C94 Golden Scale Barbaric Elephant Arts

"Martial Nephew, it seems you haven't found a suitable manual. I have one here that may meet your needs."

The aged voice reached Lin Xuan from behind.

Startled, Lin Xuan realized he hadn't detected the newcomer's approach. This person had to be at the Spirit Opening Stage, if not higher.

Yet, Lin Xuan kept his composure. He turned to face the stranger.

An elderly man in white, his hair snow-white and his face etched with wrinkles, approached.

But what truly captured Lin Xuan's attention was the old man's Attribute Panel.

"Name: Wang Xufeng."

"Cultivation: Peak of the Spirit Opening Stage."

"Talents: Spirit Grade Cultivation Talent, Top Grade Strength Talent, Top Grade Speed Talent, Top Grade Saber Talent, High-grade Gale Attribute Talent, Top Grade Sharp Gold Talent, Top Grade Crimson Fire Talent, High-grade Earth Attribute Talent."

"Martial Arts: Rising Sun Saber Technique (Rank 7 Low-grade, Great Completion), Space Cracking Palm (Rank 7 Low-grade, Great Completion), Metal Shattering Mountain Fist (Rank 7 Low-grade, Great Completion), Wind Pace (Rank 7 Low-grade, Great Completion)... Golden Scale Barbaric Elephant Arts (Unknown, Incomplete, Beginner Level)..."

"Concept: 40% Saber Intent, 40% Artistic Conception of Gold, 40% Artistic Conception of Fire, 30% Artistic Conception of Wind, 20% Artistic Conception of Earth."

"Personal Treasures: None."

Lin Xuan's eyes widened, his heart pounding at the sight of the Attribute Panel. The treasures listed were significantly superior to those of Xu Annlan.

It took him a moment to regain his composure, his face betraying none of his inner turmoil.

Yet, inside, he was overjoyed. Such an array of high-grade treasures was not something he could pass up.

But a concern nagged at him: did he have enough energy points?

Without delay, Lin Xuan checked his own Attribute Panel.

"I only have 700,000 energy points?"

His expression tensed.

Seven days had elapsed since the Outer Sect Competition. In that time, his achievements had shattered numerous sect records and sent ripples through the sect.

Considering the short span, amassing 700,000 energy points was quite an accomplishment.

Yet, Lin Xuan was far from pleased.

The energy points at his disposal were woefully inadequate.

Rank 7 martial arts, Spirit Grade talents, and 40% Artistic Conception—all were treasures of Rank 7 caliber.

To replicate any Rank 7 treasure, it took a staggering 100,000 energy points.

His attribute panel listed dozens of such treasures.

Seven hundred thousand energy points simply weren't enough.

Lin Xuan found himself battling frustration.

Surrounded by an abundance of treasures, he lacked the means to claim them all. It was an irksome predicament.

But there was little he could do.

He was, after all, short on energy points.

Now, he had to make a significant move. Ideally, one that would send shockwaves through the Drifting Cloud Sect and beyond, into the entirety of Cangyuan Country. That was the only way to amass the energy points he needed.

He was determined not to find himself in this position again.

Lin Xuan silently resolved.

For the time being, he had no choice but to reluctantly part with some treasures and select the ones of utmost importance.

Lin Xuan's gaze grew contemplative.

A myriad of thoughts raced through his mind.

He swiftly reached a decision.

Talent was the cornerstone of a martial artist's latent potential and future growth. It was also a catalyst for bolstering strength.

It was the most crucial of treasures, and he couldn't afford to miss out on any.

Next in line was the Artistic Conception.

The Artistic Conception was a treasure that could immediately enhance one's strength.

With its emergence, strength would leap forward dramatically. Naturally, he needed them.

Moreover, there were several martial arts techniques that caught his eye. They warranted consideration.

Without further ado, Lin Xuan acted.

"100,000 energy points expended. Replication successful. [Spirit Grade Cultivation Talent] acquired."

"100,000 energy points expended. Replication successful. [40% Saber Intent] acquired."

"100,000 energy points expended. Replication successful. [Rising Sun Saber Technique (Low Rank 7, Great Completion)] acquired."

"[Replication failed!]"

In just a moment, Lin Xuan had replicated nearly all the treasures he desired.

But before he could complete the process, a chilling voice announced a failure.

"Replication failed?"

A jolt went through Lin Xuan.

The last time he experienced a replication failure was when he attempted to duplicate Lin Shiyun's Spirit Body.

But now, he had experienced another failure in replication.

The subject this time was the Golden Scale Barbaric Elephant Arts, belonging to the old man clad in white. It was a technique of indeterminate rank, incomplete, and merely at the beginner level.

Lin Xuan, intrigued by the martial art's evident air of mystery, had intended to replicate it for closer examination.

He had initially approached it as if it were a Rank 7 treasure.

Yet, the attempt ended in failure.

There could only be one explanation for the failed replication: insufficient energy points.

In other words, the item's grade surpassed what his available energy points could replicate for that assumed rank.

Despite treating it as a Rank 7 treasure for the replication process, he met with failure once again.

Lin Xuan's heart quivered anew, his expression morphing into one of astonishment.

"Could it be that this martial technique is at least Rank 8?" he whispered to himself.

The revelation left him utterly astounded.

Though he had only recently advanced to the beginner level, his time in the Outer Sect had been well spent poring over various records on the first floor of the Martial Arts Pavilion.

He had gained a fair understanding of the Drifting Cloud Sect, Cangyuan Country, and the vast Scorching Sun Domain.

Within the entire Drifting Cloud Sect, it was believed that Rank 7 represented the pinnacle of martial arts.

The sect, as one of the four major sects in Cangyuan Country, held a status comparable to the royal family, positioning it among the country's elite institutions.

Likewise, the Drifting Cloud Sect stood as a premier organization within the Scorching Sun Domain.

Even the other major organizations, possibly stronger by a margin, were unlikely to vastly outstrip the Drifting Cloud Sect.

This meant that Rank 8 martial arts were among the most elite in the entire Scorching Sun Domain, their numbers exceedingly scarce.

Indeed, it was uncertain whether Rank 8 martial arts even existed.

But now, faced with the enigmatic Golden Scale Barbaric Elephant Arts, it seemed he was dealing with a technique of at least Rank 8.

How could he not be profoundly startled?

Lin Xuan fixed his gaze on the old man in white's attribute panel and made an immediate decision.

He was determined to replicate the Golden Scale Barbaric Elephant Arts!

He had just over 200,000 energy points remaining, enough to replicate two Rank 7 treasures.

Originally, he intended to replicate another Rank 7 martial art, along with a 40% Artistic Conception. However, he had a change of heart; he set his sights on replicating the Golden Scale Barbaric Elephant Arts!

The Golden Scale Barbaric Elephant Arts were at a minimum Rank 8, and even in their incomplete form, their exact grade was a mystery.

He could only imagine the immense value of the Golden Scale Barbaric Elephant Arts, which were likely the most coveted martial arts in the entire Chiyang Zone.

Should he master them to Great Completion, ruling over the Chiyang Zone would likely be within his grasp.

Such martial arts were a rare sight for him. Missing this chance could mean never encountering another opportunity like it.

After some contemplation, Lin Xuan's only concern was whether 200,000 energy points would suffice.

"200,000 energy points expended, replication successful. You have acquired [Golden Scale Barbaric Elephant Arts (Unknown, Incomplete, Beginner Level)]."

The system's cool, detached voice alleviated Lin Xuan's concerns.

It appeared that even in their incomplete state, the Golden Scale Barbaric Elephant Arts were indeed classified by the system as a Rank 8 treasure.