Chapter 56: Meteor Arrow Technique (Incomplete)
[Meteor Arrow Technique (Incomplete): Completely Clueless (0%)]
Seeing this line of text, Chen Fan's mind buzzed as if struck by a bell.
What... what's going on here?
He was absolutely certain this line hadn't been there before. Could it mean...?
Chen Fan's jaw dropped, eyes widening with disbelief.
That seemingly counterfeit "Meteor Arrow Technique" manual was actually genuine!!!
His heart surged with exhilaration.
Of course! Otherwise, why would the system record this archery method? The name matches... Wait, not entirely.
Chen Fan's focus shifted to the "Incomplete" notation.
True enough—this technique was fragmentary, missing significant portions. Yet his gaze lingered on the latter part: "Completely Clueless (0%)". The font and color matched exactly with the [Tai Chi Fist] description.
Did this mean even an incomplete technique could be practiced, gain proficiency, and eventually unlock traits?
Chen Fan concluded it must be so.
Naturally, the unlocked traits would be diminished due to the manual's gaps. The mentioned secret techniques likely remained inaccessible too.
He wrestled with doubt.
Should he invest experience points in this flawed technique?
It felt like chewing tasteless dried meat—unrewarding to consume, yet wasteful to discard.
"Hm?"
Suddenly, he noticed something peculiar.
The "Incomplete" label after "Meteor Arrow Technique" displayed a different hue from other text. Almost... interactive?
Should he try activating it?
With a mental nudge,
Three lines materialized in his consciousness:
[Detected incomplete technique. Completeness: 38%. Restore? Conditions required.]
[Restoration Requirements: Body Refinement Level 2, Basic Archery Lv6. Time: 1 day]
[Restoration duration decreases with higher fulfillment of conditions]
"!!!"
Chen Fan barely trusted his vision.
Unbelievable! The system could restore techniques?!
The requirements were straightforward—Body Refinement Level 2 (he'd surpassed it at Level 3) and Basic Archery Lv6 (which he exactly met). Why hesitate?
[Restoration initiated. Progress: 0%. Estimated completion: 12 hours]
Chen Fan nearly danced on the spot, euphoria flooding through him. Without doubt, this was an advanced archery method—a perfect solution arriving when most needed!
Though critically fragmented, the system's restoration function meant future incomplete manuals needn't daunt him. Of course, requirements tied to cultivation level and foundational skills would persist. There might be additional hurdles later.
"Regardless," Chen Fan smirked, "this changes everything."
By tomorrow, he'd possess a freshly restored advanced archery technique. If only he could acquire more...
Recollection struck like lightning—Uncle Liu's tales about the Song Family Fort's manual-peddling old man. Previously dismissed as a charlatan, but perhaps he sold genuine (albeit butchered) texts like this one. For Chen Fan, even fragments sufficed if the system could restore them.
"Uncle Liu?"
The hunter paused mid-stride. "Yes, Xiao Fan?"
"About that manual seller in Song Family Fort—what's his price?"
Confusion wrinkled Liu Yong's face.
"What does he demand in exchange?" Chen Fan clarified.
Liu Yong scratched his stubble. "Started at a hundred catties of rice per manual. Dropped to ten after nobody bit."
"A hundred catties?!" Chen Fan blurted. "Who'd pay that for dubious manuals?"
"Ha!" Liu Yong guffawed. "The old fraud claimed to be the 84th Five Mountains Sword Sect leader! Swore his manuals were steals compared to Anshan City's three-hundred-cattie basic techniques."
"Then?"
"People saw through him. By our last visit, he'd slashed prices ninety percent."
Chen Fan whistled. "From highway robbery to bargain bin."
"Exactly! Some fool bought an 'internal energy' manual later. Got experts to call it fake. Caused a scene, but the old weasel wriggled free." Liu Yong's eyes narrowed. "You're not considering this?"
All hunting party members turned inquisitive stares.
"Merely curious," Chen Fan deflected. "That archery manual did contain fragments of truth."
"Be warned," Liu Yong grunted. "Find him in Song Fort's market tomorrow. But keep your coin-purse guarded—he's slippery as eel grease."
Nods of agreement rippled through the group.
"Understood." Chen Fan's expression turned solemn. Ten catties per manual seemed reasonable for even partial texts, but falling for fakes would sting. The seller's history suggested zero scruples.
Perhaps... free sampling?
Anticipation for tomorrow's expedition warmed Chen Fan's chest. With Gu Ze's group joining, security improved too.
As twilight painted the sky, Chen Guodong turned at the village's outskirts. "Remember—no mention of Gu Ze being Awakened."
Nods all around.
The village gates seethed with anxious murmurs until the hunting party's silhouette appeared. Relief washed through the crowd—then transformed into shock as five carcasses came into view.
(Chapter End)
