Elder Ming Wanqian, A Tall Building Rises from Flat Ground

The Scripture Repository Pavilion.

Despite being one of Maoshan's most important locations, there were no guards to be seen.

At least, Zhong Bai couldn't spot any with his naked eye.

The Scripture Repository Pavilion was a three-story building. Standing before its entrance, gazing at the gilded characters inscribed above, Zhong Bai felt an inexplicable sense of calm settle over him.

"Elder Ming, True Immortal Qianyuan from the Law Enforcement Hall requests an audience!"

Just then, before Zhong Bai could observe further, True Immortal Qianyuan flicked his whisk and bowed in greeting.

With a creak, the tightly shut doors of the Scripture Repository Pavilion slowly opened, and an aged voice resonated from within.

"Oh, it's you, Qianyuan. You haven't visited the Scripture Repository Pavilion to see this old man in three years.

You wouldn't come without a reason, so tell me, why are you here?"

Zhong Bai couldn't help but be startled. These two simple sentences carried the weighty pressure of a hammer striking his heart.

Zhong Bai seemed to understand why there were so few guards at the Scripture Repository Pavilion, despite it being considered a vital area.

"Elder Ming, you jest. Qianyuan is not that kind of person. The world has been very unstable these past few years, and Qianyuan has been busy with matters concerning the Law Enforcement Hall, which is why I haven't been able to visit you.

However…

Today, Qianyuan has indeed come with a request for Elder Ming."

With that, True Immortal Qianyuan shifted his gaze to Zhong Bai.

"Elder Ming, to be honest, this is Zhong Bai, a disciple Qianyuan took in a year ago.

You see, this boy, Zhong Bai, has achieved minor success in cultivating the Body Forging Art, so Qianyuan brought him to the Scripture Repository Pavilion to choose a primary cultivation technique.

And, also, to visit you, Elder Ming."

"Heh, Qianyuan, you've become quite the smooth talker after just a few years. But…

It's not easy for you, Qianyuan, to take in a disciple. Let him in."

"Zhong Bai, aren't you going to thank Martial Great-Uncle Ming?"

True Immortal Qianyuan winked, and Zhong Bai instantly understood.

Thump.

"Disciple Zhong Bai respectfully thanks Martial Great-Uncle Ming!"

Seeing Zhong Bai catch on, True Immortal Qianyuan was quite pleased. Although the Daoist sect didn't have many trivial formalities, those who were adaptable and well-versed in social graces often found great success.

"Heh heh, you little rascal, come in!"

Before Zhong Bai could react, a powerful pull drew him into the Scripture Repository Pavilion.

Upon entering, Zhong Bai had just regained his senses when he saw that what lay before him was completely different from what he had seen outside.

From the outside, the Scripture Repository Pavilion, though not small, was only a few dozen meters long and wide.

But once inside, as far as Zhong Bai could see, the scriptures and ancient texts stretched for hundreds of meters, disappearing into the distance.

Hmm, Zhong Bai certainly gained some insight.

Tap, tap, tap…

Accompanied by a series of tapping sounds, Zhong Bai realized the sound was coming from behind him. When he turned, he saw a long-haired old man staring at him motionlessly, his eyes cloudy.

Gulp, Zhong Bai nearly bristled, but he quickly calmed himself.

"Little rascal, what cultivation technique did your master, Qianyuan, recommend to you?

Tell me, and your Martial Great-Uncle will find it for you. Otherwise, if you try to search for it yourself, it'll take you days and nights."

Uh…

Upon hearing that familiar voice, he figured it out—it was his Martial Great-Uncle Ming.

"Martial Great-Uncle, the cultivation technique my master recommended is the Divine Firmament Five Thunder Art!

It's indeed hard for this disciple to find, so I can only trouble you, Martial Great-Uncle."

When it was time to bow his head, Zhong Bai did so, his smile as gentle as the wind, carrying the unique charm of a young man, which caused a slight ripple in Ming Wanqian's heart.

Every year, new youths arrive, but time, once gone, never returns.

In a flash, Ming Wanqian could no longer remember how long he had served as the chief of the Scripture Repository Pavilion.

Was it sixty years or one hundred twenty years? Or perhaps even longer?

Heh, who remembers? He certainly didn't. Perhaps when his lifespan ended, he would finally know…

Sighing, Ming Wanqian quickly found the Divine Firmament Five Thunder Art for Zhong Bai.

