Chapter 8 Palm Of Light

• Stepping forward, Connor said softly, “Old Mr. Harrell, I've brought someone. He's Queben's disciple. We initially thought he was a good-for-nothing, but he's now capable of cultivation and has even attained Sky Gate Realm Level Three. According to the sect rules, once one reaches Level Three, one can choose a martial skill.”
• The elderly man grumbled something under his breath, his words indistinguishable. Connor turned and said, “Go on in. Don't linger too long. Come out as soon as you can.”
• “Thank you, Mr. Highmanes,” Francis said, refraining from asking further. As he reached the door, he turned and bowed respectfully to the elderly man. “I'm much obliged, Old Mr. Harrell.”
• He entered only after saying those words.
• The Technique Hall was immense, spanning several hundred meters in all directions. Rows upon rows of bookshelves filled the space, laden with various martial skills and cultivation methods. It held at least tens of thousands of volumes.
• As the outer sect's Technique Hall was exclusively for the use of their disciples, who were essentially in Sky Gate Realm, the highest grade of martial skill available there was only third-tier Yellow Grade.
• The practice of martial arts was a gradual process. Those between Levels One and Three in Sky Gate Realm could only select from the first floor. Once they attained Level Four, they were allowed to enter the second floor. Upon reaching Level Seven, they could then proceed to the third floor.
• Francis headed straight for the stairs leading to the second floor, completely disregarding the martial skills on the first floor. Although he hadn't attained Sky Gate Realm Level Four, those at that level possessed the strength of one thousand kilograms. However, having achieved the strength of eight hundred kilograms, he wanted to give it a try.
• As soon as he stepped onto the first stair, he felt something halting his progress, as if an invisible barrier on the staircase was obstructing his path forward.
• Francis was not surprised. His body surged with vital energy, which he released to combat the barrier, attempting to force his way through. Step by step, he pressed forward, pushing against the resilient barrier. Yet, no matter how hard he tried, the barrier remained unbroken. Sweat poured down his forehead. Due to the overuse of his vital energy, his meridians were throbbing in pain. Even so, he gritted his teeth, stubbornly pressing on.
• Just then, there was a sudden soft pop like a bubble had burst, and the barrier vanished without a trace. Francis quickly halted his steps, narrowly avoiding crashing headfirst onto the staircase.
• He was somewhat taken aback, not expecting to succeed in passing through.
• Without much hesitation, Francis quickly ascended to the second floor.
• “He has a clear goal and tenacity, a promising young man indeed. Naturally, I had to help him,” the seemingly intoxicated Isaac Harrell commented lightly outside the Technique Hall, his sparkling eyes showing not a trace of drunkenness.
• Connor bowed and said, “Thank you, Old Mr. Harrell.”
• “Such a shame about his master back then...” Isaac remarked with a sigh.
• Francis was on the second floor, picking out a martial skill. Having already possessed the Bedoro Leaf Scripture, he need not look for other cultivation methods.
• “Eighteen Quick Slashes? It's a first-tier Yellow Grade blade technique. Upon reaching the peak stage, one could instantly unleash eighteen slashes, targeting every vital point of the opponent and leaving them no room to escape. Unfortunately, I don't have a suitable blade at hand. Moreover, this technique is more about explosive power than sustainability, which doesn't suit me.”
• “Nine Dragon Whipping Technique? The whip transforms into a massive python to coil around the enemy, strangling them to death and causing their muscles to snap and bones to break. The demands on the weapon are too high...”
• “As for the Eighty-one Rebound Punches, its vital energy flows like water, subtle yet persistent, weaving layer upon layer of intricate traps. When the enemy realizes it, it's already too late to repent... But it's too gentle and reserved. It doesn't suit me.”
• Francis kept picking up martial skill secret texts, giving them a thorough read, then placing them back.
• He had several requirements for martial skills: First, it had to be simple, easy to learn, and easy to cultivate. Second, it needed to be powerful, with fewer moves but substantial force. Third, it had to be compatible with his cultivation method.
• Although his Bedoro Leaf Scripture had an unknown origin, the vital energy cultivated from it was balanced and vast, akin to the merging of the world's oceans into an unstoppable heavenly river. Thus, he decided to choose a martial skill of this nature.
• Francis took a stroll around and eventually ended up next to a bookshelf.
• It was tucked away in the remotest corner of the second floor, an inconspicuous spot. Judging from the thick layer of dust covering it, it was clear that hardly anyone ventured there to select martial skills.
• Francis shook his head after meticulously scanning the bookshelf. It was no wonder it was covered in dust, given that the martial skills there were mostly incomplete, and their obscure names suggest they were difficult to master. Just as he was about to leave, his gaze fell upon a particular spot, prompting him to let out a soft gasp.
• He walked to the end of the bookshelf where there was a barely noticeable protrusion. However, Francis was observant, and he managed to spot it.
• He tentatively reached out, pressing gently on the protrusion.
• It moved! It went in!
• Francis felt a surge of excitement. Then, he heard a soft click. A small box, only a foot square, popped out from the side of the bookshelf. Surprisingly, a secret text lay inside. Its pages were yellowed, showing its age.
• Francis held the secret text excitedly. Given that it was hidden in the bookshelf's interlayer, he wouldn't believe it if told it contained nothing extraordinary.
• “Palm of Light! After practice, one's vital energy condenses into a golden handprint, which one could launch into the void. It's incomparably solid, akin to pure gold. In the initial stage, it can shatter wood and break stones, but later, it has the power to move mountains and fill seas! It shines brightly like the fierce sun, dazzling like a golden bird, making it ideal for those cultivating the most positive-based or upright and profound vital energy. The downside, however, is that it consumes a lot of vital energy,” he read.