Chapter 345 - 342: Wind and Cloud Escape Mastery
Chapter 345: Chapter 342: Wind and Cloud Escape Mastery
Once the Cultivation Techniques were selected, the middle-aged steward immediately began processing the exchange.
Two Middle Grade Inner Power techniques and three Middle Grade Martial Techniques cost a total of exactly fifty thousand Contribution Points.
Once the transaction was complete, the middle-aged steward handed five transcribed manuals to Fang Han. The Contribution Points on Fang Han’s Identity Token plummeted to twenty-one thousand.
"True Inheritor Fang, according to the rules, only those with Fang Family blood may cultivate these manuals."
The middle-aged steward carefully reiterated the regulations.
"I understand. Thank you, Steward."
Fang Han put away the five manuals and clasped his hands in thanks.
’It was all thanks to the steward’s advice that I was able to pick five such satisfactory Middle Grade Cultivation Techniques.’
’With these five Middle Grade Cultivation Techniques, the Fang Family might be able to produce a Middle-Grade Martial Artist. Our status as the number one family in Liangshui City will be more secure than ever.’
Back at Villa Thirty-five, Fang Han carefully hid the five Cultivation Technique manuals to prevent them from being stolen.
’For the next little while, I’ll focus my Cultivation on "Wind and Cloud Escape".’
Fang Han made his decision.
After consuming the Howling Moon Spirit Deer Antlers, a profound sense of insight into body techniques lingered in his mind. It was as if he had pushed open a new door, behind which lay the infinite mysteries of wind and cloud.
He could clearly feel that the opportunity to break through to the Mastery Realm was within reach; he was just one final step away.
’I’ll ride this momentum and push this Body Technique, which has troubled me for so long, to a whole new level.’
"SWISH SWISH SWISH!"
In the courtyard, Fang Han’s figure transformed into a pale-green, flowing streak.
He wasn’t restricted by fixed step patterns. Instead, he moved as his heart willed, feeling the flow of the air, the feedback from the ground, and every ounce of coordination between his Inner Qi and muscles.
At times, he was like a gentle breeze, soft and silent, leaving countless afterimages in a tiny area.
At other times, he was like a scudding cloud, his speed suddenly soaring. He could cross the courtyard diagonally in an instant, yet could turn back, stop abruptly, and change direction in a flash, leaving no trace.
Insights from his incredible Body Technique Talent continuously surfaced in his mind, each one confirmed by his practical Cultivation.
Many of the force application techniques and transitional movements that had previously required deep thought and repeated attempts to barely grasp were now executed effortlessly, coming to him as naturally as water filling a channel.
He gained a deeper appreciation for the lightness of the "wind" and the unpredictability of the "cloud."
A Body Technique wasn’t just about speed. It was about change, about blending into and exploiting the environment, and about controlling one’s own power with hair-splitting precision.
The Inner Qi in his body flowed ceaselessly along the unique pathways of "Wind and Cloud Escape," coordinating with his Step Technique in ever-greater harmony.
Every gesture and every step seemed to secretly conform to some profound rhythm.
Fang Han could feel that with each attempt and every insight, the membrane separating him from the Mastery Realm grew thinner and more distinct.
The days passed, and the weather grew colder.
One day, the sky was blanketed with heavy, dark clouds, and snowflakes began to drift down.
At first, it was just a fine powder, but it soon became a heavy flurry of large flakes, falling thick and fast to cover the courtyard, the rooftops, and the distant mountains.
The world turned a stark white. All was silent, save for the sound of the falling snow.
Fang Han did not let the weather interrupt his Cultivation.
"SWISH SWISH SWISH!"
Inside the Cultivation Room, Fang Han was completely immersed in contemplating and understanding his Body Technique.
The heavy snow outside actually made the world seem more peaceful, helping him banish all distracting thoughts.
An unknown amount of time passed. It could have been an instant, or it could have been an eternity.
Suddenly, Fang Han’s mind became a clear, empty space, as if he had merged with the endless falling snow and the silent world outside his window.
An unprecedented sense of "lightness" and "freedom" rose from the depths of his soul.
