked, Noah muttered to himself, "The 'Fundamentals of Martial Arts' says that there are seven meridians hidden in the human body. The more meridians you open, the stronger you become." "Now that I've opened my first meridian, I can open the others through physical training techniques. I'd better go choose a martial technique first!" After about a quarter of an hour, Noah crossed the large square and arrived at a three-story building—the Martial Arts Pavilion. This particular pavilion was meant for entry-level disciples, and its most valuable techniques were high-grade human-tier martial arts. To learn higher-level techniques, one would have to reach the outer sect's Martial Arts Pavilion. Noah stepped inside and was met with rows upon rows of bookshelves, each filled with martial arts manuals. He couldn't help but marvel at the vast collection. The manuals were categorized into three sections, each clearly labeled: low-grade, middle-grade, and high-grade human-tier martial techniques. Just as he was about to head toward the high-grade section, the Elder overseeing the pavilion reminded him, "Ordinary entry disciples can only borrow one low or middle-grade human-tier martial technique per month, and they can keep it for a month. Borrowing a high-grade human-tier technique requires contribution points." Noah stepped forward and held out his token. "Elder, I've already opened my meridians!" The Elder's eyes narrowed in surprise as he saw the token. Looking at Noah with newfound respect, he said, "In that case, you may borrow one high-grade human-tier martial technique for a period of six months." "Thank you, Elder!" Noah made his way to the high-grade section, and as he leafed through one manual after another, he found himself overwhelmed. "Sudden Rain Palm, Thunderbolt Fist, Sky Piercing Finger..." Each technique seemed extraordinary. The Sudden Rain Palm involved unleashing a barrage of palm strikes, like raindrops forming a storm. The Thunderbolt Fist would produce a thunderous roar with every punch, delivering five consecutive strikes, each turning into an unstoppable thunderbolt. And the Sky Piercing Finger was about gathering energy into the finger, transforming it into a sharp blade capable of piercing the heavens. Noah could understand the words on the page, but putting them into practice felt like a daunting task. How was he supposed to train in such techniques? Noah couldn't help but think back to some reincarnation novels he'd read in his past life, where protagonists would instantly master divine-level skills as soon as they transmigrated. “What nonsense!” he thought. “Novels are full of lies!” Ultimately, Noah decided to give up on training in high-grade martial techniques. With his so-called trash-grade bloodline, trying to master one would be an enormous challenge—and even if he succeeded, the effort likely wouldn't be worth it. With that in mind, he wandered over to the low-grade section and picked up one of the manuals. "Fierce Tiger Fist!" This manual was different—it contained detailed illustrations that clearly depicted the postures required for each move, all accompanied by thorough descriptions. This kind of martial arts manual was far more suitable for Noah's training needs. Noah was also of the mind that even the simplest martial techniques could become powerful through persistent practice. With enough dedication, even a basic technique could be elevated to great heights. Putting the book back, Noah approached the Elder once more. "Elder, if I don't choose a high-grade human-tier martial technique, can I select more low-grade ones instead?" he asked. The Elder blinked in surprise. "What did you say?" Everyone knew that high-grade martial techniques were far superior to low-grade ones. A martial artist trained in high-grade techniques could easily defeat someone trained in lower-tier techniques. Outer disciples would complete mission after mission, all for the chance to trade their contribution points for high-grade manuals. And here was Noah, giving up the opportunity to select one? "Are you sure you don't want a high-grade technique?" the Elder asked again, just to be certain. "I'm sure," Noah replied with a firm nod. The Elder considered this for a moment and then said, "Very well. In that case, you may borrow three low-grade human-tier martial techniques for a period of six months." Noah returned to the low-grade section and carefully browsed through the manuals, selecting three techniques that suited his needs. The first was an offensive technique, "Fierce Tiger Fist." The second, a defensive technique, "Eight Diagrams Palm." And the third, a movement technique, "Spiritual Cat Step." With the three manuals in hand, Noah returned to the Elder for registration. As the Elder read Noah's name, his eyes widened in recognition. "You're Noah? The disciple with the trash-grade bloodline?" Noah's name had already spread like wildfire among the sect's elders—not because of his bloodline, but because Saintess Sandra had accepted a disciple with a trash-grade bloodline just a day before. Every elder in the Clyde Sect had heard of Noah by now. "That's me," Noah admitted a bit sheepishly. The Elder frowned. "Noah, where did you get this token?" With a trash-grade bloodline, opening one's meridians was said to be impossible, no matter how many Meridian Opening Pills were consumed. "Well," Noah began, "Elder Giles said that I received the blessing of an immortal, which allowed me to open my meridians. If you don't believe me, you're welcome to check." Half in disbelief, the Elder placed a hand on Noah's abdomen, and immediately felt the distinct fluctuations of spiritual energy. "Well, I'll be damned! You've actually opened your meridians!" A flash of astonishment crossed the Elder's eyes. "So that's why you want to trade in a high-grade martial technique for low-grade ones," he muttered, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "Very well. You may borrow these three manuals for six months, but remember, you're not allowed to lend them to anyone else. If you do, you'll have to face the consequences." A disciple with a trash-grade bloodline opening his meridians was already a rare miracle. To master martial techniques on top of that, well, it would be a challenge indeed. Even given half a year, or perhaps even longer, it was far from certain that Noah could do it. But the Elder couldn't help but feel a spark of curiosity—if given enough time, could this so-called "trash-grade" disciple master a martial technique?

Chapter 7: Martial Skill Pavilion

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