Unbroken Perfect Jade Method

"What about farther up?"

Jiang Yuechu set down the book.

The old eunuch hurried forward to lead the way.

On the fourth floor, there were noticeably fewer bookshelves—more than half had disappeared.

"This floor holds cultivation methods for Core Formation and the Ink-Dot Realm, including several supreme arts that once shook the martial world."

"Is there anything higher?"

Jiang Yuechu's gaze swept toward the stairs to the fifth floor.

The old eunuch looked troubled.

"Your Highness, this... above this, on the fifth floor, are secret manuals for the Lotus-Seeding Realm and beyond."

"And..." The old eunuch hesitated.

"And what?"

The old eunuch sighed and explained:

"You may not know, Your Highness, but most core cultivation methods and martial arts of the Lotus-Seeding and Mountain-Viewing Realms are guarded by the aristocratic clans and great sects as fiercely as their own lives, kept under tight wraps."

"Though the imperial family possesses all beneath the four seas, we cannot simply seize them by force."

"After all... if pushed too far, those sects and aristocratic clans could join forces, and that would be quite a problem."

Jiang Yuechu nodded slightly.

She understood that much.

The arts were not to be passed on lightly.

Imperial power and the aristocratic clans depended on each other, even as they vied against one another.

If the imperial family's greed became too ugly...

The aristocratic clans and great sects would not mind overturning the table. At worst, no one would get to eat.

"However..."

The old eunuch changed tack, a trace of pride appearing on his face.

"Though most supreme arts lie outside our walls, our Li Family's imperial line has ruled the realm for centuries. The treasures we have gathered are no fewer than those of the greatest sects."

"Your Highness, please."

The two climbed the stairs.

They