He weighed them in silence. After another moment of thought, he dismissed the purely stealthy approach; illusions weren’t his highest priority for this particular Dantian.
Nor did he want something that was only mobility-based. He needed a technique that would enhance both offensive and synergistic capabilities, especially considering his other elemental Intents.
Finally, he spoke, setting aside three of the slips. He held the Stormchaser’s Pulse in his hand.
“I’ll take this one. The explosive energy resonates well with my thunder Qi—and if it’s as volatile as it sounds, my physiques can handle it.”
The pagoda spirit inclined her head calmly.
[An excellent choice, Master. Stormchaser’s Pulse demands discipline, but your body and Dao Heart should be more than capable of managing its surges. This technique often pairs favorably with lightning-based Intents or other aggressive elemental arts.]
He flicked his gaze across the slip one more time. “With my second and future cores, balancing a bit of chaos and power is exactly what I need. I’ll take it.”
[Pagoda Spirit]:
[Shall I also gather a set of King-grade wind Qi pills or supporting artifacts to smooth out your cultivation in Stormchaser’s Pulse?] Enjoy new adventures from empire
He considered for a moment. “Good idea. Show me what you have—nothing too fancy, though. I don’t want to rely on crutches, just enough to cushion the initial adaptation.”
The spirit led him across the platform to another set of crystal cases. Inside, various vials and talismans gleamed with swirling auras of wind.
She pointed to a small jade bottle containing Green Tempest Pellets—a mild but steady Qi supplement specifically designed for early-stage assimilation of wind-based cultivation techniques.
[Pagoda Spirit]:
[Green Tempest Pellets will help refine the wind Qi in your body. They aren’t as powerful as higher-tier resources, but they safely reduce the risk of internal conflict when trying to absorb a new element.]
He plucked the jade bottle from the shelf, letting his Qi sweep through the pellets. Satisfied, he stored them away. “Show me a weapon to go along with my Wind Qi.”
The pagoda spirit inclined her head in acknowledgment.
[As you wish, Master. Please follow me.]
She turned, leading him away from the shelves lined with cultivation manuals.
The crystalline path beneath them wound around a gently pulsing lake of liquid Qi, then ascended toward another floating mountain that glimmered with a faint, verdant hue—an indication of wind-aligned treasures.
As they reached the new island, he felt a subtle breeze stir around him.
High above, curling mists parted to reveal a cluster of weapon racks and pedestals carved from pale jade, each displaying a different King-grade weapon.
Swords, spears, glaives, and exotic implements shimmered under the Mystique Realm’s golden-silver sky.
Many of them radiated wind-based Qi, forming swirling eddies of air around their blades or tips.
[Pagoda Spirit]:
[Master, these are some of the King-grade wind-attuned weapons available. While each can blend with Stormchaser’s Pulse, certain designs may serve you better—especially given your multiple Intents and spatial affinity.]
She gestured to a few notable armaments:
Zephyr Crescent Blade
Form: A lightweight saber with a half-moon blade.
Aura: Emits gentle gusts with each swing, increasing the wielder’s movement speed in close combat.
Note: Pairs well with agile footwork, though it may lack raw, long-range impact.
Twilight Gale Spear
Form: A slender spear whose shaft glimmers with faint runic patterns.
Aura: Concentrates wind Qi around its tip, piercing defenses with a single thrust.
Note: Particularly lethal in mid-range engagements, but demands precision for maximum effectiveness.
Razorwind Chakrams
Form: Twin circular blades etched with swirling gust runes.
Aura: Designed for rapid, slicing throws, returning to the wielder like boomerangs carried by swirling air currents.
Note: Versatile for multi-target fights, though mastering the chakrams’ flight path requires skill and mental focus.
Skybreaker Bow
Form: An elegant longbow fashioned from the wood of a Wind-Willow Tree, reinforced with strips of unknown metallic fiber.
Aura: Radiates a steady stream of wind essence that coils around the bowstring, lightening arrow shots and granting extended range.
Unique Feature: With the user’s Qi, the bow can form arrows of condensed wind or amplify physical arrows’ speed and penetration.
His gaze drifted toward the final item.
The Skybreaker Bow caught his eye immediately—its gentle arcs and faint green glow seemed to resonate with a dormant, thrumming potential.
More importantly, it appeared flexible enough to accommodate his intangible Spatial Intent.
If he combined wind Qi for swift, precise shots with subtle space distortion, he could strike targets from unpredictable angles or deliver attacks that transcended normal flight paths.
He spared only a cursory glance at the saber, spear, and chakrams. While each was undeniably formidable, he already had Tyrant’s Wrath and Crimson Devourer as close-range weapons.
He needed something better for long-range battles that might occur later.
Stepping up to the bow’s pedestal, he let his spiritual sense brush against the swirling wind Qi that enshrouded it.
A faint hum responded, the bow seeming to quiver with recognition of his approach.
“This one…” he murmured, reaching out to test the bowstring’s tension. Despite appearing delicate, it had an underlying durability that hinted at King-grade resilience.
The pagoda spirit inclined her head as if smiling.
[A wise choice, Master. The Skybreaker Bow synergizes beautifully with wind-based cultivation methods. By infusing your Qi—especially Stormchaser’s Pulse and your spatial abilities—your arrows could be nearly impossible to dodge.]
He gave a slow nod. “That’s exactly what I had in mind. Close combat is covered by my existing techniques. A ranged tool that complements my new wind Qi… that’s perfect.”
With a gentle tug, he lifted the bow from its jade mount.
Instantly, a soft breeze rippled around him, and the runes along the bow’s limbs lit up with a pale green glow. Satisfied, he let out a quiet exhale, then stored the weapon in his inventory.
Turning back toward the pagoda spirit, he gestured slightly. “This should do for now. I’ve spent enough time here. Return me to the ninth floor gate.”
[Pagoda Spirit]:
[Understood, Master.]
Her runes flared gently, and the swirl of energies around them reactivated. The floating mountain, the racks of weapons, and the luminescent sky seemed to shimmer.
In a smooth blink, he found himself once more at the edge of the platform leading back to the golden double doors.
He paused briefly, sending one last glance across the breathtaking horizon—countless other treasures beckoned, but he knew better than to let greed guide him unprepared.
Between the Stormchaser’s Pulse technique, the Green Tempest Pellets, and the newly claimed Skybreaker Bow, he had all the wind-aligned power he needed for the next stage of his cultivation.
Satisfied, he strode through the radiant portal. The surreal brilliance of the Tenth Floor Treasury gave way to the familiar gloom of the ninth-level trial hall.
He stood quietly in the dim, foreboding hall he had fashioned on the ninth floor of the Ancestral Pagoda.
The golden double doors behind him sealed shut, cutting off the gleaming treasures of the Tenth Floor’s Mystique Realm.
He glanced at the pagoda spirit hovering by his side. “Send me back to the first floor, then I’ll leave entirely,” he commanded. His voice was calm, his thoughts already turning toward the cultivation session that awaited him.