"Since you possess a Fire Attribute Spirit Root, choose a Fire Attribute Technique!"

"Fire Attribute Technique?"

Zhang Jian's eyes sparkled.

This was quite to his liking. His Thunderfire Spirit Root was top-notch, the highest of the Ninth Grade. Cultivating a Fire Attribute Technique would greatly benefit him.

"Your fighting style leans towards attack as the main focus, but relying solely on Thunder Attribute techniques and swordsmanship is somewhat one-dimensional. Adding an additional technique will greatly benefit your combat. However, you must prioritize properly!"

"In early cultivation, specializing is better than being broad and unfocused!!"

True Monarch Zhanmo sternly cautioned.

Zhang Jian nodded, indicating he would remember.

After a brief pause, True Monarch Zhanmo continued, "However, the Zhanmo Lineage doesn't have many recorded Fire Attribute Techniques suitable for you... just this Vermilion Bird Mimicry Technique, a Fire Attribute Technique obtained by an elder of the Zhanmo Lineage. Its power is so-so, but adequate for a junior cultivator like you!"

Zhang Jian nodded upon hearing this.

Being able to gain a technique for free was naturally a delightful matter.

Zhang Jian left Demon-slaying Peak, guided by Bai Xianyin to collect two techniques.

Upon receiving the Vermilion Bird Mimicry Technique, Zhang Jian realized the meaning of "so-so."

It's a Yin Spirit Level Technique.

Meaning, it can still be used even upon reaching the Yin Spirit Realm.

This was good news.

Zhang Jian was quite certain that with his Golden Core Foundation already formed, condensing a Golden Core wouldn't take too long.

He didn't need to spend as much time refining his magical power as other cultivators.

His body already contained numerous Celestial Treasures, which, although mostly fused with his flesh body, would ease breaking through to the Golden Core Realm.

Before achieving the Yin Spirit level, Zhang Jian estimated there was no need to worry about power growth.

…

After acquiring two techniques, Zhang Jian returned to his physical form.

In the study, the radiance of the Heaven and Earth Profound Sect that enveloped Zhang Jian dissipated, yet a trace of a smile emerged in his eyes.

This time, his harvest was substantial, and he could thoroughly digest it over time.

Zhang Jian didn't continue to act ostentatiously going forward. Knowing Emperor Jingwu's path to rise, he could guess part of this emperor's personality.

It was certain that the emperor wouldn't favor those with flamboyant tendencies.

Right now, Zhang Jian had done enough. If Governor Wu in Jixian County could withstand the first infiltration from the Xuan Du Sect, he and Shi Lun's merits should not be overlooked. They might even have been noted by today's emperor at the Imperial Desk.

This was enough.

Once is enough.

Twice, thrice might not be favorable.

Once is a coincidence, excessive occurrences might provoke others to think more!

...

Three months passed!

Most of Zhang Jian's time was spent reviewing his studies in this small courtyard, refining his magical power, and comprehending the several new techniques in his hands.

He seldom ventured out.

Among a few occasions, one was when his uncle Qi Yuanwu went on an expedition.

The other was, through Shi Lun's introduction, meeting a few Advanced Scholars from the Southern Provinces, making acquaintances with some.

…

Early spring arrived unknowingly amidst Zhang Jian's secluded cultivation.

Though early spring was approaching, it was still biting cold outside. However, the arrival of the festive season brought a lively atmosphere to the streets.

In the study, Zhang Jian could also hear cheers from children outside the courtyard. It's probably one of the rare times within the year when they could relax and have a hearty meal.

Yet Zhang Jian was writing letters.

He had many letters to write—to Zhang Yi, Madam Zhang Qi, Dragon Maiden Bai Liying, his fiancée Qi Yuhua, as well as to several of his younger brothers.

He didn't find it troublesome.

At such times, it seemed to warm his Dao Heart, which had grown numb and rational due to cultivation.

Zhang Lu kept watching. Over the months, his rapidly growing stature finally slowed down, yet he still appeared slightly taller than Zhang Jian, and the childish features on his face were maturing.

During these three months, Zhang Jian devoted himself to cultivating diligently without 'forgetting' to sculpt this close kin well.

Zhang Lu had already entered the White Tiger Hundred Victories Force, reaching the second realm of the Fifth Body Refining Realm, the Peak of Muscle Strengthening, with Bone Marrow Cleansing next.

Indeed, Zhang Lu was well-suited for martial arts, surrounded by an inherent tiger might akin to the descent of the White Tiger Star. If tempered well, he'd be a fine warrior charging into battlefields in the future.

But Zhang Lu noticed greater changes in Zhang Jian.

After three months of seclusion, the ethereal aura on Zhang Jian settled into a scholarly demeanor.

His complexion was fair; his skin was like jade, naturally exuding nobility. After months of immersion in the sea of books, he seemed to comprehend certain special principles, giving an especially comforting presence.

Zhang Lu could only describe it as comforting.

Zhang Lu reminded, "Young Master, after the festive season, the Ministry of Rites Examination will commence. I've sent someone to inquire outside over the last few days, and if correct, the examination will be held at the Imperial College!"

"Hmm, no surprise!"

Zhang Jian expressed no unexpected look. He laid down his wolf-bristle brush, and wisps of dry, invisible energy emerged, gradually drying the writing on the paper.

He used the Vermilion Bird Mimicry Technique's control over flames in this way.

Being able to slay demons and subdue monsters, the Vermilion Bird Flame was controlled to such extent, proving his prowess in Fire Magic.

He then classified the letters and instructed Zhang Lu, "Seal them and send them back!"

Zhang Lu nodded, then hesitated and said, "Young Master, should I visit those secret poetry societies and check the direction of this examination's topics and implications?"

During the Spring Imperial Examination, various academies and poetry societies in Haojing were bustling, speculating topics. Officials were also participating.

Some poetry societies and academies excelled in this domain.

This drew extra attention.

Indeed, some individuals naturally excelled at finding the essence behind phenomena, always taking 'shortcuts' in whatever they did.

The same goes for the imperial exams. There were officials who could gauge the mind of the chief examiner and occasionally hit the mark.

"No need!"

Zhang Jian was quite confident about these matters. He waved his hand; his focus was more on Tongshan's Transmission Hall, the reason he preferred not leaving his room lately.

After all, cultivating was fascinating.

Moreover, ordinary exam questions were too easy for him, someone with a Seven-Orifice Exquisite Heart. They posed no great challenge.

Thus, there was no need to waste energy on this.

Zhang Lu wasn't bothered by this; since Zhang Jian didn't prioritize it, as his attendant, he couldn't neglect it. He decided to inquire ahead.

With silver gifted by the Patriarch, he could acquire some 'inside information' from internal poetry societies.

In fact, Zhang Jian disdained such inside information, as it reminded him of certain scams leading people to ruin through false insider information.

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