8: Upon returning from the mission, he was favored by the elders.

The Outer Sect of Tianling Academy was quiet at Hai Shi, with only the Elder Hall's windows still emitting a faint yellow candlelight. Lu Chen and the other three stood inside the hall, reporting in detail their encounter with Blood Shadow Sect Evil Cultivators in Black Wind Valley. Elder Li Ping sat in the main seat, his fingers gently tapping the table, his expression solemn.

"The Blood Shadow Sect actually dared to infiltrate our Tianling Academy territory and even attempted to seize Spiritual Plants. Their intentions are punishable by death!" Li Ping's voice carried a hint of authority as his gaze swept over everyone, finally resting on Lu Chen. "Lu Chen, you, with your Qi Refining Second Layer cultivation, repelled a Qi Refining Level Three Evil Cultivator and even obtained a remnant of the Blood Shadow Breaking Method and a token. Your contribution this time is the greatest."

Lu Chen cupped his hands and said, "Elder, you flatter me. This Disciple was merely lucky, largely thanks to the assistance of my fellow Disciples and the advantage of my Cultivation Technique." He did not take credit arrogantly, maintaining humility in his words.

A hint of appreciation flashed in Li Ping's eyes. He nodded and said, "Not only is your strength remarkable, but your Heart-Nature is also rare. According to Sect rules, completing the first mission only grants a basic reward, but you exposed the Evil Cultivator's plot and rendered meritorious service to the Sect. This old man will make an exception and grant you one Opportunity to enter the middle layer of the Scripture Pavilion to select a Cultivation Technique."

As soon as these words were spoken, Wang Hao's and Zhao Kai's faces were filled with envy, and even Lin Xiaoya on the side showed a look of surprise. The Cultivation Techniques in the middle layer of the Scripture Pavilion were far superior to those in the outer area, mostly basic methods for Qi Refinement Stage Peak and even Foundation Establishment Stage. They were crucial for improving strength and were an Opportunity many Outer Sect Disciples dreamed of.

"Thank you for your Elder's kindness!" Lu Chen was overjoyed and quickly expressed his gratitude. He knew this was an excellent Opportunity to improve his strength, and the middle layer of the Scripture Pavilion would surely contain even more powerful Cultivation Techniques to compensate for his shortcomings.

Li Ping waved his hand and took out a silver token, handing it to Lu Chen. "This is a middle layer pass, valid for three days. Remember not to be greedy; just choose the Cultivation Technique that suits you best." He paused, then added, "This old man will report the Blood Shadow Sect matter to the Sect. You all also need to pay more attention and report any anomalies immediately."

The four responded and withdrew. As they walked out of the Elder Hall, Wang Hao and Zhao Kai congratulated Lu Chen, their attitudes becoming even more respectful. Lin Xiaoya also smiled and said, "Senior Brother Lu, congratulations on obtaining such an Opportunity. I'm sure you'll be able to choose a Cultivation Technique you like."

"Thanks for your auspicious words, Junior Sister Lin." Lu Chen returned her smile, already impatient to go to the Scripture Pavilion.

After seeing the three off, Lu Chen did not return to his dormitory but went straight to the Scripture Pavilion. The Scripture Pavilion stood majestically in the night, like a sleeping giant. The guards at the entrance respectfully let him pass when they saw him holding the silver token. Stepping into the pavilion, the Spiritual Qi in the middle layer was several times denser than the outer area. The Cultivation Technique Jade Slips on the bookshelves emitted a faint spiritual glow, with a wide variety covering aspects such as attack, defense, movement, and support.

Lu Chen moved between the bookshelves, his gaze carefully scanning each Cultivation Technique. He currently had Basic Fist Technique and Hard Strength Introduction to strengthen his Physical Body and attacks, Breathing Technique to assist in Cultivation, Poison Resistance Art to resist poisons, and Incomplete Runic Record which contained profound mysteries. Only in terms of movement technique did he have only basic footwork, and insufficient speed was a clear shortcoming.

"The most urgent task is to improve my movement technique, enhance evasion and mobility, so I can gain the initiative in combat," Lu Chen mused, his gaze fixed on movement-type Cultivation Techniques.

He flipped through several movement techniques; some were too obscure and difficult to practice, others were mediocre in power. He still couldn't find one he was satisfied with. Just as he was about to reach the end of the middle layer, a Cultivation Technique with a blue cover caught his attention—Lightning Movement Technique.

