Becoming a registered disciple of Tianjiao Martial Hall—the result was both unexpected and inevitable for Lin Mo.
He'd thought the trial would be more complex and demanding. He never expected it to conclude in such a... "simple" way.
Of course, that simplicity was only on the surface.
Lingling's "Heaven's Eye" that could see through illusions was probably the real test all along.
Wang Hao left in a daze, practically dragged out by Qin Yajing. As he went, his eyes burned with resentment and unwillingness, as if he wanted to tear Lin Mo apart.
Lin Mo just smiled faintly. He didn't take it to heart.
A defeated opponent, nothing more.
"Lin Mo, now that you've joined our ranks, you must follow Tianjiao Martial Hall's rules." Aunt Qin's voice pulled his thoughts back. "We don't have many rules, just two: First, don't bully the weak or oppress the innocent. Second, never betray the school or harm fellow disciples. Can you do this?"
"This disciple will remember and won't disappoint the Hall Master," Lin Mo replied respectfully.
"Good." Aunt Qin nodded approvingly. "You've just started drawing qi into your body—your foundation is still shallow. I have a basic breathing technique called the 'Nine Revolutions Foundation Building Method' and a boxing set called 'Fierce Tiger Thirteen Forms.' Take them and study well. If you don't understand something, ask Yajing anytime, or... come ask me directly."
She retrieved two thread-bound ancient texts from a hidden compartment and handed them to Lin Mo.
Lin Mo accepted them gratefully. He'd heard of the Nine Revolutions Foundation Building Method—one of the most widespread and solid basic internal arts on the market. Though not high-grade, it was reliable. The Fierce Tiger Thirteen Forms was a fierce external boxing style, perfect for beginners to toughen their bodies and build strength.
For his current level, these two techniques were ideal.
"Thank you for bestowing these methods, Hall Master."
"Mm." Aunt Qin nodded slightly. "Your B-grade talent is exceptional—your future achievements are limitless. But the martial path is like sailing against the current—if you don't advance, you retreat. Don't become complacent because of your natural gifts. Understand?"
"This disciple understands."
"Yajing, take Lin Mo to the guest room for the night. Tomorrow morning, show him around the martial hall."
"Yes, Hall Master." Qin Yajing gestured for Lin Mo to follow.
Lin Mo bid farewell to Aunt Qin and Lingling, following Qin Yajing out of the tea room.
Lingling tugged at Lin Mo's sleeve, reluctant to let go. "Big Brother Lin Mo, will you play with me tomorrow?"
"Of course." Lin Mo smiled and patted her head.
Watching Lin Mo's closeness with Lingling, surprise flashed in Qin Yajing's eyes. Because of her special constitution, Lingling had always been wary of strangers since childhood. She never expected the girl to take such a liking to Lin Mo.
The guest room at Tianjiao Martial Hall was elegantly arranged, and the qi concentration was notably higher than outside.
After Qin Yajing left, Lin Mo closed the door and immediately sat cross-legged.
He didn't rush to cultivate the techniques Aunt Qin had given him. Instead, he sank his consciousness into his mind space.
"System, use the Mental Affinity Dew (Small Bottle)."
[Mental Affinity Dew (Small Bottle) used successfully! Host's mental power affinity with heaven and earth energy has improved slightly!]
A cool, comfortable energy instantly flowed from his brow chakra, nourishing his consciousness space.
His mental power felt like it was soaking in a hot spring, becoming more condensed and active.
The slight aching from forcibly memorizing the "Innate Qi Cultivation Method" and "Nine Mind Forging Technique" completely disappeared.
"Good stuff!" Lin Mo was impressed. Though just a small bottle, the Mental Affinity Dew had immediate effects.
He could clearly feel his perception of the surrounding heaven and earth qi had sharpened further.
Next came cultivating the Nine Mind Forging Technique!
This mental power secret art had nine levels, each one tempering and elevating mental strength.
The beginner section only contained cultivation methods for the first three levels.
Following the technique's guidance, Lin Mo calmed his mind and began visualizing a point of spiritual light in his consciousness space.
It was a long, tedious process requiring immense patience and focus.
But Lin Mo was happy to endure it.
He knew that powerful mental strength would be crucial for standing at the pinnacle of martial arts!
Time passed unnoticed.
When Lin Mo emerged from cultivation, dawn was breaking outside.
After a night of practice, his mental power hadn't made a qualitative leap, but it had become more solid and resilient.
More importantly, he'd initially mastered the first level of the Nine Mind Forging Technique—"Spirit Gathering."
With diligent practice and time, his mental power would far exceed martial artists of the same level!
Just as he was about to get up and stretch, knocking sounded at the door.
"Student Lin Mo, the Hall Master requests your presence." It was Qin Yajing's voice.
This early?
Lin Mo was puzzled but quickly straightened his clothes and opened the door.
Qin Yajing looked... troubled?