CHAPTER 64: CHAPTER 64 MAGIC TOWER_1

"This is the Identity Token of an inner disciple. I have already recorded your information."

Deacon Ma said with a smile, "With this Token, you can move freely throughout all major areas of the Riverside Sect, unhindered."

"Also, after entering the Inner Door, fellow daoist, you can choose a location in a Spirit Vein area to establish your residence. Do you have any preferred spots in mind?"

"I haven’t considered it yet."

Shen Mo took the Token and shook his head.

He had long coveted an independent cave mansion, but he hadn’t had many opportunities to visit the Inner Door’s cave mansion areas. Therefore, he was still unsure which area would be better.

"If fellow daoist hasn’t decided on a location yet, allow me to select a Blessed Land in the Inner Door for you."

Deacon Ma’s previously indifferent attitude vanished, and he said warmly, "The selection process is complicated and lengthy; you’d likely find it tedious. If you trust me, I will pick a good place for you, and then I’ll take you to see it."

"Then, many thanks for your assistance, Deacon."

Shen Mo nodded and agreed.

Deacon Ma had been cultivating in the Inner Door for many years and was well-versed in the sect’s affairs. If he was willing to take the initiative to choose a location for Shen Mo, it was an offer Shen Mo couldn’t refuse.

"No need for thanks," Deacon Ma responded cheerfully. "Helping a fellow daoist brings me great joy."

This world truly lives up to that saying. Life is like a large tree full of monkeys. If you’re at a low position, looking up, all you can see is a series of rears. But if you can climb to the top and look down, all you’ll see are bright, amiable smiles.

The stark change in Deacon Ma’s attitude was clearly related to the potential Shen Mo had demonstrated by opening all three of his Dantians.

"All your information has been updated. If there’s nothing else, fellow daoist, you may leave."

Before Shen Mo left, Deacon Ma also made sure to remind him, "Fellow Daoist, according to sect rules, new Inner Door disciples can use their Identity Tokens to select one magic technique at the Magic Tower. If you have time, don’t forget to go."

"Understood, I’ll remember."

Shen Mo cupped his fists in salute towards him and then turned to leave.

Finally... I’ve entered the Inner Door!

Clutching the Inner Door Token, a brilliant smile lit up Shen Mo’s face.

Countless cultivation sects, large and small, dotted the Red Flame Country. In some smaller immortal sects, cultivators in the Qi Gathering Realm could already serve as Elders, or even lead the sect. However, in the Riverside Sect, one of the Five Great Sects, reaching the Qi Gathering Realm merely marked entry into the ranks of official disciples. Those disciples struggling in the outer sect couldn’t enjoy the true benefits of the sect; it was more like a brutal proving ground.

Inner Door disciples, with their Identity Tokens, could access all major areas of the sect except for restricted zones. They could choose an Elder to study under, unconditionally receive a monthly stipend from the sect, and gain eligibility to participate in various sect activities. They could interact with Elders, Elite Disciples, and even higher-level figures within the Riverside Sect... There were many other privileges and benefits that outer sect disciples had no access to.

Upon entering the Inner Door, the true nature of the Riverside Sect would gradually be revealed. Clutching the Inner Door Token tightly, Shen Mo felt as if he were grasping the key to a new world.

「Outer area, his residence.」

After leaving the Deacon Hall, Shen Mo didn’t immediately go to the Magic Tower to choose a magic technique; instead, he returned to his residence first.

I’ve heard that the magic techniques in the Magic Tower aren’t just laid out for anyone to pick. To choose a top-quality magic technique, martial art, or cultivation method, one needs not only strength but also a keen eye.

Shen Mo opened the Destiny Panel, his gaze falling upon his Destiny Points.

After this period of accumulation, he had gathered another sixty Destiny Points.

Before going to the Magic Tower, I’ll upgrade a Destiny first and make full preparations before setting off.

Thinking this, Shen Mo began using Destiny Points to enhance it.

The Destiny he chose to upgrade was the Special Destiny he had previously obtained: [Observe].

[Observe (Green): Your eyesight is good, and you often have the chance to find overlooked treasures.]

This Destiny had allowed him to select the Red Cloud Cauldron in the Market, granting him a significant opportunity. Now, it was once again time to rely on his keen eye, and he planned to strengthen this Destiny.

[You have consumed ten Destiny Points in an attempt to upgrade the Special Destiny (Observe). The attempt has failed.]

Upgrading a green Destiny to a blue Destiny required ten Destiny Points per attempt.

Moreover, the success rate was not high.

[You have consumed ten Destiny Points in an attempt to upgrade the Special Destiny (Observe). The attempt has failed.]

[You have consumed ten Destiny Points in an attempt to upgrade the Special Destiny (Observe). The attempt has failed.]

...

[You have consumed ten Destiny Points in an attempt to upgrade the Special Destiny (Observe). The attempt has succeeded.]

He attempted it four times in a row, failing each time, and only succeeded on the fifth try.

[Congratulations, the Special Destiny (Observe) has been successfully upgraded to Bright Vision.]

Seeing this notification, Shen Mo quickly checked this Destiny’s descriptive information.

[Bright Vision (Blue): Your gaze is like a torch, often able to penetrate various obscurations and see directly to the source.]

"This description seems rather unremarkable," Shen Mo murmured after a glance. "However, since it successfully upgraded to the blue grade, its effect should be much stronger than before."

After equipping it in his Destiny Slot, Shen Mo attempted to upgrade his Basic Destinies again.

However, his attempts using the remaining ten Destiny Points also ended in failure.

"Sigh, this success rate... I can only take it slow."

He sighed, adjusted his mindset, and soothed his restless emotions.

I’ll just have to wait until I’ve accumulated enough Destiny Points next time for a significant boost! The path of cultivation is long; it can’t be rushed. I still have a lot of time. Breaking through to the Qi Gathering Realm grants a Lifespan of two hundred years. Even subtracting the twenty-eight years I’ve already lived, I still have a great deal of time to spend and accumulate. With enough perseverance, one could even forge an exceptional Fate for oneself.

「The Magic Tower was located beside the Blue Sea Pavilion in the northern part of the Riverside Sect’s Inner Door area.」

This tower had five floors, housing a collection of countless precious manuals accumulated by the Riverside Sect over a thousand years.

"Reporting to the Keeper Elder, disciple Shen Mo, newly promoted to the Inner Door, has come to select one magic technique."

Approaching the counter inside the tower, Shen Mo spoke respectfully to the Blue Robe Elder standing there.

"A new disciple?" the Blue Robe Elder inquired, taking the Identity Token Shen Mo offered. He examined it briefly, confirmed its authenticity, and handed it back. "Mm, it is indeed genuine."

"You may enter." The blue-robed Keeper Elder waved his sleeve, and a layer of spirit light enveloped Shen Mo. "Remember, you can only operate on the first floor, and you only have one hour to choose. Once the time is up, the spirit light will dissipate, and you will be expelled by the Magic Tower’s Prohibition."

"Also, remember not to be greedy. Once you find a suitable magic technique, you should be content. If you hesitate and are indecisive, you might run out of time and leave empty-handed."

"Yes, I’ll keep that in mind."

Shen Mo nodded and then stepped onto the first floor of the Magic Tower.