The cover of the Cultivation Technique depicted a surging electric light. The movement technique recorded on the pages was agile and swift, focusing on instantaneous bursts and changes in direction, which perfectly matched Lu Chen's needs. What was even rarer was that this movement technique was easy to learn, and upon Major Achievement, its speed was comparable to an Early Stage Foundation Establishment Cultivator. It could complement his Basic Fist Technique, allowing for both offense and defense in close combat.

Lu Chen's fingertip touched the page, and the Lightning Movement Technique transformed into a blue light that drilled into his glabella. The Profound Truth of the Cultivation Technique instantly integrated into his mind. He closed his eyes, immersed in the comprehension of the movement technique. The circulation trajectory and spiritual power routes of the movement technique continuously appeared in his mind, as if an invisible mentor was personally guiding him.

After an unknown amount of time, Lu Chen opened his eyes, a hint of enlightenment flashing within them. He stood up and began to practice in place, his figure sometimes like a gentle breeze, sometimes like a lightning flash. His footwork was unpredictable, and his speed had increased several times compared to before. The operation of the Lightning Movement Technique required precise control of spiritual power, which happened to temper his control over the spiritual power within his body, complementing the Breathing Technique.

"What a great movement technique!" Lu Chen was overjoyed. He could feel that with this movement technique, his Qi Refining Second Layer cultivation would be fully capable of contending against Disciples at the Peak of Qi Refining Second Layer and even the Early Stage of Qi Refining Level Three.

Just as he was about to leave, his gaze inadvertently swept over the last page of the Lightning Movement Technique and found that it actually had a simple map drawn on it. The marked location was Black Wind Valley, and an unexplored area within it was circled in red, with the words "Thunder Eye" written next to it.

"Thunder Eye? Could it be a Secret Realm deep within Black Wind Valley?" Lu Chen's heart stirred. He recalled the faint light deep within Black Wind Valley. Perhaps this "Thunder Eye" was the location of a treasure containing extreme Yang Spiritual Qi, and also what the Blood Shadow Sect Evil Cultivators were looking for. He memorized the map markings, keeping this matter secretly in mind.

By the time he left the Scripture Pavilion, dawn had broken. Lu Chen returned to his dormitory, sat down cross-legged, and while circulating the Breathing Technique to consolidate his cultivation, he also digested the Profound Truth of the Lightning Movement Technique. The spiritual power within his body circulated according to the requirements of the movement technique, getting faster and faster. A faint electric light even appeared on his body's surface, and his movement technique became increasingly proficient.

In the following days, in addition to Cultivating the Lightning Movement Technique, Lu Chen practiced the coordination of fist techniques and movement techniques in the training ground. He perfectly integrated the fierceness of Basic Fist Technique with the swiftness of Lightning Movement Technique, sometimes attacking fiercely, sometimes evading, greatly increasing his combat power. Many Outer Sect Disciples who saw his practice showed surprised expressions, especially those who had once looked down on him, now dared not underestimate him.

This morning, Lu Chen was practicing his fist technique in the training ground when a discordant voice came: "Hmph, just because you got a good movement technique, you dare to show off here? Do you really think you're so great?"

Lu Chen turned his head and saw Zhang Hao standing not far away with two followers, his face gloomy. The followers behind him echoed, "Senior Brother Zhang is right. This Lu Chen is just lucky. When it comes to real strength, how can he compare to Senior Brother Zhang?"

A hint of smugness flashed in Zhang Hao's eyes. He slowly walked forward and scrutinized Lu Chen. "I heard you repelled Blood Shadow Sect Evil Cultivators and even received a reward from the Elder? What a pity, even if you have some ability, you're still not enough in front of me."

Lu Chen sneered inwardly. Zhang Hao was clearly jealous of his Opportunity and deliberately came to provoke him. He said indifferently, "If Senior Brother Zhang wishes to spar, this Disciple will accompany you to the end; if it's just for a war of words, this Disciple has other important matters."

"Spar?" Zhang Hao scoffed, and his Qi Refining Level Three spiritual power erupted. "Do you even qualify? I'm just reminding you that the Outer Sect is not a place for someone of your menial background to act arrogantly. Just Cultivate honestly, and don't fantasize about clinging to an Elder."

