The Path of Survivor begins with obtaining titles

“Master, for light skill, I recommend this ‘Cloud Tour Step.’ Legend has it that when practiced to the pinnacle, one can fly in the clouds.” The middle-aged martial artist quickly pulled out a secret book and handed it to Lin Yi.

Lin Yi chuckled. Flying in the clouds was something even Qi Refinement cultivators could not achieve. He took the book. It had a nice appearance, and the paper used was of high quality. He was just about to flip through it.

The middle-aged martial artist coughed and said, “Master, you can only read the first two pages. Your Divine Sense is strong and can memorize the content inside in an instant. This paper is made of a special material and will self-destruct after the last page is read.”

Upon hearing the martial artist’s words, Lin Yi could hardly hold back a laugh. What lengths would they go to prevent people from reselling it?

He casually flipped through two pages and found that the Cloud Tour Step seemed very nimble, but the speed was not very fast. It was suitable for dodging but not for fleeing. He closed the book and put it back on the stand, “Bring me a light skill book that provides the fastest speed. I need speed.”

“Then I recommend this ‘Gale Step,’ which is as swift as the wind.” The middle-aged martial artist pondered for a moment and picked up another secret book.

Lin Yi took it and glanced over it. The preface was quite intimidating, reaching the extreme meant being able to transform into wind. Each technique seemed to boost speed, which was true. He added, “I’ll take another body refining technique book. Is there any chance you could give me a discount?”

“Master, it’s already quite cheap at five Spirit Beads per book. These are rare martial arts secret books in the mortal world.” The middle-aged martial artist said with a bitter face.

Having come from the mortal world and having achieved the Innate realm, he had hoped to make waves in the Cultivation World, but he found that his so-called Innate realm was insignificant in the eyes of cultivators. He even struggled to support himself, let alone make a fortune.

In the end, he had to make a living selling martial arts secret books, but he had not sold a single one for days.

“In the mortal world, these martial arts secret books can’t even be exchanged for Spirit Stones. How about four Spirit Beads per book?” Lin Yi shook his head and bargained.

Although these secret books were written on special paper, the cost was also very low. However, the jade slips of the cultivation techniques in the Cultivation World required a Golden Core Stage cultivator with powerful Divine Sense to produce.

“Fine, I’ll choose another body refining technique book for you.” The middle-aged martial artist hesitated, nodded, and agreed.

While the middle-aged martial artist was choosing, Lin Yi flipped through the ‘Gale Step’. A cultivator’s Divine Sense could memorize the contents at a glance. When he turned to the last page, the book caught fire as expected and turned into ashes in an instant.

Lin Yi felt a bit uneasy as he watched the burning secret book. He was not sure whether these techniques would appear on the panel after a period of practice, or if they would appear directly after learning, just like in games on Earth.

At this moment, a window popped up before his eyes, “Gale Step (Beginner) 0/100.”

A smile surfaced on Lin Yi’s face. As expected, once a cultivation technique was learned, it would directly appear on the panel. It would be nice if the skills of cultivators in alchemy and talisman making were as simple to learn.

“Master, why did you read it first?” The middle-aged martial artist asked hesitantly after seeing Lin Yi casually finish reading the secret book.

“I want to practice it first. If I feel it’s good, I’ll recommend it to my juniors.” Lin Yi found a random reason as a response.

Liu Yi then read the body refining technique book chosen by the middle-aged martial artist, called ‘Golden Body Jue’. As the name indicates, when practiced to the extreme, one could achieve an invulnerable body that could resist any weapon, let alone the flying swords of the Cultivation World.

Lin Yi looked at the two beginner martial arts on the panel, nodded satisfactorily, took out some spirit beads from his pocket, counted eight, and handed them over. He then headed towards the Xun Fang Pavilion.

Xun Fang Pavilion was located near the market, with an excellent geographical location. He soon saw a three-story building with pink lanterns hanging on it. A charming call came over, “Sir, come and play.” “Master, let’s cultivate together.”

As he approached, he saw some lightly dressed women posing in various ways, tempting passers-by, occasionally pulling down their clothes a bit. To use a phrase from Earth, even my online girlfriend of two years hasn’t shown me more than these women.

Lin Yi didn’t rush to approach them. Instead, he stood at a distance, admiring the posture of these women while putting on the ‘Color is Void’ title, ready to see its effect at the door. If the effect can reach 10%, then he would naturally enjoy time with the women.

After waiting for a while, he checked the title effect on the panel. His cultivation speed remained unchanged. It seemed that these external temptations could not even activate the minimum effect of the title. He couldn’t enjoy the company of the women for free.

So, he walked slowly over, releasing his spiritual energy. The women at the door saw this and their faces lit up with excitement, “Master, you’re here. Do you have any acquaintances?” they gathered around him in excitement.

Lin Yi didn’t say a word but walked straight in, revealing the Outer Sect Disciple token of the Liu Yun Sect he was wearing. Seeing this, the two guards shouted, “An Outer Sect Master from Liu Yun Sect.”

At that moment, an alluring middle-aged woman came over and held onto Lin Yi’s arm, rubbing her body against him, “This Master seems unfamiliar. May I know your name?” she spoke with a smile on her face.

Lin Yi extracted his arm without expression. If he wasn’t picky, he might as well go for Aunt Liu, “My surname is Lin.”

