Chapter 263 - 223: Arrangement for the Martial Artists, Spirit Storage Technique

Chapter 263: Chapter 223: Arrangement for the Martial Artists, Spirit Storage Technique

The terror of the Wilderness and the ferocity of the Demon Beasts had long been etched into their very bones through countless legends.

Excitement was replaced by immense fear. Many faces turned pale, their eyes filled with alarm. Though they craved power, they knew better than anyone what the Wilderness meant—a deathtrap with a slim chance of survival.

However, the commotion did not last long. The Martial Artists selected to be here were mostly strong-willed, or they were desperate fugitives with nothing left to lose, ready to gamble everything.

After a brief moment of fear, an even more fervent flame ignited in many of their eyes—it was the desperation of a drowning man grasping at a straw, a yearning for the power to change their fate!

The ten Grand Martial Artists, in particular, showed little change in their expressions from beginning to end, as if they had anticipated all of this.

To them, this was both a danger and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! If they succeeded, they might be able to touch a Realm they had never dared to dream of before!

Zhao Xiaoshu watched as the crowd below quickly recovered from the commotion, the atmosphere gradually shifting to one of suppressed excitement and resolve. He nodded slightly. ’Their temperament is decent. Elder Lu’s arrangements weren’t in vain.’

"The regular Martial Artists may disperse for now! Within three days, you will form squads, select your captains, and then return here to register and receive your Puppets!" Zhao Xiaoshu announced. "As for the ten Grand Martial Artists, you will remain!"

The crowd receded like a tide, departing with complex emotions to face their impending fate.

Soon, only the ten Grand Martial Artists, their auras calm and heavy, remained in the square.

Some were burly, others wiry and tough, but all had eyes as sharp as eagles. They stood silently in place like a row of javelins, awaiting Zhao Xiaoshu’s next words.

Zhao Xiaoshu descended from the stone platform and approached the ten men. His gaze swept over their faces one by one before he flipped his hand, producing ten thread-bound books.

"This is the Spirit Storage Technique." Zhao Xiaoshu handed a book to each of the Grand Martial Artists, his voice low. "This Cultivation Technique is dedicated to cultivating the Power of Spiritual Soul. It was specially created for you Martial Artists by Elder Lu, based on a Cultivator’s Spiritual Soul Magic."

"Though you lack a Spiritual Root and cannot perform Qi Introduction, diligently practicing this technique can still, to a certain extent, condense your spirit and strengthen your Spiritual Soul."

The ten Grand Martial Artists took the books, feeling their substantial weight, and their eyes erupted with astonishing brilliance! ’A Spiritual Soul Cultivation Technique, and one created from an Immortal Technique at that!’

’This is an unprecedented opportunity! Martial Artists temper their Flesh Body and Qi and Blood, but their cultivation of mental and spiritual will has always been rudimentary. This Cultivation Technique has undoubtedly opened a new door for us!’

"We will forever remember the Immortal Master’s gift!" an old man was the first to bow. This man was none other than Luming Mountain of the Hidden Dragon Association. His voice trembled with excitement, and hearing his words, the others also bowed solemnly.

Zhao Xiaoshu waved his hand, gesturing for them to dispense with the formalities, and continued, "You have three months. This is the time for you to cultivate this technique. After three months, I will personally inspect your progress."

His tone grew heavy, with an air of finality. "If you can reach the Entry Level with this Spirit Storage Technique, then you will receive not a Non-Tiered Puppet, but a true ’Entry Tier Puppet’!"

"An Entry Tier Puppet!"

Those three words struck the hearts of the ten Grand Martial Artists like a clap of thunder! Although they were unclear about the specific grading system for Puppets, the words "Entry Tier" clearly signified a qualitative leap! It was far superior to the Sword Boxes and Long Blade Puppets mentioned earlier!

"If your cultivation progress is excellent and the condensation of your Spiritual Soul far exceeds expectations," Zhao Xiaoshu said, looking at them and dangling an even greater temptation, "then you will have the chance to obtain two Entry Tier Puppets!"

"But if after three months, you can’t even reach the Entry Level..." Zhao Xiaoshu’s tone shifted, turning cold. "Then, you will only receive two Non-Tiered Puppets, just like the other Martial Artists."

The carrot and the stick were laid out, the goal made clear.

