Due to an accident, a portion of the Shushan Sect's strength was exposed, something Xu Xian, the central figure, remained completely unaware of. After discussing the reconstruction of the inn with Ye Wen, he returned to his room to meditate and cultivate.

By now, Xu Xian fully realized the vast gulf between his internal skill and that of his senior brother. Especially after the great battle yesterday—though he hadn't witnessed it firsthand, he had meticulously gathered all the details. Setting other matters aside, the sheer fact that Ye Wen could use his internal energy to create a protective barrier against incoming projectiles and then rebound them was something Xu Xian couldn't even begin to imitate.

And it wasn't just inability; even attempting to mimic it with extreme effort was beyond his reach. Neither his current level of internal cultivation nor the tier of his cultivation techniques could support such a conspicuous display.

The depth of the internal cultivation methods was something he couldn't instantly fix. Despite his exceptional innate talent and considerable intellect, in the way of martial arts, he was undeniably a novice. While this had little bearing on actual combat, discussing profound theories was beyond him.

Even after mastering the Hui Feng Luo Yan Sword under Ye Wen's careful guidance, Xu Xian didn't genuinely believe he had become a true master. Instead, through constant discussion with his senior brother, he became acutely aware of the immense gap separating them—not in raw power, but in their perception of martial arts.

The insights Ye Wen would spontaneously offer while discussing swordsmanship often left Xu Xian astonished. He would realize that what he had painstakingly stumbled upon paled in comparison to his senior brother’s sudden flashes of inspiration. Although the Hui Feng Luo Yan Sword bore his name, the majority of its critical turning points relied entirely on Ye Wen’s nearby pointers.

Being inherently sharp, Xu Xian naturally perceived this. Thus, his admiration for his senior brother was deep-seated. Ye Wen's occasional, boundless creativity—that wildly imaginative thinking—was something he simply couldn't match. And creating martial arts, he understood, required not only cultivation but also significant imagination.

He certainly didn't believe he himself would spontaneously conjure martial arts concepts often enough to devise an entirely new technique. If his external skills were like this, how much more difficult must it be for the more esoteric and profound internal cultivation methods?

In reality, although Xu Xian had brought the Xiaoyao Heart Method to near completion, he was merely familiar with its mechanics. To expect him to derive higher-level skills from it was pushing too far.

Therefore, he couldn't see an immediate solution regarding his techniques. Perhaps the only viable path was to seek advice from his senior brother regarding suitable suggestions. Of course, he could also wait for Ye Wen to fully master the Zixia Gong he was currently practicing and then simply learn it directly. He was certain that if he requested to learn, Ye Wen would not refuse.

Aside from that, the only other option was to elevate his own cultivation level before his senior brother offered guidance or instruction on higher-tier techniques. Ye Wen had once told him that for any skill, having a sufficiently deep foundation before beginning training often leads to twice the result with half the effort.

He used his current practice of Zixia Gong as an example: "If I had deeper internal energy when learning this method, perhaps with the aid of the Cold Pool, I could reach mastery, or near mastery, in a very short time. As it stands, I must slowly accumulate internal energy while simultaneously improving my Zixia Gong cultivation."

"This is like filling a water tank with a bucket. If your bucket is already full to begin with, you naturally reduce the number of trips needed. If the bucket were empty, you'd inevitably have to make an extra journey."

"Of course," Ye Wen added, "If you were carrying a water tank instead of a bucket, it wouldn't be surprising if you filled that other tank in the blink of an eye."

However, this analogy was immediately silenced by Ning Ruxue’s retort: "If you already have a tank, why bother pouring water into another one?"

This left Ye Wen with no choice but to concede, "I was merely giving an example."

With this vivid explanation, Xu Xian always paid close attention to raising his cultivation. What he didn't know was that Ye Wen was currently contemplating whether to begin teaching the Zixia Gong to his junior sister and junior brother.

