Inside the conference room, Vice Chairman Shi turned pale from the worry caused by manuscripts appearing consecutively on the forum. A contact request notification popped up on his communicator card, which he dismissed without a second glance.

"Our tech department is working hard on tracing the IP address. We've confirmed that this manuscript was found in Hu Shi'en's basement. The prime suspect is the young man who allegedly killed Hu. He might've discovered this manuscript and uploaded it to the star-net," the vice-chairman theorized logically but with lingering doubts.

"The two manuscript uploads are clearly by different individuals. Moreover, the second upload corrected the original. Not to mention the methods of other sects, but our Bagua Sect's internal technique has always been incomplete. No disciple could comprehend it. But this revised technique seems genuine," the Bagua Sect leader exclaimed excitedly.

"This second uploader must be a master. Probably, after seeing the incompleteness of the first one, he corrected it. And the focus on the internal technique suggests he's an expert in it. Several sects are quite fortunate this time," the vice-chairman commented with a hint of envy.

"Enough of this. No matter who did it, what's done is done. Our sects aren't top-tier in the country anyway. So, let's consider this a blessing in disguise for the general populace," a representative impatiently suggested, eager to return and test the revised technique.

"Indeed, we need to get back to set up a memorial for our disciple. As for seeking justice from the Heavy Sword Sect, we'll leave it to Chairman Shi. With too many involved, things can get chaotic. We're counting on you."

The delegates departed in haste. Shi Di knew their priorities, and as he went through the second set of downloaded manuscripts, he trembled with excitement, realizing the boost they could provide to his martial arts prowess.

"So sneaky! It costs ten credits this time. I'm really curious about the content," Li Yanqing, who had been following the forum, regretted not saving the first manuscript faster. Surprisingly, a new one appeared soon after, but it wasn’t free and had a different uploader.

"Could it be a scam?" Mi Ai wondered.

"It's not possible for it to be a fake. So many people have posted about its authenticity, and it has only been modified from the original, not resembling a counterfeit."

"That's easy. We can just pool our resources and download one copy. We can spare five points."

Usually, they spent most of their pocket money on games. Trying to gather ten points on the fly was a challenge, and after pooling their resources, they still found themselves a point short.

"What do we do?"

"Leave it to me." Mi Ai called his mother immediately and blurted out in panic, "Mom, quickly transfer some money. Li Yanqing overdid his training this morning, breaking three of his ribs. I'm taking him to the clinic now."

Both their families knew they were practicing martial arts, thinking it was just for fun. Incidents like this had happened before.

Mi's mother responded exasperatedly, "How much do you need? I've told you before not to waste time on these nonsensical practices that just scam money!"

"We didn't spend any money, and you can check when you come back. Treating him will need at least five points, right? Please send whatever you feel appropriate." Before Mi Ai finished speaking, a notification popped up, showing a deposit of ten points. Elated, he hurriedly went online to buy download access.

Li Yanqing voiced his concern, "Aren't you afraid your aunt will find out you lied and punish you?"

As Mi Ai clicked 'save', he responded, "What's there to fear? Just act your part well, and it'll be fine."

Both of them didn't dwell on the potential consequences. After downloading and printing the images, they arranged them in the order they had planned and began studying.

Li Yanqing had felt something subtle when practicing martial arts the previous day, an indescribable sensation, feeling particularly comfortable around a certain individual, an all-over sense of ease.

After reading a particular technique, he instinctively closed his eyes, reflecting on every word and closely monitoring changes in his body.

He believed that if spiritual energy was in the air, it must be omnipresent. What he lacked was the ability to retain it within his body and utilize it to transform himself.

As his core area warmed up, Li Yanqing entered a state of self-forgetfulness, oblivious to the spiritual energy around him, albeit in small amounts.

After his request was denied, Shao Qi exited the booking page and opted for another service.

"Would you like to choose the tour service?"

Shao Qi pressed "Yes," and the kiosk immediately prompted, "Please pay a fifty-point entrance fee per person. Enter the number of visitors."

Shao Qi paid a hundred points and, after collecting the tickets, led Zhou You into the association's entrance.

"Why is the tour so expensive?" Zhou You remarked. To his surprise, upon entering, Shao Qi handed him a pair of VR goggles. Once worn, the whole environment transformed, making him feel like he was back in the Yunlan Mountain Range, surrounded by a forest with mutated beasts running around.

"This is so immersive! How did they manage this?" Zhou You reached out to touch a mutated wild buffalo, and an information panel popped up on the screen.

"Ultimate Mutant Buffalo, measuring between three to four meters in length and weighing approximately two tons. Its horns are its primary weapon, with its tail also possessing some offensive capabilities. Its hide is bulletproof. Running speed is approximately... Weak points are its eyes and rear end. A fully-grown buffalo's worth is around a thousand points."

A red fox leapt from a tree. Instinctively, Zhou You tried to catch it, but the fox phased through his hand. An info panel appeared, "Fire Fox, a low-level mutated creature, approximately one meter long, weighing around 200 kilograms. Its value lies in its pelt, which is worth about two thousand points."