Wei Yi did not immediately set out to confront Sun Wenzong. After all, the elder Sun's strength far surpassed that of his good-for-nothing brother, and he was also renowned as one of the academy's most gifted martial prodigies.
At present, Wei Yi's cultivation was merely at the second tier of the Martial Disciple realm. Though his mastery of the Iron Ape Fist had reached level ten, significantly enhancing his combat prowess, it was still far from enough to defy the natural order.
"The most urgent priority now," Wei Yi mused, "is to strengthen my power and secure my place in the academy."
"Vengeance can wait."
"Revenge with strength is justice. Without it, it's just a dog barking at the wind. Once I've grown stronger, I'll make them all pay—one by one."
With that thought, he made his way toward the academy's Martial Arts Pavilion, guided by the memories left behind.
The pavilion was the academy's repository of martial techniques—its halls lined with skills collected and preserved through the years. Any registered student could enter to study and purchase from its offerings.
Naturally, everything came with a price.
Wei Yi had already devised a comprehensive plan for his path to strength. First, however, he needed a powerful and suitable martial art.
The Iron Ape Fist was serviceable, but ultimately too crude for what lay ahead. And so he came to the pavilion.
Upon entering, he found the place bustling with people, students moving back and forth as they browsed the techniques behind glass displays—each scroll labeled with a description and price.
Sweeping Leg: A low-grade common technique focusing on lower-body strikes. Effective for targeting opponents' footwork. Price: 300 taels of silver.
Stone-Crushing Fist: A mid-grade common technique. Somewhat difficult to master but impressive in power. At full mastery, can shatter stone. Price: 1,000 taels.
Blackwind Palm: Another mid-grade common technique requiring a unique black miasma for proper cultivation. Once mastered, the user's strikes carry a deadly aura. Price: 1,500 taels.
Wei Yi's gaze swept swiftly across the shelves.
Most were low to mid-grade common techniques.
He frowned slightly, clearly dissatisfied.
"Well, if it isn't Young Master Wei. What brings you to the Martial Arts Pavilion today?" a sharp, mocking voice suddenly rang out. "You don't actually think you can still cultivate, do you? Or are you just here to window-shop?"
Wei Yi looked up to see a narrow-faced young man with rat-like features standing before him.
"And you are?" Wei Yi asked, brow furrowed.
At that, the mocking smirk on Wang Zitao's face froze. His lips twitched involuntarily.
There's nothing more humiliating than attempting to provoke someone, only to find they don't even remember your name.
"I'm Wang Zitao," he replied through gritted teeth.
"Oh, right," Wei Yi said, clapping his hands as if struck by revelation. "You're that little Wang from next door—the one who got caught sneaking into the widow's room and was nearly beaten to death, right? Can't believe you're still alive."
Widow?
Little Wang from next door?
The moment those words left his mouth, whispers exploded all around them. Students began pointing and murmuring.
Wang Zitao's face turned a deep crimson, then quickly darkened to a stormy purple. "Wei Yi, don't spout nonsense! When did I ever sneak into a widow's home? I am a proud son of the Wang family of Jinling—I'm already betrothed! I would never stoop to such disgraceful behavior!"
"Oh, perhaps I mistook you for someone else," Wei Yi said with a shrug, entirely unfazed.
He turned away and resumed browsing the techniques.
He had already seen through Wang Zitao's intentions—to provoke him—and had decided to humiliate him in kind.
Trying to mess with me?
You're far too green.
Wei Yi smirked inwardly. He was no longer the naïve, timid youth of old.
With the crowd beginning to lose interest, the bystanders gradually dispersed. Wang Zitao, finally relieved, exhaled deeply. But the moment he saw Wei Yi again, he clenched his jaw and followed him like a stubborn leech.
"Looking to buy a technique, Wei Yi?" he asked, sidling up. "I'm one of the first-floor sales guides here at the pavilion. Since we're both from Jinling, I'd be happy to offer some recommendations."
"But if I remember correctly… hasn't your family cut off your monthly allowance? Do you even have the silver to afford a technique? Even the cheapest low-grade ones might be out of reach, no?"
His jeering tone was endless and shrill.
Irritated, Wei Yi turned and looked him dead in the eye.
"Fine. Since you're being so helpful, I won't refuse your kindness."
"But these techniques are far too basic. Don't you have anything of real value here?"
He swept his gaze across the displays with evident disdain.
Wang Zitao's face immediately darkened.
"If you want something of quality, I can show you. I just hope your wallet can keep up."
Without waiting for a reply, Wang Zitao marched ahead, dragging Wei Yi toward a more secluded section.
Then, clapping loudly, he shouted, "Make way, make way! Young Master Wei of the Wei family is here to purchase the finest techniques we have!"
"The Wei family's young master? Isn't that the cripple who can't cultivate?"
"What's he doing here buying martial arts? And those techniques cost thousands of silver taels. Can he even afford one?"
"Looks like something amusing is about to happen…"
A fresh wave of whispers erupted among the crowd.
Wei Yi strolled forward, unbothered by the attention.
A quick glance told him these were indeed superior to the outer techniques—though their prices were considerably higher.
Most ranged from four to five thousand silver taels, with elite scrolls pushing seven or even eight thousand.
Although the students of True Martial Academy were mostly from affluent backgrounds, few could produce that much silver on short notice.
Wang Zitao, convinced Wei Yi was penniless, smirked broadly. "Well, Young Master Wei, see anything you like? Surely you won't tell me it's too expensive for someone of your status…"
"Do sales assistants here earn commission on what they sell?" Wei Yi suddenly asked.
"Of course. Why?"
Wang Zitao blinked.
Wei Yi nodded, then turned and pointed to a nearby female sales assistant with a gentle demeanor.
"You," he said. "I'll take the Stormwind Sword Technique."
"You mean… the one priced at eight thousand taels?" she stammered, eyes wide.
Stormwind Sword Technique—a top-tier common martial art. Exceptionally difficult to master, but devastating in power, comparable to even superior-grade techniques. Priced at eight thousand silver taels, it was among the most expensive items in the pavilion.
"That's the one," Wei Yi said.
With that, he retrieved eight thousand taels from his system-provided funds and slammed a thick stack of silver notes onto the table.
All doubts evaporated instantly.
The young woman's eyes lit up with delight.
She quickly composed herself and said respectfully, "Please wait a moment. You'll need to sign an agreement confirming that the technique is for your personal use only. Sharing it with others is strictly forbidden by academy rules."
"No problem," Wei Yi replied with a smile.
Moments later, all procedures were complete. Scroll in hand, Wei Yi turned and patted Wang Zitao lightly on the shoulder.
Wang Zitao stood frozen, disbelief etched across his face.
"How… how is this possible? Didn't his family cut off his stipend? Where did he get that much silver…"
But no one cared to answer him.
Leaving the Martial Arts Pavilion behind, Wei Yi soon found a quiet corner, unrolled the Stormwind Sword Technique, and began to study.
Ding! Player Wei Yi has discovered a top-tier common martial art: Stormwind Sword Technique. Learn it?
"Yes."
He had just spent eight thousand taels—of course he would.
Ding! Player Wei Yi has learned the Stormwind Sword Technique. Current Level: Lv1.
A smile played on Wei Yi's lips.
With the game system at his side—who in this world could possibly learn faster than him?