After his victory over Yu Jie, Lin Yuan wandered deeper into the training grounds, seeking a quiet place to recover. The Outer Sect Trial had drawn attention, but he wanted to observe the area, searching for anything that might give him an advantage.
The system buzzed faintly in his mind. [Unusual Energy Detected Nearby – Investigation Recommended] Lin Yuan's curiosity peaked. He moved silently toward the source, careful not to attract attention. Behind a cluster of old trees, he noticed a moss-covered stone wall partially hidden by vines. The aura emanating from it was faint but unmistakably powerful.
Pushing aside the vines, Lin Yuan discovered a small, ancient door carved into the rock. It was narrow and seemed unused for decades. His heart quickened slightly. Hidden sect treasures were rare, and this one emitted an aura that suggested cultivation significance.
He pushed the door open and stepped inside. The chamber was dimly lit, dust floating in the air. Ancient scrolls lined the walls, and in the center rested a small pedestal holding a crystal orb. Lin Yuan approached cautiously. The orb's glow pulsed gently, as if alive.
[Item Detected: Minor Spirit Artifact – Increases cultivation efficiency and grants hidden insight into martial techniques]
Lin Yuan reached out and touched the orb. Instantly, his vision blurred, and images of ancient cultivation techniques flashed in his mind. Techniques for combining body tempering with rapid strikes, defensive postures, and energy circulation—all of them refined and optimized. He felt his understanding of his current techniques deepen dramatically.
The system chimed approvingly. [Artifact Absorbed Successfully – Minor Spirit Artifact Acquired]
[Body Tempering Progress: 9th Layer – Peak (Accelerated)]
[System Bonus: Martial Insight +5%]
Lin Yuan smiled faintly. This was exactly the kind of edge he needed. In a world where strength dictated survival, even a small advantage could become insurmountable over time.
As he exited the chamber, he noticed footsteps approaching. Quickly, he hid behind a tree, observing a group of outer disciples passing by. None of them suspected the hidden chamber or the artifact within. Lin Yuan felt a surge of satisfaction.
The Outer Sect Trial continued, but now Lin Yuan had more than just his cultivation and system—he had a secret weapon that would allow him to surpass even the strongest outer disciples with clever strategy.
[Quest Update: Hidden Treasure Discovered – Reward Pending Completion of Trial]
Lin Yuan adjusted his robes and walked back toward the main grounds, his mind already planning the next steps. With the system guiding him and a minor spirit artifact in his possession, he felt unstoppable. The trial was no longer just a test; it was the first stepping stone toward a path that could defy the heavens themselves.
He glanced around at the other disciples, still unaware of his secret. Soon, their whispers of surprise and awe would turn into fear, and Lin Yuan would begin to carve his reputation as someone who could not be challenged.