It wasn't that he intended to hoard knowledge. The reasons for not teaching them sooner were twofold: first, he needed to secure a head start for himself, claiming it as his own creation; second, at that time, both Ning Ruxue and Xu Xian's cultivation levels fell short of the requirements for practicing Zixia Gong.

But now, after several months of relentless practice and consumption of serpent gallbladders, both had made significant strides in their internal strength. From a cultivation standpoint, they met the criteria to learn Zixia Gong.

Yet, due to certain considerations, Ye Wen felt that a sect with overly homogenous martial arts might not bode well for long-term development.

After all, everyone's aptitude differed. What suited Xu Xian might not suit Ning Ruxue, and a technique Ye Wen could master might only see Xu Xian reach the introductory level.

For example, among the existing Shushan techniques: Ning Ruxue’s self-developed Tian Luo Di Wang Stance, Xu Xian practiced it and performed quite well, complemented by his excellent foundational lightness skill, which aligned perfectly with the stance, allowing rapid progress. Ye Wen, however, fared poorly when he tried, managing only to enter the initial stages by relying heavily on his deep internal power.

And Ye Wen's current specialty, the Soft Palm, was practiced ordinarily by both Ning Ruxue and Xu Xian. Though they could execute the moves flawlessly, the essence was always lost when performed. Ning Ruxue would unconsciously drift toward the style of the Tian Luo Di Wang Stance, while Xu Xian would invariably morph the palm technique into a sword form as he fought. On several occasions during sparring, if Ye Wen hadn't reacted quickly enough, his junior brother would have jabbed him using his finger as a sword point.

The disparities in their talents were evident across these few techniques; how much more so in the more subtle and complex internal cultivation methods? Ye Wen genuinely doubted whether what suited him would suit them.

Although Ye Wen possessed only one copy of the Zixia Secret Manual, he had the ultimate reliance: the ring capable of summoning secret manuals. Even if he couldn't find a suitable technique immediately, he could slowly 'farm' until one emerged, and then give it to his junior brother and sister.

Furthermore, he had already dismantled a significant portion of the Zhengquan Sect's power. On Shushan, there seemed to be no force capable of matching him now. He appeared to have ample time to 'farm' manuals at leisure. However, for the past few days, he had felt restless, as if something significant was about to happen.

Even though Ning Ruxue and Xu Xian returned safely after their daily excursions, the news they brought back was largely favorable to the Shushan Sect.

For instance, while most of the local gentry were reluctant to accept the relatively unfamiliar Shushan Sect as successors to the Zhengquan Sect’s role as their protectors, they agreed to compensate with silver to redeem their contracts. These landowners knew that anyone capable of causing the Zhengquan Sect such grief was not to be trifled with; it was better to pay to avert disaster and cultivate good karma.

Following Ye Wen’s instructions, the penalty fees for breach of contract were not excessive, merely symbolic. Benevolence toward others was ultimately benevolence toward oneself. Once the Shushan Sect’s power grew, dealings with these gentry and local magnates would be inevitable, so taking a step back now ensured easier future relations.

Only one large landowner insisted on upholding the contract. Ye Wen dispatched two outer disciples to serve, with the stipulation that they must return after one month to swap positions with fellow disciples.

As for those who refused to uphold the contract and also declined to pay compensation, there were only one or two cases, all minor landowners. Ye Wen paid little mind to such people, viewing them as lacking foresight and any sense of propriety. He suspected that without Ye Wen’s intervention, their meager assets would soon be swallowed by others—everyone else paid their dues, but they refused to bleed a little? That was practically inviting trouble. Who would they target if not them?

Additionally, the former location of the Shushan Sect at the foot of the mountain had been converted into a branch residence for the Shushan Sect, specifically tasked with receiving visitors or those seeking apprenticeship. Xu Ping was currently responsible for matters there, with outer disciples rotating guard duties.

