15: Improve your strength and wait for the wind to rise

Time flew by, and only three days remained until the Sect Tournament.

The entire Qingyun Sect Outer Sect was filled with a tense atmosphere, like a storm brewing.

In the air, one could almost smell the gunpowder mixed with sweat, Medicinal Pills, and Battle Intent.

Disciples hurried about, their young faces filled with solemnity and anticipation.

Only Lin Gou's small courtyard remained as still as stagnant water.

He stayed secluded daily, completely isolating himself from the outside world's clamor.

Inside the small house, Lin Gou sat cross-legged.

Around him, a faint vortex of Spiritual Qi circulated, rhythmically rising and falling with his long and steady breaths.

It had to be said, the Medicinal Pills left behind by those unlucky individuals in Blackwind Valley were of quite good quality.

Their medicinal power was pure and their after-effects potent.

Coupled with the foundation laid by the several Body Strengthening Pills rewarded by the System, his Cultivation now was incredibly efficient.

With each cycle, the Spiritual Qi in his Dantian grew stronger, and his Meridians became tougher.

This feeling of becoming stronger was clear and tangible.

"Hoo..."

After a long while, Lin Gou slowly exhaled a mouthful of turbid Qi, the white mist shooting out half a foot before slowly dissipating.

He opened his eyes.

A sharp glint flashed in his eyes, then instantly receded, restoring his usual harmless and gentle demeanor.

He inspected himself internally.

The Spiritual Qi in his Dantian was abundant, having already reached the Late Stage of Qi Refining Level Five!

It had advanced significantly compared to a few days ago.

Lin Gou even felt confident that if he were to face the Centennial Corpse Fiend from Blackwind Valley again, even without using the System's revival, he would be able to contend with it purely based on his hard strength, and even find an opportunity to counter-kill it.

Of course, the prerequisite was that the thing didn't suddenly go berserk.

Play it safe, play it safe.

With a thought, Lin Gou skillfully brought up his System panel, just like checking game character attributes in his previous life.

[Host: Lin Gou]

[Cultivation: Qi Refining Level Five (Late Stage)]

[Cultivation Technique: "Qingyun Art" (Third Level), "Aura Concealment Technique" (Major Achievement), "Swift Wind Steps" (Proficient), "Corpse Refinement Insights" (Beginner)]

[Special Ability: Infinite Revival, Death Rewards]

[Revival Anchor Point: Qingyun Sect Back Mountain Abandoned Cave (Reinforced)]

[Items: Great Strength Pill x1, Heaven Rank Cultivation Technique Fragment (Unidentified), Jade Dew Pill x3, Formation Knowledge Fragments (several)...]

[Gou Dao Points: 35]

Not bad, not bad.

The Aura Concealment Technique had reached Major Achievement; as long as he didn't actively reveal himself, even a Foundation Establishment Stage Elder wouldn't be able to discern his depth without close-up scrutiny.

The Swift Wind Steps was also proficient, making his escape speed top-notch.

These two were his core techniques for self-preservation and "efficiently seeking death" in the future.

"Qi Refining Level Five Late Stage, among Outer Sect Disciples, should be considered among the top tier."

Lin Gou stroked his chin, a calculating glint in his eyes.

To astonish everyone in the Sect Tournament?

No, that was too foolish and didn't align with the core values of the Gou Dao.

His goal was very clear: steadily enter the top ten and secure a spot as an Inner Sect Disciple.

Of course, this was just the main quest.

The true hidden quest was to scout out a few "quality" opponents on the arena and then "accidentally" farm some rewards.

This was the main event of his trip!

Faces of Outer Sect Disciples already began to appear in Lin Gou's mind.

"That Outer Sect's number one, it's said he has a powerful Body Refining skill, his fists can split stone tablets. If he kills me, will I be rewarded with a Body Refining Cultivation Technique?"

"And that Senior Sister who specializes in Poison Sand Palm, she looks sinister. If I could 'unluckily' get hit, and get a poison resistance or an antidote pill, that would be a huge profit!"

"Oh right, there's also that guy who always carries a tattered banner, he's always mumbling, and I heard he can harm one's Divine Soul... I need to be careful with him, but if it rewards a Divine Soul treasure, the risk is worth taking!"

Plan complete!

Night fell once more.

The night before the Sect Tournament, the Outer Sect area was brightly lit and even noisier than usual.

Near the training grounds, people gathered, Disciples in groups of three or five, their faces a mix of tension and excitement.

Lin Gou's small house, however, had long since extinguished its lights.

He lay on the hard wooden plank bed, hands clasped behind his head, his gaze casually observing the hazy moon outside through the window's crack.

His heart, however, was not as calm as it appeared on the surface.

His brain was working rapidly, like a precise computer, repeatedly simulating various scenarios for tomorrow's Sect Tournament.

How to maximize benefits without revealing his trump cards.

How to "die" just right, "die" valuably, and "die" without revealing any flaws.

This was an art.

Suddenly, a clear and refined figure flashed through his mind.

Zhao Linger.

That Inner Sect Fairy who, in Blackwind Valley, had gazed at him with those clear yet somewhat inquisitive eyes.

She seemed to have developed a tiny bit of suspicion about his incredible "recovery ability."

He wondered if she would also come to watch this Sect Tournament.

If she were to personally witness him being knocked off the arena, dying, and then appearing lively and well in the cafeteria... that scene would certainly be interesting.

Thinking of this, Lin Gou's lips involuntarily curved into a slight smile, forming an arc that others couldn't understand.

Who cared about her.

Anyway, he had the System as a safety net; as long as his anchor point was secure, he was invincible.

He turned over, temporarily casting aside these distracting thoughts.

Why think so much.

Tomorrow, just follow the script.

He was ready.

This Sect Tournament was destined to become another abundant "buffet" on his path of Cultivation!

Outside the window, the moonlight flowed like water, quietly.

Beneath the seemingly calm night, a Dragon-and-tiger battle was quietly brewing.

And Lin Gou, this Transmigrator carrying an astonishing secret, had already sharpened his scythe, ready to welcome his "harvesting moment."