Next came combat techniques.
This section was louder. Children whispered, comparing names, showing off the techniques they found impressive even if they could barely understand them.
Lu Haotian moved quietly along the shelves.
Most mortal-grade combat techniques were straightforward. Heavy strikes. Simple blade work. Direct and easy to grasp. He checked many, then finally picked one. A thin manual.
Shadow Dance Sword.
A mortal-grade sword technique focused on footwork, rhythm, and movement rather than brute strength. It emphasized flowing steps and continuous motion, making the user harder to predict, it suited him.
As he turned away with the manual in hand, someone deliberately stepped into his path.
He looked up.
Lu Chenfeng.
The boy stood there with a lazy smile, arms crossed. His sister stood beside him, silent, eyes indifferent. A few other children lingered nearby, clearly interested.
Lu Chenfeng glanced at the manuals in Lu Haotian's hands and laughed.
"Veiled Mist Qi Gathering Technique?" he said loudly. "Shadow Dance Sword?"
A few children snickered.
Lu Haotian did not respond, he knows they've always hated him especially those that lost to him during the combat class.
Lu Chenfeng leaned closer. "Still picking mortal-grade trash?" His tone sharpened. "Five-element mortal grade roots and you still think technique matters?"
Someone laughed outright.
"Waste roots with waste techniques," Lu Zhen muttered. That is the son of the outer elder, the bully he defeated during the combat class.
Lu Haotian met Lu Chenfeng's eyes."I chose what I want," he said simply.
That only made Lu Chenfeng laugh harder.
"How boring," he said. "Cultivating like an old turtle. By the time you step into Qi Condensation, I'll already be far ahead."
He stepped past Lu Haotian deliberately, shoulder brushing his.
"Don't slow the clan down."
More laughter followed as he walked away.
Lu Haotian stood still until the noise faded.
Then he calmly adjusted his grip on the manuals.
When the incense burned down, the elders called them out one by one.
Some children walked out proudly, holding their techniques high. Others looked disappointed.
Lu Haotian walked out quietly, his steps steady.
Outside, sunlight touched the stone steps.
Lu Haotian looked down at the manuals in his hands.
Mortal-grade.
Slow.
Difficult.
"Five-element mortal grade roots and you still picked the slowest Scripture possible."
"A spirit root with dominance over others isn't broken or defective—it simply means that the cultivator's progress will favor that root. As a result, while cultivation is possible, it will never be perfectly balanced, and their growth will always carry a risk of instability."
he said quietly, his lips barely moving. "Better to master one well than chase many poorly."
Elder Lu Mingyuan stood in front of him, saying nothing, his gaze already on Lu Haotian.
"It is safest for my roots. Favoring one over the others… would make my body unstable." Lu Haotian said.
"So why don't you consider changing it to an affinity technique, I will allow you one more chance to enter the library considering your parents." He said
This makes him feels a quiet, heavy ache deep in his chest.
Lu Haotian looked at him and said. "Elder shouldn't worry yourself I am okay with this," "Ok whenever you change your mind, come find me"
The second elder left him alone.
When the elders finally called them out, the children exited one by one, holding their choices close like fragile treasures.
Outside, Lu Haotian spotted his maid waiting far from the doors, clearly forbidden to come near. The moment she saw him, her eyes lit up.
"Young master!" she whispered loudly, then quickly covered her mouth. "Did you get something good?"
He held up the booklet and scroll.
She stared at them seriously, nodding like she understood completely.
"Veiled mist… shadow…" she sounded out slowly. "That sounds very strong."
Lu Haotian smiled.
They walked back together, her chattering excitedly about how cool sword techniques sounded and whether he would be able to jump on roofs now.
Lu Haotian listened quietly.
That night, the two technique lay neatly beside his bed.
Nothing special.
Nothing impressive.
Just what he was thinks should be better for him.