She attentively held out a stack of invitation cards and presented them to Chen Qing. "These are the invitations we’ve received recently. They’ve almost piled into a small mountain, so I’ve picked out the important ones for you to look over."

Chen Qing took them and casually flipped through the stack.

The signatures on the cards were a dazzling assortment, including many from the most prominent Noble Families in Yunlin Prefecture City. There were even some from several young ladies of the Liu Family.

Clearly, now that his fame had skyrocketed, these families were eager to build a connection with him—whether to show goodwill or for some ulterior motive.

Chen Qing’s expression remained placid. He closed the stack of invitations and said flatly, "Set them aside for now."

Afterward, he called Luo Xinyi over, gave her some simple instructions regarding miscellaneous Sect affairs, and then made his way to the Tingchao Armory.

The first floor of the Armory was as serene as ever, filled only with the rustling of pages and the soft footsteps of disciples.

He walked straight toward the Steward’s Platform in the corner. The same middle-aged Steward was on duty.

Upon seeing Chen Qing, the Steward immediately rose to his feet, his face holding an even more reverent expression than before.

Now that Chen Qing had defeated Xiao Bieli and his fame shook Yunlin, his status within the Sect was on a completely different level.

"Chief Chen, you’ve arrived." The Steward bowed.

Chen Qing gave a slight nod and presented his token. "I’ll have to trouble you, Steward. I wish to go to the Fourth Layer."

The Steward received the token with both hands to inspect it and said respectfully, "Please wait a moment, Chief. As per the rules, Elder Ma must still personally guide you."

With that, he immediately dispatched a disciple to deliver the message.

Before long, Elder Ma came striding down from the third floor, a warm smile on his face.

Elder Ma stroked his beard and laughed. "Chief Chen, that battle the other day truly spread the prestige of our Wutai Sect. I feel honored as well."

"You praise me too highly, Elder Ma. I am unworthy," Chen Qing replied with a humble bow.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Elder Ma said, "The Sect Leader has already given me the order. Chief Chen, you may enter the Fourth Layer again to select one Cultivation Technique Secret Art. The time limit is still one stick of incense. Please, follow me."

The two of them once again passed through rows of bookshelves and ascended the stairs to the upper floors.

The higher they went, the fewer people they saw.

Soon, they arrived at the Fourth Layer.

"Chief Chen, you must come out before the incense finishes burning." Elder Ma stepped aside to clear the passageway.

"Thank you, Elder Ma." Chen Qing nodded and stepped onto the Fourth Layer.

Unlike the sense of novelty from his first visit, this time his objective was clear.

His gaze swept rapidly across the Jade Platforms.

*Nine Heavens Thunder Shocking Finger*, *Profound Turtle Sea-Suppression Skill*, *Blood Transformation Divine Saber*... One Upper-Grade Martial Art after another appeared before him, but he didn’t stop for any of them.

His Body Technique had always been a relative weakness. Although he wasn’t slow, thanks to the formidable physique and explosive power granted by his Eight Extremes Vajra Body, he still fell short when compared to experts who specialized in Body Techniques.

’I must find a Superior Body Technique to make up for this deficiency!’

He moved quickly between the Jade Platforms, his eyes scanning the descriptions beside them.

*Ghost Shadow Step*: Mysterious and unpredictable. Specializes in concealment and stealth, with its power greatly increasing in dark environments...

*Chasing Stars and Catching the Moon*: Extremely high straight-line speed, but consumes a massive amount of True Qi. Suitable for long-distance sprints...

*Willow Catkins Following the Wind*: Light and agile movements. Specializes in borrowing and redirecting force, miraculously effective for dodging and maneuvering within a small area...

These Body Techniques each had their own merits, but none seemed to be a perfect fit for his needs.

He needed a Body Technique that could complement the steady, ferocious power of his Mountain Prison-Suppression Spear, while also offering flexibility and the ability to erupt with extreme speed at critical moments.

Time ticked by, second by second. The incense stick had already burned past the halfway mark.

Chen Qing’s gaze swept over an inconspicuous Jade Platform in the depths of the room.

The light of this Jade Platform was restrained, glowing a dim gold. A Parchment Scroll, as thin as a cicada’s wing, floated above it.

He walked over quickly and saw a few small words engraved in ancient seal script on the stone wall: *Startled Swan Escape Shadow Technique*.

He focused his gaze and saw a detailed annotation next to it:

"Transform the body into a startled swan, escaping as a traceless shadow. This technique is not a simple Qinggong, but a Superior Body Technique that incorporates the Evasion Form Profound Truth. It is divided into four realms: Startled Swan, Shadow Stealing, Void Escape, and Eternal."

At the end, there was another line written in small, cinnabar script: "This is a pinnacle Superior Body Technique. The strain on the Flesh Body and the consumption of True Qi are immense. Those without a formidable physique and abundant True Qi must not practice it lightly."

A brilliant light erupted in Chen Qing’s eyes!

’This is the one!’

’This *Startled Swan Escape Shadow Technique* is practically tailor-made for me!’

’Its explosive speed and the high demands it places on the Flesh Body are a perfect match for my Eight Extremes Vajra Body.’

Chen Qing turned and strode quickly toward the exit.

Elder Ma was already waiting outside. Seeing him emerge, he asked with a smile, "It seems you’ve had a fruitful visit this time, Chief Chen. I wonder which technique you chose?"

"*Startled Swan Escape Shadow Technique*," Chen Qing answered calmly.

