Stepping into the Hidden Scripture Pavilion, Lü Yang was immediately greeted by an old man with a full head of white hair, leisurely lying in a rocking chair, basking in the sun, and intently reading a Dao book.
As soon as Lü Yang entered, the old man looked over.
“Another new Disciple?”
The old man said indifferently, “Go inside and pick for yourself. Remember, follow the rules written inside, otherwise, don’t blame me for not warning you if you die.”
“Thank you, Senior, for your guidance.”
Lü Yang cupped his hands, then walked towards the bookshelves.
Sure enough, as he approached, his Disciple token at his waist seemed to sense something, emitting a faint glow, which then transformed into lines of text that appeared in the air.
“Lü Yang, Disciple of Butian Peak.”
“You can freely receive the secret Cultivation Technique of Butian Peak, the 'Dragon and Phoenix Intercourse Yin Yang Great Bliss Art', and for your first Cultivation Technique exchange, you can exchange it with a no-down-payment loan.”
Lü Yang didn't hesitate and claimed it directly.
The next second, the content of the Cultivation Technique appeared on his Disciple token, and Lü Yang’s mind quickly became immersed in it, only regaining his senses after a long time.
“Why is this Cultivation Technique, like the Innate Dao Book, also divided into two parts, upper and lower?” Remembering the outcome of his previous life, Lü Yang’s expression turned ugly: “The Dragon and Phoenix Intercourse Yin Yang Great Bliss Art, upon Perfection, can refine a Yin Yang Dragon Phoenix Qi, ranking fifth-grade, and theoretically it's also a Cultivation Technique that directly leads to Foundation Establishment.”
“However, what I received was only the Qi Refining chapter!”
With the lessons from his previous life, Lü Yang was extremely wary of such Cultivation Techniques that were half-written and then abandoned, even to the point of considering giving up on Cultivation.
However, after much contemplation, he sighed again: “I still have to Cultivate!”
If he Cultivates, there might be hidden dangers in the future.
If he doesn't Cultivate, there might not even be a future!
Moreover, this 'Dragon and Phoenix Intercourse Yin Yang Great Bliss Art' is indeed profoundly mysterious; not only can it absorb the Origin Qi of its target, but it can also absorb their knowledge!
Cultivation Techniques, Divine Abilities, experience—he can absorb them all!
“In addition, Cultivators who have been absorbed by this Cultivation Technique will gradually have their thoughts controlled by the Cultivator, becoming utterly devoted and unable to extricate themselves, eventually becoming the Cultivator's Puppet, even willing to die for the Cultivator. It is truly an extremely bizarre Demonic Technique.”
Lü Yang studied the Cultivation Technique, silently comprehending.
Half an hour passed like this, and only then did he attempt to circulate his Cultivation Technique. Two streams of True Qi flowed at his fingertips, forming a Dragon and Phoenix, subtly transforming into a new True Qi.
“Ugh!”
The next second, Lü Yang’s face turned pale, and the True Qi at his fingertips dissipated.
“Failed? That’s right, although I’ve mastered the theory, I haven’t had any practical experience yet. Dual Cultivation Techniques aren’t meant for a single person to Cultivate, after all.”
Lü Yang wasn't discouraged and turned to look at the dazzling array of bookshelves before him.
According to the rules of the Hidden Scripture Pavilion, as a newly initiated official Disciple, he had one more opportunity to exchange for a Cultivation Technique or Divine Ability with a no-down-payment loan.
What surprised Lü Yang was that the Hidden Scripture Pavilion contained not only Demonic Techniques.
There were also many Cultivation Techniques clearly from Righteous Path renowned sects, covering a wide range of fields, including divination, sword arts, Five Elements techniques, practically everything imaginable.
“Lesser Heaven Art, Supreme Grand Unity Five Elements Righteous Method, Longevity True Understanding, Divine Firmament Sword Control True Art.”
Lü Yang pondered for a long time before finally making his choice.
“'Divine Firmament Sword Control True Art', Price: 1000 Contribution Points.”
“Detecting that this is your first exchange, you can receive a no-down-payment loan with an annual interest rate of thirty-six percent, to be repaid over ten years. Do you wish to exchange?”
How much???
Lü Yang almost cursed out loud. An annual interest rate of 36% meant he would have to repay 460 Contribution Points annually, principal plus interest, totaling 4600 points over ten years!
Borrow 1000, repay 4600?
