"Ordinary Provisional Disciples who become outer sect disciples receive one opportunity to enter the first level of the Skill Transmission Hall to select one cultivation method and one Dou Skill each. They can freely choose a residence in a designated area, receive two sets of changing clothes, and one Obsidian Iron Sword."
"But talented disciples are different. I won't list all the examples, but take your case—you successfully broke through to the Dou Practitioner realm before the age of fifteen. For the next five years, you can enter the first two levels of the Skill Transmission Hall annually to select two cultivation methods or Dou Skills. You may choose a residence in the area with the densest natural energy near the training hall. You'll receive five hundred Merit Points monthly, which can be used for training rooms, issuing tasks, or seeking guidance from elders in Dou Skills and cultivation methods."
"If you break through to the Nine-Star Dou Practitioner before the age of twenty, you can apply for a fourth-grade Clarity Pill refined by Pill King Gu He to impact the Dou Master realm."
"..."
The old man explained while replacing Gu Han's identity token.
After completing the procedures, he handed over two sets of the finest outer sect disciple attire and a long sword forged from Mystic Iron Crystal.
"Come, I'll take you to choose your residence."
Gu Han stored the items in his Storage Ring and did not refuse the old man's kindness.
Selecting a residence didn't take much time. Gu Han didn't have high requirements for dense natural energy, as nothing would be more suitable for his cultivation than the Black Tortoise Mystic Realm. Instead, he preferred a quiet place where no one would disturb him.
"One last thing," the old man said, handing Gu Han a sheet of paper. "This contains basic information on elders within the sect who currently have the intention to take disciples. Given the talent you've shown, you can apply to become their personal disciple. If selected, your benefits will increase further."
"It's a pity there are no experts in the sect with ice-attribute Dou Qi; otherwise, you would certainly be chosen."
"Once you decide which elder you wish to apprentice under, submit your application to me."
Hearing this, Gu Han expressed his thanks once more.
After the old man left, Gu Han entered his new residence, washed up briefly, and changed into the Cloud Mist Sect's outer sect disciple attire.
The light green martial outfit had an excellent texture and could be worn during daily life, cultivation, or combat without hindrance.
Everywhere, people judge others by their appearance first—it's human nature. Those who deliberately dress poorly to invite ridicule and belittlement, only to play the fool and humiliate others, go against human nature and are simply problematic.
Wearing the outer sect disciple attire, Gu Han's overall demeanor became even more striking, making him nearly the most eye-catching figure in the sect. On his way to the Skill Transmission Hall, he attracted much attention.
The Skill Transmission Hall was built at the two-thirds point on the mountain path from the outer to the inner sect, with one side near a cliff and the other guarded daily by dozens of disciples.
At the entrance of the Skill Transmission Hall sat an expressionless elder, holding a brush and a scroll.
"Honored Steward, this disciple wishes to enter the Skill Transmission Hall to select a cultivation method."
Gu Han approached the elder and presented his identity token.
Since he had the qualification to enter the Skill Transmission Hall each year to select two cultivation methods or Dou Skills, he decided to use it first.
As for the Instruction Hall Black Iron Token, he would use it if needed; otherwise, it could be traded.
"Black Mystic Crystal Token," the steward said without changing his expression, examining Gu Han before asking, "What is your name?"
"Disciple Gu Han," Gu Han replied.
"So it's you, young man." The old man revealed a kind smile. "You've actually broken through to Dou Practitioner. No wonder you obtained a token of this level."
"Go in. You have half an hour, but you're not allowed to go to the third floor. After obtaining the Skill Inheritance Scroll, come to me to complete registration before leaving."
"Yes." Gu Han retrieved his token.
As soon as he entered the Skill Transmission Hall, a voice suddenly sounded in his ear.
"Number seventeen on the second floor contains a quasi-mystic grade ice attribute technique. When cultivated to advanced levels, it's not inferior to some ordinary low-level mystic grade techniques."
"Number one-zero-one on the second floor contains the low-level mystic grade Dou Skill Mystic Yin Finger, suitable for practitioners with ice, water, poison, or yin attribute Dou Qi."
Secret Voice Transmission - an ability only cultivators at the Dou Grand Master level could master. The voice sounded like that of the attendant at the entrance.
Gu Han understood this was the other party conveying goodwill within the rules.
Indeed, as long as one excelled, countless good people would appear around them.
Gu Han turned and bowed toward the entrance, indicating he had noted this kindness, then continued inward.
His first target was naturally room number ninety-nine on the second floor of the Skill Transmission Hall, containing the low-level mystic grade ice attribute technique Mystic Ice Force.
Originally, he only planned to acquire this technique today, intending to return later for Dou Skills based on opportunity and guidance.
But with the attendant's guidance to obtain the low-level mystic grade Dou Skill Mystic Yin Finger, there was no need for a second trip.
The Cloud Mist Sect had two Skill Transmission Halls, one established in the outer sect with only three floors.
The first floor contained low and middle yellow grade techniques and Dou Skills, the second floor contained high yellow grade and low mystic grade techniques and Dou Skills, and the third floor contained middle mystic grade techniques and Dou Skills.
The second was established at the mountain peak with five floors total, accessible only to those with meritorious service. It was said to contain even high mystic grade techniques and Dou Skills.
As for higher-level techniques and Dou Skills, it was uncertain whether the Cloud Mist Sect possessed them. Even if they did, they would be the sect's secret inheritances.
Mystic Ice Force and Mystic Yin Finger were already the highest-level technique and Dou Skill he could obtain in the outer sect's Skill Transmission Hall at his current stage.
"Honored attendant, this disciple has completed his selection."
After being busy for two quarters of an hour, Gu Han brought two scrolls to the entrance for registration.
The techniques and Dou Skills in the outer sect's Skill Transmission Hall represented part of the Cloud Mist Sect's accumulation over centuries, forming one of the foundations of the sect's standing in the northwestern continent.
The materials used to record techniques and Dou Skills were made from a special spiritual bamboo, divided into parent and child forms. The parent form was only palm-sized, while the child form could extend over a ten-mile radius.
Scrolls made from this material could be prevented from being taken beyond the sensing area as long as the parent form remained in the sect's offering hall. The Cloud Mist Sect's main spiritual bamboo for techniques and Dou Skills was placed in the inheritance hall at the mountain peak, perfectly covering the entire Cloud Mist Mountain.
"Mystic Yin Finger, Mystic Ice Force?"
The old man completed the registration, surprise flashing in his eyes.
The technique Gu Han had chosen was actually better than what he had recommended, indicating the young man had his own sources of information.
Moreover, the protective energy barriers for low-level mystic grade techniques and Dou Skills required the strength of a two-star Dou Practitioner to break. That Gu Han could break through them showed his combat power was extraordinary.
"You know the rules - techniques cannot be taken beyond Cloud Mist Mountain's boundaries, otherwise severe punishment will follow. They must be returned within one year without any damage." The old man handed the scrolls to Gu Han.
"This disciple will remember." Gu Han accepted the scrolls and left.
The old man stroked his beard, his eyes filled with anticipation. "This young man is no ordinary talent. Our Cloud Mist Sect may have found its second prodigy. I wonder which elder will be fortunate enough to take him as a disciple."
Gu Han took the scroll and immediately returned to his new residence.
What pleased him most about this dwelling was the small private chamber it contained.
Once inside the chamber, he could safely enter the Black Tortoise Mystic Realm to cultivate without fear of being discovered.
"A low-grade Profound Rank technique. I wonder how it will feel to cultivate with it."