Fighting to be Kind in a Cultivation World

Chapter 149: The Steps to Success

Chapter 149: The Steps to Success

Even as I run toward the dorms, away from that section, my mind cant help drift to feeling I was getting when searching for the big catch.

It was obscured. Not exactly secret, but was even partially hidden from the scan at that level. If I increased the scan, I could definitely find it. But at what cost?

Searching in this way is likely the best way for now.

Cementing this in my mind, I move my thoughts to more productive areas as the dilapidated buildings around me become better and better.

Ive made a few friends in this world, but now Ive increased the number of potential enemies here.

If I dont do something about this, its likely I wont have anyone around to work with me, if when something inevitably happens.

I need allies.

With there being no need for the merchant scan, I reallocate the resources to figuring out some methods to getting people on my side.

After some deliberation, among my fast-paced movement, I come to the best strategy for my situation.

It requires a few things.

First, Ill need to adjust my merchant scan to a type of potential/value meter.

My first attempt at this turned into everyone that I passed, glowing brightly. Which was extremely shocking and almost made me stop in my tracks.

Then I realized its because everyone has an inherently high value as a person. Even if they have low potential where they are at, the possibilities could be endless.

Well at least I know the system actually cares about everyone.

I change this to more of a potential/Value of being a good ally and/or mitigating enemies. I also layer this with an additional side that determines how strong their abilities are or could be.

There are a few more nuances that I add into the calculation, but that is most of it.

Those changes to the scan seem to cover most of the things I was looking for.

Most of the people over here give very little sign that they could help with my journey. They additionally have very little strength or abilities that could be expounded on.

Showing it to be mostly a success.

This isnt a false assumption, because I focused my scan on similar, but broader metrics for individuals to tailor the settings. I then ran testing for several different types of individuals. Once I began to get consistently accurate results from the settings, based on what I was looking for and with the proper reasoning, I knew I had it down.

Then I had the scan double check itself on whether this method would achieve what I wanted.

It revealed the settings were a bit off in some ways, which leading me to change some items.

By the end of this whole process, I finally found myself back at the dorms.

Entering into the building, after waving to the guard, I come into a similar situation as before. Tai Ye and Ru Ning guarding the areas leading to the exterior, while Dana is cuddling with Mei Lin.

I can see a tiny Dana wave at me from one of the windows.

Settling in the bed, I continue my train of thought on how to get allies.

Physical trial Spiritual root Alchemy trials Formation/Talisman Knowledge Combat Discernment Taming Special Constitutions (inner court only)

Though now that I think of it, they dont really need me to take care of them.

Either way, it would provide an explanation of why I was able to retain the three of them with such control.

Looking at the other trials, I really want to keep some of these to myself.

It wouldnt be good for others to see how I scan things. I dont know how much they could get from watching me closely. Which means Discernment is out.

Formation/Talisman knowledge is tempting.

Its only formation knowledge, because you cant create formations until you reach Foundation Establishment. Formations can be used by Qi Condensation experts. Before then, they just want to see how much you know. Having a deeper knowledge base and the potential to reach Foundation Establishment, will mean you would be a great investment for the sect.

Talismans can also be created in the later parts of Qi Condensation. Of course, they can be used by anyone, including normal people.

Similarly, to Alchemy experts, Formation Experts can be considered Strategic assets for the sect. Thus, a core member position wouldnt be a dream with enough skills in that area.

However, I get the feeling that I should keep some things a secret. Especially, since I dont really have a solid reason on why I would know about formations.

Not only that, but I can always dive into it while Im normally in the sect and take the lessons there. At that time, then I can showcase my fast learning abilities in that subject.

No to Combat.

Just no.

And finally Special Constitutions. Also no, unless forced to. Theres no need to reveal this, especially with how powerful it is for me.

That trial does a deep dive.

And, while they might really lay on resources to help people develop it, they also are able to know and use that knowledge as they see fit.

For me, I have the scan. I can do that myself. So, I can find what I need and potentially acquire it through other methods secretly.

I can feel my mind turn away from myself and to the people I can try to help.

The Physical trial is where Ill likely make my first connections. Any other trials are mainly solo, but can use some teamwork or cooperation.

The only issue is, if I jump to help too early, it will be suspicious.

Ill need to be careful of

Interrupting my thoughts, as I lay on the bed, is a small Dana who pinched me hard on the side.

She looks panicked.

I immediately connect to her and see what shes seeing.

Outside the dorms, a distance away, is a person covered in black. On their shoulder is an insignia. The Alchemy Groups symbol.

The cultivator on top of one of our building warmly waves at them.

Fuck.