Chapter 47

After the shopkeeper surnamed Chen explained repeatedly, Tang Gu finally had a basic understanding of the concept of mystical techniques. They might not be very powerful, but they definitely had special uses and were extremely rare and uncommon special combat skills.

"I see."

He nodded and asked again, "What about this Bloodlust Technique? What is its origin? If one really practices it, is it truly as powerful as described on the label? What are the pros and cons of using it?"

Hearing this, the shopkeeper surnamed Chen laughed and said, "Please rest assured, young master. It is absolutely effective and not at all false. And I'm not boasting, but if this Bloodlust Technique manual were not incomplete, it would never be auctioned here.

"A complete Bloodlust Technique manual would cost at least 30,000 stone coins, and even then, it would be hard to find a buyer."

He explained, "The Bloodlust Technique manual was inspired by an ancient strong individual from a beast called the 'Bloodthirsty Spider.'

"When this beast encounters a powerful enemy and cannot defeat or escape it, its body suddenly heats up, and it spits out a peculiar, highly toxic blood.

"The spider's strength then suddenly surges, allowing it to repel or kill the enemy. Regardless of the outcome, the 'Bloodthirsty Spider' will soon die, which is why the Bloodlust Technique is classified as a forbidden technique.

"However, young master, please rest assured. The Bloodlust Technique is not that dangerous. Its effect is merely to temporarily boost one's strength in battle, without causing death.

"However, as a forbidden technique, it does have side effects, and the higher one cultivates it, the more severe the side effects. This cultivation method is a matter of personal judgment.

"Is there something you need to consider, young master?"

Tang Gu's eyes flickered. At this moment, the green-clad girl had already returned, holding a small package. She quickly walked over to Tang Gu and said, "Young master, all the items you need are ready. The total cost is 621 stone coins."

After hearing the green-clad girl's words, Tang Gu opened the package on the spot, carefully inspected it, and confirmed that it contained the items he needed. He then nodded and turned to the old man surnamed Chen behind the counter.

"Wrap it up for me."

A short while later, Tang Gu returned to the small thatched cottage outside the town with the Bloodlust Technique manual, a small package of materials, and some pills.

...

In the blink of an eye, three days had passed. Today was the deadline for registering for the Inner Courtyard Competition.

Tang Gu got up and headed to the Inner Courtyard of the Martial Academy.

A short while later, Tang Gu returned to the Martial Academy square.

A huge white notice was posted at one end of the square.

"The Inner Courtyard Competition will last six days. The top ten winners will not only receive a reward from the Inner Courtyard but also have the opportunity to participate in the annual Outer Sect Trial hosted by the Supreme Autumn Wind Pavilion, one of the six major sects, in August next year.

"Those who successfully pass the trial can become formal disciples of the Supreme Autumn Wind Pavilion.

"Inner Courtyard Competition ranking rewards: 1st place: An 8th-grade ordinary weapon of your choice. 2nd place: A 2nd-grade medium-level secret manual from the Inner Courtyard armory. 3rd place: One 5th-turn pill and two Spirit Flower Dew Pills.

"Others will also receive rewards: 4th to 6th place: An 7th-grade ordinary weapon each. 7th to 10th place: A 2nd-grade low-level secret manual each.

"Registration deadline: Today. Competition start time: Noon tomorrow!"

Tang Gu silently memorized this information and then quickly went to the registration hall to sign up.

The registration elder glanced at him, confirmed his identity, and casually threw him a short silver token with the number '59' engraved on it. This was the entry pass for the Inner Courtyard Competition the next day.

After leaving the registration hall, Tang Gu did not return to the small thatched cottage outside the town. Instead, he stayed in his small wooden house in the Martial Academy.

He silently pondered, "The top ten in the Inner Courtyard Competition will have the opportunity to participate in the Supreme Autumn Wind Pavilion's Outer Sect Trial. The competition will surely be fierce, with heads and blood flying."

"However, participating in the trial does not guarantee passing. Every year, tens of thousands of disciples participate in the trial, but only a few can pass the assessment."

"With my current strength, I should have no problem being among the top ten Inner Courtyard disciples. What I need to do now is to try to improve my ranking as much as possible. This way, I can gain the attention of the Martial Academy and receive better rewards. Next year, my chances will be even greater."

After pondering this, Tang Gu stopped thinking and began to cultivate quietly, conserving his energy.

The night passed quickly, and it was already dawn the next day.

Before the sky was even light, Inner Courtyard disciples had already started making noise in the square outside. Although the competition had not yet begun, it was clear that no one could sleep at such a time.

However, Tang Gu paid no attention to the noise outside. He kept his eyes closed, seizing every moment to cultivate.

A layer of crystalline light flickered on his body. In the soul sea above his head, a square crystal that had gradually changed from a tea color to a light black slowly rotated, emitting mysterious waves.

"Soul Thought Second Turn, accomplished!"

A massive aura suddenly emanated from Tang Gu's body, shaking the dust on the wooden table in front of him, which then dissipated like smoke.

It was noon. Tang Gu opened his eyes, pushed open the door of the wooden house, and walked out.

...

The sunlight was blinding. On the white jade square of the Inner Courtyard of the Qudao Martial Academy, many people had already gathered.

"Iron Sword" Du Pengfei, "Silver Sword" Du Zhongjing, "Ice Maiden" Li Yuxue, "Blazing Sun Fist" Yan Shan, "Paper Scholar" Xiao Qingbi, and others were all present.

After four or five months, everyone's appearance had changed dramatically, as if they had undergone significant transformations.

Even those who had recently entered the Inner Courtyard, such as "Iron Sword" Du Pengfei and "Ice Maiden" Li Yuxue, were full of vitality, with their purple auras restrained, clearly showing significant improvement in their strength.

Compared to their state when they first entered the Inner Courtyard four or five months ago, their mental and physical conditions were completely different.

In addition, there were other Inner Courtyard disciples whom Tang Gu did not recognize. He carefully observed them, knowing that understanding one's enemy and oneself was the key to victory.

These Inner Courtyard disciples were clearly much stronger than the five new disciples. Their energy flowed naturally, their eyes shone with divine light, and their auras were deep and hidden. None of them were ordinary people.

The most prominent among them were two people in the center.

One wore a blue robe with a red sash and thin ice-blue gloves on his hands. A large silver snake, its head pointing to the moon, was embroidered on his sleeve, as if it were swimming in the sea.

The other wore a purple robe, with a rough and bold demeanor. He had a dark blue beast-patterned jade belt around his waist, and his black, thick hair framed a pair of deep, unfathomable eyes. He was tall and handsome, with an extraordinary appearance.

Looking at them, Tang Gu felt as if he were facing ancient behemoths, and his heart stirred.

After listening for a while, Tang Gu finally learned their identities from the conversations of the surrounding Inner Courtyard disciples.

The second and third-ranked Inner Courtyard disciples.

"Snake Hand" Ye Guyu and "Thunder King" Fang Jingshuo.

One was at the late stage of the Qi Dao Fourth Turn, and the other was at the middle stage of the Qi Dao Fourth Turn. They were the two most powerful individuals after the first-ranked Inner Courtyard disciple, "Jade Sword" Ning Qingjun.

They were also the two most likely to enter the Outer Sect of the Supreme Autumn Wind Pavilion through the trial this year.

However, after a careful observation, Tang Gu found only sixty-one people in the entire Inner Courtyard square, including himself.

The legendary first-ranked Inner Courtyard disciple, "Jade Sword" Ning Qingjun, had yet to appear.

PS: First update, please give 1 recommendation.