“So it’s Master Lin. My name is Yu Niang. Do you plan to watch the performance in the hall, or do you prefer to choose a girl upstairs?” The middle-aged woman curtsied and asked with a smile.

Lin Yi glanced around, and on the stage in the hall, a woman was playing a tune on a zither with her face obscured by a veil. Occasionally, the breeze would lift the veil, revealing glimpses of a stunning countenance, taking hold of one’s heartstrings.

He figured watching the show from here would lack appeal. Without free access, he’d have to cough up some money, so he waved his hand and said, “Let’s head upstairs.”

“That’s fine, please follow me, Immortal Master,” responded Yu Niang, with joy written all over her face. Casual patrons made the pavilion tea money, it was the ones who went straight upstairs to choose a lady who were the big spenders.

Lin Yi was led by a middle-aged woman into a room on the second floor. It had a simple set-up: a bed, a desk, and some seemingly performance-related paraphernalia, such as two silk ribbons hanging from the beam. He recalled seeing a similar set-up on Earth, where it was used for an aerial silk dance performance.

Upon entering the room, Yu Niang poured Lin Yi a cup of tea, bowed, and said, “Please wait a moment, Immortal Master, I’ll call the ladies over.”

Lin Yi sat in the empty room, surprisingly nervous deep down. In his past life, he had only ever visited massage parlors and entertainment clubs; he had never been to a place quite like this.

After a few minutes, the door was gently knocked and Yu Niang entered first, motioning to the others to follow. “Ladies, come in,” she invited.

Following her instruction, seven or eight young women paraded in one by one, each dressed in flamboyant clothes of different styles. Some wore light makeup with innocent appearances, while others wore revealing outfits, exuding allure.

Lin Yi calmly lifted his eyes to inspect the women when he was startled to recognize a familiar face. Looking towards the sound of surprise, he saw a familiar woman clad in red. He was in disbelief. It was Hong Yao, Aunt Liu’s intended match for him the previous night.

A wave of embarrassment hit him. Was this an awkward encounter like running into a blind date at a foot bath shop?

Awkwardness flashed across Hong Yao’s face upon seeing Lin Yi, but was quickly replaced with a seductive smile. She approached him, encircling his neck with her arms from behind.

“Lin Brother, it’s you! I’ve just arrived at Xun Fang Pavilion and you’re already here to see me,” she cooed.

“Oh? Master Lin, you’re acquainted with Hong Yao? She just arrived at Xun Fang Pavilion today,” Yu Niang queried as she observed the scene with mild surprise.

“Yu Sister, Lin Brother and I are old acquaintances. Lin Brother, let me take care of you tonight like you’ve ascended to paradise,” Hong Yao purred in his ear, her body pressing even closer.

Without hesitation, Lin Yi detached himself from Hong Yao’s clingy embrace and calmly responded, “I merely met her once. Nothing more.” He felt Hong Yao was overstepping, trying to manipulate him as though she no regard for him.

As a cultivator, if he didn’t dare to resist being manipulated by an ordinary person for fear of revenge, it would be a disgrace to all cultivators.

“I see. Hong Yao, you may leave. Let Master Lin choose,” Yu Niang said curtly upon hearing Lin Yi’s words.

The change in her tone caused a ripple of surprise as she bit her lip and reluctantly rejoined the others.

“Yu Niang, there’s something I’d like to discuss with you,” said Lin Yi rather seriously.

Yu Niang briskly walked up to him, squatted down slightly, putting her ear closer to Lin Yi. After hearing what Lin Yi whispered to her, she responded with a smile, appearing unbothered, “Alright, Master Lin, I understand your requirements. Xiao He, stay; the rest of you can leave.”

The other girls were somewhat baffled. When it came to looks and figures, they had Xiao He beat. Xiao He was petite—even shorter than four and a half feet—with a baby face. What did she have against their long legs? She was rarely a favorite amongst the customers.

Hong Yao was speechless, originally thinking Lin Yi favored a different type of girl. It turned out he preferred the complete opposite.

Once the other women had left, a petite figure remained in the room, her hands nervously intertwined in front of her.

“Master Lin, Xiao He’s overnight fee is ten Spirit Pearls, but for disciples of the Liu Yun Sect, it’s eight.” Yu Niang managed to maintain her pleasant demeanor despite Lin’s Yi unusual selection.

Lin Yi hadn’t expected that the least expensive option would be this adorable Lolita-type girl. Were this Earth, she would be the ultimate catch for some men. He promptly produced eight Spirit Pearls.

Yu Niang quickly collected the eight Spirit Pearls and once again addressed Lin Yi, “Do you want any fine wine to help set the mood, master?”

“No, thank you,” Lin Yi tipped his hand, prefering to save money where he could. Besides, he didn’t need any mood enhancers.

“Alright. If you need anything, just ring this bell and someone outside will attend to you. Xiao He, take good care of Master Lin. I’ll be leaving now.” Yu Niang sighed inwardly, disappointed by what she deemed a miserly man and after instructing Xiao He, she left the room, closing the door behind her.

Having been left alone with Lin Yi, Xiao He promptly bowed to him, “Thank you for choosing me, Master. I promise to serve you well.”

“Please, don’t mention it. Miss, I need your help in assisting my cultivation,” Lin Yi replied with a smile.