The room was quiet.
Fang Lin sat cross-legged on the bamboo bed, his eyes half-closed as he replayed the earlier fight in his mind. Every movement Zhou Yan made, every shift in Qi, every subtle control—it all surfaced clearly.
The difference wasn't just strength.
It was control.
Zhou Yan's Qi was steady, refined, and deliberate. Every strike carried intent, every movement had purpose. Compared to that, Fang Lin's attacks were still too direct, too crude.
"I need a technique…"
The thought settled firmly.
Raw Qi alone wasn't enough. Without proper methods to channel and utilize it, his strength would always be limited.
He slowly opened his eyes.
Before heading to the Technique Pavilion, he needed to understand more about the sect itself.
He stood up and stepped outside.
The outer disciple area was already lively. Groups of disciples moved about—some heading toward training grounds, others toward various halls.
Fang Lin walked through the paths, observing everything carefully.
Soon, he arrived at a wide open area where several disciples had gathered around a wooden board filled with notices.
He stepped closer.
"Outer Disciple Ranking…"
The words caught his attention immediately.
He read quietly.
The ranking was updated periodically. It determined not only prestige, but also access to resources, better missions, and even opportunities to enter inner sect recommendations.
Below that were names—ranked from top to bottom.
His gaze slowly moved downward.
"Zhou Yan… Rank 18."
He paused slightly.
"So that's his position…"
Strong—but not at the top.
His eyes continued.
"Han Wei… Rank 17."
"Guo Ming… Rank 16."
"Li Shan… Rank 15."
Fang Lin's gaze lingered for a moment.
"These people…"
Even those ranked above Zhou Yan… how strong were they?
He continued reading.
To enter the ranking, one had to challenge a ranked disciple and win.
Below that were notes about factions—groups formed among disciples for support, protection, or control.
Fang Lin's eyes narrowed slightly.
"So strength decides everything… but structure supports it."
"Fang Lin! You're here."
He turned.
Xuo Mu and Xue Ji walked over.
"You're looking at the ranking?" Xuo Mu asked.
"Yes."
Xue Ji spoke calmly, "Most outer disciples aim for it, but it's not something you rush into."
Fang Lin nodded slightly.
"I won't."
At least—not yet.
Xuo Mu scratched his head. "I heard we can pick a technique for free from the Technique Pavilion."
Fang Lin's eyes sharpened faintly.
"Let's go."
The Technique Pavilion stood tall at the center of the outer sect—a structure that carried both age and authority.
Disciples constantly moved in and out.
Inside, rows upon rows of shelves filled the hall, each containing manuals of various techniques.
A middle-aged man sat near the entrance, his eyes half-closed.
As Fang Lin entered, the man spoke without opening his eyes.
"One technique each. No duplicates. Choose wisely."
Fang Lin nodded. "Yes, senior."
They walked deeper inside.
Xuo Mu looked around in amazement. "So many…"
Xue Ji had already begun scanning with focus.
Fang Lin moved slowly, reading through the manuals.
"Flame Palm…"
"Stone Skin…"
"Wind Slash…"
Most were Mortal grade techniques.
Useful, but basic.
Fang Lin didn't rush.
He walked deeper.
Then—
His gaze stopped.
A slightly worn manual rested quietly on a lower shelf.
"Flowing Wind Steps."
He picked it up.
A movement technique.
Guide Qi through the legs. Enhance speed. Improve agility.
Simple.
But practical.
Fang Lin's eyes sharpened.
"This is what I need."
In his fight against Zhou Yan, he lacked mobility. His reactions were sharp, but his body couldn't fully keep up.
This would fix that.
He turned and walked back.
Xuo Mu had chosen a defensive technique, while Xue Ji selected a wind-based attack method.
The three exited together.
On their way back, a voice called out.
"You three… new disciples?"
They turned.
A young man leaned casually against a tree, arms crossed. His posture was relaxed, but his presence was steady.
Fang Lin looked at him.
"Yes."
The young man smiled faintly. "Li Shan."
Fang Lin's eyes flickered slightly.
Rank 15.
Yet… no arrogance.
Li Shan looked at Fang Lin with interest.
"You're the one who fought Zhou Yan, right?"
"Yes."
Li Shan chuckled. "You've got courage."
He pushed himself off the tree.
"Be careful. Zhou Yan's faction doesn't let things go easily."
"I know."
Li Shan's gaze shifted to the manual in Fang Lin's hand.
"Flowing Wind Steps… good choice."
He nodded slightly.
"Speed matters more than power in the beginning."
His tone was casual, but his words carried weight.
Fang Lin listened.
Li Shan added, "Before you're strong enough… surviving is more important than winning."
He paused briefly, then smiled.
"If you keep improving… we might meet again."
With that, he turned and walked away.
Xuo Mu exhaled. "That guy feels… different."
Xue Ji nodded. "He's not simple."
Fang Lin didn't speak.
But he understood one thing clearly.
The ranking wasn't just about strength.
It was about awareness.
Back in his room, Fang Lin sat down immediately.
He opened the manual.
The instructions were straightforward.
Guide Qi through the legs.
Synchronize breath.
Reduce resistance.
Increase flow.
Fang Lin closed his eyes and began.
At first, the Qi flow was unstable.
It broke midway.
He tried again.
And again.
Sweat formed on his forehead.
Time passed.
Then—
A shift.
The Qi flowed smoothly through his legs.
Fang Lin stood up.
He took a step.
Faster.
Another step.
Lighter.
His movements became fluid.
He moved across the room.
Each step was quicker, more controlled.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"This works…"
He continued practicing.
Hours passed.
By evening—
His movement speed had noticeably increased.
Not perfect.
But effective.
He stopped and exhaled slowly.
His Qi had been partially drained.
But his eyes were bright.
He sat down again.
Closing his eyes, his consciousness entered his spiritual sea.
The silver expanse rippled gently.
The grey stone floated silently.
Still.
Quiet.
But present.
Fang Lin observed it.
"That grey spark…"
"It's connected to this."
He didn't know how.
But he was certain.
He opened his eyes.
The path ahead was becoming clearer.
First—stabilize cultivation.
Second—master movement.
Third—understand the sect.
Only then—
Would he step into the ranking.
Fang Lin clenched his fist slightly.
"I'll be ready."
Outside, night had fallen.
The sect glowed under the Illumination Pearls.
And within a quiet room—
Strength was quietly taking shape.