Chapter 27: Perfecting the Cultivation System

The dim morning light dispelled the tranquility of the night at Yundan Peak.

Ye Li finished a night of training. Although she had deliberately suppressed the devouring power of the "Youhuan Emperor Scripture," the icy spiritual energy within her still grew slightly stronger, becoming more condensed and pure. She maintained the simulated spiritual fluctuations of the "Cloud and Water Sutra" on her body, like a light, aqua-colored veil, to conceal the overbearing aura of her essence.

Pushing open the bamboo door, the fresh mountain air, mixed with the increasingly rich aroma of herbs and medicine, filled her lungs, refreshing her mind and body. Today, she needed to quickly gain a deeper understanding of the Xuanyun Sect's operating system to pave the way for her future cultivation.

Strolling down the mountain, I arrived at the busier area halfway up. In front of the Sutra Pavilion and the Hundred Refining Hall, a few disciples were already entering and leaving, most of them in a hurry, some clutching classics, others carrying refining materials.

She was not in a hurry to enter these two places, but first walked towards a smaller but constantly crowded side hall next to the Sutra Pavilion - the Merit Hall.

The hall was quite spacious, with dozens of massive jade discs hung on the walls, densely inscribed with countless messages and shimmering with spiritual light. Many disciples gathered before the jade discs, examining them closely and whispering quietly. Several windows were set up on one side of the hall, where deacon disciples were responsible for handling affairs.

Ye Li's eyes swept over the jade discs.

On the top of one of the jade discs was the phrase "Sect Mission Release Area." The information below was categorized into the following:

"Herb Collection: Collect ten 100-year-old Purple Cloud Mushrooms. Location: Black Wind Ridge, southeast of the sect. Contribution Points: 50/plant."

"Mineral Mining: Assist in mining refined iron ore for one month. Location: Xishan Mine. Contribution Points: 10 points per day."

"Escort Mission: Escort a caravan to the nearby Redwater City. Duration: half a month. Contribution Points: 200."

"Hunting Monsters: Clearing out the water monsters causing trouble in Bibo Lake. Estimated Strength: Early Stage of Vein Condensation. Contribution Points: 500."

…

The difficulty of the tasks varies greatly, and the contribution point rewards also vary greatly. High risk often comes with high rewards.

The other jade disc next to it is the "resource exchange area".

"The Yellow Rank, Lower Grade Martial Art, Thick Earth Art, requires one thousand contribution points to redeem."

"First-grade elixir 'Qi Gathering Pill', redemption requires five contribution points per pill."

"Low-grade magical weapon 'Qingfeng Sword', required contribution points to exchange: 800."

"Second-level talisman 'Fire Snake Talisman', Contribution Points required to redeem: 100 per piece."

…

There was a dazzling array of items, from cultivation techniques and elixirs to divine weapons, talismans, and array plates, even rare treasures and the cultivation experiences of seniors. Almost everything was available, but the contribution points required were astronomical. With Ye Li's initial monthly allowance of fifty spirit stones, she could hardly buy anything decent here.

Contribution points! The core of everything!

She instantly understood the Xuanyun Sect's model: the sect provided the platform, resources, and a relatively safe environment, while disciples needed to complete various tasks to earn contribution points, which they could redeem for everything they needed for cultivation! This was an extremely efficient competition and selection mechanism, where the capable received more rewards and the weak were eliminated.

She looked at the other jade discs again. There was a "sect regulations promotion area", a "sect news announcement area" and even a "disciples' private transaction and purchase area". The entire Merit Hall was like a fully functional information and transaction center.

"Sister, is this a new member?" A gentle voice sounded beside her.

Ye Li turned around and saw a smiling, elegant male inner disciple, whose cultivation was at the initial stage of Vein Condensation, and he was wearing the attire of Tianshu Peak.

"That's right, Ye Li from Yundan Peak." Ye Li nodded slightly.

"So it's Junior Sister Yeli! I've long heard of your name!" A hint of surprise flashed across the disciple's eyes, and then his smile widened. "I'm Zhou Ming from Tianshu Peak. I see Junior Sister is watching here, but do you have any questions about the sect's contribution system?"

"Thank you, Brother Zhou, for clearing up my confusion." Ye Li readily agreed.

Zhou Ming enthusiastically introduced, "Junior Sister, I'm sure you already know the importance of Contribution Points. Contribution Points are primarily earned by completing the tasks listed on the task wall. Tasks are posted by the sect or individuals, and are reviewed by the Merit Hall before being publicly announced. You must complete tasks according to your ability. The sect will not be held responsible for failure or damage. Additionally, you can earn Contribution Points by making special contributions to the sect or achieving a breakthrough in your cultivation."

He pointed to the exchange area and said, "As for these resources, Junior Sister, don't feel that they are out of reach. Work diligently on your tasks, and little by little, you'll eventually be able to exchange for what you need. Furthermore," he lowered his voice, "each peak will sometimes offer sect-based tasks and rewards, which are often easier than those in the Merit Hall."

"Thank you, Brother Zhou, for your guidance." Ye Li thanked him sincerely. Although this information was basic, it was very important.

