Shadowy Figure

On the other hand, Xu Han did catch sight of Xuan Ji, but he didn't see any reason to approach him, especially since they weren't particularly close. And honestly, what could he even say? Could he go like: "Hey, just so you know, that celestial simulator you're fooling around with? It's a little gift from me."

Absolutely not! Revealing that information would be like writing his own death sentence. If he spilled the beans and told Xuan Ji that he's the mastermind behind the Celestial Simulator, it would spark Xuan Ji's curiosity about how he's distributing this thing.

And once he figures out that I provided him the simulator just so I could benefit from his simulations while he only gets a tiny piece of the pie, he's likely to get angry, perhaps even greedy. That might make him want to eliminate me and grab the simulator for himself.

As Xu Han navigated his way towards the Ninefold Pavilion, a flurry of thoughts swirled in his mind. The possibility of Xuan Ji being grateful for the gift of the simulator didn't diminish the inherent danger in revealing the secret. His mind seemed to echo with caution as he continued on his path.

"For now, I should set that aside and concentrate on acquiring the Spiritual Imprint Skill," he quietly murmured to himself.

Barely five minutes had slipped by when Xu Han found himself standing at the threshold of the Ninefold Pavilion. The outer façade bore a striking resemblance to the Archive Hall, creating an immediate sense of familiarity.

With a resolute stride, Xu Han crossed the Pavilion's threshold. Yet, the moment he stepped inside; the environment unfolded in a different manner compared to the Archive Hall.

Gone were the sturdy tables and chairs, as well as the commanding presence of the grand hourglass. Instead, the interior transformed into a haven of knowledge, punctuated by rows upon rows of bookshelves, each burdened with a plethora of books. While the general layout resonated with that of the Archive Hall, subtle nuances set the two apart.

Positioned strategically near the entrance stood a sturdy table, a sentinel-like elder seated behind it.

This elder stood apart from the one in the Archive Hall. Clad in middle age, with a mane of black hair and a neatly trimmed beard, he exuded a heightened sense of attentiveness and activity. Xu Han wasted no time. Just as he had done in the Archive Hall, he presented his Sect Token to the elder and then proceeded to search for the Spiritual Imprint skill.

The Ninefold Pavilion was mainly where they kept techniques and skills, ranging from Low-grade to High-grade Human Rank. Anything above that level was put in the Inner Court's Ninefold Pavilion.

With just the time it takes for a stick of incense to burn, Xu Han didn't waste a second. He went straight to look for the special Spiritual Imprint Skill.

Interestingly, this was also why the Ninefold Pavilion lacked tables unlike the Archive Hall – the intention was to discourage people from using the pavilion to learn skills or techniques they hadn't paid for. Instead, they were meant to decide quickly, pay and head elsewhere to learn.

After spending a whole hour looking, he finally found what he was after – the Spiritual Imprint Skill. And, it was a High-grade Human Rank skill. That's both good and bad. Good because it could help him control pigeons better, but bad because it cost a lot.

Upon joining the sect, every new disciple is granted with a High-grade Human Rank cultivation technique along with the chance to pick two skills – one in the Middle-grade and another at the Low-grade Human Rank.

For those who wanted to learn additional skills or techniques, a cost was determined by the rank of the skill or technique.

Acquiring a Low-grade Human Rank skill or technique required a monthly payment of ten spirit stones, while a Middle-grade rank asked for twenty. The cost escalated to fifty spirit stones for a High-grade skill or technique.

However, for many sect members, the price was simply too steep.

The monthly allowance provided by the sect was a meager fifteen spirit stones, and even the tasks undertaken for the sect only yielded thirty spirit stones each month. Considering the need for spirit stones in their cultivation, the expense of learning even a Low-grade Human Rank skill became a heavy burden, often demanding years of savings. This financial pressure led to only a handful of individuals visiting the Ninefold Pavilion.

Xu Han picked up the skill and read it carefully. "Hmm, it looks like I'll need around 2 to 3 days to understand this fully. But the thing is, I can only take it for a month. Paying 50 Spirit stones for just 3 days feels like a big waste. If I had a photographic memory, things would be so much simpler," Xu Han sighed and walked over to the table where the elder was.

He paid the 50 spirit stones with his usual calm expression, although inside, he felt his heart bleeding.

"Even though I have my family wealth, it's not unlimited. I might be able to make it through one more year if I manage my spirit stones like before. But if I keep spending like this, I won't even last half a year," Xu Han thought as he walked back home after securing the skill in his blossom.

Xu Han continued as he said: "Well, whatever. With the Celestial Simulator in my possession, I won't need spirit stones for my cultivation. So, I'll save a lot, and I believe Xuan Ji will also help me earn more spirit stones. Hehehe"

…

On the other side, Elder Chen in the Ninefold Pavilion remained much as he always was – focused and watchful. He was scanning his surroundings when suddenly, a swift shadow darted in front of him, catching him off guard.

Regaining his senses, he looked at the newcomer, seemingly wanting to reprimand him for startling him. However, he promptly rose to his feet, offering a hasty salute with a fist pressed over his palm.

His words tumbled out in a hurry, "Greetings, Elder! Why didn't you give me a heads-up if you were coming?"

"No need for formalities. I want to know about the Skill or technique Xu Han selected from the Ninefold Pavilion," the person inquired in an icy tone.

"Xu Han? Oh, the one with the pale complexion and cold demeanor?" Elder Chen sought clarification as only Xu Han was the person who recently took a skill.

"Hmm," came the curt response.

"He chose the Spiritual Imprint Skill," Elder Chen promptly answered.

After a momentary pause, as if lost in thought, the person spoke, "Alright then. Make sure no one knows of my visit here." With that, the person departed, leaving behind a fading shadow that soon dissipated.

"Yes," replied Elder Chen, settling back into his seat and resuming his customary posture. He carried on without dwelling on the incident, as if it hadn't occurred at all, and continued to fulfill his guarding responsibilities just as before.