Hearing this, a flash of surprise crossed Elder Ma’s eyes. "An excellent eye, Chief Chen! That technique’s power is unparalleled, its secrets profound. The Void Escape ability, in particular, is incredible. However, its requirements for the Cultivator are extremely harsh. No one in the Sect has successfully mastered it for several decades. With your abilities, Chief, you might just be able to give it a try!"

The *Startled Swan Escape Shadow Technique* was indeed incredible, but its demanding physical requirements made it a perfect match for Chen Qing.

"Thank you for your auspicious words, Elder Ma. I will certainly do my best." Chen Qing cupped his fists.

After leaving the Tingchao Armory, Chen Qing started walking toward his small courtyard.

He was pondering the mysteries of his newly acquired Body Technique when a light laugh sounded from up ahead.

"Junior Brother Chen, you’re quite the busy man these days. It’s not easy to get a chance to see you."

Chen Qing looked up to see Nie Shanshan leaning against a corridor pillar, watching him with a gentle smile.

She had changed out of her competition Martial Attire and was wearing a set of casual, aqua-blue robes, which softened her usual cool aloofness and gave her a gentler air.

"You’re joking, Senior Sister Nie."

Chen Qing stopped and said, "I merely went to the Armory to find a cultivation technique. How could I be considered busy?"

"Not busy?"

Nie Shanshan took a few steps closer, the teasing look in her eyes deepening. "You’re the most sought-after person in the Sect right now, with who knows how many pairs of eyes watching you. When I came over just now, I saw that the threshold to Elder Sang’s door is about to be worn down from all the visitors. He’s completely swamped."

Hearing this, Chen Qing looked a little puzzled. "Oh? What does that have to do with me?"

Nie Shanshan chuckled. "What else could it be for? It’s because of you, of course."

She paused before explaining, "Quite a few of the most prominent families in Yunlin Prefecture have sent people. They’re all asking Elder Sang, both openly and discreetly, but their words all point to one thing: they want to form a marriage alliance with you to build a relationship. I heard the gift lists are piled sky-high."

"But Elder Sang has refused them all."

After hearing this, Chen Qing’s expression remained calm. He simply nodded. "I see."

’He had always kept such social obligations at a respectful distance, knowing full well the complications they entailed. Elder Sang rejecting them on his behalf was exactly what he wanted.’

Seeing his placid reaction, Nie Shanshan smiled. "I heard... even someone from the Liu Family came, and they were talking about the daughter of their main family line. Although the Liu Family is a merchant Noble Family, their roots in Yunlin Prefecture run deep. I’ve never met that Miss Liu, but rumor has it her looks and figure are top-notch, and she has a gentle temperament."

"So? Are you tempted, Junior Brother Chen? If you’re interested, maybe I can help you sound out Elder Sang?"

She watched Chen Qing without blinking as she said this.

Chen Qing couldn’t help but laugh and shake his head. "Senior Sister Nie, please don’t tease me. My heart is currently set on Martial Arts, and I only wish to advance further on that path. I have neither the time nor the inclination to consider such worldly affairs. I appreciate the Liu Family’s kind intentions, though."

His answer was clear and without a hint of hesitation.

’How could I possibly!?’

’If the Liu Family knew I had the Azure Wave Profound Flood Dragon Armor, they’d hunt me to the ends of the earth.’

Nie Shanshan didn’t seem surprised by this answer, but her curiosity was piqued. She blurted out, "Oh? Then... Junior Brother Chen, what kind of woman do you like?"

The question was a bit forward, and after asking it, Nie Shanshan herself felt she had misspoken. Her cheeks grew slightly warm.

Chen Qing was taken aback by her blunt question and was momentarily at a loss for words.

His thoughts were mostly immersed in surviving through his Martial Arts and increasing his strength; he had never really given much thought to romantic matters. He subconsciously retorted, "Why does Senior Sister Nie suddenly ask about this?"

Nie Shanshan blinked, then said, "No reason. I was just asking. I’m curious!"

For a moment, a slightly awkward silence fell between them.

Nie Shanshan seemed to feel it wasn’t appropriate to press the topic. She raised a hand to smooth down a non-existent stray hair at her temple, her tone returning to its usual frankness. "Alright, I won’t delay your Cultivation any longer. I should be heading back, too."

She turned as if to leave, but after taking two steps, she stopped. "Oh, right. Junior Brother Chen, thank you."

Without waiting for Chen Qing’s reply, she quickened her pace, and her figure soon disappeared.

Chen Qing stood where he was, watching the direction she had gone, a look of genuine confusion on his face.

’Thank him?’

’Thank him for what?’

’Was she thanking him for not fighting her for that drop of Earth Core Milk the other day, allowing her to prepare for her match with all her strength?’

’Or was she thanking him for defeating Xiao Bieli today, saving face for the Wutai Sect and perhaps indirectly avenging her in some way?’

He really couldn’t figure it out, so he just shook his head and cast these pointless thoughts to the back of his mind.

’A woman’s thoughts were sometimes harder to fathom than a profound Martial Arts Secret Manual.’

For him, the most important thing right now was the new Body Technique he had just acquired. 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

Chen Qing returned to his small courtyard and took out the imprinted copy of the *Startled Swan Escape Shadow Technique*. A golden light then flashed in his mind.

[Heaven Rewards Diligence]

[*Startled Swan Escape Shadow Technique* entry-level (1/1000)]

...