"You're too polite, junior sister. Fellow disciples should help each other." Zhou Ming smiled, exchanged a few more words, and then said goodbye and left.

Leaving the Merit Hall, Ye Li had a plan in mind. He had a mission to complete, but he needed to choose carefully, with safety as his top priority. The most urgent task was to reach the Transmission Pavilion first.

The Xuanyun Sect's Transmission Pavilion isn't just a single building; it's located across each peak. The main peak, Qingyun Peak, houses the largest Transmission Pavilion, housing a comprehensive collection of techniques, though the Contribution Point requirement for redemption is also extremely high. Each peak also has its own Transmission Hall, primarily housing specialized techniques and manuals specific to that peak.

The Yundan Peak's side hall for teaching skills is on the second floor of the Sutra Pavilion.

Ye Li climbed the stairs. The second floor was quite large, with rows of jade slips neatly suspended in a light curtain, with brief introductions below. There weren't many disciples here, only a few immersed in selecting a technique.

The person in charge of the guard was a sleepy old deacon.

Ye Li's eyes swept across the light screens.

"Basic Alchemy", "Encyclopedia of Elementary Talismans", "Summary of Spiritual Herb Cultivation", "Cloud and Water Secrets" (subsequent chapters), "Soft Water Sword Technique"...

As expected, most of them are auxiliary skills and secret manuals related to elixirs, talismans, and medicines. There are very few combat skills, and their grades are not high, the highest is only mid-grade Xuan grade.

This was exactly what she wanted. She didn't need to look for a main cultivation method here.

She browsed carefully and finally selected "The Art of Containing Breath" (Yellow Grade, Top Grade), "Analysis of Basic Formations" (not very good, but systematic), and the complete version of "Cloud and Water Art" (cultivable to the Spiritual Sea Realm). These three just used up her initial quota of fifty contribution points.

"Breath Concealment Technique" is used to better conceal one's true cultivation and aura; "Basic Formation Analysis" is used to systematically learn formation knowledge, laying the foundation for cracking the ancient notebook and arranging formations in the future; the complete version of "Cloud and Water Art" is to do enough surface work.

He took three replica jade slips to the old deacon to register.

The old deacon took a sleepy glance and saw the complete volume of "Cloud and Water Sutra" and "Breath Control Technique". He muttered, "The new disciple is quite down-to-earth..." and completed the registration, deducting the contribution points.

After leaving the Transmission Pavilion, Ye Li went to the Hundred Refining Hall.

The Hundred Refining Hall was ablaze with activity, the ground ablaze with flames. The stone chambers were tightly shut, their doors gleaming with runes, indicating they were in use. The air was filled with the aroma of various medicinal herbs, the odor of smelting metal, and a faint smell of burning.

Using the Earth Fire Chamber here requires paying Contribution Points, and the price is quite high. Obviously, both alchemy and weapon refining are extremely expensive secondary jobs.

Ye Li only took a quick look at the environment before leaving. At this stage, she didn't have enough contribution points and materials to support her practice.

Finally, she went to the "Wanxiang Hall" at the foot of the main peak. It was the sect's large market, much larger than the small markets inside the peaks. There were not only sect shops, but also a large number of disciples setting up stalls, and even caravans from other sects coming to trade. It was a mixed crowd, but there were also more opportunities.

After a round of understanding, Ye Li had a clear understanding of the composition of Xuanyun Sect.

This is a massive machine with strict hierarchy, fierce competition, and yet brimming with opportunity. Contribution points are the lifeblood that drives everything. To gain resources, you must integrate into this system, fulfill tasks, and strive for success.

When we returned to the Yundan Peak courtyard, it was almost dusk.

Ye Li activated the Quiet Room formation and first picked up the jade slip containing the "Breath Containment Technique." Her consciousness sank into it, and within half an hour, she had mastered it. She tried to activate it, and her aura quickly subsided. The simulated fluctuations of the "Cloud and Water Art" became faint, making her look like an ordinary disciple who had just entered the Spiritual Awakening Realm. The effect was quite good.

Then, she began to comprehend the "Analysis of Basic Formations", combining it with the ancient notebook, verifying each other, and many previously vague points gradually became clear.

After completing these superficial tasks, she finally calmed down and began to focus on studying the "Youhuan Emperor Sutra".

He carefully controlled the speed of the technique, like a trickle of water, drawing spiritual energy into his body, tempering his meridians and concentrating his spiritual power. Although his speed was limited, the technique's rank was so high that the purity of the spiritual power he cultivated was far beyond imagination.

She could feel that she was not far from breaking through the barrier of the Condensed Veins Realm. However, before that, she needed more accumulation and precise control of her strength.

In addition to practicing, she also divided her attention into two things, practicing the "Cloud and Water Sutra", allowing the light blue water-attributed spiritual power to flow through several secondary meridians, familiarizing herself with its characteristics, and making it look more like the main practice method.

The night was deep, and in the quiet room, there was only the faint humming sound of spiritual energy flowing.

Ye Li is like the most patient hunter, quietly accumulating strength, sharpening his fangs, and waiting for the moment to truly show his edge.

Life in the sect was already on track, but undercurrents often surged beneath the calm.

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