Chapter Three: Regaining the Secret Technique

Effortlessly defeating his trial opponent, Chen Fan found that when the adversary turned to ash this time, he did not obtain the weapon in the opponent’s possession.

“Was the black sword I got last time some kind of beginner’s bonus?” Chen Fan was speechless.

The black sword he had acquired, though merely a treasured artifact, was considered quite exceptional among such relics—an exquisite weapon he had been using smoothly all along. Not only was it incredibly sharp, but it also amplified his true essence significantly. It suited his use of the Three-Foot Sword perfectly!

After passing the assessment, Chen Fan once again earned the opportunity to absorb the spirit of nature.

“Although this nature spirit’s effect isn’t on par with the Myriad Spirits Dao Marrow, it is still extraordinarily miraculous—it can even elevate my martial realm...”

After absorbing the nature spirit, the progress of all his martial techniques surged substantially, including several skills that had stagnated after reaching near mastery without breakthroughs into unity. Though he managed to break through, he still had a long way to go before achieving true integration.

The realm of Thunder advanced by 10% in progress, which was an impressively significant leap.

Besides the nature spirit, Chen Fan received another reward: a jade slip and a special sword technique called the Sword Accumulation Form. This too was related to swordsmanship.

This technique involved gathering energy before unleashing it explosively—the longer the accumulation, the greater the power. Of course, the upper limit was still influenced by one’s personal true essence.

The most remarkable aspect of this skill was that after gathering power, it could be combined with other maneuvers or sword techniques during the release, even integrating with the Three-Foot Sword. In certain situations, it would yield astonishing effects.

“Any secret technique from the Yuan Merchant’s realm could serve as a trump card in the Martial Academy!” Chen Fan marveled.

Additionally, Chen Fan was awarded six feathers from the mysterious Xuan Bird. Previously, before reaching the fifth level, he had only received five feathers per trial, but now at the fifth level, the number rose to six, showing the growing disparity.

He immediately exchanged four feathers for the secret technique of the Nine-Star Yuan Core’s third tier, which could double the true essence corresponding to his current cultivation. However, the process required four to five months of continuous cultivation.

Whether there was a fourth tier remained unknown to Chen Fan; he hadn’t discovered any information, possibly because he lacked sufficient feathers.

Having reached the stage of realm comprehension, Chen Fan found that after purchasing the third tier of the Yuan Core, the remaining Xuan Bird feathers couldn’t be exchanged for any powerful martial skills.

Thus, he opted for another special skill named the Formless Heavenly Heart Decision.

Though called a "decision," it was more akin to a minor secret technique, a sort of small method.

This skill was recommended by the Star Spirit, who had noticed Chen Fan’s previous use of simple disguise techniques. Such disguises were easily seen through by many experts.

However, the Formless Heavenly Heart Decision could alter one’s appearance from the inside out, even modifying the structure of bones and muscles, not just superficial disguise. Naturally, the effect was entirely different.

“If I master this secret art fully, I can adjust my muscles and bones at will. Even the most skilled disguise masters won’t detect my changes,” Chen Fan thought.

He had previously felt some concern regarding the Infinite Gate, but with this skill, his security level would drastically improve!

...

Though Chen Fan passed another trial at the first level, his permissions within the Yuan Merchant’s realm remained unchanged; he still couldn’t access other areas.

The Star Spirit smiled and shook her head, “Your cultivation is still too weak.”

Trials of the fourth and fifth levels were challenging but not critical; it was the seventh level that truly mattered.

Even in places like the Spirit God Dao Sect, reaching the seventh level allowed one to become a core disciple immediately.

After some casual chat with the Star Spirit, Chen Fan departed once more, while she stood silently, watching him vanish into the vast hall.

...

Having completed the Yuan Merchant trial, Chen Fan headed straight for Yandu City.

With the aid of the nature spirit, the two martial skills he was cultivating reached near mastery, freeing two slots.

He immediately began cultivating the fourth tier Star Body Refining Technique and the third tier Nine-Star Yuan Core.

As for the Formless Heavenly Heart Decision, he put it aside for now. Although a minor secret technique, it wasn’t simple.

Still, such a technique, even without full mastery, could produce some effect by following the prescribed methods.

Chen Fan lightly activated the technique, altering some details of his facial features.

His cheekbones and nose bridge shifted slightly; his appearance plummeted several levels in attractiveness, aging him by several years, and his visage changed dramatically.

Of course, with his current progress, he couldn’t yet alter his bones or muscles—that would require several more days of practice.

“Although my innate constitution is average, my comprehension isn’t low; I’m progressing quickly with this technique,” Chen Fan mused.

Without cultivation, just by using this technique personally, his progress naturally accelerated far beyond what he had experienced with martial arts.

The luminous feathered robe shimmered again, transforming into a black long robe, and Chen Fan’s entire presence changed drastically.

Apart from his height and build, he was practically a different person.

By the stream, Chen Fan gazed at the unfamiliar figure reflected in the water and laughed heartily, mounting his steed to gallop toward Yandu City.

...

Along the way, Chen Fan noticed many caravans and horses, with numerous martial artists appearing.

He stopped at a tea stall by the roadside and ordered a bowl of tea.

Despite being located on a remote path, the tea stall was bustling, with nine of ten seats occupied.

Only then did Chen Fan learn that the many martial artists on the road were headed for Yandu City for the upcoming Demon-Slaying Tournament held annually, with warriors from surrounding counties converging on the city.

Once again, it was time for the yearly Demon-Slaying Tournament in Yandu City!

Chen Fan felt a moment of nostalgia.

“Has it been a year already...?”

A year ago, he had just broken through to the third realm of martial arts, capable of defeating fourth realm beasts. Now, he was at the fifth realm, with realm comprehension, and even among sixth realm practitioners, he had few equals.

He shook his head lightly and took a sip from his tea bowl.

At that moment, someone nearby rose and approached Chen Fan.

Leading the group was a young gentleman dressed in fine brocade, his sharp eyes fixed on Chen Fan’s horse, unable to look away.

Chen Fan frowned and turned, “What are you doing?”

The young man immediately approached courteously and sat opposite Chen Fan, smiling, “Brother, would you sell this horse?”

Chen Fan chuckled, finding the situation amusing.

His steed, named One-Foot Snow, appeared ordinary but possessed the bloodline of a demon beast—a fine mount indeed.

It was far more precious than the unicorn he had once seen pulling Li Linliu’s carriage, with incredible stamina and speed surpassing even the top speed of modern vehicles from Chen Fan’s previous life.

Actually, after mastering the integration of his movement skill, Chen Fan’s maximum speed exceeded that of the horse, but the true essence consumption was high, so a mount was still necessary.

Disciples of the Bright Moon Pavilion could choose other spiritual beast mounts, but that would be too conspicuous.

“How much are you willing to offer?” Chen Fan smiled at the youth.

The young man appeared about sixteen or seventeen years old, steady on his feet and presumably skilled in martial arts, but still youthful—not a formidable figure. Yet, he recognized the horse’s value, showing keen discernment.

Several burly men, all martial artists, stood behind him. However, given Chen Fan’s current strength, few within Yandu City’s jurisdiction could match his gaze, and these men were certainly not among them.

He glanced at them briefly before withdrawing his gaze.

“Thirty taels of silver—no, fifty taels—how about that?” the young man’s eyes burned with desire as he looked at One-Foot Snow.

Chen Fan smiled again but shook his head, “Sorry.”

For ordinary people, fifty taels was a huge sum, but it wouldn’t even cover a month’s feed for One-Foot Snow.

A fine mount from the Martial Academy would be worth a hundred times that price and still wouldn’t be for sale.