Xu Ping didn't need to be stationed there permanently, but he had to conduct regular inspections. The reason he wasn't permanently based there was Ye Wen’s plan to induct him into the inner circle. During their last meeting, Ye Wen had subtly implied this intention. At the time, Xu Ping had shown visible excitement; entering the inner circle, especially by becoming the Sect Master’s disciple, was incomparable to his current status as an outer disciple. Ignoring the massive difference in status, the chance to learn profound martial arts was the dream of every martial artist.

Fortunately, he knew the Sect Master valued him and had more responsibilities to entrust him with. Only by performing well could he earn greater trust, so he quickly composed himself and listened to Ye Wen’s further arrangements. Finally, Ye Wen revealed that, barring unforeseen circumstances, his formal initiation into the inner circle would take place around the New Year.

After concluding matters concerning the takeover of the Zhengquan Sect's properties, Ye Wen could finally refocus on his junior brother and sister’s internal cultivation issues. Concurrently, with the aid of the Cold Pool, he had managed to heal approximately seventy percent of his meridian injuries. Circulating true energy no longer caused any stinging pain, but since the injuries had only just healed, he dared not engage in overly strenuous activities.

His days were occupied helping Liu Qingfeng regulate his meridians, slowly recovering his injuries, and because his meridians were becoming more resilient, he could resume advancing his Zixia Gong cultivation.

Ten days passed in a blink. Ye Wen felt his recovery was complete and shifted his gaze back to the index finger of his right hand. The magical ring had been silent for quite some time.

Ye Wen had indeed thought about the ring when considering acquiring internal arts for his junior siblings, but due to his injury, he was hesitant to expend true energy so casually, so he had held off. Now that the injury was healed, he resolved not to delay any longer. He immediately channeled his internal energy, intending to summon a suitable internal cultivation method.

Of course, what would ultimately be summoned was entirely beyond his control. His sole hope was that something reliable would appear—even if it wasn't an internal art, something useful would suffice.

Regrettably, the ring completely ignored Ye Wen's intentions and showed no interest in his pleas, paying no heed to what he desired.

When a book resembling a martial arts manual materialized in Ye Wen's hand, the initially excited Ye Wen looked toward the cover with nervous anticipation. Upon clearly reading what was written, he nearly choked and collapsed.

"Seriously? Could this be any more of a scam?"

Tears brimming, Ye Wen stared at the book in his hand, his right hand trembling uncontrollably. His posture and dynamic expression made it clear to anyone watching the depth of his inner turmoil, reminiscent of some dramatic figure.

The root of his distress was the four flamboyant characters written on the cover: The Seven-Colored Dou Qi. Looking at this object, Ye Wen truly didn't know what to do.

With a feeling he could hardly call 'excitement,' Ye Wen flipped the book open, clinging to a sliver of hope, telling himself: "Just look through it first. Maybe it's something good unexpectedly."

Alas, by the time he finished reading the book, which wasn't thin but certainly not thick, every last trace of that hope vanished. The Seven-Colored Dou Qi was precisely the one he knew, and its formidable power would indeed make anyone envious. However, its internal cultivation requirements left Ye Wen feeling excruciatingly conflicted.

According to the book’s description, Ye Wen was currently qualified to practice what it detailed. Moreover, due to certain extreme similarities in method, he wouldn't have trouble cultivating it—at least that was much better than the deceitful Lion's Roar Bomb he’d encountered before, Ye Wen muttered inwardly.

But there was a significant catch: if Ye Wen cultivated this Seven-Colored Dou Qi, all his accumulated internal energy and the tiny shred of Zixia True Qi he had painstakingly gathered would dissipate, or rather, be instantly converted. Furthermore, he would forever be barred from cultivating any other internal art, confined to this single discipline for life.

The cultivation method for Seven-Colored Dou Qi wasn't complex; it involved mobilizing all energy within the body and converting it into Dou Qi, stored in the Dantian. Because of this characteristic, nearly any energy appearing in the cultivator’s body would be assimilated by the Dou Qi, thus precluding the practice of other methods.