His body drifted naturally, as if he were a weightless snowflake.
The Heart Method of "Wind and Cloud Escape" circulated with unprecedented smoothness, and the flow of his Inner Qi was incredibly fluid.
"SWISH!"
No longer content with the confines of the Cultivation Room, he tapped the ground lightly with his toes, and his figure glided out into the courtyard like a phantom.
The snow in the courtyard was already a finger’s width deep, a pristine, smooth blanket without a single footprint.
He stood in the snow, his green robe seeming to merge with the swirling flakes. With a slight shift in his focus, he took a normal step forward, not using his full power.
He stepped out, landing on the fluffy snow.
The snow remained perfectly smooth, without the slightest indentation or footprint left behind.
Only at the very spot where his foot had landed did the surface of the snow seem to dip by an amount imperceptible to the naked eye, and it was quickly covered by new flakes, leaving no trace at all.
Leaving no trace upon the snow.
He continued to walk slowly through the courtyard, his movements graceful and effortless.
Wherever he passed, the snow remained pristine. The falling flakes continuously covered the spots where he had just been, as if no one had ever set foot there.
He gradually picked up speed, his figure leaving blurry afterimages in the courtyard. He was everywhere at once—now left, now right; one moment in front, the next behind.
Snowflakes swirled in the currents of air he generated, but not a single one managed to touch his robes.
And on the ground, there was still not a single footprint to be seen.
’"Wind and Cloud Escape" has reached the Mastery Realm!’
Fang Han slowly came to a stop, standing in the middle of the courtyard.
Snowflakes landed on his shoulders and in his hair, but he seemed completely unaware.
He carefully savored the changes in his body. His perception of the surrounding air currents was several times more acute. With a mere thought, his Inner Qi could instantly flood his legs, unleashing astonishing speed and agility.
This sense of perfect, fluid control—where movement and stillness were dictated by his will—was far beyond anything he had experienced at the Minor Achievement realm.
’Even though reaching Mastery in "Wind and Cloud Escape" doesn’t directly increase my Power of Attack, my speed, agility, evasiveness, and even my endurance for long-distance travel have all taken a qualitative leap forward.’
The realization dawned on Fang Han.
This breakthrough in his Body Technique meant he now had far more initiative in a fight.
He could advance to attack or retreat to defend, and his ability to skirmish and wear down opponents was greatly enhanced.
Against an opponent of equal strength, he could use his Body Technique to find openings. Against a stronger foe, he had a much better chance of holding his own or even escaping.
’Although it doesn’t increase my Power of Attack, when combined with my Great Success in the "Nine Swords of Sky Splitting," my overall combat strength is bound to soar.’
’My Cultivation has broken through to the Middle Stage of Fourth Grade, and "Wind and Cloud Escape" has reached Mastery. My current strength is...’
Fang Han was quite satisfied.
Although his rank on the Celestial Pride List hadn’t changed this month—he was still sixty-eighth—his overall strength had definitely far surpassed that position.
He didn’t know exactly what rank he could achieve now, but he imagined it wouldn’t be low.
’I can’t get arrogant!’
The increase in his strength brought confidence, but Fang Han did not let it go to his head in the slightest.
He raised his head, his gaze seemingly piercing through the heavy curtains of snow and mountains to look in the direction of the Netherworld Pavilion. His eyes were calm and sharp.
He clearly remembered the cold, sinister glare from Meng Xian, ranked sixteenth on the Celestial Pride List, as he departed. He also remembered the long history of open and secret conflict between his Sect and the Netherworld Pavilion.
’I killed one of their Stewards, foiled their plan to seize the "Xuanwu True Skill," and am even directly connected to Gong Xing’s death.’
’Given the Netherworld Pavilion’s style, this matter is far from over.’
’The Elders might be constrained by the rules and unable to act directly, but their True Disciples—especially those ranked high on the Celestial Pride List—must already see me as a thorn in their side.’
"Among the Netherworld Pavilion’s True Disciples, the highest-ranked one is sixth on the Celestial Pride List..."
Fang Han muttered to himself.
’Sixth... That’s one spot higher than Senior Brother Luo Yuntian. I can only imagine how powerful they are.’
