"Uh... there are still four days left until the time for reflection ends." After finishing everything that needed to be done, Ren Pingsheng suddenly found himself at a loss for what to do next.
"Let's try the Movement Technique. If I can merge the Phantom Shadow Technique and Windwalking Step together, it might surpass the Profound-Level Cultivation Method." With this thought in mind, he immediately got to work.
Having previous experience with merging the Movement Technique, he was able to progress much faster this time. In just one day, he had merged most of it, especially finding a fitting point between the Yan Guo Wu Hen Body Technique and Windwalking Step.
Vanishing Like a Goose was originally created by a Senior who observed geese flying high in the sky. The geese utilized the power of the wind. After comprehending the subtleties of wind, Ren Pingsheng easily combined both techniques.
The next steps were even easier. The Phantom Shadow Technique was primarily based on Vanishing Like a Goose, incorporating the illusionary effects of Phantom Shadow Step. Now that the main structure was established, integrating the finer details posed no significant issues.
"This shadow-following effect cannot be discarded; it's an excellent choice for stealth, ambush, and escape." In the final moments, Ren Pingsheng ensured this effect was included as well. Thus, the new Movement Technique was completed in less than two days.
"Haha, not bad! This Movement Technique is impressive. Once perfected, it will be on par with the Profound-Level Movement Technique." He took a step forward, and countless illusions shot out in all directions, making it difficult to discern reality from illusion. Meanwhile, his true self stepped lightly into the air and instantly reached eighty zhang away.
Throughout the passage, his figure appeared everywhere; sometimes flickering rapidly and other times stepping up as if ascending stairs in mid-air. The new Movement Technique displayed an added sense of grace and ease.
"This new Movement Technique is great; it has the speed of wind and the illusionary confusion effect. I'll call it Wind's Illusion. However, I need to start over with my training; I'm not even at Great Success yet."
Ren Pingsheng gently landed on the ground, a smile playing on his lips as he felt quite satisfied with this new Movement Technique. Once perfected, he could traverse one hundred twenty zhang in mid-air. This was significantly better than the one hundred zhang of the Profound-Level Cultivation Method.
The remaining day and a half passed quickly as he focused on practicing the Movement Technique.
"It's time; I should leave now." Ren Pingsheng opened his eyes and got up to depart. The fifteen-day punishment of reflection had come to an end.
Descending from Black Fiend Peak, he took a deep breath and finally felt completely relaxed. The atmosphere on that peak was too oppressive; staying there for too long would make anyone uncomfortable.
Peering ahead, the weather wasn't great; it looked somewhat gloomy. The distant mountains were shrouded in mist. There was a faint humidity in the air, indicating that a heavy rain would likely come soon.
Ren Pingsheng walked gently down the stone steps towards the Elite Disciple Area. The Elite Disciple Area was usually sparsely populated. The disciples were either on missions or in closed-door cultivation, striving to break through and become Warrior Strongmen; they rarely ventured out.
As he walked along, he did not encounter anyone. Turning around a corner of a small path, he soon saw his little courtyard ahead. Although he had only stayed there for one day, he was quite satisfied with it.
"Why are there so many people?" Noticing five individuals gathered twenty zhang away at his Yard Gate, occasionally glancing into the courtyard, Ren Pingsheng couldn't help but furrow his brow.
It was obvious they were looking for him, and judging by their attire, they were Elite Disciples. He feared it would be troublesome, and he disliked trouble the most. However, at this moment, he had no choice but to face it. He couldn't just not go back!
"Ah, he's back, he's back!" Upon seeing Ren Pingsheng approaching, the five Elite Disciples immediately exclaimed with joy. Their exaggerated gestures made it look quite dramatic. But considering they had been waiting here for over ten days, it was understandable.
"You must be Ren Pingsheng, but you made us wait so long." The five stepped in front of Ren Pingsheng, speaking with an arrogant tone.
"Is there something you need?" Ren Pingsheng glanced at them and asked calmly.
"Hmph, Brother Cheng asked me to tell you that as long as you hand over the Profound-Level Martial Arts, you'll be protected among the Elite Disciples. Brother Cheng is one of the top three Elite Disciples, and you'll be able to walk freely in the entire sect. You should be grateful!"
"Shen Shixiong also asked me to tell you that as long as you hand over the Profound-Level Martial Arts..."
...
"Are you done? If you're done, you can leave." Ren Pingsheng said expressionlessly and turned to enter the courtyard. Naturally, the five would not let him go so easily and began to take action.
"Kid, you've just become an Elite Disciple, don't be so arrogant. It's not as simple here as you think; no one is going to protect you. You'll regret it if you don't hand over the Profound-Level Martial Arts!"
"Who wants it? Let him come himself. Hmph, I want to see what kind of people are so arrogant." He swiftly dodged their obstruction and entered the courtyard.
"What should we do? It seems we've failed."