The increase in the Seven-Colored Dou Qi's power depended entirely on the intensity of the Dou Qi; the operational method remained unchanged. Essentially, once you started, you never needed to worry about future cultivation manuals; the only obstacle remaining was how to enhance the Dou Qi’s intensity.

While the peak power of Seven-Colored Dou Qi was tempting, it carried a massive side effect. Setting aside the gruesome detail that training it to the black level could lead to idiocy, the near-impossible requirement for advancing to Phantom Dou Qi was a barrier he couldn't cross. He couldn't very well cultivate it himself while simultaneously nurturing a black Dou Qi expert just to kill them, could he?

In short, with so many issues, Ye Wen had to treat this technique with extreme caution, regardless of its ultimate power. Moreover, its true effectiveness was hard to judge. If he dismantled his skills to start this path and ended up weaker than his current Zixia Gong, there would be no turning back. Once Seven-Colored Dou Qi was cultivated, unless one scattered all their power, they could never escape it; anything cultivated would be absorbed and converted by the Dou Qi within.

This meant that if Ye Wen ventured into Seven-Colored Dou Qi and the results were unsatisfactory, his only recourse would be to cripple his own martial arts and start over—he simply didn't have that much time for such trouble.

More importantly, Ye Wen gleaned something crucial from the Seven-Colored Dou Qi. It showed that the summoning range of the ring was incredibly broad. If he could supply sufficiently immense internal power, the ring could conjure virtually anything that met that power standard, even bizarre, illogical secret manuals. Whether he could actually master the resulting technique, however, was irrelevant to the ring.

If he could summon the Seven-Colored Dou Qi now, what more monstrous and potent techniques might he summon when his strength increased further?

"Kamehameha? Spirit Wave Punch? Primal Chaos Sutra? It doesn't seem impossible."

If he could truly obtain those overwhelmingly powerful, reality-bending techniques, wouldn't pursuing the problematic Seven-Colored Dou Qi now be like discarding a watermelon to pick up a sesame seed?

"Hmm, better not practice it."

Setting the Seven-Colored Dou Qi aside, Ye Wen resumed his deliberation. He had decided against practicing it, but how should he dispose of it? Burn it? That seemed too wasteful.

"Forget it, I'll keep it. Maybe it'll be useful someday." Following his habit, Ye Wen reread the contents of the book one more time. Each time a new manual was summoned, he would review it thoroughly. Thanks to his exceptional memory since transmigrating, he could generally recall the main points after a single reading.

Then, he opened a hidden compartment and stored the manual away. Having completed this, Ye Wen strolled leisurely into the courtyard to clear his head.

Dusk was settling in. Since the Shushan Sect was sparsely populated, walking through some of the more secluded areas felt somewhat eerie, but Ye Wen didn't care. It was the home he built from the ground up; how could he be afraid?

After walking a circuit, Ye Wen abruptly stopped in front of a small building, a slight curl forming on his lips as he sneered, "A visitor in the dead of night. May I ask the purpose of your visit?"

As he finished speaking, the night wind whistled, but there was no response.

"Heh, it seems your lightness skill gives you great confidence. Do you think I'm just trying to trick you?"

When he spoke again, there was still no answer. Had anyone else been present, they would likely assume Ye Wen was talking to himself. However, in the darkness, one person broke into a cold sweat, constantly repeating inwardly, "Impossible. How could he possibly detect me? A master from an obscure minor sect—how could he find me?"

Seeing that there was still no reply, Ye Wen grew impatient. "It seems I must personally invite you out." Saying this, without any visible movement, a flash of purple light appeared on his face. His sleeve flicked, and with a sweep of his azure blue sleeve, a deluge of yellowish-orange objects scattered violently toward the building. After a cacophony of cracking sounds, a dark figure leaped from the shadows, then executed several swift bounds directly toward the main gate.