Chapter 15: Exchanging for Techniques

With only three exchange points, there truly wasn’t much to buy; and what was available consisted merely of low-level items. Wu Tian wished to grant Xiao Hui some means of self-defense—perhaps a skill or a technique. He searched the marketplace for a quarter of an hour before finally discovering several basic techniques. All were the lowest grade—Yellow-class, inferior-tier manuals. Given his current status, these were the only arts he could afford for now; with more exchange points in the future, he would procure better ones for Xiao Hui.

He spent three exchange points to acquire two techniques: one called “Qi Gathering Art,” a fundamental method for refining true energy within the body; and another, “Sacred Healing Technique,” which could heal injuries for oneself or others. There was also the “Light Body Technique,” which made the body lighter, movement ethereal and elusive—perfect for escaping danger.

Having exchanged for these three basic arts, Wu Tian’s points were completely spent. Yet he considered it worthwhile; though “Sacred Healing Technique,” “Light Body Technique,” and “Qi Gathering Art” were merely the most elementary, they would greatly enhance Xiao Hui’s chances of survival—especially when Wu Tian was not at her side.

Moreover, these three fundamental arts were only temporary. Once Wu Tian accumulated more wealth and exchange points, he would select superior techniques for her. The system’s marketplace was filled with countless divine-level arts and skills—these would become Wu Tian’s future objectives.

“Xiao Hui, close your eyes. I have something to give you.” After exchanging for the techniques, Wu Tian spoke to her. The system was efficient: to transmit the arts to Xiao Hui, Wu Tian merely needed to touch her forehead with his fingertip.

Obediently, Xiao Hui closed her eyes. Wu Tian placed his index finger on her forehead, and instantly, a stream of information flooded into her mind.

Startled, Xiao Hui opened her eyes and looked at Wu Tian in disbelief. “Young master, what is this…?”

“You must have sensed it. I’ve given you three manuals. They're the most basic, but they’ll greatly help you protect yourself. Later, when my strength increases, I’ll get you more advanced techniques.”

“Young master… Xiao Hui is eternally grateful for your kindness. I will follow you loyally for the rest of my life!” Xiao Hui was moved to tears, her words trembling with emotion.

“No, there’s no need to thank me. This is what I ought to do. You’ve cared for me so much—of course I want to treat you well. Xiao Hui, I hope you remember: from now on, you don’t need to thank me anymore, understand?” Wu Tian gazed at her earnestly.

“But…”

“All right, rest for a while. I’ll go find something to eat.”

“Mm.” Though Xiao Hui dearly wished to thank him, she restrained herself.

Wu Tian then went outside to procure some food. When he returned, he saw Xiao Hui seated cross-legged on the bed. He immediately knew she was meditating, extracting true energy according to the formula of the “Qi Gathering Art.” Wu Tian quietly set the food on the table and gently closed the door.

“Little Jin, stay here. If anyone comes to disturb Xiao Hui, deal with them. Understand?” Wu Tian placed Little Jin at the doorway and spoke in a serious tone.

Little Jin nodded obediently and lay down at the entrance.

Now at level fifteen—equivalent to a third-level demonic beast—Little Jin was formidable. Ordinary people could not get close; even a ninth-level martial master would struggle against him. With Little Jin guarding the door, Wu Tian felt much more at ease and headed for the Hall of Punishments.

…

By now, Wu Tian’s ruckus at He Jiang’s residence had spread throughout the entire Celestial Sect. Yet aside from He Jiang’s disciples, most others found it difficult to believe. After all, Wu Tian’s broken meridians and shattered dantian were well-known; it was hard to imagine him suddenly storming a senior’s mansion. No one would believe it at first.

“Have you heard? Wu Tian, once the top genius, just fought his way into Uncle He’s residence, apparently killed several attendants, and even clashed with Uncle He himself,” one disciple remarked with curiosity to another.

The second disciple scoffed, “Impossible. Wu Tian is a cripple now—how could he be so powerful? The attendants at Uncle He’s mansion are at least eighth-level martial apprentices, and some are martial masters. Wu Tian couldn’t possibly compete!”

“You’re right. There must be more to this than meets the eye!”

“I heard the elders from the Hall of Punishments have summoned Wu Tian. Should we go take a look?”

“Let’s go, see if this so-called cripple really has such ability!”

The Celestial Sect was vast; Wu Tian walked for quite some time before reaching the Hall of Punishments. Along the way, many disciples pointed and whispered, but Wu Tian ignored them all. He’d encountered such situations too many times to care.

Upon arriving at the Hall of Punishments’ outer courtyard, he found a crowd of onlookers gathered. The Hall itself was not open to just anyone, so these disciples could only wait outside, eager for drama.

“Look, Wu Tian the big cripple is here! The show’s about to begin!”

“Wu Tian must be here for punishment—he trespassed into Elder He’s mansion. Elder He must have shown mercy; otherwise, he’d be dead already!”

“Serves him right. Once a genius, now nothing but a cripple!”

Seeing Wu Tian arrive, many disciples shot him disdainful glances. Wu Tian smiled contemptuously; since they held him in no regard, he saw no reason to acknowledge them.

“Wu Tian, the elder has been waiting for you in the Hall of Punishments. You may enter now!” Several armored disciples spoke to him with authority.

As soon as Wu Tian stepped inside, the doors slammed shut.

He scanned the vast inner hall, its perimeter lined with weapon-bearing disciples of the Hall of Punishments. Elder Hao Da Hu stood at the far end, with He Jiang beside him. When Wu Tian entered, a cold gleam flashed in He Jiang’s gaze.

“Greetings, Elder Hao.” Wu Tian greeted him politely.

“Exactly two hours—you’re punctual. Wu Tian, you should know the purpose of your summons today, correct?” Hao Da Hu stood with hands behind his back, his expression stern.

“I understand. I violated the Celestial Sect’s rules; I’m here to be punished.”

“Correct. The Hall of Punishments exists to enforce the rules. You trespassed in a senior’s mansion, killed attendants, and attempted to harm a fellow disciple—three major offenses. However, the Hall of Punishments is a place of justice. Today, you’ll have a chance to explain yourself.” Hao Da Hu’s gaze was fixed on Wu Tian, his words deliberate.

“Elder Hao, you’re absolutely right. Wu Tian has committed three serious crimes—he should be sentenced immediately!” He Jiang interjected.

Wu Tian’s expression turned cold and he spoke loudly, “Uncle He, then let me ask you: how should one be judged for forcing the innocent into depravity?”