’If that person were to attack me, I’d be no match for them with my current strength.’
This was no time to get complacent.
’My current strength is nowhere near enough to face the Netherworld Pavilion’s top prodigies without fear. I have to keep getting stronger.’
’I need to take the Soul Condensing Pill as soon as possible to strengthen my spirit. I can’t slack off on my "Xuanwu True Skill" Cultivation, either—the physical body is the foundation of the Martial Dao. Then there’s my Swordsmanship, my Inner Qi...’
Fang Han turned and returned to the Cultivation Room.
Behind him, the snow fell silently. The courtyard remained pristine, with only the howling north wind sweeping snowflakes across its desolate expanse.
The door to the room closed gently, shutting out the wind, snow, and cold.
...
The winter ground lay covered in snow. Fang Han, dressed in a thin green robe, was in the courtyard practicing "Wind and Cloud Escape."
After reaching the Mastery Realm, not only could his Body Technique allow him to tread on snow without a trace, but his speed had also soared once again.
As he weaved and turned in the courtyard, he left behind multiple, clearly visible afterimages, making it seem as if he were in several places at once.
His body seemed to split into several copies, as if he were using a cloning technique.
His mind was immersed in an even more subtle understanding of the "wind" and "cloud" Momentum, and his Inner Qi moved with his thoughts, perfectly fluid and responsive.
"Senior Brother, Steward Liu Song from Tingyu Hall is here to see you."
The maid, Qiu Lan, announced as she approached, her footsteps crunching in the snow.
’A Steward from Tingyu Hall?’
Fang Han froze, instantly transitioning from extreme motion to absolute stillness.
Recalling the request he had made a few days ago, he guessed the reason for the Tingyu Hall Steward’s visit. It had to be about the rumors.
’I just wonder if Tingyu Hall was able to uncover the truth.’
"Show him into the living room."
He turned and entered the hall. A short while later, Qiu Lan led in a middle-aged steward with sharp features and a steady gaze, dressed in a Steward’s Robe.
It was Liu Song.
"Steward Liu, please have a seat."
Fang Han gestured for him to sit. After serving hot tea, the maid withdrew.
"True Inheritor Fang, we have results regarding your request to investigate the source of the rumors."
Liu Song said with a serious expression after taking his seat.
"After extensive investigation and tracking of leads by our hall, we can now largely confirm that the ones who first spread the malicious rumors about you were people belonging to the Ten Thousand Treasures Building."
’So it really was the Ten Thousand Treasures Building!’
A cold glint flashed through Fang Han’s eyes. Lan Yuexin had been right; this was indeed the work of the Ten Thousand Treasures Building.
He looked at Steward Liu and said with admiration,
"Tingyu Hall truly lives up to its reputation as the eyes and ears of the Sect. To have uncovered the truth so quickly is impressive."
"You flatter me, True Inheritor Fang. If we couldn’t even find a trace with a clear suspect in mind, then we at Tingyu Hall would have no right to call ourselves part of the Sect."
Liu Song was clearly pleased by the praise and replied with a faint smile.
"According to our investigation, the ones who carried it out were a covert group under the Ten Thousand Treasures Building. The order passed through several intermediaries, but its ultimate source was the Young Master of the Tower—Wan Yuntian."
"Thank you for your hard work, Steward Liu, and to all the disciples of Tingyu Hall."
Fang Han said gratefully.
"It’s all part of my duty. Now that the message has been delivered, I won’t disturb your Cultivation any further. Farewell."
Decisive as ever, Liu Song stood and clasped his hands.
"Qiu Lan, see Steward Liu out for me."
After seeing Liu Song off, Fang Han sat alone in the hall.
’Wan Yuntian is taking his anger about Lan Yuexin out on me. Spreading these rumors to ruin my reputation... while not a devastating blow, it’s as infuriating as a festering sore.’
’If I let this slide, he’ll only become more brazen in the future.’
’I need to let him know that I, Fang Han, am not someone to be pushed around.’
A cold glint flashed in Fang Han’s eyes. He stood up and walked straight out of the villa.