The Outer Resource Hall opened at sunrise.
Rows of jade shelves filled the massive hall, glowing faintly under formation lights. Pills, scrolls, and cultivation tools were arranged by rank.
For outer disciples, this place was sacred.
Kael stepped inside alone.
Dozens of eyes immediately turned toward him.
Whispers followed.
"That's him."
"The one who survived the Trial Grounds."
"Still looks like a cripple…"
Kael ignored them.
He could feel it—the faint pull of Qi from certain shelves, calling to him.
[Resource Resonance Detected.]
He moved toward the technique section.
Most scrolls were basic: breathing methods, minor body strengthening manuals, incomplete arts.
Kael's hand paused.
A dusty jade slip rested on the lowest shelf.
No glow.
No markings.
Only a simple name engraved faintly:
Void Tempering Art
Kael touched it.
A cold sensation rushed into his palm.
[Compatibility: High]
[Warning: Technique Classified as Abandoned]
"Abandoned?" Kael murmured.
He smiled faintly.
Perfect.
He took the jade slip.
Before he could leave, a voice stopped him.
"Put that back."
Kael turned.
Three young men approached, wearing inner disciple robes. The one in front had sharp eyes and a proud expression.
"Outer disciples are not allowed to take random techniques," he said. "Especially trash."
Kael looked at him calmly. "According to the rules, I have seven days of free access."
The inner disciple sneered. "Rules change."
Pressure descended subtly.
Not enough to crush—but enough to threaten.
Kael did not release his aura.
He simply met the man's gaze.
"I'm taking this," Kael said. "If you have a problem, challenge me openly."
The hall went quiet.
The inner disciple's face darkened.
"You're arrogant."
Kael shrugged. "You're late."
He turned and walked away.
No one stopped him.
That night, Kael sat alone in his room.
He placed the jade slip against his forehead.
Information flooded his mind.
Pain followed.
Void Tempering Art
— Temper the body by emptiness
— Break before rebuilding
— Endure collapse to achieve density
Kael's breath steadied.
"This was made for broken meridians," he whispered.
He began.
Qi was guided not to strengthen—
but to erase.
Muscle fibers tore microscopically. Bones vibrated. His body screamed as if tearing itself apart.
Kael did not stop.
[Void Tempering Art: Initiation]
[Pain Multiplier: Extreme]
Hours passed.
At dawn, Kael opened his eyes.
His body was drenched in sweat and blood.
But when he moved—
the air shifted.
[Void Tempering Art: Stage 1 Completed]
— Body Density Increased
— Qi Compatibility Improved
— Hidden Endurance Unlocked
Kael exhaled slowly.
"This is only the beginning."
Outside, in the shadows of the Resource Hall, the inner disciple clenched his fist.
"So he chose that technique…"
His eyes turned cold.
"Good."
"Let's see how long he survives."
Kael remained seated long after sunrise.
The pain did not fade quickly.
It settled deep into his bones, dull but persistent, like a reminder carved into his flesh. Every breath felt heavier, every movement slower—but beneath it all, his body felt… solid.
Denser.
Kael slowly stood.
The wooden floor creaked under his weight.
He paused.
"…Did it just do that before?" he murmured.
He took a step forward.
The sensation was subtle, but unmistakable. His footing was firmer. His balance sharper. Even the air around him felt slightly resistant when he moved.
[Void Tempering Art: Passive Effect Detected]
— Physical Presence Increased
— External Force Resistance: Minor
Kael clenched his fist.
Qi gathered instinctively, wrapping around his knuckles instead of scattering wildly as before.
Control.
Real control.
He exhaled and suppressed his aura again. For now, staying unnoticed was still the wiser choice.
Outside, the clan was already awake.
Rumors moved faster than cultivation.
"Did you hear?"
"He took an abandoned technique."
"The Void Tempering Art."
"That thing kills people."
Laughter followed.
Inside a nearby courtyard, the inner disciple from the Resource Hall—Lian Voss—stood with his arms crossed. Two others stood behind him.
"He really took it," one said. "Is he insane?"
Lian's lips curled slightly. "No. He's desperate."
Another disciple frowned. "But he survived the Trial Grounds. What if—"
"There is no what if," Lian cut in. "That technique breaks the body before it rebuilds it. Without a strong foundation, he'll collapse."
He turned his gaze toward Kael's direction.
"And if he doesn't…"
A thin smile appeared.
"I'll break him myself."
Later that afternoon, Kael stepped into the outer training field.
The moment he arrived, conversations stopped.
Dozens of disciples were already there, sparring or cultivating. Their gazes followed him openly now—no longer just curiosity, but challenge.
Kael ignored them and walked toward an empty stone platform.
He stood still.
Then—
he moved.
A simple punch.
The air cracked softly.
Kael frowned.
"That wasn't Qi," he realized. "That was pure force."
He punched again.
This time, the stone platform trembled slightly.
Gasps sounded around him.
"What was that?"
"No aura…"
"Did the ground just shake?"
Kael stepped back, heart steady.
"So this is Void Tempering," he thought. "Density over display."
A shadow fell over him.
Kael looked up.
Lian Voss stood there, smiling faintly.
"Enjoying your new toy?" Lian asked.
Kael met his gaze calmly. "If you have something to say, say it."
Lian laughed softly. "Simple. I'm issuing a formal challenge."
The field erupted.
"A challenge?"
"Inner disciple versus him?"
"Is that even allowed?"
Lian raised his voice. "Three days from now. Public duel. No weapons. No killing."
He leaned closer, his smile cold.
"If you're still standing by then."
Kael studied him for a moment.
Then nodded.
"I accept."
Silence fell.
Lian's eyes narrowed. "You're confident."
Kael replied evenly. "I'm honest."
As Lian turned to leave, Kael felt the system stir.
[Challenge Detected.]
[Opponent: Inner Disciple — Body Tempering Advanced]
[Preparation Task Generated:]
— Survive Void Tempering Stage 2
— Stabilize Qi Under Pressure
[Reward Preview:]
— Body Tempering + Significant
— Combat Adaptation Boost
Kael watched Lian walk away.
"Three days," he murmured.
That night, Kael returned to his room and sat down again.
He placed his hands on his knees.
Void Tempering Stage 2.
He knew what that meant.
More pain.
More risk.
Kael closed his eyes.
"Good," he whispered.
"I won't lose."
The silence answered him—
heavy,
waiting,
hungry.