Lu Chen frowned slightly, about to retort, when a clear voice came: "Senior Brother Zhang, Senior Brother Lu obtained his Opportunity through his own strength, why must you insult him?"

Lin Xiaoya walked quickly, standing beside Lu Chen, looking at Zhang Hao with dissatisfaction. She had often consulted Lu Chen on Cultivation matters during this period and had a very good impression of him. Seeing Zhang Hao deliberately making things difficult, she couldn't help but retort.

Zhang Hao's face darkened: "Junior Sister Lin, this has nothing to do with you. It's best not to meddle in other people's business!"

"Fellow Disciples should live in harmony. Why must Senior Brother Zhang be so aggressive?" Lin Xiaoya did not back down, a hint of stubbornness in her eyes.

Lu Chen felt a warmth in his heart and said to Lin Xiaoya, "Junior Sister Lin, there's no need to say more. I have my own way of handling matters with Senior Brother Zhang." He looked at Zhang Hao, his tone calm, "If Senior Brother Zhang is unconvinced, why not meet in the Outer Sect Grand Competition? The victor will be clear then."

A hint of ruthlessness flashed in Zhang Hao's eyes. He snorted coldly, "Good! I'd like to see how long your luck lasts. I will definitely expose your true colors in the Grand Competition!" After speaking, he left resentfully with his followers.

Lin Xiaoya looked at Zhang Hao's retreating back and worriedly said, "Senior Brother Lu, Zhang Hao has Cultivated Hard Strength Breaking Art, and his strength is not weak. You must be careful."

"Thank you for the reminder, Junior Sister Lin. I will be careful." Lu Chen nodded, but felt no fear in his heart. Now that he had the Lightning Movement Technique enhancing him, his speed had greatly increased. Coupled with Hard Strength Introduction and Basic Fist Technique, he might not necessarily lose to Zhang Hao.

In the following days, Lu Chen Cultivated even harder. He repeatedly practiced the coordination of Lightning Movement Technique and fist techniques in the training ground. His movement technique became increasingly proficient, allowing him to punch accurately while moving at high speed, and his Qi Refining Second Layer spiritual power also became more profound. Many Outer Sect Disciples who saw this avoided him, not daring to easily provoke him anymore.

However, Zhang Hao did not give up. He secretly sent people to monitor Lu Chen's Cultivation progress. After learning that Lu Chen's movement technique was progressing rapidly, his jealousy grew even stronger, and he Cultivated even more frantically, vowing to defeat Lu Chen in the Outer Sect Grand Competition to regain his face.

Three days later, Lu Chen's Lightning Movement Technique had achieved initial mastery. He could clearly feel that his speed had increased by more than three times. Even when facing a Cultivator at the Early Stage of Qi Refining Level Three, he could still maneuver with his movement technique. He stood in the center of the training ground, feeling the surging spiritual power within his body and his agile movement technique, a determined light flashing in his eyes.

The Outer Sect Grand Competition was approaching. This was an excellent Opportunity for him to display his strength and a crucial step towards entering the Inner Sect. He knew that Zhang Hao's challenge was just the beginning, and more formidable enemies awaited him in the future, but he was fearless—with Heaven-Defying Cultivation Techniques in hand and constantly improving strength, he was determined to make a name for himself in Tianling Academy.

And at this moment, inside the Elder Hall, Li Ping was reviewing Lu Chen's information, a relieved smile appearing at the corner of his mouth. He had learned about Lu Chen's Cultivation situation from other Disciples and increasingly valued this Disciple with mixed Spiritual Roots but extraordinary talent, secretly listing him as a key cultivation target for the Inner Sect trial.

Night fell once again. Lu Chen returned to his dormitory, took out the Black Wind Valley map from the last page of the Lightning Movement Technique, and studied it carefully. The "Thunder Eye" mark on the map was consistent with the direction of the flickering light in his memory. He mused inwardly: the Inner Sect trial location was precisely the Black Wind Valley Secret Realm. At that time, he must find this "Thunder Eye" and explore its secrets, perhaps obtaining extreme Yang Spiritual Qi that could counter the Blood Shadow Sect, or even finding an Opportunity to complete his Cultivation Technique.

He clenched his fists, his eyes full of anticipation. The Outer Sect Grand Competition, Inner Sect trial, Black Wind Valley Secret Realm, Blood Shadow Sect conspiracy... a series of challenges and Opportunities awaited him, and he was ready to embrace his path of immortal Cultivation.