"What else can we do? Just go back and tell the truth. Another brainless fool who thinks too highly of himself. Offending these Brother Shi will make things difficult in the future."
"Profound-Level Martial Arts, really a headache. Just when things were calming down, trouble comes knocking again." Ren Pingsheng sighed lightly, feeling somewhat helpless.
Initially, he had transcribed everything from the two pieces of Tortoise Shell and submitted them to the sect. Unlike others who treated these things like treasures, he believed he could obtain something better than the Profound-Level Cultivation Method. He immediately thought of the techniques behind the Ancient Lan Divine Art.
"Forget it; when soldiers come, I will block them; when water comes, I will cover it. These issues will eventually be resolved." Ren Pingsheng calmed his mind and began to cultivate. He was now attempting to break through to the eleventh Meridian. Such cultivation required consistent effort; it was impossible to achieve overnight.
The five Elite Disciples were already completely forgotten by him. What he didn't expect was that trouble would come so quickly this time.
"Ren Pingsheng, get out here!" About half a day later, a penetrating voice came from outside.
"Uh... that was quite fast. It seems the allure of Profound-Level Martial Arts should not be underestimated." Ren Pingsheng woke up from his cultivation. Looking out the window, he vaguely saw a tall man standing outside. He paced back and forth occasionally, appearing quite restless.
He opened the courtyard door, and both of them looked at each other.
"What a strong man!" Ren Pingsheng silently praised in his heart. There had been an obstruction earlier, so he couldn't see clearly. Now, upon closer inspection, he noticed that the man was eight feet tall, with a leopard-like head and round eyes, a broad nose, and a wide mouth. His aura fluctuated between being as steady as a mountain and restless like a volcano ready to erupt.
"You must be Ren Pingsheng. You look pretty ordinary, but I wonder where you got such courage." This Brute looked at Ren Pingsheng with great interest before speaking in a deep voice.
"Well, I truly apologize for that. I don't know who you are or what business you have with me."
"Hmph, I am Cheng Batian, ranked third among the Elite Disciples. You should have heard of my reputation."
"Uh... I'm sorry; I really haven't heard of you."
"You, little brat, have some guts." Cheng Batian's expression stiffened for a moment before changing again as he suppressed his anger. "I don't want to waste time talking with you. Where's your Profound-Level Martial Arts? Hurry up and show it to me."
"Profound-Level Martial Arts? You want it?" Ren Pingsheng asked knowingly.
"I came for the Profound-Level Martial Arts. Didn't someone tell me to come if I wanted it? Now that I'm here, hurry up and give it to me."
"Ahem... well, if you really want it, you can have it, but you'll need to pay an appropriate price."
"Price? What price?" Cheng Batian's expression darkened as he said fiercely.
"The price for the Profound-Level Martial Arts must also be Profound-Level Martial Arts." Ren Pingsheng smiled lightly, completely ignoring the darkening expression on his face.
"You little brat. Are you mocking me? If I had Profound-Level Martial Arts, would I come here looking for you?" He roared angrily, his voice deafening.
"Do you expect to get it for free? This is Profound-Level Martial Arts, not some cabbage by the roadside." His tone held both surprise and mockery.
"Very well. You think it's amusing to mock me?" Cheng Batian was furious, his aura surging as he struggled to contain his rage.
At that moment, someone suddenly appeared from afar and quickly approached them.
"You are Ren Pingsheng? Hand over the Profound-Level Martial Arts quickly, I need it urgently." A tall man with a delicate face said arrogantly.
"Oh, so you also want the Profound-Level Martial Arts. I wonder who you are?" Ren Pingsheng glanced at Cheng Batian and turned to ask with a smile.
"I am Shen Mu. Now that you know my name, you should be willing to hand it over."
"Shen Mu, I'm sorry, but I haven't heard of you. However, if you want my Profound-Level Martial Arts, it depends on whether you can afford the price."
"What a joke! Do I need to pay for something I want? Don't push your luck." Shen Mu's expression turned cold as he spoke disdainfully.
"I see. That's truly unfortunate. It seems you are fated to be without the Profound-Level Cultivation Method. Please leave!" Ren Pingsheng waved his hand helplessly, showing no respect.
"Kid, what did you say? Hmph, it looks like you're refusing to drink the toast and instead asking for punishment. I'll let you see my abilities."
"Hey, Brother Chen, how about we make a deal?"
"What kind of deal? Tell me about it." After Shen Mu appeared, the anger on Cheng Batian's face disappeared. He stood calmly to the side, seemingly lost in thought.
"It's simple. You help me deal with these troublemakers. In the end, if you can defeat me, I'll give you this Profound-Level Martial Arts. How does that sound?" Ren Pingsheng said with a sly smile.
"Although I don't know what you're planning, there's no way you can be my opponent. I'll accept this deal, but don't think about backing out; otherwise, you'll regret it." Cheng Batian examined Ren Pingsheng for a moment before agreeing with a meaningful look.
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