Contribution points can be obtained by completing tasks issued by the academy, contributing to the Dynasty, or submitting valuable Vicious Beast Materials. federal credits might buy some basic resources, but truly core Cultivation Techniques, Martial Skills, and Medicinal Pills must be exchanged with contribution points!
“It seems that if I want to get more Advanced Skin Tempering Cultivation Techniques, or prepare to exchange for the Body Tempering Method later, I must earn contribution points as soon as possible!”
“I need to find a job!”
Dongfang Yueming immediately clicked on the “Mission Hall” section, and a dazzling array of mission information caught his eye.
“Clean the training ground, 1 contribution point per day.” — Too low, PASS!
“Assist the alchemist in processing Medicinal Materials, requires familiarity with pharmacology, 5 contribution points per day.” — Can’t do it, PASS!
“Sparring mission, requires Inner Strength Realm Cultivation...” — Not qualified, PASS!
He patiently filtered through them one by one. His goal was clear: tasks with controllable risk, relatively high rewards, and suitable for his current strength.
Soon, a piece of information caught his attention:
“Recruitment: City Security Patrol Team Member (Temporary)”
“Mission Description: Conduct daily patrols in designated areas, maintain order, Expel small Mortal Beasts, and record abnormal situations.”
“Requirements: At least Skin Tempering Minor Achievement Realm Cultivation.”
“Reward: 3 contribution points per day. If a Mortal Beast is encountered and successfully killed, additional contribution points will be calculated based on the Mortal Beast’s Rank.”
Dongfang Yueming’s eyes lit up!
“Skin Tempering Minor Achievement is enough... I am currently at Skin Tempering Perfection (Niu Pi (Cowhide) Realm), which perfectly meets the requirements!”
“3 contribution points per day, that’s 90 points a month! This is already quite good! Moreover, killing Mortal Beasts also has additional rewards!”
“Patrolling in the city is much less risky than outside the city. Although I might encounter Mortal Beasts that slip through cracks, it’s a good way to test my strength!”
He estimated that 1 contribution point was approximately equal to 100 federal credits in purchasing power. This 3-point daily wage, converted into federal credits, was already a considerable income, enough to ensure a worry-free life and still save a lot.
“This is it!”
He unhesitatingly clicked the “Apply” button.
Soon, a dialogue box popped up from the terminal, an automatic reply from the mission issuer:
“Application received. Patrol missions carry a certain degree of danger. Occasionally, out-of-control or infiltrating Mortal Beasts may appear in the city. Do you confirm your participation? Reminder: Every year, patrol members kick the bucket because of this!”
The tone carried a hint of routine indifference, yet it bluntly pointed out the risks.
Looking at the black humor in the “Reminder: Every year, patrol members kick the bucket because of this!”, Dongfang Yueming not only didn’t flinch but a confident smile curved his lips.
Risk? Which step on the Martial Dao path doesn't have risks?! If he was timid, what was the point of Cultivating martial arts? He might as well go home and farm!
He typed two words into the dialogue box without hesitation:
“Confirm!”
The reply from the other end of the terminal was almost instantaneous, with a businesslike numbness: “Alright. Commendable courage, or rather... you’re tough. Please report to the East City Gate Patrol Station at 8 AM tomorrow morning and find Captain Wang.”
After the message was sent, the other party seemed about to end the conversation.
Dongfang Yueming’s eyes flashed, and his fingers quickly typed on the keyboard.
“Wait! I have another question.”
Other party: “Speak.”
Dongfang Yueming: “The mission requires Skin Tempering Minor Achievement, for 3 contribution points per day. But I am not at Minor Achievement, but rather... Skin Tempering Major Achievement! According to regulations, should the remuneration be increased?”
He deliberately only said “Major Achievement” and not “Perfection”. After all, according to the information on the website, Skin Tempering Perfection itself was relatively rare, not to mention the distinctions of Niu Pi (Cowhide), Shi Pi (Stone Skin), and Jade Skin above it, which were even more vague and inaccessible to ordinary students. Rashly claiming to be at Perfection would be too shocking and might attract unnecessary trouble.
But even “Skin Tempering Major Achievement” was absolutely a rarity among newly admitted students! Enough to attract attention!
As expected, the terminal on the other end was silent for a few seconds, seemingly verifying something.
A moment later, a new message popped up, the tone clearly carrying a hint of surprise and solemnity:
“Skin Tempering Major Achievement? A new student?... Verification confirmed. Very good! Excellent! Since you are at Major Achievement Cultivation, you naturally cannot be paid according to the Minor Achievement standard.”