This was exploitation to the bone!
“Wait… I’m different!”
Lü Yang’s eyes suddenly lit up. A high-interest loan with no down payment might be a trap for others, but for him, it was completely irrelevant.
At worst, he’d restart. What did the loans from his previous life have to do with him?
So, if he wanted to, he could completely leech the Cultivation Techniques and Divine Abilities from the Hidden Scripture Pavilion for free!
Since he had no intention of repaying, Lü Yang became much calmer. He immediately waved his hand, buying the 'Divine Firmament Sword Control True Art' with a loan without even blinking.
Then, something unexpected happened to Lü Yang.
Previously, when he obtained the 'Dragon and Phoenix Intercourse Yin Yang Great Bliss Art', he was given the Cultivation Technique content directly. However, this time, Lü Yang only received a message:
“Cultivation Technique is being dispatched. It is expected to arrive at your Immortal Cave within three days.”
“Please wait patiently.”
Looking at the message on his Disciple token, Lü Yang was somewhat puzzled. What did “Cultivation Technique is being dispatched” mean? Was this Cultivation Technique a unique copy, not transcribed?
Although he thought so, Lü Yang believed that the Chu Sheng Sect wouldn't just swallow his Cultivation Technique like that.
Before leaving, he sought out the old man at the entrance of the Hidden Scripture Pavilion again.
“This Senior…”
As soon as Lü Yang bowed, the old man in the rocking chair spoke, “I’m not a Senior; I’m also a Disciple of the sect, just a bit older than you.”
Lü Yang was stunned, then corrected himself: “This Senior Brother, do you know if there are any cauldrons available in the sect suitable for us to Cultivate Dual Cultivation Techniques?”
Being in a Demonic Path sect, Lü Yang naturally had no thoughts of remaining untainted by the mud; he certainly wouldn't shy away from Dual Cultivation. He would utilize anything that could make him stronger.
“Cauldrons, eh?”
The old man glanced at Lü Yang upon hearing this, then suddenly asked, “Did you purchase a Cultivation Technique with a loan?”
Lü Yang was momentarily stunned, then nodded.
“Then you don’t need to worry about this.”
At this point, the old man’s face showed a meaningful smile: “Although these Cultivation Technique loans are irritating, they’re not without benefits…”
“Go back and wait!”
Lü Yang returned to his Immortal Cave, utterly bewildered.
However, he soon understood why the 'Divine Firmament Sword Control True Art' needed time for dispatch, and what the “benefits” the old man spoke of truly were.
Three days later, a box was delivered to the entrance of Lü Yang’s Immortal Cave.
Lü Yang carried the box into his Immortal Cave and opened it.
Inside, he saw a shapely woman with sharp, Phoenix-like eyes, her hands and feet bound, placed in the center of the box.
Though not a beauty of unparalleled grace, the woman was naturally beautiful.
Her unadorned face, free of rouge, exuded an ethereal elegance.
And because she had been in the stuffy box for too long, glistening beads of sweat clung to her body, trickling down her fair neck and into her cleavage.
“Demonic Path!”
The woman looked at Lü Yang with eyes that wished to tear him to shreds, and at the same time, she seemed to connect it to her own fate, despair appearing on her pretty face.
Lü Yang frowned at the sight: “You are… a Disciple of the Jade Pivot Sword Pavilion?”
“So what if I am?” The woman closed her beautiful eyes, and two lines of clear tears slowly streamed down her fair cheeks: “Just kill me!”
Only then did Lü Yang realize.
The 'Divine Firmament Sword Control True Art' was a secret Divine Ability of the Jade Pivot Sword Pavilion, the leader of the Righteous Path in the south. He had previously wondered where the Chu Sheng Sect had acquired it.
Now he understood.
The Dragon and Phoenix Intercourse Yin Yang Great Bliss Art could absorb a target's knowledge and experience, and the Chu Sheng Sect had directly brought him an official Disciple of the Jade Pivot Sword Pavilion.
In other words, if he wanted the 'Divine Firmament Sword Control True Art', he only needed to absorb the other party.
“This way, it both imparts the Cultivation Technique and solves the Disciple’s need for a cauldron for Cultivation. It kills two birds with one stone, maximizing utilization value.”
Making the best use of everything, it was indeed the style of the Saint Sect.
Compared to the arduous Cultivation of the renowned Righteous Path, practicing in winter and summer, this was the Demonic Path’s way of Cultivation.