However, upon seeing Zhong Bai's fervent gaze fixed on the Divine Firmament Five Thunder Art, he clearly sensed something was amiss.

What's this little rascal so happy about?

After cultivating the Divine Firmament Five Thunder Art, one cannot switch to another method until reaching the Nascent Soul Dao Lord stage.

It's only fast in the early stages; after Foundation Establishment, each major breakthrough is like dying."

Could it be that Qianyuan didn't...

Hiss!

The thought made a glint flash in Ming Wanqian's otherwise murky eyes.

Aha, mystery solved. Qianyuan, that old rascal, probably hid this from the sly little fellow because he wanted to cultivate a Foundation Establishment disciple within twenty years.

"Sigh... it's hard to say. Qianyuan probably had no other choice."

Shaking his head, Ming Wanqian chose not to tell Zhong Bai the full situation. However, the pity in his gaze made Zhong Bai feel as if he'd been pricked by needles.

"Ahem, you sly little fellow, the Divine Firmament Five Thunder Art you wanted. Tsk, tsk, I must say, you have good taste.

A thousand years ago, the Divine Firmament Sect was renowned. With the Purple Firmament Divine Thunder cultivated from this Divine Firmament Five Thunder Art, it could be said that all evil creatures under heaven trembled in fear.

Even those thunder-wielding folks from Longhu Mountain had to give way...

Hmm, I have high hopes for you, Martial Great-Uncle!"

As he spoke, he handed the Divine Firmament Five Thunder Art to Zhong Bai and patted his shoulder in encouragement.

This left Zhong Bai a bit bewildered, feeling like something was amiss...

"Uh, this disciple thanks Martial Great-Uncle for your encouragement. This disciple will strive to make the Purple Firmament Divine Thunder reappear in the world!"

Zhong Bai responded with practiced politeness.

This time, Ming Wanqian truly couldn't help but roll his eyes.

He ranted internally, This sly little fellow really knows how to brag. Qianyuan is such a down-to-earth person, how did he end up taking in such a smooth-talking kid?

Clearly, Ming Wanqian didn't believe a single word of Zhong Bai's polite platitudes.

After all, the most recent Dao Lord to cultivate the Purple Firmament Divine Thunder in this world was from Maoshan.

And coincidentally, it was the chief elder of the Law Enforcement Hall from eight hundred years ago.

Zhong Bai didn't actually think he could succeed. Are you kidding? What kind of talent do I have? Purple Firmament Divine Thunder? But you can lose the battle, not the morale. I can't lose face!

Each with their own thoughts, Zhong Bai quickly left the Scripture Repository Pavilion after getting what he wanted.

When the Scripture Repository Pavilion's main door opened again, Zhong Bai strode out excitedly with light steps, having come with enthusiasm and leaving with even more, absolutely elated.

Trailing slowly behind him, Ming Wanqian stood at the entrance, not leaving the Scripture Repository Pavilion's vicinity, his gaze deep as he looked towards Qianyuan, who was waiting.

True Immortal Qianyuan sensed it. The moment his eyes met Ming Wanqian's, he understood his Martial Great-Uncle's meaning but could only lower his head awkwardly...

"Master, this disciple has it!"

In a few quick steps, Zhong Bai arrived before his Master, True Immortal Qianyuan, showcasing the ancient cultivation technique in his hand, then waited for his Master's instructions.

"Good, good that you have it...

The cultivation technique can only be taken out of the Scripture Repository Pavilion for three months to comprehend and memorize. Even if it's just a copied version, it must be returned to the Scripture Repository Pavilion.

So, for the next three months, you must study diligently."

"Master, rest assured, this disciple understands!"

"Very good. Bid farewell to your Martial Great-Uncle Ming."

"As Master commands!

Martial Great-Uncle Ming, this disciple takes his leave. May Martial Great-Uncle be well and prosperous!"

After exchanging farewells, True Immortal Qianyuan remained silent, taking Zhong Bai and departing.

Ming Wanqian also chose not to intervene. After a nod, he returned to the Scripture Repository Pavilion.

***

In the small courtyard.

At this moment, True Immortal Qianyuan was exceptionally conflicted. He didn't know if everything he had done was correct, but...

He didn't intend to deceive Zhong Bai or force him to cultivate the Divine Firmament Five Thunder Art.

Choosing the Divine Firmament Five Thunder Art was merely providing an extra option; he would let Zhong Bai make his own decision!

Ahem, looking forward to your monthly votes, tips, comments, and continued support, dear readers!