Without even glancing at it, Li Huayuan handed it directly to Han Li. Then he repeated the same technique, plucking seven or eight more items from the air one after another before finally stopping. By this point, Han Li was holding the entire pile in his arms, eyes darting from one thing to the next, unable to take it all in.
"Each of these techniques is one that advances Magical Power relatively quickly while also being easier to cultivate. Pick one to serve as your main cultivation method. The rest will need to be returned to their places. Once you've made your choice, let me know," Li Huayuan said to Han Li in a calm tone, then settled cross-legged onto a meditation cushion in the stone chamber.
Han Li found himself a little overwhelmed. Although the number of techniques wasn't large, each one truly had its own distinct features.
For instance, one of them was called the "Return to Origin Technique." Beyond its reasonably fast rate of advancing Magical Power, it came with a very practical minor ability called the "Return to Origin Spirit Armor." This could layer an additional defensive spell during combat, and it could also use Magical Power to condense a spirit armor for a whole extra layer of protection — a superb life-saving measure. Moreover, this spirit armor would grow stronger in defensive power as the Return to Origin Technique itself progressed.
Another jade slip contained the "Phantom Spirit Formula," which was also quite impressive. Its accompanying ability, "Phantom Image," could conjure an exact duplicate of oneself at any time and place to deceive enemies. The higher one's cultivation level, the more duplicates could be created, making it increasingly effective at confusing opponents' perception.
Aside from these two techniques, the minor abilities accompanying the other methods, while not particularly powerful in terms of destructive force, were all extremely effective for preserving one's life and facilitating escape. It seemed that the creators of these techniques understood full well that these methods couldn't compete in direct confrontation, so keeping oneself alive was the number one priority.
But after Han Li had looked through all of them, one item in a jade box caught his eye — a golden page that made him startle with surprise.
The shape and size of this page were far too familiar. He was certain it was identical to the silver page he already had in his possession. The only difference was that this page seemed slightly thinner, and instead of those strange patterns, it was covered in dense, ancient script. But upon closer inspection, what was recorded on it was merely a rather ordinary technique called the "Condensation of Origin Technique," along with an equally ordinary auxiliary ability called the "Spirit Gathering Art" — which simply sped up the rate of spiritual energy absorption during cultivation.
Han Li turned the golden page over and over several times, and doubts began to well up in his heart. But he also knew this was no time for hesitation or mystery-solving, no matter how badly he wanted to pull out the silver page from his storage pouch for a side-by-side comparison.
He had to make a decision now, or he would arouse his master's suspicion.
With that thought, Han Li weighed the golden page in his hand and made his split-second choice.
"Master, I've made my decision. I'd like this technique," he said, addressing the meditating Li Huayuan.
Li Huayuan opened his eyes at these words. When he saw the golden page in Han Li's hand, he paused for a moment. But he said nothing, only nodded, and then led Han Li out of the stone chamber.
Back in the main hall, the young woman was waiting for them. When she saw them approaching, she smiled gently before asking:
"Well? Did you make your choice?"
"Thank you for your concern, Shiniang. Your disciple has made his selection!" Han Li replied respectfully.
"Then I'm relieved!" the young woman said, beaming with delight. She seemed even more invested in this matter than Han Li himself, which left him momentarily taken aback.
"Good. Since the debt of saving your Shiniang's life has now been repaid, it's time we discuss formally taking you under my tutelage. Are you truly willing to join my lineage and officially become my, Li Huayuan's, disciple?" Li Huayuan's expression suddenly turned stern.
A chill ran through Han Li's heart, and he quickly stepped forward and knelt.
"Your disciple Han Li is absolutely sincere. There is not the slightest falsehood in my words."
While his lips spoke these words, his mind was having a very different conversation:
"If you treat me with genuine goodwill, then of course I'll be sincere and fulfill my duties as a disciple. But if you harbor any ill intentions, I won't be foolish enough to just let you push me around."
Li Huayuan naturally had no idea what Han Li was thinking. If he had, he would have struck Han Li dead with a single palm strike long ago.
"Good. We cultivators keep things simple. From this day forward, you are officially my, Li Huayuan's, disciple. I hope that in the future you will diligently cultivate the immortal path and bring honor to my name!" Li Huayuan's expression softened at last, and he spoke with a smile.
After that, Han Li and Li Huayuan naturally went through a round of warm master-and-dutiful-disciple interaction. After receiving a lengthy string of exhortations from Li Huayuan, Han Li soon took his leave and departed.