The ten Grand Martial Artists instantly understood the immense difference and the opportunity at stake! An Entry Tier Puppet versus a Non-Tiered Puppet—the difference between them was as vast as heaven and earth!

"Rest assured, Immortal Master!" Luming Mountain cupped his fist again, his voice firm as steel. "We will do everything in our power, cultivating day and night, and we will not disappoint the high hopes of Immortal Master Lu and yourself!"

"We will not disappoint you!" the other nine echoed in unison. Their voices were powerful and resounding, filled with the resolve of one burning their bridges. After all, no one wanted to miss the chance for an Entry Tier Puppet!

Seeing that his words had the desired effect, Zhao Xiaoshu was satisfied and a rare, relaxed smile appeared on his face. "Very good. Remember, the opportunity has been given to you. Whether you can seize it is entirely up to you."

He thought for a moment and added, his tone carrying a hint of guidance, "Do not underestimate the difference between ’Entry Tier’ and ’Non-Tiered’."

"A Non-Tiered Puppet has limited power. With proper coordination, it might be able to handle a weak Tier One Early Stage Demon Beast."

"But against a slightly stronger Tier One Early Stage Demon Beast, or one with thick hide, a tough body, and exceptional speed, it will fall short."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the men, and emphasized, "But the power of an Entry Tier Puppet is in a completely different league from a Non-Tiered one!"

"If you can control an Entry Tier Puppet and coordinate it with your own martial skills, you may even be able to slay an ordinary Tier One Early Stage Demon Beast!"

"You could even put up a fight against a powerful Tier One Early Stage Demon Beast. Furthermore, if several of you coordinate well, you might even be able to take on some of the weaker Tier One Middle Stage Demon Beasts!"

"At the very least, if you encounter danger, the power of an Entry Tier Puppet will give you a much greater chance of escape than anyone else!"

These words lit a fire in the hearts of the ten Grand Martial Artists! Slaying Demon Beasts! Fighting Tier One Middle-Grade creatures! A greater chance of survival! Every word was lethally tempting, completely igniting their thirst for power!

"Thank you for your guidance, Immortal Master!" The ten men bowed again, their eyes burning with fighting spirit. They now understood with utmost clarity that cultivating the Spirit Storage Technique would be the key to their survival—and to seizing even greater opportunities—on the coming expedition into the Wilderness!

"Go now. Cultivate well," Zhao Xiaoshu said with a wave.

The ten Grand Martial Artists carefully tucked the Spirit Storage Technique manuals away, securing them close to their bodies. They bowed to Zhao Xiaoshu one last time before turning to leave.

Their steps were steadier and more powerful than when they had arrived, and their departing figures exuded the resolve of a caterpillar about to break from its cocoon.

Watching them disappear at the far end of the square, Zhao Xiaoshu let out a soft sigh of relief.

Distributing the Cultivation Technique, clarifying the stakes, and igniting their fighting spirit—he had successfully completed the tasks Elder Lu had given him. A sense of accomplishment washed over Zhao Xiaoshu at the thought that he, too, could contribute to the Elder’s grand plan.

He turned, preparing to return to the Inner Castle to report to Lu Zhao. However, just as he did, the corner of his eye seemed to catch a figure in a Profound Daoist Robe standing silently in the shadows of a distant, towering pagoda, their gaze seemingly fixed upon the square.

’It’s the Elder!’

Zhao Xiaoshu’s heart skipped a beat. He quickly composed his Heart Spirit, not daring to look again, and quickened his pace to leave.

He knew that nothing had escaped the Elder’s notice.

In the shadows of the pagoda, Lu Zhao stood with his hands behind his back, the mountain wind whipping at his Profound Daoist Robe.

He calmly watched the empty square below, observing the arguments and compromises as the Martial Artists formed their squads, and seeing the excitement and determination of the Grand Martial Artists upon receiving the Cultivation Technique.

"The seeds have been sown," Lu Zhao murmured to himself. "Now, we’ll see how many valuable ’prey’ these ’probes’ can uncover for me in the fertile soil of the Wilderness."

He turned, and his figure silently melted into the deep shadows of the pagoda.

Outside Broken River Castle, the brutal training of the Mortal Martial Artists was about to begin.

And in the depths of the Wilderness, both hidden dangers and opportunities quietly awaited their arrival.