“In that case, your basic remuneration will be increased to 6 contribution points per day! Double that of Minor Achievement! If you can demonstrate strength commensurate with the Major Achievement Realm, there will be room for further increase! Report tomorrow, and I will personally assess you!”
6 points a day!
Dongfang Yueming was ecstatic!
This was truly an unexpected surprise! Just by stating his “Major Achievement” Cultivation, his remuneration immediately doubled! That would be 180 contribution points a month! This was already a considerable income! More than enough to exchange for the 《Basic Body Tempering Method》, and even have quite a bit left over!
“Thank you! I will definitely report on time tomorrow!” Dongfang Yueming quickly replied.
After ending the communication with the patrol station and solving the problem of contribution point sources, Dongfang Yueming was in a great mood. But he didn’t stop there; his fingers once again slid across the terminal.
“Skin Tempering Perfection (Niu Pi (Cowhide) Realm) has given me good defense and basic strength, but... I still lack effective offensive means!” His gaze was sharp, “Bare hands are ultimately limited, especially when facing the sharp claws and fangs of Vicious Beasts. I need a weapon Martial Skill!”
He once again clicked on the “Cultivation Technique Martial Skill” exchange area and began to filter Martial Skills suitable for him. Elegant sword techniques, domineering spear techniques, fierce fist and palm techniques... The dazzling array of Martial Skills made his eyes blur.
Considering the complex situations he might face in patrol missions, and the common characteristic of Vicious Beasts having thick skin and flesh, he focused on blade techniques. The blade, with its wide, sweeping movements and powerful slashes, was most suitable for battlefield combat!
Soon, a blade technique called “Basic Fast Blade Thirteen Styles” caught his attention. The exchange price was not expensive, only 10 contribution points.
However, clicking on the details page, the student discussion area below aroused his curiosity.
“Alas, this ‘Basic Fast Blade Thirteen Styles’ is easy to get started with, but mastering it is as difficult as ascending to heaven!”
“Who says it isn’t? It is said that this blade technique requires extremely high demands on movement technique, eyesight, and reaction speed, and it gets harder to practice the further you go!”
“The key is... even if you painstakingly practice it to Major Achievement, its power is just so-so, with no obvious advantage compared to the Major Achievement Realm of other mainstream blade techniques.”
“Right! The truly powerful aspect of this blade technique lies in the legendary ‘Perfection’ Realm! It is said that once at Perfection, the blade moves like wind, swift as thunder, and almost no one of the same Rank can withstand its edge!”
“Perfection? Don’t even think about it! According to academy records, in recent years, no one has been able to practice this ‘basic’ blade technique to Perfection! They all say there’s a Bottleneck later on, making it impossible to Breakthrough!”
“So, it’s purely a chicken rib! With that effort, it’s better to practice the 《Thick Earth Blade Technique》 or the 《Fierce Wind Blade Technique》, their power after Major Achievement is genuinely strong!”
Looking at these discussions, Dongfang Yueming’s eyes flickered. Instead of retreating, his interest grew even stronger!
Difficult to practice? Bottleneck? Major Achievement power is mediocre? Only powerful at Perfection?
This is practically tailor-made for me!
Others fear difficulty, what do I fear? I have stat points!
Others fear Bottlenecks, what do I fear? I have stat points!
Others can’t reach Perfection, I... as long as I have enough points, I can even point it beyond Perfection for you!
Moreover, the fact that this blade technique is only mediocre in power at Major Achievement means that fewer people practice it, making it less likely to attract attention, which is perfect for discreet development in the early stages! Once pointed to Perfection, its power will surge, becoming an unexpected trump card!
Perfect!
“You’re the one!”
Dongfang Yueming no longer hesitated. Although 10 contribution points were a “huge sum” for him right now (equivalent to 1000 federal credits), he still gritted his teeth and confirmed the exchange!
He was currently penniless and had no contribution points, so he could only choose... to pay with federal credits!
Watching the already meager federal credits in his account instantly disappear by a large chunk, Dongfang Yueming felt a pang of pain, but his eyes grew even brighter.
You can’t catch a wolf without sacrificing a child! This investment is absolutely worth it!
Soon, the electronic Secret Manual for the “Basic Fast Blade Thirteen Styles” was downloaded to his terminal.
A new goal has appeared!
Grind!
No, it’s stat points!